IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT.3) 


// 


^  ,.^4e. 


1.0    !f  "a  i 


I.I 


2.5 


5i°  IM    III  2.2 

i  1^  lllllio 


1.8 


1-25      1.4    III  1.6 

* 6"     

► 

v. 


V] 


A 


//a 


w^ 


'/ 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


7  t  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


V< 


iV 


^ 


\ 


\ 


o^ 


S''  *  <^ 


<^ 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Instituta  for  Historical  IVIicroreproductions 


Inttitdt  Canadian  da  microraproductions  historiquas 


1980 


A 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 

The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  b9  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  wl^ich  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 

L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  At*  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mtthode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqute  ci-dessous. 

Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

Cowers  damaged/ 
1    Couverture  endommagde 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagies 

Covers  reiitored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pelliculie 

Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  pelliculdes 

T 
t( 


D 


D 
D 


D 


T 

p 
o 

fi 


C 
b 
tl 

si 
o 
fi 
si 
o 


I      I    Cover  title  missing/ 


Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


I      I    Coloured  maps/ 


Cartes  g6ographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


I      I    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


D 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bouno  with  other  material/ 
Reli6  avec  d'autrus  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  reliur?  serine  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  int6rieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoutdes 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  dtait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  film^es. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppldmentaires: 


I      I    Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 


D 


Pages  d6colordes,  tachet^es  ou  piqu6es 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  ddtac'  6es 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Quality  in^gale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  materfi 
Comprend  du  materiel  suppldmentaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


I  I  Pages  detached/ 

I  I  Showthrough/ 

I  I  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

I  I  Includes  supplementary  material/ 

I  I  Only  edition  available/ 


T 
si 
T 

M 

ly/ 

di 
ei 
b( 
ri< 
re 
m 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t6  filmdes  A  nouveau  de  fapon  d 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  rMuction  indiqu6  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


30X 


J 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


re 

Idtails 
BS  du 
Tiodifier 
Br  une 
ilmage 


es 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  off: 

Library  of  the  Public 
Archives  of  Canada 

The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  speciffications. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  ffilmed 
beginning  with  the  ffront  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  ffilmed  beginning  on  the 
ffirst  p;ige  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  ^^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


L'exemplaire  ffilmA  fut  reproduit  grAce  h  la 
gAn6rositt  de: 

La  bibiiothique  des  Archives 
pubiiques  du  Canada 

Les  images  suivantes  ont  6tA  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettot*  de  l'exemplaire  ffiim*,  et  en 
confformitA  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
ffilmage. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimAe  sont  fiimAs  en  commen^ant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmAs  en  commen9ant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  derniire  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboies  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernlAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
difffferent  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  ffilmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  lefft  hand  corner,  lefft  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  fframes  as 
required.  The  ffollowing  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
ffiimis  A  des  taux  de  reduction  diff^rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clichi.  il  est  ffiimi  A  partir 
de  I'angle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n6cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
iliustrent  la  mithode. 


errata 
I  to 

t 

)  pelure, 

on  A 


D 

32X 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

f.. 


THE    AYOKKS 


OF 


IIUBEllT  HOWE  B.VNCllOFT. 


9 


THE    WOEIvS 


OF 


HUBERT  HOWE  BANCROFT. 


VOLUME  IT. 


THE    NATIVE    RACES. 


Vol.  II.     CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


SAN  FRANCISCO: 
A.  L.  BANCROFT  &  COMPANY,  PUBLISHERS. 

188:{ 


Klil.-n-il  ;ii-..,i,|iiis:   1..    \il  •■('  ('.iiii.-r.i>  iii   t 


h..    \  ..i!    1>^-,  liy 


tui'.Kirr  II   !'..\N(  iioiT 


111  111  ■  1 


iltl.  .■  ..r  t!i.>   l.ilir.-iriiui  i.f  r..ii';ir--.  ii 


t    \V^i-liiii;;lnii. 


AH  nhihi-  /,'.*,-■.,/. 


4 


COISTTENTS  OF  TTTTS  YOLUIME. 


CHArTER  I. 

8AVAGISM    AM)    CIVII.I/ATION. 

rAfjK. 
Dcliiiiliiiii  of  tlio  'IVrins  -Tin-  T'liivcrs.il  Soul  of  I'rofjross — Man  flio  In- 

Mtniiiu'iil  iiiiil  not  (lie  I'.Ii'iiit'lit  of  l'ro;^i'c.ss     ( hiL'iii  of  l'ro;;ii'ssi(iniil 

I'lii'iioinciia      Tlic   Auriicv  of   i;\il     Is  Civiii/atioii  Condinivi!  to 

Ila|i|iin«'ss?    ()!ijccii\c  ami  Siilijci-tivc  llinnanity    -Conditions  K.s- 

Kcnlial  1. 1  l'io;,'i('ss     ( 'onlincntal  ( 'ctnli;:n  rat  ions     I'ooil  and  Cliinuli' 

Wealth  ami   Lcisnrc     Association    War,  Slavcrv,  Kcli^^ion,  ami 

(jOvermuL'iit — The  Dt'vtdopniiMit  of  rroj;rossi()iuil  Law 1 

CHAl'TEll  II. 

OENKRAT,    VIl.W    Ol'    TlIK    ClVII.IZini    NATIONS. 

The  Anii'rican  Civilization  of  the  Sixteenth  t'entnry  Its  Oisajifiear- 
ance  'I'iie  Past,  a  New  Element  Dividing,'  line  lietween  Savajie 
and  < 'ivilized  Trihes — IJonmls  of  .American  ("ivili/ation  -  I'liysical 
I'"eatnres  of  theConntry  Maya  and  Nahna  llranelies  of  .Mtori^^i- 
nal  t'nitnre The  Nalina  Civilization  The  .Aztecs  its  lie|iresentii- 
tives  — lainits  of  the  .Aztec  Knijiire  -.\ncient  History  of  .Anjihuae 
in  <»ntline  -The  Toltee  Kra  Tiie  Chichinu-c  Kra  The  Aztec  I'.ra 
-  Kxtent  of  the  Aztec  T,ari,t,'na;.'('  Civilized  I'eojiles  outside  of  .Aini- 
hnae  -Central  American  Nations  'I'he  May.-i  Culture-  The  rrinii- 
tive  .Maya  l-jnpire  Nahini  Inllueme  in  the  South — Yucatan  and 
tin-  Alayas  The  Nations  of  Chia|>as  'I'he  <,>nichi''  I'.inpire  in  (iua- 
teniala  The  Nahuas  in  Nicaragua  and  Salvador  Ely molo;^fy  of 
Names 81 

CHAPTER  III. 


GOVERNMENT    Or    THK    NAHl'A    NATIONS. 

System  of  riOveriiinent-Tho  .Aztec  Confederacy — Order  of  Snccession 
-  I'^Iection  of  Kin;;s  ann)njr  the  Mt^xicans -Royal  l*rero;;atives — 
(tovernment  and  Laws  of  Succession  ami)ni^  the  Tidtecs,  and  in 
Michoacan.  TIascala,  Cholula,  Hwe.votzinco,  and  Oajaca— Ma.i:;nili- 
cence  of  the  Nahna  .ALniarchs  Ci'rein<niy  of  Anointment  .Ascent 
to  the  Temple     The  Holy  I'nctiou— Addres.s  of  the  Hiyh-1'riowt  to 


I 


IV  CO.NTKNTS. 

PAi.K. 
tlic  l\iliu  I'ctMllcc  iinil  l".l^lili^'  ill  till'  lliill--<'  <'!lllc(l  'I"lili;ilctr(»  - 
lloiiia;.'!'  (if  (lie  Ndlil.-,  (iiiu'ial  llrjiiifiii;;  tliroii;,'lii>iil  tlu'  Kiii;^- 
(liiiii  ( frriiiiiiiy  III'  < 'iii'iiiialiiiii  Tlic  I'rociiriii;,'  of  Saciiliirs  - 
I)('^i'ri|it loll  iif  tlir  <'ri>\Nii  (  iirniiatioii  l''(M>t^  ,iiiil  I'.iiti'rtaiiiiiu'iil.s 
-    Iliis|iilalit\  cxiciiiliil   ID   I'.iu'iiiif'     < 'unuialiciii  S|i('rili  nf   Niva- 

lllial|>illi,    l\ili;.'iif     Tc/rllrii,   In  MuliU'/llllia   il.    nf    Mcxiiii      tllalioll 

(if  a  NdMc  to  a  .New ly  florli'l  Kin;; \.i^ 

("IfAlTKlJ   IV. 

T'vi.Acrs  \\n  Hot  siaiui.Ds  or  nir.  NAiirv  kinoh. 
Kxtciit  ami  liiti'iiiir  of  tin-  (inat  I'alacc  in  Mcvico  'I'lir  I'alatc  of 
NC/aliiialco\  otl.  Kin;;'  of  'I'r/.i-iK  o  Tlic  Zo(ilo;:ical  ( 'ollci'lions  of 
tlic  Naliiia  Moiiaicli>  Moiilc/uiiia'^  <>i;iiiir\  llcisal  ( ianlciiv  mimI 
rii'a>iin -( iioiiiids  'I'lii'  Hill  of  ( 'iia|iiiltr|ic.-  Nc/aiiiialin\oirs 
('.iiiiitiv  io'^iiiciK'c  at  'rc/id/.iiicci  I'lijlfc  I'alatcs  I  he  lloyal 
«Iiiaiil  Till'  KiiiLrV  Mral>  An  A/In-  ('iii>iiic  Tlic  Amliciici! 
I'liaiiilicr  Aflci-iliiiiicr  Aiiiii.-ciiiciil>  I'lic  l.'oyal  Waiiliolic  'I'lii! 
Kill;,' Anion;,' his  i'cii|ilc  Mciiiii;.' of  Muntc/.iima  1 1,  ami  < 'oili''*  • 
Tlic  Kiii;i's  Maiciii  Kcvciiiics  of  tlic  Koyal  lloii>cliol(l  i'olic\  of 
A/.tci'   Kiii^is |."iS 

CHAl'TKl?  V. 

riti;  r!:ivn,).iii;ii  (  i,\ssi:s  amumi  tiii:  naiii'as. 

Tilics  of  the    Noliiliiy  ami   (iciiirv       I'iir    I'oxnci-  of    the    NoMo  Tlic 

Ari>tocrai  y  of  Tc/ciico  The  I'olicy  of  Kill;;  I'cc  hot  lalat/iii      l'ri\i- 

IcLTcs  of  the  NohlcH     Monte/imia'N  I'olicv      I!i\alry  hctwceii  Nohlcs 

ainl   < 'oiiiiiioii'       The    Kiiii:liti\    ( 'ithr  of   'I'ccuhtli      'erciiiony  of 

Initiation      (lri;:iii    of  the    <  (rtler      'i'lie    Naliiia   I'riesih 1      Tlu; 

I'ricsts  of  Mexico  Heilicatioii  of  (hihlreii  I'riotoses  I'lic^t- 
liood  of  .Mi/.tcca|iaii  'Ihc  roiililV  of  \'o|»aa- -'I'ra'lit  imi  of  \\'i\i|ic- 
cocha  The  <  as  e  of  \'o|paa  The /.ajiotcc  i'riisls  Toilec  I'ricsts— 
Toloiiai'  l'ric--ts     i'ricsts  of  .Miihoaeaii,  i'lielila,  ami  Tiascaia IsCi 

(IIAITl'.K  VI. 

PLEUICIANS,    SI.WKS,     I1;m|[K    (11'     LANDS,    AM>    T\XATIii\. 

Infltn'lice  of  t  he  (  '.ilillilolier^  <  »]i|ircs^iiiii  hy  Nolilcs  1  le|iri\C(l  of  (  lllice 
liy  .Monlc/iiiiia  11.  ('lasses  cif  Slaves  i'ciial  Slavo  \  (iliiiitais 
Slavery  Slave  Market  at  .\/ea|>n/aI('o  I'liiiisliiiieiil  and  l'ii\i- 
levies  of  Sla\t's  -Itivi~ioii  of  Lands  <  rowii  I  aiil-  i.amU  of  the 
Noiiles  .Miiiiiii|ial  l'ro]icrt\  ri-o]perty  of  the  Teiii|de-  reiiiirc 
of  Lands  ill  /ajioteia|ian.  Mi/ieca|(aa,  M iclioacan,  TIaseala,  (  Iht- 
liila,  and  llucNot/.im  o  Similaiily  to  I'eiidal  System  of  l".iiro|>c  - 
System  of  Taxation  .Muiii(i|ial  'J'axes  —  lace  Trihiitc  Trihiiie 
from  ("oii'Hiered  i'rovim»'.s  -Kcvcnnc  (Mlici-rs — Injustice  of  Moiilc- 
zunia  li -1(( 


CONTKNTS. 


i'\(;r,. 


cnArTKii  VII. 

KUrtATIoN,    MMUUAiir,,    (■((XCI'lUN.Uil'.,    CllinmimTTI,    .WT'    r.Al'TIsM. 

I'jluiiitiiiii  111"  till'  Naliiiii  \'iiiiili      .Manner  nl"  I'lini.Hliiiit'iil      Miirriii'/i' 
I'rtliMiiiiiiiii's      Niijitial   ('ciL-iiKinj     -( Hiscrvancc  ai'lrr  Mania;;*' 
Ma,\al('i',    Olumi,    ( 'liicliinic',    ami    'rultcc    Mariia;,'(>     1  >i\iric 
Cmih  iiliii:a;,'t'('cr('iii(iiiic.s   I'ri'liiiiiiiary   In  < 'liildltirili     'I'icatniciil 
of  l'ri';^nanl  Womi'ii     I'lcH'cnliiins  oi' Miilwil'c     Sii|i('i-stii  inns  w  itli 
r(';:aiil  In    Wnnirn  wim  hied  in  (Jiiliiipi'd     Aluniinn     Maiiti-ni 
SiH'cilii's  (if  Miilwifc     N'ainin;,'  uf  Cliildicn     l'..i|'t'  in  anion;,'  tin- 
'J'lascalici's,  Miztt'cs,  and  Zaiititccn— ('in'uinci^i.Mi  and  Scarilifatinn 
of  Infants iMO 

('HAPTi:i{  vrn. 

XAIIfA    IKASTS    AM)    AMISMMKNTS. 

T'lvccssivo  Fondness  fnr  I'rasts — Manner  of  (iivin;.'  I'^easts  —  Sorvin;; 
tile  Meal  I'l'tifessional  .iv'sters  -I'artin;,' I'lesents  tn  ( iuests  Itnyal 
l>aii(|iiets— 'I'oliaceo  Sinnlviii;;-  I'lihlie  Dance-*  Manner  lit  Sinudn;,' 
and  Daiieiii;;  'I'iie  Netcieli/tli  Till'  Drama  aiimn;;  tiie  Nalnias — 
Mn^i^•and  Mn-ieal  Inslrninents  Naliiia  I'netiy  Aimliat ie  I'eats 
'I'lie  Netolnlizlii,  ur  "llird  Danee'  I'l'it'es-imial  llnnneiv  'I'ln 
(lanie  (if  Tlai'tli  (iaine^  nf  Clianie  Tliij  I'atnliztli,  ur  'lieaii 
(iaine'— Tololiimiu,  .Moiitoziiiiia's  J-'avoritc  Gaiiio ln;! 

CHAPTKII  IX. 

I'flil.U'     I'r.STlVAI.S, 

Frei[ni'nt   •  )t(  iirrence  rif    i'e]i;,'iiius   I\'a>t>     Unman   Saeriliees  -  Fea>ts 
(if  tlie   I'diirtli   Vear — Mnntiily    l'"estivals     Saeriliee  nf    ('liiidreii 
I'ea-t  n\    .\i|ie  -Manner  nf    Saeriliee     l''ea-^(s  ni  <'ama\t!i,   nf  the 

l'"ln\\  er   1  'ealels,  nf  (  'en  tent  1,  nf    Te/eal  lipnea,  and  nf   1!  Ilitzilnpnilil  i  i 

Festival  of  the  Salt  Mai<ers  -The  Saeriliee  liy  Fire  -Feast  of  tlie 
Dead  'i'lie  Cniniii;^  of  tlie  ( <ods  Tlie  Fnntpriiits  nn  the  Mat  — 
Uniitin;.;  I''east  -'I'lu?  Month  nf  Love  -Hard  limes  Nalma  i.iiper- 
ealia  I'ea^ts  nf  the  Sun,  i<(  the  Winter  Siil.-,tiee  Harvest  and 
Ei;,dit-Vear   Festuai-     Tlie  lliiidin-  ni  I'le  Sheaf ."Iirj 


;ii; 


(JHAPTKli  X. 

FOOT)  OF  THK  XAIIfA  XATIOXS. 
Origin  nf  Aurieiiltiire  I'lnatiii;;  ( lardens  A.L;riiiilt  nral  i^rndiiets  — 
Manner  nf  prepariii;;- the  Snii  I  )es('riptinn  nf  Ai^rieiiltnral  Inijile- 
iiieiit--  Irri;4ati(iii-  (iranaries  (Jardens  'I'lie  Harvest  I'east  — 
Manner  of  Hnntin;;  [''ishiiiLC  .^^et hods  nf  iiroeiiriiiLr  Salt  -  Nalma 
CnnkiTy     -  \'arioiis    kinds   of    Dread— I5eaiis   -IVpper     l'ruit--Ta- 


VI  CONri.MS. 

ru;r.. 
liiiiK'H-Misccllaiii'.iii-.  .\itiili->  of  I'oMil  -  I'.atiit;:  III'  Ihiiiiaii  lli'-li 
Mamifjiiliin'  i>f  l'iili|ii('     rri|iai-.ilioii  nf  ( 'liuinlall     ()|lnr  UrNcr- 
fljr,.^..-Iu(,,\icatiii^'  DiiiilvN     l>niiilu'iiiirss     'I'iinc    ami    .Maiimr  of 
Takiii-  Mcal^ 'MI 

CnWTVM  XI. 

DRKSS    Ol'    Tin;    N\lll   \    NATIONS. 

1'ru;j'r('>«  ill   I)rps'«-  On's.-.  of  tin-  I'rc  A/irf  Natioii"^     (iariiH-iit-^  of  tin' 

( 'liiiliiiiii'i'.s  aiiil    'rt>lti'c>     !iilni(liiiiiiiii    of  CoiioM     Till-    Maslli    • 

'I'll.'  Tiliiialli     Dif'-  of  till'  Ai'o!iuias     ( »ri;:iM  oi  ilic  'I'ara-^iMii  Cos- 

tiiiiii'     I)rcx-<   of   till'  Zapoli'i'-i    anil  'l'alia>i'aii-     i'i'c-<-i  of    W'oiiifii 

'I'Ik' lliiiliil  aiiiM'uciil     Sainlal^     Manner  of  WcaiinL'llif  Hair    - 

I'aiiitiiiit   ami    'I'atlooin;,'     i  iriiainciit-  iimm!   Iiv   ilir  N,ilii!,i-     <  lor- 

^'(■oiis  Dress  of  the  Nnlili'-.     Hrcss of  the  lJo\al  .\lii'miaiii>     Nairn's 

of  tin-  Variolic  Maiillcs     Tlu'  IJoyal  jtiailcin      I'iu-  i!o>al  Wanliolw 

L'ostly  Decorations. '.tCA 

CH.VPTKK  xir. 

cv.MMna  i;  or  Tin;  nviii  v  nvtions. 

1  111'  Main  I''L\itin\'-<  of  Naliiia  'ouiiiii  rrr  ( 'uimniTri'  in,  Prc-.V/lrc 
Times -(Jut  rai,'('s  Coiumitteil  li.\  \/.li'i'  .Mrnlianl^  I'lix  ili';ii's  of 
tlir  MiTi'liaiit-*  of  'riatcliili'o  -.K-;tIoii.sy  Itclwct'ii  MiTi'liaiit^  ami 
Nol'les  -Articles  iiseil  as  ('iirreiicy  Tlie  Markets  of  Aiiaimac 
Arraii^'piiioiit  luitl  ile^'iilatioiis  of  tin-  Maikct-l'Iarc-  Nnnil'i'i-  of 
I'liiy.'rs  ami  Sellers  Transiiortatioii  of  Wares  'I'laM'Iini.'  .Mi'r- 
cliaiiN -('i)niiiiorcial  Umites  Setti";^  out  on  a  .loiinii-v  <'aia\aiis 
of  Trailers  Tlic  Itchirn  ('iistoiii-  vinl  I'easts  of  tlie  .Meieiiants 
>.aliua  i»i>at-  and   NaviLjatioii ']'H 

CHAPTKU  Xin. 

WAR-crsT( iM.s  (ii  Tin;  nmii  \s. 
Iiiiliortance  of  tlu' Military  I'lofes^ion  Imliiaiioii>  of  ilank  riim-a- 
tioii  of  Warriors  newarils  for  ^'aIo^  .Military  »>r,l,is  ainl  llieir 
I>r('Ns — (iorj,'eoiis  War- Dresses  of  .Moiite/iima  ami  ilie  .\/iee  No- 
Itiiity — Dress  of  tlie  ('omiiion  Soliliers  Armor  ami  |)efen~i\e 
W  eapoiis- Otl'easivc  Weajioiis  Stamlanls  .\iuliasNiilors  ainl 
Couriers  l''ortiiiiation^  Tiie  Miiiiary  ( 'onmil  .\ilicle-^  of  War 
-  Dei'laratioii  of  War—Spies dider  of  Marcli  ami  iiatlle  War 
Cn>toms  of  the  TIascaltees  and  Taraseos-  Uetiirn  of  the  ( 'om|iier- 
iii^'  Army— Cclclirafiou  of  I'"eats  of  Aims 4(HJ 

CHAPTKU  XIV. 

N.vnr.v  i..v\vs  and  i.wv  coiiits. 
General   IJeiiiarks— the  Cihiiaeoatl,  or  Siipreiiie  .liidf^e— the   Court  of 
tlK'Tlai.alecutl  -Jurisdictioiiof  theTeeiilu  lis     tlie  ('en  tert  la  Jii  Mines 


cu.\ti:ms. 


vii 


mill  Ti>|til!is  Liiw  «  dii'ts  aii<l  .Jinl.;cs  nf  Tr/nicn— Ki;,'li(y-I),iy 
(Kiiiiril  'riilMiiml  of  tli(!  Kin;,'  ('oiiit  I'riM'i't'diiij,'^  —  l,awv<'is 
W'illicsx'r.  l!i'llli|ll('l'iltiiiii  III'  .)inl;;cs  .F II slice  ii|'  Kill.,'  \c/iiilllill- 
|iilli  ill- (iiilcis  his  Siiii"s  I'.Ni'i  iiiiiiii  .Mctiilc/.iiiiia  ami  llu-  I'aniifr 
-  .lails  Law s  aitai list  Tiicft,  Miinlcr,  'riciisiui,  Kiiliia|i|tin^', 
F>riiiiki"(ii(  ss,  N^'i'i  l|(  rail,  AdiiitiTV .  Iiui-sl,  Sciiidiiiy,  I'ciiiiiral  imi, 
mill  otiic-  »_!inK'M  -Story  «t"  Niv.aliiiultKyull  ami  iIil-  ]Juv j.'l.'i 


.%» 


cir.vpTi:ii  XV. 

N.\nr.\  AIM'S  AM>  MAM  lArri'iirs. 
Mflals  Iscil  ami  MaiiiuT  of  nliiaiiiiii;.'  'I'ln-iii  Work  in;;  of  (ml. I  ami 
Silvi'i-  WoiiiliTfiil  Skill  ill  liiiilaliii'j,  tiililiii;.  Mini  I'laliii;;  Work- 
in;,'  ill  Stone  Lapiilary  Vt'oik  Wnml  ('ar\iiij4  liiniuailiin'  of 
I'ollery  N'arioiiH  Kiiiils  of  Clotli  Maimfarliii"  of  i'a]irr  ami 
I.eallier  I'lejiaraliiiii  of  Ityes  ami  I'aiiils  I'Ik.  Art  of  I'aiiilimj; 
-  I'eatlier  Mosaie  Work  l.caf-Mats  M,i  i  t  m'  Iv'iii.llin  liro 
— 'rnrclii's  Soa|>  ( 'oliucil  of  Arls  in  Tr/eiiro  ~t  (|.;ior\  ..imI  i'oet- 
"  Ne/alinalioyoll's  Oilcs  on  llir  Miilaliilily  of  I.:  ••.  ami  llie  Ty- 
rant   re/.n/onioe — Aztec  Ariilum-tieal  S_\  >tciii 17,} 


378 


4(lli 


CHAPTKll  XV [. 

THK  AZTl'.C  CAI.KNDXn. 
AstHMMHiiifal  Know  Inl^c  of  llic  A/lees  ( 'oiil  lailirlions  of  Alilliors  re- 
speeliiiL;  tiic  <  'aiinilar  -  Naliie  of  tlie  Koeanlics  of  Naiioiis  W*  Tit- 
ers Till'  I'iisl  !!e,::nlar  < 'alemlar  Tlie  Meviran  <  yrle  Tlie<'ivil 
\'i'ar  'I'lie  A/lec  .Moiillis  Nanus  of  tlie  l!a,\sanil  tlieii  Si^nilira- 
lioii  The  ('oinineiicenieiit  of  the  A/.lec  \  ear  Tin'  llilnal  ('ak'iiilar 
(iania's  Arian;,'('ineiit  of  I  lie  Mom  lis  Tin;  ( "alcmlar-Sloiie  I'lic 
roiir  l»i'striielions  of  ilie  Worlil  Tlio  ('aK'inlav  of  .Miilioaeaii - 
lie.  kuiiiii.i;  of  llic  Za|Milees fiicj 

CHAPTKll  XVII. 

TUf:    A/TIOO    I'RTl  l!l>\Vi;iTlNl(. 

IIicroj,'lyi(hie  T'prnnls  Tlie  Native  Hooks  Aalhorities  — Destnii'tioii 
of  the  Nali\('  Anhi\es  liy  Xmmina.^a  ami  liis  ( 'onfri'ies  — Picture- 
Writings  iiseil  after  the  ( 'oiinnest  for  < 'iHifession  ami  l.aw-Siiits— 
\  alile  of  the  Ueconls  -I  >oc!iMieiils  sent  to  Snaiii  ill  the  Si\|eent  ii 
<'entiir>  I'.nroiiean  Collections  Lonl  Kin;;slioroiiuirs  Work  — 
riitiiie  Writin;;s  retaineil  in  Mexieo-ColliM-tions  of  Ixllilxorliill, 
Si;iiieii/a.  (Jeiiielli  Careri,  lUitiiriiii,  Veytiu,  liCoiiy  (iaina,  Pichanlo, 
Aiil'in,  ami  the  National  .Miisi  .\ii  of  .Mexieo— I'roeoss  of  Hiero- 
;;ly])liic  Development  —  lte|iresenlative,  Syiiiholic.  ami  riionetie 
I'ietiire-Writin;.'- <)ii;.'iii  of  Moileni  Alphaiie.  -Tin-  A/tee  System 
—  Siieeimeii  from  the  ("oilex  Meiuloza  —  Sjiecinieii  froiii  (ieiiielli 
Careri  Specimen  from  the  Uotnriiii  Collection  Pmlialile  iiitnre 
Success  of  Interpitiers — The  Ne|iolnialtzit/:n rr_'3 


r 


I 


vm 


(MNIi'.N'I'N. 


r.M.K. 


cifUTi:!:  xvrii. 

\i;rinTiiTri;r.  wp  I'wki.i.im.s  di'  'iin:  N\m  \><. 
An  liittctmr  «ii' iljr  Am  inil  N.iiiciis  (icnciMl  I'catiirc- n|'  N.iliiia  Aii'li- 
ilciiiir.'  'I'lir  \rrli  1 '.\l  riinr  ami  liitninr  I  )('riiial  iun-  MninMl 
111  liiiiltliii^  Inclined  riant  ^  Scall'uhN  'i'lic  ii-c  <if  tlic  rininnul 
—r»iiil(lin;r  Materials  I'lp-ition  ami  I'culiliiai  imi  nt  'I'owm-  Mr\- 
iiM  riiiiMliliilan  'I'lic  ( Ircat  Caiix'wavs  t^Miaili'is  ami  \\'aril>  of 
Mexico     'riic   Market    I'laee     i'liuntain-  ami    Ac|neilmt>      l.i;j:lit- 

Imu^e--  a'hl  Slliet -\\  nils  (  it  \  nf  Te/eue^i  jlwelli.ij^  A/lee  (laf- 
ilen-  Tiiniile  ul'  f  |tiit/.ilii|iiielilli  'I'euil'le  el'  Mexieci  (  M  InT  Teia- 
lilfs— Teiii  alii  at  <  liehil.i  ami   I'e/eneci 


(HAi'ir.K   X!\. 

Ml.PI'  |\l  \M'  I'IM.llvl.  l;l-n>  AMiiNi.  Tin;  WillAS. 
^lesieaa  (  'inl  rilinl  inn--  I  I  Me. Ileal  Seieiiie  'I'lie  IJiilaiiieal  (iaiileiH  — 
I,on;,'e\  il>  l'ii\aleiit  I  >i-ea-i's  IniriMiiiei  inn  ni  MnalM'cix  ainl 
Syjiliili^  Meclii.il  rreatlielit  The- Tenia/i  alii  Al"ili  ;inal  l'li\-i- 
eiaii>  The  A/iee  ia'iilty  SiaiiilaiU  llemeilie-  Siir;:er\ — Snper- 
.-titiiili-.  ( 'eieliiiniie--  ill  Iji'aliii^  I'lineral  l;lli>n'"  A/Iee-  <  rellia- 
tiiiii  Kiiyal  <  llive.|uie^  laiilialniiii;^  'I  lii'  I'uiielal  I'vii  lliliiiail 
Saeriliee     I)i-|m>al  iif  tile  A>lie--  and   nnianient>     Mnmner^     i'li- 

nei'al  ( 'ercMlceiie-  111"  I  lie  l'eo]ile  I ',  i  lain  t  l.i^^e-  lllliied  I  i  i!e--  I'.ir 
till' >lain  in  Italtle  liiirial  aiiiniiLr  the  I'eu-t 'liiehiiiiei  -  ami  'I'alias- 
eaiis  t'reiiiaiiiiii  ( 'eri'inniiies  in  Mielieaeaii  —  Uuiial  liy  the  .Mi/.tees 
ill  •  lajaea .'I'.ll 


(■fi\i''n:i;  \x. 

(iuVl.KNMrNT,    s()(l\l      M.\--l   ^.      I'leU'l.l;  IV,      WD     T.WVS    (iT    Tlir.    M  W  \ 

N  VTIdNS. 

lui  !iiiliie|ii;y  IJi'iiiark-- — Ndlan'--   I'.miMre  - /aiiin;!"-'   HeiLrii  — Tlii'  ieiyal 

l''lllllilie>  111  ^  llealall.  ('iieiiiiie-,  TlltuI  Xill--,  lt/,i^.  and  ('hele>  — 
Tiller  and  (  Mder  nf  Siieee.-^ioil  ( 'la----e-  iil'  Nulile>  'I'lie  (^>iiiehe- 
('aUelii(|iiel  raii|iire  in  ( iiiatemala     The  Ahau  Aliimjw  ami  Siiei  es- 

sinll  t'l  llie  'riliiilH'       I'lix  ilejed  ( 'la^se-      (  lii\  einimiil    iil'    the   l'ru\-- 
iliee~       I  he  KiiNal  '  iiiiiieil       The  (   Ida jiaiiees       I'lie  I'il'iles      Natiiilis 
nf    Nieara'jiia      The  Ma\  a  I'l  ie-lliiiiid      I'leheiaii  Cla-x  >     Slaves- 
leiinie    111     l,and~     inliei-.tame    111     I'lojierty — 'I'axat imi  -  I (elitms 
and  ( 'ndilm-  -   Law  >  and  I  he  Adiiiiiii-tialinii  ni  .lii-tiee Ci.'U* 


C'H.UTKi:  XXI. 

]:iir(  \Tiii.N  AMI  lAMii.v   M\iri.i;s   sMoMi  Tin:  M  was. 
I'dnealiiiti  111'  N'mitli      I'liMie  Sehiii,ls,,t' ( lnnicmala      lliamheMil' Siinly 
in  ^'ll^atan      Mai  ryiiiLT- A;^e      1  ii   rrees  ul"  (  niisaiiuniniiy  allow  ed  ill 
.MaiTia.Lie  -rieliiniiiaiie--  ul'  .Mairia;:e  -  Maiiiaue  <  'eifimiiiie--     'riiu 


M 


(■(•Ni'r.M'S, 


IX 


('ii-.1iini  111'  till'  Pniil  ilii  Sriuiii'iir  in  \iiMr;ii;iiii -^Vi(^l\^•s- -Minmu- 
JIIIIV       (  oiHiiliillilur       l>i\ii|,i'       l.;iws  ( 'iiliccl  nin;^'  AilllltclV       l''iillli- 

cMiicHi     i;.i|>c     I'lo^liniliiiii     I  iiiuitiiiiil   (liiiic-     Dc-ir.'   I'm-  '  hil- 

illi'li      (   hilil-liillll   * 'rlcliMillii'^       Kile    III'    ('ircllllicisiiili     Miililiri-   (if 
Naiiiiiiu  I'liiMrrii      l;.i|iii>in:il   (  riri ics ti(il 


■1 


ciiArrKU  xxii. 

IT.ASTS  Wli  \Mrs;;Mi:N'rs  nl'  Till'  MAYAS. 
S|)cii:il  <  lli^crv;mrcs  l"i\.i|  l'r;i-l-  SaiTilirr  of  Shivos  Mmilhly 
I'cM.-t-^  of  llli'  \  lliMli'fs  llclicw  :ll  (if  l!l('  liiiil-  i'r.l^l  iil  tin' 
Ciiai--  lliihtiiiu'  l'csli\;il  'I'lir  'I'liiiiik.-ik  I'cM^I  <if  tlw  I '.icaii- 
ri:iiilci-  \N:il  I'cast  The  M:i\a  Ni'w  N'cars  |>,iy  I'ca-i- nf  tin' 
II  iiiitci-~,  l''i-lii'i-.  :iiiii  Ajiiaii-I-  ('ci-ciiKinic-  ill  Ihiunrdf  ( 'ul^iii'-an 
I'l'asi  .if  ill,-  Mmiili  (if  Mill  l'ca>i-^  ni  the  ^'(■a^■-  Kan,  Mulac  l\. 
iind  ('aiiar  ^  iicatcc  Sai-rilicfs  'i'lir  I'it  nf  ('liiclii'M  Saiiiliii's  nt 
llic  l'i]iil(~  l'Va-1  (if  \  i(i(i|-y  l"ca>ls  ami  Saciitico  in  N  icafa.u'iia 
•    rian.nicl^      haiiccs     Mn-^ical  Inst  innicnl^     (iaiiio tiST 


CH.VPTKII   XXIIT. 

Vddli.     IHIKSS,    COMMl-Kcr.,     AMI     WAK    CISTuMS    i  il"    Till:     M  \V  A.S. 

Iiiti'o'lnri  j.iii  (,f  A'^iiculiiirc  tjMiiclic  I'railiiidii  nf  llic  1  )i-i'ii\  crv  (li 
Mai/c  Mai/c  t'lilinrr  Sn|iii-I  it  imi-  nl  I'armci-  Ilnntin.i:  aid 
|-'is!iiim-  Diiinc^lic  Animals,  I'nwl,  and  lice-'  ricscrNaiidii  ami 
( 'iiiiUiiiu' iif  l'"ii'iil  Meal-  Drinks, mil  I  hiiikinu-lialiits  I'annilial- 
i-m  Dress  (if  ilic  Ma.va-  M,i\llis,  .\l,iiit!c-,  .iml  Sandals  Dn-s 
(if  Kiii;:s  and  I'licsts  Wdincn's  Dic-.s  Hair  and  licanl  I'cisdnal 
Dccdiatinii  llrad-i'lattcniiiu,  rcrfdi.il  inn,  ■raitimiiiL:',  ,aml  I'aint- 
inu  I'dsiiiial  llaliil-  ( 'iimmcrcc  t'uricnc\  .Market-  Sii|ier-~ti- 
timi- (if  Traveler^  ( 'ami.  s  ,im|  |!als,is  War  Milit.nv  Leaders  - 
lii-iu'iiia  Arnmr  \\'c,i|iiin~  I '(irt  iliiat  imis  llatlle-  'I'realimnt 
(if  t  antives 


71") 


CiltU 


CHAl'TKU  XXIV. 

AIAVV    AKI'S,     CVLI'MiAK,      VM'     1 1 1  i   :;•  li  .I.VI'HlCs, 
."sciii'ity  (if  Infnrniatidii      I'-cdf   Mel,iU     tinld    and    rreeidiis   Stmies  - 
l!n|ileineiil- (if  Stone     S(!d|itiire      roltery      Mamifaeture  of  Clolli 

D>ein;:  Sysieni  (if  Niinieratiiiii  Ma\a<'alend  r  in  ^'^(•atan 
Da\  s,  \N(ck-,  Mdiillis.  and  N'ears  Indict  ion- and  Kat  line-  I'ere/" 
!s\s|eni  (if  .Miaii  KtitiiiU's  Statements  of  l^anda  and  < 'oudllndo 
intercalary  Da.\s  and  ^'ears  l»a.\s  and  Mmitlis  in  ( liiatein.ila. 
(  liiajias,  and  .Sni'diiiisCd  Maya  1 1  iero^dv  pliic  System  're-liimniy 
of  I'.arly  Writers  (111  tlie  I'se  (if  I'ictiire- Writiii.u  Desiinctidii  of 
Ddeiinients     ,S|ieciniens  whicli  lia\ c  Siir\  i\ cd     'I'lie  Dresden  ( 'odex 

-  .Mannscri|it    Trdaiid     'I'alilet-  of    l'alem|ii.',  * 'ti|ian,  and    ^'iieal.in 

—  I'li-lmii  l,amla's  l\es    -  Urasseiir  de  rxiiirlioiiru's  Inteiiireiatidii    .,   7IS 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


PAGE. 


BUlLDlKviS,  MEDICINE,  UUIUAL,  PHYSICAL  I'ECUUAUITIES,  AND  CUABAC- 

XEH   OF   TUE   MAYAS. 

Scanty  Int.. mint  ion  {riven  hy  the  Karly  Voyn^^ers — Private  Houses  of 
the  Mav.is  Interior  Arran;;enient,  Decoration,  and  Furniture — ■ 
Maya  Cities— I )eserii)tion  of  I'tatlau — ratinuniit,  the  Cake.hi<iuel 
Capital — Cities  of  Niearajjua  -Maya  lloads-  Temples  at  Chieheii 
Itza  and  Cnzuniel— Temples  of  Niearajj;ua  and  (Juatennila— Dis- 
eases of  tlie  Mayas — Medicines  used  Treatment  of  the  Sick — Pro- 
pitiatory Oflerinj^s  and  V(»\V8 — Superstitions — Dreams — Omens— 
Witihfrat't  —  Snake-Charmers  —  Funeral  Kites  and  Ceremonies — 
I'hysical  Peculiarities — Character 783 


^ 


THE  I^ATIVE  EACES 


or  TBI 


PACIFIC   STATES. 


CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

SAVAGISM     AND     CIVILIZATION. 

Deftnition  ok  the  Terms— Force  and  Nature— The  Universal 
Soul  ok  PitouREss— Man  the  Instrument  anij  not  the  Element 
OF  Proorkss— Origin  of  ProgressionalPhenomena— The  Agencv 
OF  Evil— Is  Civilization  Conducive  to  Hai'imness?— Orjective 
AND  SriiJKcTiVE  Ht^MANiTY- Conditions  Essential  to  Progress 
— Continkntal  Configurations— Food  and  Climate— Wealth 
and  Lkisi  i:i;  -Association — War,  Slavery,  Religion,  and  (Iov- 
ERNMENT Morality  and  Fashion— The  Development  of  Pro- 

GRESSIOXAL  LaW. 

The  terms  Savage  and  Civilized,  as  applied  to  races 
of  men,  are  relative  aad  not  absolute  terms.  At  best 
these  words  mark  only  broad  shifting  stages  in  human 
j)rc)gress;  tlie  onv  near  the  point  of  departure,  the  other 
fartlier  on  toward  the  unattainable  end.  This  progress 
is  one  and  universal,  though  of  varying  rapidity  and 
extent;  there  are  dejjrees  in  savajjism  and  tliere  are 
degrees  in  civilization;  indeed,  though  placed  in  opposi- 
tion, the  one  is  but  a  degree  of  the  other.  The  Hai- 
dah,  whom  we  call  savage,  is  as  much  superior  to  the 
Shoshone,  the  lowest  of  Americans,  as  the  Aztec  is 
superior  to  tlie  Haidah,  or  the  European  to  the  Aztec^ 

Vol.  II.    1 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


LoDkln;^  back  some  thousands  of  ages,  we  of  to-day 
are  civilized;  looking  forward  through  the  same  dura- 
tion of  time,  we  are  savages. 

Nor  is  it,  in  the  absence  of  fixed  conditions,  and 
amidst  the  many  shades  of  difference  presented  by  the 
nations  along  our  western  seaboard,  an  easy  matter  to 
tell  where  even  comparative  savagism  ends  and  civil- 
ization begins.  In  the  common  acce})tation  of  these 
terms,  we  may  safely  call  the  Central  Californians 
savage,  and  the  Quiches  of  Guatemala  civilized;  but 
between  these  two  extremes  are  hundreds  of  peo[>les, 
each  of  which  presents  some  claim  for  both  distinctions. 
Thus,  if  the  domestication  of  ruminants,  or  some  knowl- 
edge of  arts  and  metals,  constitute  civilization,  then 
are  the  ingenious  but  half-torpid  Hyperboreans  civil- 
ized, for  the  Eskimos  tame  reindeer,  and  the  Thlinkeets 
are  skillful  carvers  and  make  use  of  copper;  if  the 
cultivation  of  the  soil,  the  building  of  substantial 
houses  of  adobe,  wood,  and  stone,  with  the  manufacture 
t)f  cloth  and  pottery,  denote  an  exodus  from  savagism, 
then  are  the  Pueblos  of  New  Mexico  no  longer  savages; 
yet  in  both  these  instances  enough  may  be  seen,  eitlier 
of  stupidity  or  brutishness,  to  forbid  our  ranking  them 
with  the  more  advanced  Aztecs,  Mayas,  and  Quiches. 

We  know  what  savages  are;  how,  like  wild  animals, 
tliey  depend  for  food  and  raiment  upon  the  spontane- 
ous products  of  nature,  migrating  with  the  beasts  and 
birds  and  fishes,  burrowing  beneath  the  ground,  hiding 
in  caves,  or  throwing  over  themselves  a  shelter  of  bark 
or  skins  or  branches  or  boards,  eating  or  starving  as 
food  is  abundant  or  scarce;  nevertheless,  all  of  them 
liave  made  some  advancement  from  their  original 
naked,  helpless  condition,  and  have  acquired  some  aids 
in  the  procurement  of  their  poor  necessities.  Prime- 
val man,  the  only  real  point  of  departure,  and  hence 
the  only  true  savage,  nowhere  exists  on  the  globe  to- 
day. Be  the  animal  man  never  so  low — lower  in  skill 
and  wisdom  than  the  brute,  less  active  in  obtaining 
food,  less  ingenious  in  building  his  den — the  first  step 


DEFINITION  OF  THE  TEUMS. 


8 


out  of  his  liouseless,  comfc>rtless  condition,  the  fiivt 
fashionin^j;  of  a  tool,  the  first  attempt  to  cover  naked- 
ness and  wall  out  the  wind,  if  this  endeavor  spring' 
from  intellect  and  not  from  instinct,  is  the  first  step 
toward  civilization.  Hence  the  modern  savage  is  not 
the  j)re-historic  or  primitive  man;  n'or  is  it  among  the 
harharous  nations  of  to-day  that  we  must  look  for  the 
rudest  harharism. 

Often  is  the  question  asked,  What  is  civilization  ? 
and  the  answer  comes.  The  act  of  civilizing;  the  state 
of  heiuir  civilized.  What  is  the  act  of  civilizing?  To 
reclaim  from  a  savage  or  barbarous  state ;  to  educate  ; 
to  refine.  What  is  a  savage  or  barbarous  state?  A 
wild  uncultivated  state;  a  state  of  nature.  Thus  i'ar 
the  dictionaries.  The  term  civilization,  then,  poi)ular- 
ly  implies  both  the  transition  from  a  natural  to  an  artifi- 
cial state,  and  the  artificial  condition  attained.  The 
derivation  of  the  word  civilization,  from  ciris,  citizen, 
viritas,  city,  and  originally  from  actus,  union,  seems 
to  indicate  that  culture  which,  in  feudal  times,  distin-* 
guished  the  occupants  of  cities  from  the  ill-mannered 
boors  of  the  country.  The  word  savage,  on  the  other 
hand,  from  silra,  a  wood,  points  to  man  primeval ; 
si/re.stres  homuH's,  men  of  the  forest,  not  necessarily 
ferocious  or  brutal,  but  children  of  nature.  From 
these  simple  beginnings  both  words  have  gradually 
ac(]uired  a  broader  significance,  until  by  one  is  under- 
stood a  state  of  comfort,  intelligence,  and  refinement; 
and  by  the  other,  humanity  wild  and  bestial. 

Guizot  defines  civilization  as  an  "improved  condi- 
tion of  man  resulting  from  the  establishment  of  social 
order  in  place  of  the  individual  independence  and 
lawlessness  of  the  savage  or  barbarous  life;"  Buckle 
as  "the  triumph  of  mind  over  external  agents;"  A^irey 
as  "the  development  more  or  less  absolute  of  the  moral 
and  intellectual  faculties  of  man  united  in  society;" 
Burke  as  the  exponent  of  two  principles,  "the  spirit  of 
a  gentleman  and  the  spirit  of  religion."  "V  hatever 
be  the  characteristics  of  what  we  call  savage  I*  fe,"  says 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


John  Stuart  Mill,  "the  contrary  of  these,  or  the 
quulities  which  society  puts  on  as  it  throws  off  tliose, 
constitute  civilizatioti;"  and,  remarks  Emerson,  "a 
nation  that  has  no  clothinj,'*,  no  iron,  no  alpha!  »et,  no 
marriaj»e,  no  arts  of  peace,  no  abstract  thought,  wo 
call  barbarous." 

Men  talk  of  civilization  and  call  it  liberty,  reli<jfion, 
f^^overnment,  morality.  Now  liberty  is  no  nnjre  a  siiju 
of  civilization  than  tyranny;  for  the  lowest  sava«,a's  are 
the  least  governed  of  all  people.  Civilized  liberty,  it 
is  true,  marks  a  mere  advanced  stage  than  savjigo 
liberty,  but  between  these  two  extremes  of  lil)eity 
there  is  a  necessary  age  of  tyranny,  no  less  signiHcaiit 
of  an  advance  on  primitive  liberty  than  is  constitu- 
tional liberty  an  advance  on  tyranny.  Nor  is  religion 
civilization,  exee})t  in  so  far  as  the  form  and  machinery 
of  sacerdotal  rites,  and  the  al)andonment  of  feticliism 
for  monotheism  become  sij^niHcant  of  intenser  tliouyfht 
and  expansion  of  intellect.  No  nation  ever  practiced 
grosser  immorality,  or  what  we  of  the  i)resent  day 
hold  to  1)0  immorality,  than  Greece  during  the  height 
of  her  intellectual  refinement.  Peace  is  no  more 
civilization  than  war,  virtue  than  vice,  good  than  evil. 
All  these  are  the  incidents,  not  the  essence,  of  civili- 
zation. 

That  which  we  commonly  call  civilization  is  not  an 
adjunct  nor  an  acquirement  of  man;  it  is  neither  a 
creed  nor  a  polity,  neither  science  nor  philosophy  nor 
industry ;  it  is  rather  the  measure  of  progressional 
force  implanted  in  man,  the  general  fund  of  the 
nation's  wealth,  learning,  and  refinement,  the  store- 
house of  accumulated  results,  the  essence  of  all  best 
worth  preserving  from  the  distillations  of  good  and 
the  distillations  of  evil.  It  is  a  something  between 
men,  no  less  than  a  something  within  them ;  for  neither 
an  isolated  man  nor  an  asociation  of  brutes  can  by 
any  possibility  become  civilized. 

Further  than  this,  civilization  is  not  only  the  meas- 
ure of  aggregated  human  experiences,  but  it  is  a  living 


(IVIIJZATION  A  W(UIKIX(J  riMXCIlM.E. 


working'  j)riiH'ij»lc.  It  is  a  social  transition;  a  niovin;^ 
forward  rather  than  an  end  attained;  a  developin*^ 
vitahty  ratlier  tlian  a  fixed  entity;  it  is  tiie  eH'ort  or 
aim  at  reHnenient  ratlier  than  retineineiit  itself;  it  is 
lalior  with  a  view  to  inij)rovenient  and  not  improve- 
ment consummated,  altliou«;h  it  may  he  and  is  the  metru 
of  snch  improvement.  And  this  accords  with  latter- 
day  teachings.  Although  in  its  infancy,  and,  moreover, 
unahle  to  exjilain  things  unexplainahle,  the  science  of 
evolution  thus  far  has  proved  that  the  normal  condi- 
tion of  the  human  race,  as  well  as  that  of  physical 
nature,  is  j)rogressional ;  that  the  plant  in  a  congenial 
soil  is  not  more  sure  to  grow  than  is  humanity  with 
favorahle  surroundings  certain  to  advance.  Nay,  more, 
we  speak  of  the  progress  of  civilization  as  of  some- 
thing tliat  moves  on  of  its  own  accord;  we  may,  if  wo 
will,  recognize  in  this  onward  movement,  the  same 
j)rinciple  of  life  manifest  in  nature  and  in  the  individual 
man. 

To  things  v^  do  not  understand  we  give  names, 
with  which  hy  frequent  use  we  become  familiar,  when 
we  fan«'y  that  we  know  all  about  the  things  themselves. 
At  the  first  glance  civilizatitHi  a])|)ears  to  be  a  simple 
matter;  to  be  well  clad,  well  housed,  and  well  fed,  to 
be  intelligent  and  cultured  are  better  than  nakedness 
and  ignorance;  therefore  it  is  a  good  thing,  a  thing 
that  men  do  well  to  strive  for,  —  and  that  is  all. 
But  once  attempt  to  go  below  this  placid  surface, 
and  investigate  the  nature  of  progressional  phenomena, 
and  we  find  ourselves  launched  ujton  an  eternity  of 
o(!ean,  and  in  pursuit  of  the  same  occult  Cause,  which 
has  been  sought  alike  by  philosophic  and  barbaric  of 
every  age  and  nation;  we  find  ourselves  face  to  face 
witli  a  great  mystery,  to  which  we  stand  in  the  same 
relation  as  to  other  great  mysteries,  such  as  the  origin 
of  things,  the  principle  of  life,  the  soul-nature.  When 
Kuch  (juestions  are  answered  as  What  is  attraction, 
heat,  electricity ;  what  instinct,  intellect,  soul  ?  Why 
are  plants  forced  to  grow  and  molecules  to  conglomer- 


e  KA VAC. ISM  AND  CIVILIZATIOX. 

ntc  and  ^o  whirliiijLj  in  Inijjfc  niaHHcH  through  Hi»aoe? — 
thon  wo  may  know  wliy  Hocioty  niovoH  over  onward 
liko  a  rivor  in  nhannelH  predutunuined.  At  prosont, 
tht'Ho  i)]ion«)niona  wo  may  undorHtand  in  their  action 
jmrtially,  in  their  essence  not  at  all;  we  u»ay  mark 
ertects,  we  may  reco«»ni7x'  the  same  principle  under 
widely  dirt'erent  conditions  tliou<,di  we  may  not  he  ahle 
to  discover  what  that  principle  is.  Science  tells  us 
that  these  thin<^s  are  so;  that  certain  comhinations  of 
certain  elements  are  inevital)ly  followed  hy  certain 
results,  hut  science  does  not  attempt  to  explain  why 
they  are  so.  Nevertheless,  a  summary  of  such  few 
simj)le  thouj^hts  as  I  have  heen  able  to  jj^ather  upon 
the  subject,  may  be  not  wholly  valueless.- 

And  first,  to  assist  our  reflections,  let  us  look  for  a 
moment  at  some  of  the  primal  j)rinciples  in  nature,  not 
with  a  view  to  instruct  in  that  direction,  but  rather  to 
compare  some  of  the  ener<>ies  of  the  material  world 
with  the  intellectual  or  pro<^ressional  enerj»-y  in  man; 
and  of  these  1  will  mention  such  only  as  are  currently 
accepted  by  latter-day  science. 

Within  the  confines  of  the  conceivable  universe  one 
clement  alone  is  all-})otential,  all-perva(lin<jf, — ^Force. 
Throughout  the  realms  of  s})ace,  in  and  round  all 
forms  of  matter,  binding  minutest  atoms,  l)alancing  sys- 
tems of  worlds,  rioting  in  life,  rotting  in  death,  under 
its  various  aspe  -ts  mechanical  and  chemical,  attractive 
jind  repulsive,  t  is  mighty  power  is  manifest;  a  unify- 
ing, coalescing  xnd  flowing  power,  older  than  time, 
quicker  than  th  ight,  saturating  all  suns  and  i)lanets 
and  filling  to  i})letion  all  molecules  and  masses. 
Worlds  and  sy  (.ems  of  worlds  are  sent  whirling, 
worlds  round  wi  ilds  and  systems  round  systems,  in  a 
mazy  jdanetary  dance,  wherein  the  slightest  tripping, 
the  least  excess  of  momentum  or  inertia,  of  tension  or 
traction,  in  any  part,  and  chaos  were  come  again. 
Every  conceivable  entity,  ponderable  and  impondera- 
ble, material  and  immaterial,   is  replete  with  force. 


FORCE  AND  MATTKU.  T 

By  it  all  niovin«jf  ImmHoh  are  sot  in  motion,  all  niotion- 
ioHs  ImkUos  held  at  roHt;  hy  it  the  iuHnitoHinml  atom 
is  hold  an  atom  and  the  maHs  in  held  conerete,  vapory 
moisture  overHpreads  the  land,  li;^dit  and  heut  animate 
HenseK'ss  Hulwtance;  V)y  it  fornm  of  matter  t'han;iife, 
rofivs  j^^row  and  disHolve,  mountain.s  are  made  and 
unmade,  the  (>cean  heaven  and  swellH,  the  eternal  hills 
pulsate,  the  foundations  e*'  the  deep  rise  up,  and  seas 
dis])lace  continents. 

One  other  thin«^  wg  know,  which  with  the  first 
comprises  all  our  knowledtjfe, — Matter.  Now  force  and 
matter  are  interdependent,  one  cannot  exist  without 
the  other;  as  ft)r  example,  all  suhstance,  unless  held 
to<,'et]jer — which  term  obviously  implies  force — would 
speedily  dissolve  into  inconceival)le  nothinjjfness.  But 
no  less  force  is  recpiired  to  annihilate  suhstance  than  to 
create  it;  force,  therefore,  is  alike  necessary  to  tlie  ex- 
istence or  non-existence  of  matter,  which  reduces  the 
idea  of  a  jiossible  absence  of  either  force  or  matter  to 
an  absurdity;  or,  in  other  words,  it  is  im|)ossible  for 
the  human  mind  to  conceive  of  a  state  of  thiriijfs  where- 
in  there  is  no  matter,  and  consequently  no  force. 

Force  has  been  called  the  soul  of  nature,  and  matter 
the  body,  for  by  force  matter  lives  and  moves  and  has 
its  beiuiyf. 

Force  like  matter,  is  divisible,  infinitely  so,  as  far  as 
human  experience  goes;  for,  though  ultimates  may 
exist,  they  have  never  yet  been  reached;  and  it  would 
seem  that  all  physical  j>henomena,  endlessly  varied 
and  bewildering  as  they  may  api)ear,  spring  fi-om  a  few 
simple  incomp-  ehen8ii)le  forces,  the  bases  of  which  are 
attraction  and  repulsion ;  which  may  yet,  indeed, 
derive  tlieir  origin  from  One  Only  Source.  In  the 
morphological  and  geometrical  dis])lays  of  matter 
these  phenomena  assume  a  multitude  of  pluises;  all 
are  interactive  and  interdependent,  few  are  original  or 
l»ri!nary,  —  for  example,  heat  and  electricity  are  tlie 
offspring  of  motion  which  is  the  result  of  attractive 
and  repulsive  force. 


8 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


Wliat  is  force  and  what  matter,  whether  the  one  is 
the  essence  of  a  self-conscious  Creator  and  the  other 
his  handiwork,  or  whether  both  are  the  offsprinj:*-  of  a 
bhnd  chance  or  fate — which  latter  hypothesis  is  simply 
unthinkable — it  is  not  my  purpose  here  to  consider. 
I  propose  in  this  analysis  to  take  things  as  I  find 
tliem,  to  study  the  operations  rattier  than  the  origin 
of  plienomena,  to  determine  what  man  does  rather 
than  what  he  ought  to  do,  and  to  drop  the  subject  at 
the  confines  of  transcendentalism.  When,  therefore,  I 
speak  of  force  as  the  life  of  matter,  it  no  more  implies 
a  self-existant  materialism  in  man,  than  the  soul  of 
man  implies  a  pantheistic  self-existant  soul  in  nature. 
Onmijiotence  can  as  easily  create  and  sustain  a  universe 
through  the  media  of  antagonistic  and  interdepend- 
ent forces  as  throuTh  any  other  means,  can  as  easily 
j)lace  nature  and  man  under  the  governance  of  fixed 
laws  as  to  hold  all  under  varying  arbitrary  dis])ensa- 
tions,  and  can  reconcile  these  laws  with  man's  volition. 
Wells  of  bitterness  are  dug  by  disputants  under  mean- 
ingless words;  scientists  are  charged  with  materialism 
and  religionists  with  fanaticism,  in  their  vain  attem])ts 
to  fathom  the  ways  of  the  Almighty  and  restrict  his 
powers  to  the  limits  of  our  weak  understanding. 

It  has  been  said  tliat,  in  the  beginning,  the 
sixty  and  odd  supi)osed  several  elements  of  matter 
were  in  a  chaotic  state ;  that  matter  and  force  were 
poised  in  ecpiilibrium  or  rioted  at  random  throughout 
space,  that  out  of  this  condition  of  things  sjirang  form 
and  development;  regvdar  motion  and  time  be<i^an; 
matter  condensed  into  revolving  masses  Jind  nui^ked 
off  the  days,  and  months,  and  j^ears;  organization  and 
organisms  were  initiated  and  intellectual  design  became 
manifest.  Tiie  infinitesimal  molecules,  balanced  by 
universal  ecpiilibrium  of  forces,  which  before  motion 
and  time  were  but  chaotic  matter  and  force,  were 
finally  supposed  to  have  been  each  endowed  with  an 
innate  individuality.  However  this  may  be,  we  now 
see  every  atom  in  the  universe  athrill  with  force,  and 


THEORIES  OF  S'fiWTON  AND  LAPLACE. 


9 


possessed  of  chemical  virtues,  and,  under  conditions, 
with  the  faculty  of  activity.  As  to  the  Force  behind 
force,  or  how  or  by  what  means  this  innate  energy 
was  or  is  imj)lanted  in  molecules,  we  have  here  nothing 
to  do.  It  is  sufficient  for  our  purpose  that  we  find  it 
there ;  yet,  the  teachings  of  philosoT)hy  imply  that  this 
innate  force  i.s  neither  self- implanted  nor  self-operative; 
that  whether,  in  pre-stellar  times,  infinitesimal  ])ar- 
tides  of  matter  floated  in  space  as  nebulou.s  fluid  or 
objectless  vapor  without  form  or  consistence,  or  whether 
all  matti!r  was  united  in  one  mass  which  was  set  revolv- 
ing, and  became  broken  intt>  fragments,  which  were  sent 
whirling  as  suns  and  planets  in  every  directioJi;  that 
in  either  case,  or  in  any  other  conceivable  case,  matter, 
whetlier  as  molecules  or  masses,  was  primordially,  and 
is,  endowed  and  actuated  l)y  a  Creative  Intelligence, 
which  implanting  force,  vitality,  intellect,  soul,  pro- 
gress, is  ever  acting,  moving,  mixing,  unfolding,  and 
this  in  every  j)art  and  in  all  tlie  multitudinous  cond)i- 
nations  of  matter;  and  tliat  all  forces  and  vitalities 
nuist  liavo  co-existed  in  the  mass,  innate  in  and  around 
every  atom. 

Thus,  in  liis  great  tlieory  of  the  projectile  imj)ulse 
given  to  lioiivenly  bodies  in  counteraction  of  the  attrac- 
tive iuij)ulso,  Sir  Isaac  Newton  assumes  that  both 
im])ulst's  wore  given  from  without;  that  some  power 
foreign  to  tliemselves  projected  into  space  these  heav- 
enly bodies  and  holds  them  there.  So,  too,  wlien 
Lajilace  jtromulgated  the  idea  that  in  j)re-planetary 
times  space  was  filled  witli  particles  and  va])ors,  solar 
systems  existing  only  in  a  nebulous  state  and  this 
nebula  set  revolving  in  one  mass  upon  its  own  axis 
from  west  to  east,  and  that  as  the  velocity  of  tliis 
mai-s  inert uised  suns  and  j)lanets  were,  by  centrifugal 
force,  tlirown  off  and  condensed  into  habitable  but  still 
wliirling  worlds,  some  imjudse  foreign  to  the  revolvhig 
mass  setting  ii  in  motion  is  implied. 

Witli  organization  and  motion,  tlie  jihases  of  force, 
called  lieat,  light,  electricity  and  magnetism,  hitherto 


10 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


lield  dormant  in  molecules  are  engendered;  composi- 
tion and  decomposition  ensue;  matter  assumes  new 
and  x'arying  forms ;  a  progressional  development,  which 
U  nothing  but  intelligently  directed  motion,  is  initiated, 
and  motion  becomes  eternal. 

It  is  a  well-established  principle  of  physics  that 
force  cannot  be  created  or  lost.  The  conservation  of 
force  is  not  affected  by  the  action  or  energies  of 
moving  bodies.  Force  is  not  created  to  set  a  body  in 
motion,  nor  when  expended,  as  we  say,  is  it  lost.  The 
sum  of  all  potential  energies  throughout  the  universe 
is  always  the  s.ame,  whether  matter  is  at  rest  or  in 
motion.  It  is  evident  that  so  long  as  every  molecule 
is  charged  with  attractive  force  no  atom  can  drop  out 
into  the  depths  of  unoccupied  and  absolute  space  and 
become  lost  or  annihilated ;  and  so  long  as  force  is 
dependent  on  matter  for  its  perceivable  existence,  force 
cannot  esca])e  beyond  the  confines  of  space  and  become 
lost  in  absolute  void. 

Not  only  are  forces  interdependent,  but  they  are 
capable  of  being  metamorphosed  one  into  another. 
Thus  intellectual  energy  invents  a  U'lachine  which 
drives  a  steamship  across  the  ocean.  This  invention 
or  creation  of  the  mind  is  nothing  else  than  a  vitaliza- 
tion  or  setting  at  liberty  of  mechanical  forces,  and 
without  this  vitalization  or  applied  intellectual  force 
sucli  mechanical  force  lies  dormant  as  in  so-called  dead 
matter.  Gravitation  is  employed  to  turn  a  water- 
wheel,  caloric  to  drive  a  steam-engine,  by  means  of 
eitlier  of  which  weights  may  be  raised,  heat,  electricity, 
and  light  })roduced,  and  these  new-created  forces 
husbanded  and  made  to  produce  still  other  forces  or 
turned  back  into  their  original  channels.  And  so  in 
chemical  and  capillary  action,  the  correlation  of  forces 
everywhere  is  found. 

Between  mind  and  matter  there  exists  the  most 
intimate  relaticmship.  Immateriality,  in  its  various 
l)hases  of  force,  life,  intellect,  so  far  as  human  con- 
sciousness can  grasp  it,  is  inseparable  from  materiality. 


INTIMACY  OF  MIND  AND  MATTER. 


11 


most 

irious 

con- 

lality. 


J 


The  body  is  but  part  of  the  soil  on  which  it  treads, 
and  the  mind  can  receive  no  impressions  exee}>t 
through  the  organs  of  the  body.  The  brain  is  the 
seat  of  thought  and  the  organ  of  tliought;  neither 
can  exist  in  a  normal  state  apart  from  the  other.  As 
a  rule,  the  power  of  the  intellect  is  in  proportion  to 
tlie  size  and  quality  of  the  brain.  Among  animals, 
those  of  lowest  order  have  the  least  brains;  man,  the 
most  intellectual  of  animals,  has  relatively,  if  not 
absolutely,  the  largest  brain.  True,  in  some  of  the 
largest  animals  the  cerebral  mass  is  larger  than  in 
man,  but,  in  its  chemical  comjiosition,  its  convolutions, 
shape,  and  quality,  that  in  man  is  superior;  and  it  is 
in  tlie  quality,  rather  than  in  the  quantity  of  the  nerv- 
ous tissues,  thft  their  superiority  consists.  Intelli- 
gence enters  tlie  brain  by  the  organs  of  the  senses,  and 
through  the  nervous  system  its  subtle  influence  radiates 
to  every  part  of  the  body.  All  human  activities  are 
either  mental  or  mechanical;  nor  will  it  be  denied 
tliat  mental  activity  is  produced  by  mechanical  means, 
or,  that  mechanical  activity  is  the  result  of  mental 
force.  Corporeal  motion  is  mental  force  distributed  to 
the  various  parts  of  the  body. 

The  action  of  immaterial  forces  on  the  material  suli- 
stances  of  the  human  body  manifestly  accords  witli 
the  action  of  immaterial  forces  elsewhere.  All  the 
l)hysical  and  mechanical  actions  of  the  human  body 
accord  with  the  physical  and  mechanical  forces  else- 
where displayed.  Man,  we  are  told,  was  the  last  of 
all  created  things,  but  in  the  making  of  man  no  new 
matter  was  emj)loyed;  nor  in  setting  the  botly  in 
motion  can  we  discover  that  any  new  force  was  in- 
vented. Thus  the  heart  beats  upt)n  mechanical  princi- 
l>les;  the  eye  sees,  and  the  voice  speaks  in  accordance 
with  the  general  laws  of  optics  and  acoustics. 

To  the  observer,  organic  activity  is  but  the  product 
of  combined  inorganic  forces.  The  same  processes  are 
at  Work,  and  in  the  same  manner,  in  living  and  in  so- 
called  dead  matter.     Life,  to  all  appearance,  is  but  the 


12 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


result  of  combined  chemical  and  meclianical  processes. 
Assimilation,  digestion,  secretion,  are  explainable  by 
chemistry,  and  by  chemistry  alone.  The  stomach  is  a 
chemical  retort,  the  body  a  chemical  laboratory.  Car- 
bon, oxygen,  hydrogen,  nitrogen,  combine  and  separate 
in  the  body  as  out  of  the  body.  The  blood  circulates 
upon  purely  mechanical  principles;  all  muscular  action 
is  mechanical.  In  the  phenomena  of  life,  the  only 
perceptible  difference  is  in  the  combinations  of  funda- 
mental elements;  yet  chemistry  and  mechanics  cannot 
produce  a  live  body. 

With  the  foregoing  well-recognized  principles  before 
us,  let  us  now  notice  some  few  parallelisms  between 
mechanical  and  social  energetics. 

Man,  like  every  other  natural  substance,  is  a  com- 
pound of  force  and  matter.  **  Respiration,"  says  Liebig, 
"is  the  falling  weight,  the  bent  spring,  which  keeps 
the  clock  in  motion;  the  inspirations  and  respirations 
are  the  strokes  of  the  pendulum  wliich  regulates." 
Atoms  of  matter,  through  the  instrumentality  of  liv- 
ing force,  cohere  and  coalesce  under  endless  complex 
conditions  into  endless  varieties  of  form  and  substance ; 
so  also  the  activities  of  man,  corporeal  and  intellectual, 
result  in  vast  accumulations  of  experiences,  which  accu- 
mulations become  the  property  of  the  whole  society. 
Society,  like  matter,  is  composed  of  units,  each  possess- 
ing certain  forces,  attractive  and  repulsive;  societies 
act  upon  each  other,  like  celestial  bodies,  in  proportion 
to  their  volume  and  proximity,  and  the  power  of  the 
unit  increases  with  the  increase  of  the  mass.  In  asso- 
ciation tliere  is  a  force  as  silent  and  as  subtle  as  that 
which  governs  atoms  and  holds  worlds  in  equii)oise; 
its  grosser  forms  are  known  as  government,  worship, 
fashion,  and  the  like;  its  finer  essence  is  more  delicate 
than  thouglit.  It  is  this  social  force,  attractive  and 
repulsive,  that  binds  men  together,  tears  them  asun- 
der, kneads,  and  knits,  and  sliapes,  and  evolves;  it  is 
the  origin  of  every  birth,  the  ultimate  of  every  activity. 
Mechanical  forces  are  manifest  in  machines,  as  the 


MATERIALITY  ACTING  ON  MIND. 


13 


lever,  the  wheel,  the  inclined  plane;  pror^ressional  force 
is  manifest  in  intellectual  ingenuity,  literature,  art, 
science,  which  are  the  machines  of  human  i)rogress. 

How  many  of  all  our  joys  and  sorrows,  our  loves 
and  hates,  our  good  and  evil  actions,  spring  from 
pliysical  causes  only?  Even  material  substances  dis- 
])lay  moods  and  affections,  as  when  heated,  electrified, 
decom})osed,  or  set  in  motion  ;  the  sea  at  rest  pre- 
sents a  different  mood  from  the  sea  raging.  Jean- 
Jac(pies  Rousseau's  idea  that  the  soul  might  he  gov- 
erned for  its  good  by  material  things  working  through 
tlie  media  of  the  senses,  is  not  so  extravagant  after  all. 
'The  gospel  according  to  Jean- Jacques,'  as  Carlyle 
|)uts  it,  runs  as  follows  on  this  point — and,  indeed,  the 
great  Genevan  evangelist  at  one  time  intended  to 
devote  a  book  to  the  subject  under  the  title  of  La 
Monde  Scit.sifire: — "The  striking  and  numerous  obser- 
vations that  I  had  collected  were  beyond  all  dispute ; 
and,  in  their  physical  origin,  they  a])i)eared  to  me 
proper  for  furnishing  an  exterior  regimen,  wliich,  varied 
according  to  circumstances,  should  be  able  to  })lace  or 
maintain  the  soul  in  the  state  most  favorable  to  virtue. 
How  many  wanderings  one  might  save  the  reason, 
how  manv  vices  might  be  hindered  birtli,  if  one  could 
but  force  the  animal  economy  to  favor  the  moral  order 
that  it  troubles  so  often.  Climates,  seasons,  sounds, 
colors,  darkness,  light,  the  elements,  food,  noise,  silence, 
movement,  repose,  all  act  on  our  bodily  frame,  and, 
by  conseipience,  on  our  soul;  all  ofler  us  a  thousand 
firm  holds  to  govern,  in  their  origin,  those  sentiments 
by  wliich  we  allow  ourselves  to  be  dominated." 

In  contemplating  the  numerous  activities  by  which 
we  are  surrounded,  again  and  again  we  are  called  upon 
to  wonder  at  the  marvelous  regularity  which  charac- 
terizes all  their  movements.  So  remilar  are  these 
movements,  so  sure  are  certam  conditions  to  accompany 
certain  results,  that  in  physics,  in  chemistry,  in  l)hysi- 
ology,  and  even  in  society,  facts  are  collected  and 
classified,  and  from  them  laws  are  discovered  as  fixed 


14 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


i^- 


i.' 


and  Irrevocable  as  the  frets  themselves,  which  laws, 
indeed,  are  themselves  lacts,  no  less  than  the  facts 
from  which  they  are  deduced. 

Highly  cultivated  nations  frame  laws  that  pro- 
vide for  many  contingencies,  but  the  code  of  nature 
has  yet  finer  provisions.  There  are  conditions  that 
neither  political  nor  social  laws  reach,  there  are  none 
not  reached  by  physical  law ;  in  society,  criminals  some- 
times evade  the  law;  in  nature,  never.  So  subtle 
are  the  laws  of  nature,  that  even  thought  cannot  follow 
them;  when  we  see  that  every  molecule,  by  virtue 
of  its  own  hidden  force,  attracts  every  other  molecule, 
up  to  a  certain  point,  and  then  from  the  same  inherent 
influence  every  atom  repels  every  other  atom;  when 
by  experiments  of  physicists  it  has  been  proved  that 
in  polarization,  crystallization,  and  che^'ical  action, 
there  is  not  the  slightest  deviation  from  an  almost 
startling  regularity,  with  many  other  facts  of  like  im- 
I)ort,  how  many  natural  laws  do  we  feel  to  be  yet  un- 
revealed  and,  from  the  exquisite  delicacy  of  their  na- 
ture, unrevealable  to  our  present  coarse  understanding. 

It  would  be  indeed  strange,  if,  when  all  the  universe 
is  under  the  governance  of  fixed  l^ws  —  laws  which 
regulate  the  motion  of  every  molecule,  no  less  than 
the  revolutions  of  suns — laws  of  such  subtle  import, 
as  for  instance,  regulate  the  transformations  of  heat, 
the  convertibility  and  correlation  of  force ;  it  would  l)e 
strange,  I  say,  if  such  laws  as  these,  when  they  reached 
the  domain  of  human  affairs  should  pause  and  leave 
the  world  of  man  alone  in  purposeless  wanderings. 

To  continue  our  analogies.  As,  latent  in  the  atom, 
or  in  the  mass,  there  are  energies  releasable  only  by 
heat  or  friction, — as  in  charcoal,  which  holds,  locked 
up,  muriatic  acid  gas  equivalent  to  ninety  times  its  vol- 
ume ;  or  in  spongy  platinum,  which  holds  in  like  manner 
oxygen,  equal  to  eight  hundred  times  its  volume ;  so, 
latent  in  every  individual,  are  numberless  energies, 
which  demand  the  friction  of  society  to  call  them  out. 

Force  comprises  two  elements,  attraction  and  repul- 


ANALOGIES  BETWEEN  MAN  AND  NATURE. 


15 


it   pro- 
nature 

ns  that 

re  none 

Is  some- 

)  subtle 

)t  follow 

^  virtue 

lolecule, 

inherent 

q;  when 

ved  that 

I   action, 

a  almost 
like  im- 

e  yet  un- 

their  na- 

standint^. 

)  universe 

vs  which 

less  than 
e  import, 
i  of  heat, 
would  be 
y  reached 
ind  leave 
jrings. 
the  atom, 
e  only  by 
ds,  locked 
les  its  vol- 
e  manner 
(lume;  so, 
energies, 
Ithem  out. 
,nd  repul- 


sion, analagous  to  the  principles  conmionly  called  good 
and  evil  in  the  affairs  of  human  society ;  take  away 
from  mechanical  force  either  of  these  two  oppugnant 
elements,  and  there  could  be  neither  organism  nor  life, 
so  without  both  good  and  evil  in  human  affairs  there 
could  be  no  progress. 

If  none  of  the  forces  of  nature  are  dissipated  or  lost, 
and  if  force  can  no  more  be  extinguished  than  matter, 
and  like  matter  passes  from  one  form  into  another,  we 
may  conclude  that  intellectual  force  is  never  dissi])ated 
or  lost,  but  that  the  potential  energies  of  mind  and  soul 
perpetually  vibrate  between  man  and  nature. 

Or,  again,  if,  as  we  have  seen,  energy  of  every  kind 
is  clothed  in  matter,  and  when  employed  and  expended 
returns  again  to  its  place  in  matter ;  and  if  the  mind 
draws  its  forces  from  the  body,  as  it  a})pears  to  do, 
both  growing,  acting,  and  declining  sinndtaneously ; 
and  if  the  body  draws  its  energy  from  the  earth,  which 
is  no  less  possible ;  then  may  not  intellectual  and  })ro- 
gressional  force  be  derived  from  man's  environment,  and 
return  thither  when  expended?  Every  created  being 
borrows  its  material  from  the  storehouse  of  matter,  and 
when  uncreated  restores  it  again;  so  every  individual 
born  into  society  becomes  charged  with  social  force, 
with  progressional  energy,  which,  when  expended, 
rests  with  society.  Winslow's  0})inion  on  this  sul)- 
ject  is,  that  "all  electric  and  magnetic  currents  origi- 
nate in — are  inducted  from — and  radiate  either  di- 
rectly or  indirectly  out  of  the  glol)e  as  tlie  fountain 
of  every  form  and  constituency  of  meelianieal  forte, 
and  that  abstract  inmiaterial  mechanical  energy,  as  we 
have  thus  far  discussed  and  developed  its  dual  i)rinii- 
ples,  is  absolutely  convertible  through  molecular  mo- 
tion into  every  form  and  expansion  of  secondary  force, 
})assing  successively  from  heat  through  electricity, 
magnetism,  etc.,  and  vice  versa,  it  follows  that  tiiis 
same  mechanical  energy  itself,  as  hypostatical  motive 
power,  must  proceed  out  of  the  globe  also." 

Thus  is  loaded  with  potential  energy  the  universe  of 


16 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIMLIZATION, 


matter,  g-enerating  life,  mind,  civilization,  and  lience  we 
may  conclude  that  whatever  else  it  is,  civilization  is  a 
force;  that  it  is  the  sum  of  all  the  forces  em})loyed  to 
drive  humanity  onward ;  that  it  acts  on  man  as  me- 
chanical force  acts  on  matter,  attractinjjf,  repellinj*-, 
j)ressing  forward  yet  holding  in  equilibrium,  and  all 
under  fixed  and  determined  laws. 


From  all  which  it  would  appear  that  nothin;[f  is  found 
in  man  that  has  not  its  counterpart  in  nature,  and  that 
all  things  that  are  related  to  man  are  related  to  each 
other;  even  immortal  mind  itself  is  not  unlike  that  sub- 
tle force,  inherent  in,  and  ^vorking  round  every  atom. 

In  this  respect  physical  science  is  the  precursor  of 
social  science.  Nature  i>roduces  man;  man  in  his 
earlier  conception  of  nature,  that  is  in  his  g<Kls,  repro- 
duces himself;  and  later,  his  knowledge  of  intrinsic 
self  depends  upon  his  knowledge  of  extrinsic  agencies, 
so  that  as  the  laws  that  govern  external  nature  are 
better  understood,  the  laws  that  govern  society  are 
more  definitely  determined.  The  conditions  of  human 
progress  can  be  wrouglit  into  a  science  only  by  pur- 
suing the  same  course  that  raises  into  a  science  any 
branch  of  knowledge ;  that  is,  by  collecting,  classil'ying, 
and  comparing  facts,  and  therefrom  discovering  laws. 
Society  must  be  studied  as  chemistry  is  studied; 
it  must  be  analyzed,  and  its  component  j)arts — the 
solubilities,  interactions,  and  crystallizitions  of  religions 
governments  and  fashions,  ascertained.  As  in  the 
earlier  contemplations  of  physical  nature,  the  action  of 
the  elements  was  deemed  fortuitous,  so  hi  a  superficial 
survey  of  society,  all  events  ap])ear  to  ha})pen  by 
chance;  but  on  dee})er  investigation,  in  society  as  in 
physics,  events  apparently  fortuitous,  may  be  reduced 
to  immutable  law.  To  this  end  the  life  of  mankind 
on  the  globe  must  be  regarded  as  the  life  of  one  man, 
successions  of  societies  as  successions  of  days  in  that 
life;  for  the  activities  of  nations  are  but  the  sum  of 
the  activities  of  the  individual  members  thereof. 


il 


W 


PHYSICAL  LAWS  AND  SOCL\L  LAWS. 


IT 


xlueed 
aukind 
o  man, 
111  that 
sum  of 


Wo  have  seen  tliat  man's  oro^anism,  as  far  as  it  may 
he  ])r(ju<iflit  under  exact  ohservation,  is  j^overned  l)y 
the  same  processes  tliat  govern  elemental  principles  in 
in«jrganic  nature.  The  will  of  man  attempting  to 
exert  itself  in  antajjfonism  to  these  laws  of  nature  is 
wholly  ineffectual.  We  are  all  conscious  of  a  will, 
conscious  of  a  certain  freedom  in  the  exercise  of  our 
will,  Init  wholly  unconscious  as  to  the  line  of  sej)aratiou 
hctween  volition  and  environment.  Part  of  our  ac- 
tions arise  from  fixed  necessity,  i)art  are  the  result  of 
free  will.  Statistics,  as  they  are  accumulated  and  ar- 
ranged, tend  more  and  more  to  show  that  hy  far  the 
greater  part  of  human  actions  are  not  under  individual 
control,  and  that  the  actions  of  masses  are,  in  the  main, 
wholly  heyond  the  })rovince  of  tlie  human  will. 

Take  the  weather  for  a  single  day,  and  note  tlie 
effect  on  the  will.  The  direction  of  tlie  wind  not  un- 
frecjuently  governs  one's  train  of  thought;  resolution 
often  depends  upon  the  dryness  of  the  atmosphere, 
benevolence  upon  the  state  of  the  stomach;  misfor- 
tunes, arising  from  physical  causes,  have  ere  now 
changed  the  character  of  a  ruler  from  one  of  lofty 
self-sacrifice,  to  one  of  peevish  fretfulness,  whereat  his 
followers  became  estranged  and  his  em})ire  lost  in 
conseijueiice.  In  the  prosecution  of  an  enterprise,  how 
often  we  find  ourselves  drifting  far  from  the  antici- 
pated goal.  The  mind  is  governed  hy  tlie  coiulitioii 
of  the  body,  the  body  by  the  conditions  of  climate  and 
food;  hence  it  is  that  many  of  our  actions,  whirh  we 
conceiv^;  to  be  the  result  of  free  choice,  arise  from 
accidental  circumstances. 

It  is  only  in  the  broader  view  of  humanity  that 
general  laws  are  to  be  recognized,  as  ])r  j)raj)er 
remarks:  "He  who  is  immersed  in  the  turmoil  of  a 
crowded  city  sees  nothing  but  the  acts  of  men;  and,  if 
he  formed  his  opinion  from  his  ex{)erience  alone,  must 
conclude  that  the  course  of  events  altogether  depends 
on  the  uncertainties  of  human  volition.  But  he  who 
ascends  to  a  sufficient  elevation  loses  sis^ht  of  the  iiass- 

Vol.  11.    'J.  o  1 


18 


SAVACISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


■iiii 


jlin  I 
H|jli 


in2f  conflicts,  aiul  no  lonp^er  hoars  tlie  contentions.  Ho 
discovers  that  the  importance  of  individual  action  is 
(Hniinisliinj^  as  the  i)anorania  beneath  him  is  extend- 
in;L;;  and  it'  he  could  attain  to  the  truly  jjhilosophical, 
tile  ly^eneral  j)oint  of  view,  disentj^aj^e  himself  from  all 
terrestrial  influences  and  entanglements,  risin*''  hit^h 
eiioujji'h  to  see  tlie  whole  at  a  li^lance,  his  acutest  vision 
would  fail  to  discern  the  slightest  indication  of  man, 
his  free  will,  or  his  works." 

Let  us  now  glance  at  some  of  the  manifestations  of 
this  ])rogressional  influence;  first  in  its  general  aspects, 
after  which  we  will  notice  its  hearin«»'  on  a  few  of  the 
more  important  severalties  intimately  affecting  human- 
ity, such  as  religion,  morality,  government,  and  com- 
merce, —  for  there  is  nothing  that  touches  man's 
welfare,  no  matter  how  lightly,  in  all  his  long  journey 
from  naked  wildness  to  clothed  and  cultured  intelli- 
gence, that  is  not  placed  upon  him  by  this  pro- 
gressional  impulse. 

In  every  living  thing  there  is  an  element  of  continu- 
ous growth;  in  every  aggregation  of  living  things 
tliere  is  an  element  of  continuous  improvement.  In 
the  first  instance,  a  vital  actuality  a})pears;  whence, 
no  t)ne  can  tell.  As  the  organism  matures,  a  new  germ 
is  formed,  which,  as  the  parent  stock  decays,  takes  its 
place  and  becomes  in  like  manner  the  i)arent  of  a  suc- 
cessor. Thus  even  death  is  but  the  door  to  new 
forms  of  life.  In  the  second  instance,  a  body  cor})orate 
appears,  no  less  a  vital  actuality  than  the  first;  a 
social  organism  in  which,  notwithstanding  ceaseless 
birtlis  and  deaths,  there  is  a  living  ])rinci])le.  For  while 
individuals  are  born  and  die,  families  live;  while  fam- 
ilies are  born  and  die,  species  live;  while  species  are 
born  and  die,  organic  being  assumes  new  forms  and 
features.  Herein  the  all-pervading  principle  of  life, 
while  flitting,  is  nevertheless  permanent,  while  tran- 
sient is  yet  eternal.  But  fibove  and  independent  of 
perpetual  birth  and  death  is  this  element  of  continuous 


MANIFKSTATIONS  OV  IMlOfJIJF.SSTONAL  IMPILSE. 


19 


He 

ion  is 
teiul- 
iliu-al, 
)iu  all 
hioh 

vision 
'  man, 


ions  of 
speots, 
of  the 
unnan- 
1  coni- 
inan's 
jonrney 
intelli- 
is   pro- 

ontinn- 
thin<;s 
In 
hence, 

ikes  its 
a  sue- 
o   new 
irporate 
first;   a 
easeless 
)r  while 
ile  fam- 
cies  are 
rnis  and 
of  life, 
le  tran- 
dent  of 
tinuous 


nt 


jjffowtli,  whicli,  like  a  spirit,  walks  ahroad  and  niinL^ks 
in  the  atliiirs  of  men.  "All  our  j)roi,ness,"  says  Kni- 
ersini,  "is  an  nnf<)ldin<;',  like  tlie  veu^etahle  hud.  V«mi 
ha vo  first  an  instinet;  then  an  opinion,  tlien  a  knowl- 
ed'^e,  as  tiie  ])lant  has  r<M)t  hud  and  i'ruit." 

Hnder  favorable  conditions,  and  up  to  a  certain 
jfoint,  stocks  inij)rovc;  hy  a  law  of  natural  selection 
the  stronijcest  and  fittest  survive,  while  the  iil-favond 
and  <k'forineil  perish;  under  conditions  unfavorahle  to 
development,  stocks  remain  stationary  or  deteriorate. 
l*arado.\ically,  so  far  as  we  know,  ortj^ans  and  t»rij^an- 
isnis  are  no  more  perfect  now  than  in  the  heiifinninu'; 
animal  instincts  are  no  keener,  nor  are  their  hahitudes 
essentially  chanij^ed.  No  one  denies  that  stocks  im- 
piove,  fi)r  such  improvement  is  perceptible  and  perma- 
nent; many  deny  that  orji^anisms  improve,  for  if  there 
he  imjtrovement  it  is  impercej)tihle,  and  has  thus  far 
escaped  proof.  But,  however  this  may  he,  it  is  })alj>a- 
hle  that  the  mind,  and  not  the  hody,  is  the  instrument 
and  object  of  the  proi»Tessional  impulse. 

Man  in  the  duality  of  his  nature  is  brought  nnder 
two  distinct  dominions;  materially  he  is  subject  to 
the  laws  that  govern  matter,  mentally  to  the  laws 
thato-overn  mind;  physioloufically  he  is  perfectly  made 
and  non-pro«:fressive,  |)sychologicaIly  he  is  emhrycjnic 
and  proij^ressive.  Between  these  internal  and  external 
i'orces,  between  moral  and  material  activities  there 
may  he,  in  some  instances,  an  apparent  antagonisnu 
The  mind  may  be  developed  in  excess  and  to  the  detri- 
ment of  the  body,  and  the  body  may  be  developed  in 
excess  and  to  the  detriment  of  the  mind. 

The  animal  man  is  a  bundle  of  organs,  with  instincts 
implanted  that  set  them  in  motion;  man  intellectual 
is  a  bundle  of  sentiments,  with  an  implanted  soul  that 
keeps  them  effervescent;  mankind  in  the  mass,  so- 
<^^it^ty,— we  see  the  fermentations,  we  mark  the  transi- 
tions; is  there,  then,  a  soul  in  aggregated  humanity  as 
there  is  in  individual  humanity? 

The  instincts  of  man's  animality  teach  the  organs 


90 


SAVA(JISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


to  porfonii  tliuir  fuiicti«)ns  as  neifectly  at  the  first  as  at 
tlio  last;  tlio  ir»stiin;ts  of  man  s  intcllet'tiialitv  iirj^'o  liiiii 
on  ill  an  eternal  race  tor  sonietliin*^  better,  in  wliicli 
]»erfeetion  is  never  attained  nor  attainable;  in  socit'ty, 
^ve  see  the  constant  jj^rowth,  the  hijj^herantl  yet  hiylitr 
development;  now  in  this  ever-onward  movement  are 
tlusre  instincts  which  orij^inate  and  <,'overn  action  in 
tlie  hody  social  as  in  the  body  individual?  Is  not 
Hocioty  a  bundle  of  or<jfans,  with  an  im])lanted  Soul  of 
3*roirress,  which  moves  mankind  aloni,''  in  a  resistless 
l>rL'(letermined  inarch  i 

Nations  are  born  and  die;  they  appear  first  in  a 
Htate  of  infancy  or  savaufism ;  many  die  in  their  child- 
liood,  some  j^row  into  manhood  and  rule  for  a  time  tlia 
destinies  of  the  world;  finally,  by  sudden  extinction, 
or  a  lin_ijferin<^  decrepitude,  they  (lisa])pear,  and  others 
take  their  ])lace.  J^ut  in  this  ceaseless  coming'  and 
jjfoini^  there  is  somewhere  a  mysterious  ai^ency  at  woik, 
makini''  men  better,  wiser,  nol)ler,  wliether  they  will 
or  not.  This  improvement  is  not  the  elTect  of  volition ; 
the  plant  does  not  will  to  unfold,  nor  the  immature 
animal  to  i;rt)w;  neither  can  the  world  of  human  kind 
cease  to  advance  in  mind  and  in  i.ianners.  Develop- 
ment is  the  inevitable  incident  of  beintif.  Nations, 
under  normal  conditions,  can  no  more  help  advaiic- 
ini*-  than  they  can  throw  themselves  into  a  state  of 
non-existence;  than  can  the  individual  stop  liis  cor- 
poreal si^rowth,  or  shut  out  from  the  intellect  every 
l)erception  of  knowledjjfe,  iv.id  become  a  living  petrifi- 
cation. And  in  whatevei-  i>ertains  to  intellectual  man 
this  fundamental  principle  is  apparent.  It  underlies 
all  moralities,  governments,  and  religions,  all  indus- 
tries, arts,  and  commerce;  it  is  the  mainsjjring  of  every 
action,  the  consequence  of  eveiy  cause;  it  is  the  great 
central  idea  toward  which  all  things  converge ;  it  is 
the  object  of  all  efiforts,  the  end  of  all  successes;  it 
absorbs  all  forces,  and  is  the  combined  results  of  innu- 
merable agencies,  good  and  evil. 

Before  the  th    *ry  of  Dr  von  ^lartius  and  his  follow- 


1 

L 


nurTF.s  cannjH'  im:(k;im;ss. 


91 


as  at 
J  liini 
,vliich 
ciftv, 

it  are 
ion  in 
Is  not 

iOlll  of 

istloss 

t  in  a 
chiUl- 
ne  tlio 
nction, 
others 
no-  and 
t  work, 
t'V  will 
i)iition; 
mature 
m  kind 

I'Vclo])- 

[ations, 
idvano- 
tate  of 
is  cor- 
every 
ictriti- 
il  man 
derlies 
indus- 
)f  every 
le  u^reat 
o;  it  is 
sses;  it 
f  innu- 

foUow- 


;•'.% 


crs,  that  thi'  sava-^c  state  is  hut  a  doLTeneratlon  fn)ni 
soMuthiiiLf  hi;,'lu'r,  laii  heionio  tonahle,  tiie  wiiole  order 
of  nature  nuist  he  reversed.  Kaees  may  deteriorate, 
<iviiized  peoples  relapse  into  harharisin,  hut  sueh 
rela]tse  eannot  take  jilate  except  under  ahnornial  eon- 
ditioiis.  We  eaimot  hi'lieve  that  anv  nation,  onee 
leaniiu''-  the  use  of  iron  would  east  it  away  for  stone. 
Driven  from  an  iron-yieldinuf  land,  the  knowledy-e  of 
iron  minht  at  last  he  forgotten,  hut  its  use  would 
never  he  voluntarily  relin(|uished.  And  so  with  any 
of  the  arts  or  inventions  of  man.  Societies,  like  indi- 
viduals, are  horn,  mature,  and  decay;  they  i^row  old 
and  die;  thoy  may  pause  in  their  i)ro<^ress,  hecomo 
diseased,  and  therehy  lose  their  stren;nth  and  retro<jfade, 
hut  they  never  turn  arountl  and  ^^low  hack  ward  or 
unorow, — they  could  not  if  they  wouUl. 

In  the  hrute  creation  this  element  of  progress  is 
wanting.  The  hird  huilds  its  nest,  the  hee  its  cell, 
the  heaver  its  dam,  with  no  more  skill  or  elahoratioii 
to-<lay,  than  did  the  hird  or  hee  or  heaver  ])rimeval. 
The  instinct  of  animals  does  not  with  time  hecomo 
intellect;  their  comforts  do  not  increase,  their  sphert,; 
of  action  does  not  enlarge.  By  domesticatit)n,  stocks 
may  he  improved,  hut  nowhere  do  we  see  animals 
uniting  for  nuitual  improvement,  or  creating  for  them- 
selves an  artiticial  existence.  So  in  man,  whose  nature; 
c()mj)rises  hotli  the  animal  and  the  intellectual,  the 
jihysical  organism  neither  jterceptihly  advances  nor 
deteriorates.  The  features  niav,  indeed,  heam  hriyhter 
from  the  light  of  a  purer  intellectuality  cast  upon  them 
from  within,  hut  the  hand,  the  eye,  the  heart,  so  far  as 
we  know,  is  no  more  perfect  now  than  in  the  days  or" 
Adam. 

As  viewed  hy  ]\rr  Bagehot,  the  hody  of  the  ucconi- 
jilished  man  "hecomes,  hy  training,  different  from 
wiiat  it  once  was,  and  different  from  that  of  the  rude 
man,  heco  nes  charged  with  stored  virtue  and  acquired 
faculty  which  come  away  from  it  unconsciously."  But 
the  hody  of  the  accomi)lished  man  dies,  and  the  son  can 


22 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


m 


ill  no  wise  inherit  it,  whereas  the  soul  of  his  accomplish- 
ments does  not  die,  but  lives  in  the  air,  and  becomes 
])art  of  the  vital  breath  of  society.  And,  again,  "power 
that  has  been  laboriouslyacquired  and  stored  up  as  stati- 
cal in  one  generation"  sometimes,  says  Maudsley, 
"becomes  the  inborn  fticulty  of  the  next;  and  the 
development  takes  place  in  accordance  with  that  law  of 
increasing  speciality  and  complexity  of  adaption  to 
external  nature  which  is  traceable  through  the  animal 
kingdom ;  or,  in  other  words,  that  law  of  progress, 
from  the  gerteral  to  the  special,  in  development,  which 
the  a})pearance  of  nerve  force  amongst  natural  forces 
and  the  complexity  of  the  nervous  system  of  man 
both  illustrate."  On  the  other  side  John  Stuart  Mill 
is  just  as  positive  that  culture  is  not  inherent.  "Of 
all  vulgar  modes,"  he  remarks,  "of  escaping  from  the 
consideration  of  the  effect  of  social  and  moral  influences 
on  the  human  mind,  the  most  vulgar  is  that  of  attribut- 
ing the  diversities  of  conduct  and  character  to  inherent 
natural  differences;"  and,  says  Mr  Buckle,  "we  cannot 
safely  assume  that  there  has  l)een  any  permanent  im- 
j^rovement  in  the  moral  or  intellectual  faculties  of  man, 
nor  have  we  any  decisive  ground  for  saying  that  those 
faindties  are  likely  to  be  greater  in  an  infant  born  in 
the  most  civilized  part  of  Europe,  than  in  one  born  in 
the  wildest  region  of  a  barbarous  countrv." 

Whether  or  not  the  nervous  system,  which  is  the 
connective  tissue  between  man's  animal ity  and  his 
intellectuality,  transmits  its  subtle  forces  from  one 
generation  to  another,  we  may  be  sure  that  the  mind 
acts  on  the  nerves,  and  the  nerves  on  every  [)art  of  the 
system,  and  that  the  intelligence  of  the  mind  influences 
and  governs  the  materialism  of  the  l)ody,  and  the  con- 
sequences in  some  way  are  felt  by  succeeding  genera- 
tions; but  that  the  mind  becomes  material,  and  its 
qualities  transmitted  to  i)osterity,  is  an  hypothesis  yet 
unestablished. 

Moreover  we  may  safely  conclude  that  the  improve- 
ment of  mankind  is  a  ]»heiiomenon  purely  intellectual. 


'i 
A 


IMPKOVEMENT  PUREEV  INTELEECTUAL. 


23 


is  the 
i)d  his 
|)ni  one 

mind 

of  the 
uent'cs 
le  con- 
vene ni- 
,nd  its 

sis  yet 

iprovc- 
ectual. 


Not  tliat  the  improvement  of  the  mind  is  wholly  inde- 
pendent of  the  condition  of  the  hody;  for,  as  we  shall 
hereafter  see,  so  intimate  is  the  coimection  between 
the  mind  and  the  hody,  that  the  first  step  toward 
iiitelleotual  advancement  cannot  he  taken  until  the 
dt'inands  of  the  body  are  satisfied.  Nervous  phe- 
nomena aredependent  upon  the  same  nutritive  })rocesses 
that  g-overn  j)hysical  development;  and  that  this  nerv»j 
force,  tlirou«)^h  whose  aij^ency  the  system  is  charged 
Avitli  intellectuality,  as  the  molecule  is  charged  witli 
mechanical  force,  does  exist,  is  capable,  to  some  extent, 
of  transmitting  acquirements  or  artificial  instincts 
I'roni  })arent  to  child,  we  have  every  reason  to  believe; 
l)ut,  so  far  as  we  know,  intellectual  force,  per  .sr,  is  no 
more  a  transmittable  entity  than  is  the  tiesh-quivering 
of  the  slain  ox  life. 

The  strangest  pai"t  of  it  all  is,  that  though  wrought 
out  by  man  as  the  instrument,  and  while  acting  in  the 
ca])acity  of  a  free  agent,  this  spirit  of  progress  is 
wholly  independent  of  the  will  of  man.  Though  in 
our  individual  actions  we  imagine  ourselves  directed 
only  by  our  free  will,  yet  in  the  end  it  is  most 
dirticult  to  determine  what  is  the  result  of  free  will, 
and  what  of  inexorable  environment.  While  we  think 
we  are  regulating  our  attairs,  our  affair*-;  are  regulating 
us.  We  plan  out  improvements,  predett;rmine  the 
l)est  course  and  foll(.\v-  it,  sometimes;  yet,  for  all  that, 
tlie  principle  of  social  progress  is  not  tlie  man,  is  not 
in  the  man,  forms  no  constituent  of  his  ]>hy!sical  or 
psyciiical  indix  idual  being;  it  is  tl'.e  social  atmosphere 
into  whicli  the  man  is  born,  into  nhit-h  lie  brings  n(jth- 
ing  and  Iroiu  \\\m\\  he  takes  noching.  Wliile  a  mem- 
ber of  stH'iety  lie  adds  liis  oiiota  to  tlie  general  fund 
and  there  leaves  it;  while  acting  as  a  free  agent  he 
^■'  forms  his  part  in  working  out  this  ])roblem  of  .social 
(levelopnient,  i)eiforms  it  unconsciously,  willing  or 
unwilling  he  ])erforms  it,  his  !)aser  ]iu>sions  being  as 
]»owerfiil  instruments  of  progress  as  his  iioi)ler;  for 
avarice  dri\es  or,  intellect  as  effecvualb'  as  benevolence, 


24 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


■j|i 


liate  as  ove,  and  selfishness  cV^es  infinitely  more  for 
tho  ])rogress  of  mankind  than  philanthropy.  Thus  is 
hunicinity  played  upon  by  this  principle  of  progress, 
and  the  music  sometimes  is  wonderful ;  green  fields  as 
if  by  magic  take  the  place  of  wild  forests,  magnificent 
cities  rise  out  of  the  ground,  the  forces  of  nature  are 
brought  under  the  dominion  of  man's  intelligence,  and 
senseless  substances  endowed  with  speech  and  action. 

It  is  verily  as  Carlyle  says;  "under  the  strangest 
new  vesture,  the  old  great  truth  (since  no  vesture  can 
hide  it)  begins  again  to  be  revealed:  That  man  is  w'hat 
we  call  a  miraculous  creature,  with  miraculous  power 
overmen;  and,  on  the  whole,  with  such  a  Life  in  him, 
ruid  such  a  World  round  him,  as  victorious  Analysis, 
with  her  Physiologies,  Nervous  Systems,  Physic  and 
Metai)hysic,  will  never  completely  name,  to  say  noth- 
ing of  ex])laining." 

Thus,  to  sum  up  the  foregoing  premises:  in  society, 
between  two  or  more  individuals,  there  is  at  work  a 
mysterious  energy,  not  unlike  that  of  force  lietweeu 
molecules  or  life  in  the  organism ;  this  social  energy  is 
under  intelligent  governance,  not  fortuitous  nor  cause- 
less, buv  reducible  to  fixed  law,  and  capable  of  being 
wrought  into  a  science;  is,  moreover,  a  vital  actuality, 
not  an  incident  nor  an  accident,  but  an  entity,  as 
attraction  and  repulsion  are  entities;  under  this  agency 
society,  perforce,  develois  like  the  plant  from  a  germ. 
This  energy  acts  ou  the  intellect,  and  through  the  intel- 
lect on  the  organism;  acts  independently  of  the  will, 
and  cannot  be  created  or  destroyed  by  man ;  is  not 
found  in  the  brute  creation,  is  not  transmittalile  by 
generation  tlirough  individuals,  is  wrought  out  by 
man  as  a  free-will  ao-ent,  tliouoh  acting  unconsciouslv, 
and  is  the  product  alike  of  g'>od  and  evil. 

As  to  the  causes  which  originate  progressional  i»]ie- 
nomena  there  are  differences  of  opinion.  One  sees  in 
the  intellect  the  germ  of  an  eternal  unfolding;  another 
recognizes  in  the  soul-element  the  vital  principle  of 


/4 


CAX'SES  OF  IRIAN'S  DEVELOPMENT. 


25 


re  for 
iius  is 
gress, 
;lds  as 
iticent 
re  are 
e,  and 
iction. 
aiigest 
ire  can 
s  what 
power 
in  him, 
lalj'sis, 
sic  and 
y  noth- 

society, 
work  a 
)utween 
leroy  is 
cause- 
hcing 
tnahty, 
itity,  as 
aoency 
a  oenn. 
\e  intel- 
he  will, 
is  not 
table  by 
out  by 
lisciously, 


onal  phe- 
le  sees  in 
;  another 
niciple  of 


'•$ 


pro^rress,  and  attributes  to  religion  all  the  benefits  of 
cnliglitennient;  one  builds  a  theory  on  the  ground-work 
of  a  fujidaniental  and  innate  morality ;  another  dis- 
c;)vers  in  the  forces  of  nature  the  controlling  infiuence 
u])()n  man's  destiny;  while  yet  others,  as  we  have  seen, 
believe  accumulative  and  inherent  nervous  force  to  be 
the  media  through  which  culture  is  transmitted. 
Some  believe  that  moral  causes  create  the  physical, 
others  that  })hysic'al  causes  create  the  moral. 

Thus  Mr  Buckle  attempts  to  prove  that  man's 
development  is  wholly  dependent  upon  his  physical 
surroundings.  Huxley  j)()ints  to  a  system  of  reflex, 
actions,  — mind  acting  on  matter,  and  matter  on  mind, — 
as  the  i)ossible  cultin'e-l)asis.  JJarwin  advances  tlie 
doctrine  of  an  evolution  from  vivified  matter  as  the 
l)rincij)le  of  progressive  development.  In  the  trans- 
nuition  of  nerve-element  from  parents  to  children, 
Bagelujt  sees  "the  continuous  force  which  binds  ajxe 
to  age,  which  enables  each  to  bemn  with  some  im- 
])r()vemeiit  on  the  last,  if  the  last  did  itself  improve; 
which  makes  each  civilization  not  a  set  of  detached 
dots,  but  a  line  of  color,  surely  enhancing  shade  l)y 
shiule."  Some  see  in  human  nroyfress  the  ever-rulinir 
hand  of  a  divine  providence,  others  the  results  of  m  m's 
.'-.kii!;  witii  some  it  is  free  will,  with  others  necessity; 
swuiu  believe  that  intellectual  development  spi-ings 
i'ro'.'i  better  systems  of  government,  others  that  wealth 
l.i3^  at  the  foundation  of  all  culture;  every  phih>so[)her 
!  ;';;^r,':es  s(  ne  cause,  invents  some  system,  or  Itrings 
Ju..i.;rii  actions  undjr  the  dominion  of  some  si)ecies 
of  law. 

As  in  animals  of  the  same  genus  or  species,  inhab- 
iting widely  ditt'erent  localities,  we  see  the  results  of 
connnon  instincts,  so  in  the  evolutions  of  the  human 
race,  divided  by  time  or  sjtace,  we  see  the  same  gen- 
eral principles  at  work.  So  too  it  would  seem,  wliether 
species  are  one  or  many,  whether  nian  is  a  ]>erfectly 
.'n.'.iied  being  or  an  evolution  from  a  lower  form,  that 
all  the  human  races  of  the  globe  are  formed  on  one 


20 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


model  and  governed  by  tlie  same  laws.  In  the  cus- 
toms, ]an*(uages,  and  myths  of  ages  and  nations  far 
removed  from  each  other  in  social,  moral,  and  mental 
cliaracteristics,  innumerable  and  striking  analogies 
exist.  Not  only  have  all  nations  weapons,  but  many 
who  are  separated  from  each  other  by  a  hemisphere 
use  the  same  weapon;  not  only  is  belief  universal,  but 
many  relate  the  same  myth;  and  to  suppose  the  bow 
and  arrow  to  have  had  a  common  origin,  or  that  all 
ilood-myi;  s  pnd  myths  of  a  future  life  are  but  off- 
shoots froia  jhic  mid  Biblical  narratives  is  scarcely 
reasonable. 

1 1  is  easier  to  tell  what  civilization  is  not,  and  what 
it  does  not  spring  from,  than  what  it  is  and  what  its 
origin.  To  attribute  its  rise  to  any  of  the  principles, 
ethical,  political,  or  material,  that  come  under  the 
cognizance  of  man,  is  fallacy,  for  it  is  as  nuich  an  entity 
as  any  otlier  primeval  principle;  nor  may  we,  with 
Arcli bishop  Whately,  entertain  the  doctrine  that  civ- 
ilization never  could  have  arisen  had  not  the  Creator 
ap})eared  upon  earth  astlie  tirst  instructor;  for,  unfor- 
tunately for  this  hypothesis,  the  aboriginals  supposedly 
St)  taught,  were  scarcely  civilized  at  all,  and  compare 
unfavoral)ly  with  the  other  all-perfect  works  of  crea- 
tion; so  that  this  sort  of  reasoning,  like  innumerable 
»)ther  attemi>ts  of  man  to  limit  the  powers  of  ()nmij)o- 
tence,  and  narrow  them  down  to  our  weak  understand- 
ings, is  little  else  than  puerility. 

Nor,  as  we  have  seen,  is  this  act  of  civilizing  the 
effect  of  volition ;  nor,  as  will  hereafter  more  clearly 
appear,  does  it  arise  from  an  inherent  principle  of  good 
any  more  than  from  an  inherent  principle  of  evil. 
The  ultimate  result,  though  difficult  of  proof,  we  take 
for  granted  to  be  good,  but  the  agencies  em}»loyed  for 
its  consammati<^)n  numljer  among  them  more  of  those 
we  call  evil  tban  of  those  we  call  good.  The  isolated 
individual  never,  by  any  i)ossibility,  can  become  civil- 
ized like  the  social  man;  he  cannot  even  speak,  and 
without  a  flow  of  words  there  can  be  no  complete  flow 


Tl 


SOCIETY  ESSENTIAL  TO  INTELLECT. 


27 


of  tliouglit.  Send  him  fortli  away  from  his  fellow-man 
to  r(5am  the  forest  with  tlie  wild  beasts,  and  he  would 
1)e  almost  as  wild  and  heastlike  as  his  coni])anions;  it 
is  doubtful  if  lie  would  ever  fashion  a  tool,  but  would 
not  rather  with  his  elaws  alone  procure  his  food,  and 
forever  leniain  as  he  now  is,  the  most  impotent  of 
animals.  The  intellect,  by  which  means  alone  man 
list's  above  other  animals,  never  could  work,  because 
the  intellect  is  quickened  only  as  it  comes  in  contact 
with  intellect.  The  ^erm  of  development  therein 
implanted  cam.^t  unfold  simply  any  more  than  the 
organism  can  bear  ihiit  sinylv.  It  is  a  well-established 
fact  that  the  mind  without  lan*^uage  cannot  fully  de- 
velop; it  is  likewise  estal)lished  that  lanouaiii'e  is  not 
inherent,  that  it  sitrinu^s  uj)  between  men,  n  t  in  them. 
] ^an<^ua_<ice,  like  civilization,  belongs  to  society,  and  is 
in  no  wise  a  part  or  the  propeity  of  the  individual. 
"For  stranyelv  in  this  so  solid-seemino-  World,"  savs 
(arlvle,  "which  nevertheless  is  in  continual  restless 
iiux,  it  is  ai)j)ointed  that  Sound,  to  a})]>earance  the 
most  Heeting,  should  be  the  most  continuinijf  of  all 
thinj^-s."  A. id  further,  as  remarked  by  Herbert  Spen- 
cer: "Xowthat  the  transformation  and  e(|uivalence  of 
ibrces  is  seen  by  men  of  science  to  hold  not  only 
throus^hout  all  inorn^anic  actions,  but  throughout  all 
orLfanic  actions;  now  that  even  mental  changes  are 
recognized  as  the  correlatives  of  cerebral  chan^-es, 
which  also  conform  to  this  prmcple;  and  now  that 
there  nuist  be  admitted  tiie  corollary,  that  all  actions 
«4()in]n^  on  in  a  society  are  measured  by  certain  aiiteccdent 
energies,  wliich  disappear  in  etlectinn^  them,  wliiie  they 
themselves  become  actual  or  potential  eneryies  from 
wliicli  subse(juent  actions  arise;  it  is  strange  tliat  there 
should  not  have  arisen  the  consciousness  that  these 
higher  jthenomena  are  to  be  studied  as  lower  phe- 
nomena have  been  studied— not,  of  course,  after  the 
same  i»hysical  methods,  but  in  conformity  witli  the 
siinie  jtrinciples." 

^^  e  may  hold  then,  a  i>riuri,  that  this  progressional 


28 


SAVA(iISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


jirinciple  exists;  that  it  exists  not  more  in  the  man 
than  around  him;  that  it  requires  an  atmos})here  in 
which  to  live,  as  Hfe  in  the  hody  recjuires  an  atmos- 
j)here  whioli  is  its  vital  breath,  and  that  this  atmos- 
l)here  is  jj^enerated  only  by  the  contact  of  man  with 
man.  Under  analysis  this  social  atmosphere  appears 
to  be  com})osed  of  two  opposinjj;'  principles — jjfood  antl 
evil — which,  like  attraction  and  rei)ulsion,  or  positive 
and  noiifative  electricity,  underlie  all  activities.  One 
is  as  essential  to  progress  as  the  other;  either,  in  excess 
or  disj)ro]»ortionately  administered,  like  an  excess  of 
oxygen  or  of  hydrogen  in  the  air,  becomes  pernicious, 
engenders  social  disruptions  and  decay  which  continue 
until  the  equilibrium  is  restored;  yet  all  the  while 
with  tliv  progress  of  humanity  the  good  increases  while 
the  evil  diminishes.  Every  impulse  incident  to  hu- 
manity is  born  of  tlie  union  of  these  two  opposing 
j)rinci})les.  For  example,  as  1  have  said,  and  will 
attemf)t  more  fully  to  show  further  on,  association  is 
the  tirst  re(juisite  of  progress.  But  what  is  to  bring 
about  association  ?  Naked  nomads  will  not  voluntarily 
yield  up  their  freedom,  quit  their  wanderings,  hold 
conventions  and  pass  resolutions  concerning  the  great- 
est good  to  the  greatest  ninnber;  patriotism,  love, 
benevolence,  brotherly  kindness,  will  not  bring  savage 
men  together;  extrinsic  force  must  be  enq)loyed,  an 
iron  hand  must  be  laid  upon  them  which  will  conq)el 
them  to  unite,  else  there  can  be  no  civilization;  and  to 
acconq)lish  this  first  great  good  to  man, — to  compel 
mankind  to  take  the  initial  step  toward  the  ameliora- 
tion of  their  condition, — it  is  ordained  that  an  evil,  or 
what  to  us  of  these  latter  times  is  surely  an  evil,  come 
forward, — and  that  evil  is  War. 

Primeval  man,  in  his  social  organization,  is  })atri- 
archal,  spreading  out  over  vast  domains  in  little  bands 
or  families,  just  large  enoi:gh  to  be  able  successfidly 
to  cope  with  wild  beasts.  And  in  that  state  human- 
ity would  forever  remain  «.lid  not  some  terrible  cause 
force  these  bands  to  confederate.      War  is  an   evil, 


EVIL  AS  A  STIMILANT  OF  I'UlKiHKSS. 


29 


ut  to  hu- 

op})osiii_i:;' 

and  will 

ociatuni  m 

s  to  bring 

oluntarily 

ngs,  hold 

:he  great- 

i«ni,  love, 

ig  savago 

loyed,  an 

11  c'onii)el 

>n;  and  to 

)o  conipul 

anieliora- 

evil,  or 

jvil,  (,H)nio 


m 


is  })atri- 
ttlc  bands 
coesstidly 
e  luinian- 
ible  causo 
;  an   evil, 


originating  in  hateful  passions  and  ending  in  dire 
misery;  yet  without  war,  without  this  evil,  man  would 
forever  remain  })rimitive.  But  something  more  is 
necessary.  War  brings  men  together  for  a  pur])ose, 
but  it  is  insufficient  to  hold  them  together;  for  when 
the  cause  which  comi)acted  them  no  longer  exists,  they 
speedily  scatter,  each  going  his  own  way.  Then 
comes  in  superstition  to  the  aid  of  progress.  A  suc- 
cessful leader  is  first  feare'l  as  a  man,  then  reverence«l 
as  a  supernatural  being,  and  finally  himself,  or  his 
descendant,  in  the  Hesh  or  in  tradition,  is  worshiped 
as  a  god.  Then  an  unearthly  fear  comes  upon  man- 
kind, and  the  ruler,  perceiving  his  ])ower,  begins  to 
tyiamiize  over  his  fellows.  Both  superstition  and 
tyramiy  are  evils;  yet,  without  war  superstition  and 
tyranny,  dire  evils,  civilization,  which  nuniy  deem  the 
highest  g«)od,  never  by  any  pos  ibility,  as  lunnau 
nature  is,  could  be.  But  more  of  the  conditions  of 
]>rogress  hereafter;  what  1  wish  to  establish  here  is, 
that  evil  is  no  less  a  stimulant  <»f  d'jvelo])ment  than 
good,  and  that  in  this  princi])le  of  progress  are  mani- 
fest the  same  antagonism  of  forces  apparent  through- 
out ])hysical  nature;  the  same  op})Ugnant  energies, 
attractive  and  repulsive,  j>ositive  and  negative,  evt-ry- 
where  existing.  It  is  impossible  for  two  or  more 
individuals  to  be  brought  into  contact  with  each  other, 
whether  through  causes  or  for  purposes  good  or  evil, 
without  ultimate  improvement  to  both.  1  say  whether 
through  causes  or  for  purposes  good  or  evil,  for,  to  the 
all-])ervading  principle  of  evil,  civilization  is  as  nuich 
indebted  as  to  the  all-j)erva(ling  principle  of  good. 
Indeed,  the  beneficial  hiHuences  of  this  unwelcome 
element  have  never  been  generally  recognized.  What- 
ever be  this  j)rinci])leof  evil,  whatever  man  would  le 
without  it,  the  fact  is  clearly  evident  that  to  it  civiliza- 
tion, whatever  that  may  be,  owes  its  existence.  "The 
whole  tendency  of  political  economy  and  philosojihical 
history,"  says  Lecky,  "which  reveal  the  jihysiology 
of  society,   is  to  show  that  the  happiness  and  welfare 


'A 


BO 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILTZATION. 


of  mankind  arc  evolved  nuicli  more  from  our  selfisli 
than  what  are  ten.iod  our  virtuous  acts."  No  wonder 
that  devil-worship  obtains,  in  certain  parts,  wlien  to 
Ids  demon  the  savajure  tinds  liimself  indebted  for  skill 
not  only  to  overthrow  subordinate  deities,  but  to  cure 
diseases,  to  will  an  enemy  to  death,  to  minister  to  the 
welfare  of  departed  friends,  as  well  as  to  add  mate- 
rially to  his  earthly  store  of  comfoils.  The  world,  such 
as  it  is,  man  tinds  himself  destined  for  a  time  to 
inhabit.  Within  him  and  aroimd  him  the  involuntary 
occupant  perceives  two  aijencies  at  work;  agencies 
a])i)arently  o[)pugnant,  yet  both  tending  to  one  end — 
imju'ovement;  and  Night  or  Day,  Love  or  Crime, 
leads  all  souls  to  the  CJood,  as  Emerson  sings.  The 
})rinciple  of  evil  acts  as  a  perpetual  stimulant,  the 
principle  of  good  as  a  reward  of  merit.  United  in 
their  operation,  there  is  a  constant  tendency  toward  a 
better  condition,  a  higher  state;  a}>art,  the  result 
would  be  inaction.  For,  civilization  being  a  progres- 
sion and  not  a  fixed  condition,  without  incentives,  that 
is  without  something  to  escape  from  and  something  to 
escape  to,  there  could  be  no  transition,  and  hence  no 
civilization. 

Had  man  been  placed  in  the  world  perfected  and 
sinless,  obviously  there  would  be  no  such  thing  as 
l)rogress.  The  absence  of  evil  implies  perfect  gootl, 
and  perfect  good  perfect  hai>}>iness.  Were  man  sinless 
and  yet  capable  of  increasing  knowledge,  the  incentive 
would  be  wanting,  for,  if  perfectly  happy,  why  should 
he  struggle  to  become  happier?  The  advent  of  civili- 
zation is  in  the  appearance  of  a  want,  and  the  first  act 
of  civilization  springs  from  the  attempt  to  supj)ly  the 
want.  The  man  or  nation  that  wants  nothing  remains 
inactive,  and  hence  does  not  advance;  so  that  it  is  not 
in  what  we  have  but  in  what  we  have  not  that  civiliz- 
ation consists.  These  wants  are  forced  upon  us,  ini- 
])lanted  within  us,  inseparable  from  our  being;  they 
increase  with  an  increasing  supply,  grow  hungry  from 
what  they  feed  on;  in  quick  succession,  aspirations, 


LAROU  A  CIVILIZING  AdKNT. 


?1 


einuliitioiis,  and  ainlutions  sjn-iiiu:  uj)  nud  cliaso  cadi 
otlior,  keei)in<j:  tliu  Hrc  of  tli-scoiitciit  ever  flowing,  and 
tliu  wliole  human  raco  otiervescont. 

The  tendency  of  civilizin*,'-  foree,  like  the  tendency  of 
mechanical  force,  is  toward  an  e(|uilil)riuni,  toward  a 
never-attainahle  rest.  Obviously  there  can  he  no 
j)erfect  etjuilihriuni,  no  perfect  rest,  until  all  evil  dis- 
appears, hut  in  that  event  the  end  of  progress  would 
he  attained,  and  humanity  would  he  perfect  and  sinless, 

Man  at  the  outset  is  not  what  he  may  he,  he  is 
cajjahle  of  improvement  or  rather  of  growth;  hut 
childlike,  the  savage  does  not  care  to  improve,  and 
I'onsecjuently  must  be  scourged  into  it.  Advancement 
is  the  ultimate  natural  or  normal  state  of  man;  hu- 
manity on  this  earth  is  destined  some  day  to  be  rela- 
tively, if  not  absolutely,  good  and  hapj>y. 

The  healthy  body  has  appetites,  in  the  gratification 
of  which  lies  its  chiefest  enjoyment;  the  healthy  mind 
has  proclivities,  the  healthy  soul  intuitions,  in  the  exer- 
cise and  activities  of  which  the  happiest  life  is  attaina- 
ble; and  in  as  fai'  as  the  imm;.  erial  and  immoi-tal  in  our 
nature  is  sujjcrioi  to  the  material  and  mortal,  in  so  far 
does  the  education  and  development  of  our  higher 
nature  contribute  in  a  higher  degree  to  our  i)resent 
benefit  and  our  future  well-being. 

There  is  another  thought  in  this  connection  well 
worthy  our  attei»tion.  In  orthodox  and  popular  pai'- 
lance,  labor  is  a  curse  entailed  on  man  by  vindictive 
justice;  yet  viewed  as  a  civilizing  agent,  labor  is 
inan's  greatest  blessing.  Throughout  all  nature  there 
is  no  such  thing  found  as  absolute  inertness;  and,  as 
in  matter,  so  with  regard  to  »)ur  faculties,  no  soo!ier  do 
they  l)egiu  to  rest  than  they  begin  to  rot,  and  even  in 
the  rotting  they  can  obtain  no  rest.  One  of  the  chief 
objects  of  labor  is  to  get  gain,  and  ])r  Johnson  holds 
that  "men  are  seldom  more  innocently  enn)loyed  than 
when  they  are  making  money." 

Human  experience    teaches,   that    in  the  effort   is 
greater  pleasure  than  in  the  end  attained ;  that  labor 


82 


SAVACISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


is  tile  noniuil  condition  of  man;  that  in  acquisition, 
tliat  is  ]»ro<j^ress,  is  tliu  hi^'liost  happiness;  that  })assive 
enjoyment  is  inferior  to  the  exhihiration  of  active 
attempt.  Now  imagine  the  ahsence  fr<Mn  the  world 
«)f  this  s]>irit  of  evil,  and  what  would  he  the  result? 
Total  inaction.  But  hef(L)re  inaction  can  hecome  more 
jdeasurahle  than  action,  man's  nature  nuist  he  chanjii'ed. 
Not  to  say  that  evil  is  a  good  thing,  clearly  there  is  a 
goodness  in  things  evil;  and  in  as  far  as  the  state  of 
escaj>ing  from  evil  is  more  ])leasurahle  than  the  state  of 
evil  escajjod  from,  in  so  far  is  evil  conducive  to  h;q. 
jtiness. 

The  effect  of  well-directed  lahor  is  twofold;  hy  exer- 
cise our  faculties  strengthen  and  ex})and,  and  at  the 
same  time  the  returns  of  that  lahor  give  us  leisure  in 
which  to  direct  our  improved  faculties  to  yet  higher 
aims.  By  continual  ettbrts  to  increase  material  com- 
forts, greater  skill  is  constantly  accpiircd,  and  the  min<l 
asserts  more  and  more  its  in(l<3pendence.  Increasing 
skill  yields  ever  increased  delights,  which  encourage 
and  reward  our  lahor.  This,  up  to  a  certain  point ;  hut 
with  wealth  and  luxury  comes  relaxed  energy.  With- 
out necessity  there  is  no  lalior;  without  lal)or  no  ad- 
vancement. Corjioreal  necessity  fii'st  forces  cor])oreal 
activitv;  then  the  intellect  lifoes  to  work  to  conti'ive 
means  wherel)y  lahor  may  he  lessened  and  made  more 
j)roductive. 

The  discontent  which  arises  from  discomfort,  lies 
at  the  root  of  every  movement;  hut  then  condbrt  is  a 
relative  term  and  complete  satisfaction  is  never 
attained.  Indeed,  as  a  rule,  the  more  scjualid  and 
miserable  the  race,  the  more  are  they  disposed  to 
settle  down  and  content  themselves  in  their  state  of 
discomfort.  What  is  discomfort  to  one  is  luxury  to 
another;  "the  mark  of  rank  in  nature  is  capacity  for 
pain";  in  following  the  intellectual  life,  the  higher  the 
culture  the  greater  the  discontent;  the  greater  the 
accjuisition,  the  more  eagerly  do  men  ])ress  forward 
toward  some  higher  and  greater  imaginary  good.     Wo 


EVIL  TKXDS  TO  DISAITKAU. 


33 


riu  more 


all  know  that  Mossiiiu^s  in  excess  become  the  direst 
curses;  hut  few  are  conscious  where  the  henetit  of  a. 
hlessiiii,'  terminates  and  the  curse  l)ejL,nns,  and  fewer 
still  of  those  who  are  ahle  thus  to  disrrimiiuite  have 
the  moral  strentj^th  to  act  upon  that  knowh;d<,'e.  As 
a  <rin)d  in  excess  is  an  evil,  so  evil  as  it  eidar^es  out- 
<1(HS  itself  and  tends  toward  self-amiihilation.  If  we 
hut  look  ahout  us,  we  nnist  see  that  to  hurn  u|>  the 
world  in  order  to  rid  it  of  i>toss  evil — a  doo-ina  held  hy 
some — is  unnecessary,  for  accunndative  evils  ever  tend 
towards  reaction.  Excessive  evils  are  soonest  remedied ; 
the  e(|uilil)rium  of  the  evil  nuist  he  maintained,  or  the 
anniliilaticm  of  the  evil  ensues. 

Institutions  and  principles  essentially  good  at  one 
time  are  essential  evils  at  another  time.  The  veiy 
aids  and  ai^encies  of  civilization  become  afterward  the 
greatest  drags  upon  j»r()gress.  At  one  time  it  would 
seem  that  bhnd  faith  was  essential  to  improvement,  at 
anotlur  time  skepticism,  at  one  time  order  and  moral- 
ity, at  another  time  lawlessness  and  raj)ine;  for  so  it 
has  ever  been,  and  whether  peace  and  smiling  plenty, 
or  fierce  upheavals  and  dismend)erments  j)redominate, 
from  every  social  spasm  as  well  as  fecund  leisure, 
civilization  shoots  forward  in  its  endless  course.  The 
V(Ty  evils  which  are  regarded  as  infamous  by  a  hiuher 
culture  were  the  necessary  steppmg-stones  to  that 
higlier  life.  As  we  have  seen,  no  nation  ever  did  or 
can  emerge  from  barbarism  without  first  ])lacing  its 
neck  under  the  yokes  of  despotism  and  su])erstition ; 
therefore,  despotism  and  superstition,  now  dire  evils, 
were  once  essential  benefits.  No  religion  ever  attained 
its  full  development  exce])t  under  persecution.  Our 
present  evils  are  constantly  working  out  for  humanity 
unft)rseen  good.  All  systems  of  wrongs  and  fanati- 
cisms are  but  preparing  us  for  and  urging  us  on  to  a 
liigher  state. 

J  f  then  civilization  is  a  predestined,  ineluctable,  and 
eternal  march  away  from  things  evil  toward  that 
which  is  good,  it  must  be  that  throui»-hout  the  world 


Vol.  II.    a 


:i4 


SAVACISM  AND  CIVILIZATIOX. 


tlio  |nIiH'ij)lo  of  "jfood  is  ever  iiicrenHinjif  and  tliat  <if 
evil  (leereusiiijif.  And  this  is  true.  Not  only  does 
evil  decrease,  but  the  tendency  is  ever  toward  its 
disaj)|»earanc'e.  (Jradually  the  confines  of  civilization 
broaden;  the  central  j»rincij)le  of  human  prot^ress 
attains  ^^reater  intensity,  and  the  mind  assumes  more 
and  more  its  lordly  |M)\ver  over  matter. 

The  moment  we  attemi»t  to  search  out  tlie  cause  of 
any  onward  movement  we  at  once  encounter  this  prin- 
ciple of  evil.  The  old-time  aphorism  that  life  is  a 
])erpetual  strujjfjjfle ;  the  first  maxim  of  social  ethics 
'  the  *,M*eatest  hap])ir.;jss  to  the  «jfreatest  nundter' ;  indeed, 
every  thou«,dit  and  action  of  our  lives  points  in  the 
same  direction.  From  what  is  it  mankind  is  so 
eaj^er  to  escape;  with  what  do  we  wrestle;  for  what 
do  we  strive?  We  fly  from  that  which  j^ives  j»ain  to 
that  which  gives  })leasure;  we  wrestle  with  agencies 
which  bar  our  escajje  from  a  state  of  infelicity;  wo 
long  for  happiness. 

Then  comes  the  «}uestion.  What  is  happiness?  Ts 
man  ]»olished  and  refined  hap})ier  than  man  wild  and 
unfettered;  is  civilization  a  blessing  or  a  curse? 
llousseau,  we  know,  held  it  to  be  the  latter;  but  not 
so  Virey.  "What!"  he  exclaims,  "is  he  hapj)ier  than 
the  social  man,  this  being  abandoned  in  his  maladies, 
uncared  for  even  by  his  children  in  his  im})rovident 
old  age,  exposed  to  ferocious  beasts,  in  fear  of  his  own 
kind,  even  of  the  cannibal's  tooth?  The  civilized  man, 
surrounded  in  his  feebleness  by  affectionate  attention, 
sustains  a  longer  existence,  enjoys  more  pleasure  and 
daily  comforts,  is  better  ])rotected  against  inclemencies 
of  weather  aid  all  external  ills.  The  isolated  '"an 
must  suffice  for  himself,  must  harden  himself  to  endure 
any  privation;  his  very  existence  depends  u})on  his 
strength,  and  if  necessity  requires  it  of  him,  he  must 
be  ready  to  abandon  wife  and  children  and  life  itself 
at  any  moment.  Such  cruel  misery  is  rare  in  social 
life,  where  the  sympathies  of  humanity  are  awakened, 
and  freely  exercised." 


IS  CIVILIZATION  CONDICIVI:  TO  HAPPINKSS? 


05 


[lUSe  i)t* 

,H  ]>riu- 

tb  is   '^ 
etU"u'S 

in  the 
I  is  so 
or  Nvluit 

pain  to 
ajjfciK'ios 
•ity;  wo 


Is 
:iUl  and 


loss 


.i 


I    curso 
but  not 

tier  than 
laladios, 

irovitlont 
his  own 

f.Kid  man, 
ttontion, 
saro  and 
eiuoncios 
tod    '-'siu 
,o  onduro 
upon  his 
ho  uuist 
lUtb  itsolt 
in  social 
wakonod, 


r«»Mtiinu' thcso  siinjtlo  iiitrrroi^'atorii's  a  littli' {'arthir 
juhI  si'i-  NvluTo  wo  Ian«l.  Is  tlio  wild  hinl,  tbrct'd  to 
lont,'  niii^rations  tor  I'luhn-altk'  chnuiti's  and  food,  liap- 
|>i(  r  tlian  tlu;  i-aj^^t'd  hird  wliicli  huys  a  daily  plontiful 
supply  for  !i  soni,''^  Is  the  wild  heast,  ot'ttinies  huni,M-y 
and  liunt.'d,  happier  than  its  chained  hrotlur  of  tlio 
nienaLjerie  ?  Is  tlie  wild  liorst',  «;allopin^'  with  its  fel- 
lows ovir  tlu!  hroad  prairie,  happier  than  the  eivilizi'd 
horse  of  carriaye.  eart,  or  plow  i  May  we  not  <|uestion 
whether  the  nierehant,  deep  in  his  speeulatinjx  ven- 
tures, or  the  man  of  law,  ])orin«j^  ovor  his  hrain-tear- 
ini(  hrief,  derives  a.  keener  sense  of  t^njoynu'iit  than 
does  the  free  forest-native,  following  the  war-path  or 
pursuing  his  game? 

As  I  have  attempted  to  show,  civilization  is  not  an 
end  attained,  for  man  is  never  wholly  civilized, — hut 
only  the  effort  to  escape  from  an  evil,  or  ;im  imaginary 
evil  -^savagism.  I  say  an  evil  real  or  imaginary,  for 
as  we  have  soon,  the  <piestion  has  been  seriously  dis- 
cussed whether  civilization  is  bettor  or  worse  than 
savagism.  For  every  advantage  which  culture  atibrds, 
a  ])rice  nmst  be  paid,  -some  say  too  great  a  ])rice. 
The  growth  of  the  mind  is  dei)endent  uixtn  its  cultiva- 
tion, but  this  cultivation  mav  bo  vohmtarv  or  involun- 
tary,  it  may  bo  a  thing  desired  or  a  thing  abhorred. 

Every  nation,  every  society,  and  every  jterson  has 
its  or  his  own  standard  of  happiness.  The  miser  delights 
in  wealth,  the  «'ity  hello  in  finery,  tho  scholar  in  learn- 
ing. The  Christian's  heaven  is  a  s])iritual  city,  where 
they  neither  marry,  nor  are  given  in  marriage ; 
the  Norse-man's  a  Valhalla  of  alternate  battle  and 
wassail;  tho  Mahometan's,  a  paradise  of  houris  and 
lazy  sensuality.  Tho  martyr  at  tho  stake,  triumphant 
in  his  faith,  may  be  happier  than  the  man  of  fashion 
dying  of  omuii  and  gout;  tho  savage,  wandering  through 
forest  and  over  j)lain  in  pursuit  of  game,  or  huddled  in 
his  hut  with  wives  and  children,  may  be  hai)pier  than 
the  care-laden  speculator  or  tho  wrangling  politician. 
Content,  the  essence  of  all  happiness,  is  as  prevalent 


86 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


amonij  the  poor  and  ill-mannered,  as  among  the  rich, 
refined  and  civilized.  Uhi  bene,  ibi  patria,  where  it  is 
well  with  me,  there  is  my  (;ountry,  is  the  motto  of  the 
Indian,— and  to  he  well  with  him  signifies  only  to  he 
beyond  the  reach  of  hunger  and  enemies.  Ask  the 
savage  which  is  preferable,  a  native  or  a  cultured  state, 
and  he  will  answer  the  former;  {isk  the  civilized  man, 
and  he  will  say  the  latter.  1  do  not  see  any  greater 
absurdity  in  the  wild  man  saying  to  the  tamed  one: 
Give  up  the  despotisms  and  diseases  of  society  and 
throw  yourself  with  me  upon  beauteous,  bounteous 
nature;  vhan  in  the  European  saying  to  the  American: 
If  yt)U  would  find  happiness,  al)andon  your  fii^h  and 
naked  freedom,  !i('c»n»t  (jhristiai'.ity  and  cotton  sliiits, 
go  to  work  in  a  mission,  rut  on  a  reservation,  or  beg 
and  starve  in  civilized  fashion! 

Of  all  animals,  man  alone  has  broken  down  the  bar- 
riers of  his  nature  in  civilizing,  or,  as  Kousseau 
expresses  it,  in  denaturalizing  himself;  and  for  this  de- 
naturalization some  natural  good  must  be  relimpiished; 
to  every  iiifringnient  of  nature's  law,  there  is  a  pen- 
alty attached;  for  a  more  delicate  organism  the  ])rice 
is  numberless  new  diseases;  for  ])olitical  institutions 
the  i)rice  is  native  freedom.  With  })olished  manners 
the  candidate  for  civilization  must  accept  affectation, 
social  desjiotism;  with  increasing  woalth,  increasing 
wuits;  civilization  engenders  complexity  in  society, 
and  in  its  turn  is  engendered  tliereby.  Peo})les  the 
most  highly  cultured  are  moved  by  the  most  delicate 
springs;  a  finer  touch,  the  result  of  greater  skill,  M'ith  a 
finer  t(>ne,  the  result  of  greater  experience,  produces 
music  more  and  yet  luore  excjuisite. 

Were  man  only  an  animal,  this  denaturalization 
and  more,  would  be  true.  The  tamed  brute  gives  up 
all  the  lienefits  of  savagism  for  few  of  the  blessings 
of  civilization;  in  a  cultured  state,  as  compared  to  a 
state  of  wild  freedom,  its  ills  are  nund)erless,  its  ad- 
vantages infinitesimal.  But  human  nature  is  two-fold, 
objective  and   subjective,  the    former  tyi)ical   of  the 


i 


VA 


SUBJECTIVE  AND  OIUKCTIVE  Hl'MAXITY. 


37 


ic  rich, 
)re  it  is 
.)  (^t*  the 
[y  to  ho 
^sk  the 
id  state, 
,ed  niiiu, 
•  oTcater 
led  one: 
ioty  and 
ounteous 
lueriean : 
til+h  and 
m  shirts, 
n,  or 


boj,^ 


n  the  bar- 
Pvtnisseau 
'or  this  de- 
imiiished; 
is  a  pen- 
the  price 
nstitutions 
id  maimers 
attectation, 
increasinij; 
\i\  society, 
:»eoples  the 
)st  dehcate 
jkill,  with  a 
e,  produces 

turahzatiou 
ite  gives  up 
le  blessings 
npared  to  a 
rless,  its  ad - 
.  is  two-fold, 
,i,-al   of  the 


I 


sava^'o  state,  the  latter  of  the  civilized.  ^NFan  is  not 
wholly  animal;  and  l»y  cultivatinL*'  the  mind,  that  is, 
hy  civilizing  himself,  he  is  no  more  denaturalized  than 
hy  cultivntifig  the  hody,  and  thereby  aecpiiring  greater 
jtliysieal  perfection.  We  cannot  escape  onr  nature;  wo 
cannot  re-create  ourselves;  we  can  only  submit  our- 
selves to  be  polished  and  impi'oved  by  the  eternal  spirit 
of  })rogress.  The  moral  and  the  intellectual  are  as 
nuich  constituents  of  human  nature  fis  the  i)hysical; 
civilization,  therefore,  is  as  nuich  the  natural  state  of 
man  as  savagism. 

vVnother  more  plausihle  and  j)artially  correct  asser- 
tion is,  that  by  the  development  of  the  subjective  j)art 
of  our  nature,  objective  humanity  becomes  <legen^'rated. 
The  intellectual  cannot  be  wrought  u[)  to  the  highest 
state  of  cultivation  exce])t  <\t  the  expense  of  the  ]>hys- 
ical,  nor  the  i)hysical  fully  developed  without  limiting 
the  mental.  The  etloi'ts  of  the  mind  di'aw  from  the 
energies  of  the  body;  tlie  highest  and  healthiest  vigor 
of  the  body  can  only  b'.'  attained  when  the  mind  is  at 
rest,  or  in  .t  state  of  careless  activity.  In  answer  to 
which  1  should  say  that  beyond  a  certain  ]H)int,  it  is 
true;  one  would  har<lly  train  successfully  for  a  prize 
fight  and  the  trij)os  at  che  same  time;  but  that  the 
non-intellectual  savage,  as  a  race,  is  physically  superior, 
capablo  of  enduring  greater  fatigue,  or  more  skillful  in 
nniscular  exercise  than  the  civilized  man  is  inconsistent 
wit  I  facts.  Civilization  has  its  vices  as  well  as  its 
virtues,  savagism  has  its  advantages  as  well  as  its 
demerits. 

The  evils  of  savagism  are  not  so  great  as  we  imagine ; 
its  pleasures  more  than  we  are  ajjt  t(»  think.  As  we 
become  more  and  more  removed  from  evils  their  mag- 
nitude enlarges;  the  fear  of  sutlering  increases  as 
suH'ering  is  less  experienced  and  v.itnessed.  If  savag- 
ism holds  human  life  in  light  esteem,  civilization 
makes  death  more  hideous  than  it  really  is;  if  savag- 
ism is  more  cruel,  it  is  less  sensitive.  Combatants 
armstomed  to   freipient    encounter    think    lightly    of 


!'!    :  1  i 


88 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


wounds,  and  those  whose  Hfe  is  oftenest  imperiled 
think  least  of  losing  it.  Indifference  to  pain  is  not 
necessarily  the  result  of  cruelty;  it  may  arise  as  well 
from  the  most  exalted  sentiment  as  from  the  basest. 

Civilization  not  only  engenders  new  vices,  but  i)roves 
tlie  destroyer  of  many  virtues.  Among  the  wealthier 
classes  energy  gives  way  to  enjo3'ment,  luxury  sa})s 
the  foundation  of  labor,  progress  becomes  jjaralyzed, 
and  with  now  and  then  a  noble  exception,  but  few 
earnest  workers  in  the  paths  of  literature,  science,  or 
any  of  the  dej)artments  which  tend  to  the  improve- 
ment of  mankind,  are  to  be  found  among  the  i)owerful 
and  the  atHuent,  while  the  middle  classes  are  absorbed 
in  money-getting,  ui^consciously  thereby,  it  is  true, 
working  toward  the  envls  of  civilization. 

That  civilization  is  expedient,  that  it  is  a  good,  that 
it  is  better  than  savagism,  we  who  })rofess  to  be  civilized 
entertain  no  doubt.  Those  who  believe  otherwise  nnist 
be  ready  to  deny  that  health  is  better  than  disease,  truth 
than  sujierstition,  intellectual  power  than  stui)id  ignor- 
ance ;  but  whether  the  miseries  and  vices  of  savagism,  or 
those  of  civilization  are  the  greater,  is  another  (juestion. 
The  tendency  of  civilization  is,  on  the  whole,  to  j)urify 
the  morals,  to  give  etjual  rights  to  man,  to  distribute 
more  ecpuilly  among  men  the  benefits  of  this  world,  to 
melioriate  wholesale  misery  and  degradation,  oft'er  a 
higher  aim  and  the  means  of  accomj)lishing  a  nobler 
destiny,  to  increase  the  power  of  the  mind  and  give  it 
dominion  over  the  forces  of  nature,  to  place  the  mate- 
rial in  subservience  to  the  mental,  to  elevate  the 
individual  and  regulate  society.  True,  it  may  be 
urged  that  this  heaping  u])  of  intellectual  fruits  tends 
toward  mono})oly,  toward  making  the  rich  richei"  and 
the  poor  i)oorer,  Imt  I  still  hold  that  the  benefits  of 
civilization  are  for  the  most  part  evenly  distributed; 
that  wealth  bevond  one's  uecessitv  is  genorallv  acurse 
to  the  })ossessor  greater  than  the  extreme  of  })overty, 
and  that  the  true  blessings  of  culture  and  refinement 
like  air  and  sunshine  are  free  to  all. 


I 
f 


t^ 


CONDITIONS  ESSENTIAL  TO  PilOGUESS.  89 

Civilization,  it  is  said,  multiplies  wants,  but  then 
they  are  ennobling  wants,  better  called  aspirations,  and 
many  of  these  civilization  satisfies. 

If  civilization  breeds  new  vices,  old  ones  are  extin- 
guished by  it.  Decency  and  decorum  hide  the  hide- 
ousness  oi'  vice,  drive  it  into  dark  corners,  and  thei'el)y 
raise  tlie  tone  of  morals  and  weaken  vice.  Thus 
civilization  promotes  eluistity,  elevates  woman,  breaks 
down  the  barriers  of  hate  and  superstition  between 
ancient  nations  and  religions;  individual  energy,  the 
influence  of  one  over  the  many,  becomes  less  and  less 
felt,  and  the  ])ower  of  the  [)eoi>le  becomes  stronger. 

Civilization  in  itself  can  not  but  l)e  beneficial  to 
man;  that  which  makes  society  more  refined,  more 
intellectual,  less  bestial,  more  courteous;  that  which 
cures  physical  and  mental  diseases,  increases  the  com- 
forts and  luxury  of  life,  purifies  religions,  makes  juster 
governments,  nuist  surely  be  beneficial:  it  is  the  uni- 
versal i)rinciple  of  evil  which  impregnates  all  human 
art'airs,  alloying  even  current  coin,  which  raises  the 
question.  That  there  .are  evils  attending  civilization  as 
all  other  benefits,  none  can  deny,  but  civilization  itself 
is  no  evil. 


If  I  liave  succeeded  in  presenting  clearly  the  fore- 
going thoughts,  enough  has  l)een  said  as  to  the  nature 
anil  essence  of  civilization;  let  us  now  examine  st>me 
of  the  conditions  essential  to  intellectual  development. 
For  it  must  not  be  forgotten  that,  while  every  de})art- 
ment  of  liunian  ]m)gi-ess  is  but  the  unfolding  of  a 
genu;  wliile  every  tendency  of  our  life,  every  custom 
and  creed  of  our  civilization  finds  its  rudiment  in 
savagisiii;  while,  as  man  devel(»]is,  no  new  elements  of 
human  nature  are  created  by  the  jirocess;  wliile,  as  the 
organism  of  tJie  child  is  as  conij>lex  and  cMnijdete  as  the 
i»rg!Uiisr.  of  the  man,  so  is  humanity  in  a  savage  state 
tlu'  jierfect  germ  of  humanity  civilized, — it  must  not 
l»e  forgotten  in  all  this,  that  civilization  cannot  unfold 
except  under  favorable  conditions.     Just  as  the  plant, 


E 


40 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATTON. 


tlioui>h  endowed  witli  life  which  corresponds  to  tlie 
niind-[)rinci[)le  in  progress,  requires  for  its  growth  a 
suitable  soil  and  climate,  so  this  progressional  phe- 
nomenon must  have  soil  and  sunshine  before  it  yields 
fruit;  and  this  is  another  proof  that  civilization  is  not 
in  the  man  more  than  around  him;  for  if  the  principle 
were  inherent  in  the  individual,  then  the  Hyperl)orean, 
with  his  half  year  of  light  and  half  year  of  under- 
ground darkness,  must  of  necessity  become  civilized 
eipially  with  the  man  born  amidst  the  sharj)ening 
jostles  of  a  European  capital,  for  in  all  those  parts  that 
a|»j)ertain  solely  to  the  intrinsic  individual,  the  one 
develo})S  as  ])erfectly  as  the  other.  A  people  ujidergo- 
ing  the  civilizing  process  need  not  necessarily,  does  not 
indeed,  advance  in  every  species  of  imj)rovement  at 
the  same  time;  in  some  respects  the  nation  may  bo 
stationary,  in  otliers  even  retrograde.  Every  age  and 
every  nation  has  its  special  line  of  march.  Literature 
and  the  tine  arts  reached  their  height  in  pagan  (J recce; 
monotheism  among  the  Hebrews;  science  unfolded  in 
Egypt,  and  government  in  Ro;ne. 

In  every  individual  there  is  some  one  talent  that  can 
be  cultivated  more  advantageously  than  any  other;  so 
it  is  with  nations,  every  j)eo})le  possesses  some  natural 
advantage  for  develojtment  in  some  certain  direction 
over  every  other  people,  aiid  often  the  early  liistory 
of  a  nation,  like  the  precocious  proclivities  of  the  cliild, 
points  toward  its  future;  and  in  such  arts  and  indus- 
tries as  its  climate  and  geograj)hical  ])osition  best 
enable  it  to  develop,  is  discovered  the  germ  t)f  national 
character.  Seldom  is  the  commercial  sj)irit  developed 
in  the  interior  of  a  continent,  or  the  despotic  spirit 
on  the  border  of  the  sea,  or  the  predatory  spirit  in  a 
country  wholly  devoid  of  mountains  and  fastnesses. 
It  cannot  be  said  tliat  one  nation  or  race  is  inherently 
better  fitted  for  civilizatit)n  than  another;  all  may  not 
be  e(|ually  fitted  for  exactly  tlie  same  civilization,  but 
all  are  alike  fitted  for  that  civilization  which,  if  left  to 


itself. 


each  w'ill  wor 


ik  out. 


'^ 


CONDITIONS  ESSKNTIAL  TO  PROGRKSS. 


41 


to  tlie 
owth  a 
[il  phe- 

yields 
1  is  not 
rineiple 
■V)oroan, 

iinder- 
'ivilizod 
rponin,i>' 
rts  that 
the  one 
nderi;'()- 
loos  not 
nent  at 
may  l)o 
a^e  and 
teraturo 
(J recce; 
jlded  in 

bliat  can 

thcr;  so 

natural 

ircctiou 

ustt)ry 
le  cliild, 

indus- 
)n  best 
national 
vclo[)cd 
(•  spirit 
lit  in  a 
tncssus. 
icrontly 

n.iy  ii(>fc 
ion,  but 
f  left  to 


■I 


^Nfankind,  moreover,  advances  spasmodically,  and  in 
certain  directions  only  at  a  time,  which  is  the  lifreatest 
drawbMck  to  })rogress.  As  Lecky  remarks:  "S})ecial 
a_u^encies,  such  as  reliij^ious  or  jK)litical  institutions, 
y-eotjcrajjliical  conditions,  traditions,  antipathies,  and 
afKuities,  exercise  a  certain  retarding,  acceleratini*-,  or 
tleHectin^'  influence,  and  somewhat  modify  the  normal 
])n)nress."  Perfect  develoi)ment  only  is  permanent, 
ami  tliat  alone  is  perfect  which  develops  the  whole 
man  and  the  whole  society  ecpially  in  all  its  ])arts;  all 
the  activities,  mental,  moral,  and  i)hysical,  nuist  needs 
grow  in  unison  and  simultaneously,  and  this  alone  is 
j)erfect  and  pennanent  develo])ment.  Shoul«l  all  the 
world  become  civilized  there  will  still  be  minor  differ- 
ences; suViW.  will  advance  further  in  one  direction  and 
some  in  another,  all  together  will  form  the  complete 
whole. 

Civilization  as  an  exotic  seldom  flourishes.  Often 
has  the  attempt  been  made  by  a  cultivated  ])eoj)le  to 
civilize  a  barbarous  nation,  and  as  often  has  it  failed. 
True,  one  nation  may  force  its  arts  or  religion  upon 
another,  but  to  civilize  is  neither  to  subjugate  nor  anni- 
hilate; foreigners  may  introduce  new  in  lustries  and 
new  i)iiilos()])hies,  which  the  uncultured  may  do  well 
to  acce[)t,  but  as  civilization  is  an  unfolding,  and  not 
a  creation,  he  wlu)  would  advance  civilization  nmst 
teach  society  how  to  grow,  how  to  enlarge  its  better 
self;  must  teach  in  what  direction  its  highest  inter- 
ests he. 

Thus  it  appears  that,  while  this  germ  of  ]n-ogress  is 
innate  in  every  human  society,  ceitain  conditions  are 
more  favorable  to  its  development  than  others,  —con- 
ditions which  act  as  stimulants  or  imi)ediments  to  pro- 
gress. ( )ften  we  see  nations  remain  ajtparently  sta- 
tionary, the  elements  of  progress  evenly  balanced  by 
opjiosing  influences,  and  thus  they  remain  until  by 
internal  force,  or  exterr  d  pressure,  their  system 
exi)ands  or  explodes,  until  they  absorb  or  are  absorbed 


i  ' 


" 


42 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


by  antagonistic  elements.  The  intrinsic  force  of  the 
body  social  appears  to  demand  extrinsic  prompting 
before  it  will  manifest  itself  Like  the  grains  of  wheat 
ill  the  hand  of  Belzoni's  mummy,  which  held  life 
slumbering  for  three  thousand  years,  and  awoke  to 
growth  when  buried  in  the  ground,  so  the  element  of 
human  progress  lies  dormant  until  j)lanted  in  a  con- 
genial soil  and  surrounded  by  those  influences  which 
])rovoke  development. 

This  stinmlant,  which  acts  upon  and  unfolds  the 
intellect,  can  be  administered  only  through  the  mediuu) 
of  the  senses.  Nerve  force,  which  precedes  intellectual 
force,  is  sujiplied  by  the  body ;  the  cravings  of  man's 
corporeal  nature,  therefore,  must  be  quieted  before  the 
mind  can  fix  itself  on  higher  things.  The  first  step 
toward  teaching  a  savage  is  to  feed  him;  the  stomath 
satisfied  he  will  listen  to  instiiiction,  not  before. 

Cultivation  of  at  least  the  most  necessary  of  the 
industrial  arts  invariably  precedes  cultivation  of  the 
fine  arts ;  the  intellect  nmst  be  implanted  in  a  satisfied 
body  Ijefore  it  will  take  root  and  grow.  The  mind  must 
be  allowed  some  resj^ite  from  its  attendance  on  the  body, 
before  culture  can  commence ;  it  must  abandon  its  state 
of  servitude,  and  become  master;  in  other  words,  leis- 
ure is  an  essential  of  culture. 

As  association  is  the  primal  condition  of  progress, 
let  us  see  how  nature  throws  societies  together  or 
holds  them  asunder.  In  some  directions  there  are 
greater  facilities  for  intercommunication  (another  essen- 
tial of  improvement)  than  in  other  directions.  Wher- 
ever man  is  most  in  harmony  with  nature,  there  he 
progresses  most  rapidly;  wlierever  nature  o:Ters  the 
greatest  advantages,  such  as  a  sea  that  invites  to  com- 
merce, an  elevated  plateau  lifting  its  occupants  above 
tlie  malaria  of  a  tropical  lowland,  a  sheltering  mountain 
range  that  wards  off  inclement  winds  and  bars  out 
hostile  neighbors,  there  culture  flourishes  best. 

So  that  humanity,  in  its  two-fold  nature,  is  depend- 


'M. 


OBJECTIVE  AND  SUBJECTIVE  STIMULANTS. 


43 


I  of  the 
jiiipting 
»f  wheat 
leld  hfe 
woke  to 
sment  of 
n  a  con- 
!s  which 

bids  the 
mediuii) 
,ellectual 
of  man's 
efore  tht 
irst  step 
stomach 
re. 

y  of  the 
•n  of  the 
.  satisfied 
ind  must 
the  body, 
its  state 
ds,  leis- 

irogress, 
ether  or 
lere  are 
ler  essen- 
Wher- 
there  he 
iers  the 
to  com- 
its  above 
Qiovmtain 
bars  out 
t. 

i  depend- 


ent for  its  development  upon  two  distinct  species  of 
stimulants,  objective  and  subjective.  Material  causa- 
tions, or  those  forces  which  minister  to  the  requirements 
of  man's  material  nature  but  upon  which  his  intellect- 
ual projrress  is  de})endent,  are  configurations  of  surface, 
soil,  climate,  and  food.  Those  physical  conditions 
which,  when  favorable,  give  to  their  possessors  wealth 
and  leisure,  are  the  inevitable  precursors  of  culture. 
1  nimaterial  causations  are  those  forces  which  act  more 
directly  upon  man's  inuuaterial  nature,  as  association, 
religion,  wealth,  leisure,  and  government.  Continuing 
the  analysis,  let  us  first  examine  i)hysical  stinnilants. 
Athnitting  readily  two  of  M.  Taine's  primordial  hu- 
manity-moving forces,  *le  milieu'  or  environment,  and 
his  'le  moment'  or  inherited  impulse,  we  will  pass  over 
third  force  'la  race'; — for  inherent  dift'erences  in  race, 
iu  the  present  stage  of  science,  are  i)urely  hyi)othetioal ; 
it  remains  yet  to  be  proved  that  one  nation  is  j)rimarily 
inherently  inferior  or  suj)erior  to  another  nation.  That 
man  once  created  is  moulded  and  modified  by  his 
enviroiunent,  there  can  be  no  doubt.  Even  a  cursory 
survx'y  of  the  globe  presents  some  indications  favorable 
and  unfavoral)le  to  the  unfolding  of  the  diflierent  forms 
of  orjranic  beinjj. 

Great  continents,  for  instance,  appear  to  be  conge- 
nial to  the  development  of  animal  life;  islands  and 
lesser  continents  to  the  growth  of  exuberant  vegeta- 
tion. Thus,  in  the  eastern  hemisphere,  which  is  a 
compact  oval,  essentially  continental,  with  vast  areas 
far  removed  from  the  influence  of  the  ocean,  flourish 
the  elephant,  the  hippopotamus,  the  rhinoceros,  the 
courageous  lion,  the  fierce  tiger,  the  largest  and  lord- 
liest of  animal  kind,  while  in  the  more  oceanic 
A\estern  hemisphere  inferior  types-  Tevail.  Cold  and 
dryness  characterize  the  one ;  heat  and  humidity  the 
other;  in  one  are  the  greatest  deserts,  in  the  other  the 
greatest  lakes  and  rivers.  Warm  oceanic  currents 
bathe  the  frosty  shores  of  the  northern  extremities  of 
the  continents  and  render  them  habitable;  the  moist- 


44 


SAVAfJISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


urc-l.uloii  equiitoriiil  atraospliore  clotlies  the  adjacent 
islaiuls  and  Hnn  land  in  emerald  verdnre.  Upon  the 
same  parallel  of  latitude  are  the  i^reat  Sahani  Desert 
of  Africa,  and  the  wilderness  of  luxuriant  billowy  fo- 
liaL^e  of  the  American  Isthmus.  In  warm,  moist 
climates,  such  species  of  animal  life  attain  the  fullest 
development  as  are  dependent  upon  the  aipieous  and 
herhous  asj^encies.  In  tropical  Anieri«'a  are  seen  the 
larijj'est  reptiles,  the  most  gorii^eous  insects, — there  the 
inhahitants  of  warm  marshes  and  slui^gish  waters 
assume  gigantic  proportions,  while  only  upon  the 
hroad  inland  i)rairies  or  upon  elevated  mountain  ranges, 
away  from  the  influences  of  warm  waters  and  humid 
atmospheres,  are  found  the  buffalo,  bear,  and  elk.  The 
very  com})lexion  and  temperament  of  man  are  affected 
by  these  vegetative  and  umbrageous  elements.  Unj)ro- 
tected  from  the  perpendicular  rays  of  the  sun,  the 
African  is  black,  muscular,  and  cheerful;  under  the 
shadow  of  primeval  forest,  man  assumes  a  coppery  hue, 
lacking  the  endurance  of  the  negro,  and  becomes  in 
disposition  cold  and  melancholy. 

And  again,  if  we  look  for  the  natural  causes  which 
tend  to  promote  or  retard  association,  we  find  in 
climates  and  continental  configurations  the  chief 
agencies.  The  continent  of  the  two  Americas,  in  its 
greatest  length,  lies  north  aiul  south,  the  eastern  con- 
tinental group  extends  east  and  west.  Primitive 
people  naturally  would  sj)read  out  in  those  directions 
which  offered  the  least  change  of  climate  from  that  of 
the  })riniitive  centre.  Obviously,  variations  of  climate 
are  greater  in  following  a  meridian  than  along  a  paral- 
lel of  latitude.  Thus,  the  tropical  man  jiassing  along 
a  meridian  is  driven  back  by  unendurable  cold,  wliile  a 
continent  may  be  traversed  on  any  parallel,  elevations 
excepted,  with  but  little  variation  in  temperature.  A 
savage,  exposed  and  inexperienced,  not  knowing  how  to 
protect  himself  against  severe  changes  of  climate, 
could  not  travel  far  in  a  northerly  or  southerly  direc- 
tion without  suflering  severely  from  the  cold  or  heat; 


CLIMATE  AND  MOrNTAIX  IIANCJKS. 


4S 


1  adjacent 
[T|)()ii  tlio 
ra  J^osort 
illowy  fo- 
111,    moist 
lio  fullest 
leous  and 
!  seen  the 
-there  the 
>h  waters 
upon   the 
in  ranjj^es, 
lid  liuniid 
elk.     Tlie 
:'e  affected 
.     Unj)ro- 
sun,   the 
under  the 
ipei'Y  hue, 
econies  in 

ises  whicli 
find  in 
the  chief 
[cas,  in  its 
stern  con- 
Primitive 
directions 
)m  that  of 
of  cHmate 
i!f  a  paral- 
m\g  along 
I,  while  a 
elevations 
ture.  A 
inu'  how  to 
climate, 
L!rly  direc- 
1  or  heat; 


hence,  otlier  thini»'s  hcinsf  equal,  the  inhahitants  of  a 
countrv  whose  greatest  length  lay  east  and  west,  would 
inturminglu  more  readily  tiian  those  whose  territory 
extended  north  and  south. 

That  the  eastern  hemi.s])herc  attained  a  higher  de- 
gree of  civilization  than  the  western,  may  he  ])artly 
due  to  the  fact,  that  the  former  presents  wider  sj)aces 
of  uniform  climate  than  the  latter.  The  climatic  zones 
<)fthu  New  World,  hesides  heing  shorter,  are  inter- 
sected hy  mountain  harriers,  which  tend  to  retard 
the  intercourse  that  would  otherwise  naturally  follow. 
Thus  the  Mexican  table-land,  the  seat  of  Aztec  civili- 
zation, is  a  ticvi'it  friti  situated  above  the  insalubrious 
ttcn-d  citVunttc  of  either  coast  and  the  healthful  ficrra, 
t('tii/>/i«ht  of  the  sloj)es,  but  below  the  mountain  ranges 
whicli  rise  from  this  table-land,  forminir  a  (irrra 
Jn';/i(f((,  a  region  of  perpetual  snow.  To  this  day,  the 
natives  of  the  Mexican  plateau  cannot  live  on  the 
sea-coast,  though  less  than  a  day's  journey  distant. 

Between  the  climatic  zones  which  extend  through 
Eurojte  and  Asia,  there  are  contrasts  as  marked  and 
changes  as  sudden,  but  these  differences  are  between 
the  different  zones  rather  than  l>etween  longitudinal 
sections  of  the  same  zone.  Hence,  in  the  old  world, 
when;  climatic  zones  are  separated  by  mountain  ranges 
which  make  the  transition  from  one  to  the  other  suddei 
and  abrupt,  we  see  a  greater  diversity  of  race  than  ii> 
America,  where  the  natural  barriers  extend  north  and 
south  and  intersect  the  climatic  zones,  thereby  bringing 
the  inhabitants  along  a  meridian  in  easier  communica- 
tion than  those  who  live  in  the  same  latitude  but  who 
are  separated  by  mountains,  table-lands  at-  '  large  riv- 
ers. That  is,  if  color  and  race  are  dependent  on  (tlimate, 
America  should  offer  greater  varieties  in  color  and 
race  than  Europe,  for  America  traverses  the  most 
latitudes;  but  the  mountain  barriers  of  America  extend 
north  and  south,  thereby  forcing  its  peo])le  to  inter- 
mingle, if  at  all,  in  that  direction,  while  the  chief 
ranges  of  the  eastern  continent  extend  east  and  west, 


4G 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


parallel  with  climatic  zones,  thereby  forminj^  in  them- 
sulves  distinctly  marked  lines  between  peoples,  forcinjj^ 
the  African  to  remain  under  his  burning  sun,  and  the 
northmen  in  their  cooler  latitudes;  so  that  in  the 
several  climatic  zones  of  the  old  world,  we  see  the 
human  race  distinctly  marked,  Aryan,  Semitic,  and 
Turanian — white,  black,  and  yellow— while  throujjfhout 
the  two  Americas,  from  Alaska  to  Tierra  del  Fuego, 
type  and  color  are  singularly  uniform. 

Who  can  picture  the  mighty  tide  of  humanity, 
which,  while  the  eastern  hemisphere  has  been  develoj)- 
ing  so  high  a  state  of  culture,  in  America  has  ebbed 
and  Howed  between  barbarisms  and  civilizations? 
Tlirough  what  long  and  desperate  struggles,  continuing 
aue  after  ajje  through  the  lives  of  nations,  now  ad  vane- 
ing,  now  receding,  have  these  peoj)les  passed?  Asia, 
from  its  central  i)osition  and  favoral)le  climate,  would 
seem  naturally  to  encourage  a  redundant  population 
and  a  spontaneous  civilizaticm ;  the  waters  of  the 
Mediterranean  invite  connnerce  and  intercommunica- 
tion of  nations,  while  the  British  Isles,  from  their 
insular  situation  and  distance  from  hypothetical  prim- 
itive centres,  would  seem  necessarily  to  remain  longer 
in  a  state  of  barbarism.  In  the  Pacific  States  of 
North  America  we  find  the  densest  })opulation  north 
along  the  shores  of  the  ocean,  and  south  on  the  Cordil- 
lera table-land,  from  the  fact  that  the  former  ofl^ers 
the  best  facilities  for  food  .and  locomotion  until  the 
latter  is  reached,  when  the  interior  presents  the  most 
favorable  dwelling-place  for  man. 

Climate  affects  both  mental  and  moral  endowments, 
the  temperament  of  the  body,  and  the  texture  of  the 
brain;  physical  energy,  and  mental  vigor.  Temperate 
climates  are  more  conducive  to  civilization,  not  for  the 
reason  given  by  Mr  Harris,  "as  developing  the  higher 
<|ualities,  and  not  invigorating  the  baser  feelings,"  for 
the  Hyperborean  is  as  unchaste  and  as  great  a  slave 
to  passion  as  the  sub-equatorial  man — but  because  a 


THE  INFLI'KNCK  OF  FOOD. 


47 


in  thcm- 
s,  forein*? 
,,  and  the 
it  in  the 
e  Hee  the 
iiitic,  and 
iroufjfhout 
el  Fuego, 


humanity, 
n  deveU)l>- 
has  eiibed 
'ilizations? 
continuing 
)W  advanc- 
3d?     Asia, 
latc,  would 
population 
31-8   of  the 
onnnunica- 
from  their 
tical  prini- 
lain  longer 
;  States  of 
ition  north 
the  cordil- 
iner  offers 
1  until  the 
,s  the  most 

dowments, 
:,ure  of  the 
Temperate 
not  for  the 
the  higher 
elings,"  for 
eat  a  slave 
;  because  a 


temperate  climate,  while  it  lures  to  exertion,  rewards 
the  laborer. 

Next,  let  us  consider  the  agency  of  food  in  human 
develitpment.  The  ettect  of  food  is  to  supply  the  body 
with  caloric,  which  is  essential  to  its  life,  and  to  repair 
the  nuiscular  fibres  Avhich  are  constantly  undergoing 
waste  in  our  daily  activities.  These  two  etiects  are 
produced  by  two  difftjrent  kinds  of  diet;  carbonized 
Ibod,  such  as  animal  Hesh,  fish,  oils  and  fats,  and  oxi- 
dized food,  which  consists  chieHy  of  vegetables.  Jn  hot 
climates,  obviously,  less  carluMiized  food  is  recpiired  to 
keep  uj>  the  necessary  tenij)erature  of  the  body  than 
in  cold  climates.  Hence  it  is,  that  hyperborean  nations 
subsist  on  whale's  blubber,  oil,  and  flesh,  while  the 
tropical  man  confines  himself  almost  exclusively  to  a 
vegetable  diet. 

1 1  is  not  my  puqiose  here  to  enter  into  the  relative 
effects  of  the  different  kinds  of  food  on  physiological 
and  mental  development;  I  desire,  however,  to  call 
attention  to  tlie  comparative  facility  with  which  car- 
bonized and  oxidized  food  is  j)rocured  by  man,  and  to 
note  the  effect  of  this  ease  or  difhcultv  in  obtaininyf  a 
food  suj)}tly,  ui)on  his  ju'ogress.  In  warm,  humid 
t'limates  vegetation  is  s])ontaneous  and  abundant;  a 
plentiful  suj)ply  of  food  may,  therefore,  be  obtained 
witli  tlie  smallest  expenditure  of  labor.  The  inhabitants 
of  cold  climates,  however,  are  obliged  to  ])ursue,  by 
land  and  water,  wild  and  powerful  animals,  to  ]>ut 
forth  all  their  strength  and  skill  in  order  to  secure  a 
])recarious  sui)})ly  of  the  necessary  food.  Then,  again, 
i)esides  being  more  difficult  to  obtain,  and  more  uncer- 
tain as  to  a  steady  supply,  the  (piantity  of  food  con- 
sumed in  a  cold  climate  is  nnich  greater  than  that 
consumed  in  a  hot  climate.  Now  as  leisure  is  essen- 
tial to  cultivation,  and  as  without  a  surplus  of  food 
and  clothing  there  can  be  no  leisure,  it  would  seem  to 
follow  naturally  that  in  those  countries  where  food 
and  clothing  are  most  easily  obtained  culture  should 


48 


SAVAfJISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


1   ^if 


l!:d: 


ill 


be  tlio  hijn^host;  Hince,  ho  littlo  time  and  labor  arc 
iiocL'ssarv  to  satislV  the  necessities  of  the  hodv,  the 
mind  would  have  opjjortunitv  to  expand.  It  wiadd 
seem  that  a  fertile  soil,  an  exuberant  vegetation,  Kof't 
skies  and  balmy  air,  a  ecnmtry  where  raiment  was 
Hcarcely  essential  to  comfort,  and  where  lor  food  the 
favored  inhabitant  had  but  to  pluck  and  eat,  should 
beccnne  the  seat  of  a  numerous  poi)ulation  and  a  hi^^h 
development.  Is  this  the  fact  ^  "Wherever  snow 
I'alls,"  Emerson  remarks,  "there  is  usually  civil  free- 
dom. Where  the  banana  jLjrows,  the  animal  system  is 
indolent,  and  pampered  at  the  cost  of  hii^her  <|ualities; 
the  man  is  sensual  aiul  cruel;"  and  we  may  add  that 
where  wlieat  ^rows,  thei'e  is  civilization,  where  rice  is 
the  staple,  there  mental  viijor  is  relaxed. 

Heat  and  moisture  beinsjc  the  jj^ieat  veoetativo 
stimulants,  tropical  lands  in  ja-oximity  to  the  sea  are 
covered  with  eternal  verdure.  Lit  Lie  or  no  lahor  is 
recjuired  to  sustain  life;  for  food  t.iere  is  the  ))eipet- 
ually  ripening-  fruit,  a  few  hours'  ])lantino-,  sometimes, 
beinijf  sufficient  to  supply  a  family  for  months;  for 
shelter,  little  more  than  the  dense  folia L;e  is  necessary, 
while  scarcely  any  clothiniif  is  recpiired. 

But  althoui'h  heat  and  moisture,  the  oreot  vei^-eta- 
tive  stimulants,  lie  at  the  root  of  ])rimitive  iiro^ress, 
these  elements  in  su})eral)undance  defeat  their  own 
ends,  iUid  in  two  wavs:  First,  excessive  heat  enervates 
the  hody  and  prosti'ates  the  mind,  lani>iu)r  and  inertia 
becoiue  clironic,  while  cold  is  invii»oratin<j^  and  ]ii<)ni}>ts 
to  activity.  And  in  tro})ical  climates  certain  hours  of 
the  day  are  too  hot  for  work,  and  are,  cons'  uc  ly, 
devoted  to  sleej).     The  day  is  broken  int< 


(I 


it.^ 


continuous  a})})lication,  which  alone  ])rod  nn])or- 

tant  results,  is  ])revented,  and  habits  of  sla  u'ss  .-i  d 
laxity  become  the  rule  of  life.  Satisfied,  nioi*eo  er, 
with  the  provisions  of  nature  for  their  support,  tlic 
people  live  without  labor,  vejjcetatin<*',]>lant-like,throunli 
a  listless  and  objectless  life.  Secondly,  vey-etation, 
stimulated  by  excessive  heat  and  moisture,  grows  with 


'■     Ml 


UNViANAllKAI'.LKNKSH  OK  KKPrNDANT  NATlUi: 


li) 


Uor  arc 
)(ly,  the 
t  \\o\\\i\ 
ion,  H«iit 

iL'llt    NVllS 

lodd  tilt' 
t,  shouUl 
id  11  lii;il» 
cr    sn<»NV 
•ivil  i'lvc- 
Kystom  is 
(jUulilH's; 
juUl  that 
Dve  vu'o  is 

,'e<;etativo 
[Mi  fiviv  arc 
o  hilior  is 
ic  iierpct- 
^ioiiictinu's, 
,)nths;  iov 
necessary, 

t  vejj^cta- 
Urc.n'ress, 
heir  own 
enervates 
nd  inertia 
id  i)roinpts 
In  hours  of 
.    wv    ly, 
*ciits; 
un]>or- 

rSS  •.'     il 

niore(  er, 
Import,  the 
kcthrou.u'h 
vegetation, 
<>ro\vs  with 


BUeli  strcMiLjtli  and  rapidity  as  to  doty  tlie  eflurts  of 
inexi>erien<'ed  primitive  man;  nature  Itet-omes  domi- 
neering;, innnanau'eahle,  and  man  sinks  into  insi^niifi- 
canee.  Indeed  the  most  skillful  industry  of  armed 
and  disciplined  civilization  is  unahle  to  keej)  under 
control  this  redundancy  of  tropical  vi-^i-etation.  The 
patli  cleared  hy  the  piom-er  on  peiietratinj;  the  dense 
nnderL,M'o\vth,  clost.'s  alter  him  like  the  waters  of  the  sea 
hehind  a  ship;  hetore  the  j^-rain  has  time  to  sprinjr  nj), 
the  plowi'd  Held  is  covered  with  rank  weeds,  wild  Howers, 
and  poisonous  plants  no  less  heautiful  than  pernicious. 
1  have  seen  the  v  !ry  fence-posts  Hproutin^*-  up  and 
yrowiny  into  trees.  So  destructive  is  the  veiictation 
of  the  ( 'entral  American  lowlands,  that  in  their 
triumphal  march  the  j)ersistent  roots  penetrate  the 
crevices  of  masoni'v,  demolish  strouj;  walls,  and  ohlit- 
erate  stupendous  tunuili.  The  people  whose  climate 
makes  caihonized  fo(»d  a  necessitv,  are  oblit»'ed  to  call 
lilt  '  action  their  holder  and  stronger  faculties  in  order 
I  )  .)Utain  their  sujiplies,  while  the  vei»'etahle-eater  may 
traiKjuilly  rest  on  hounteous  nature.  The  Eskimo 
struijfnles  manfully  with  whale,  and  hear,  and  ice,  and 
darkness,  nntil  his  capacious  stomach  is  well  tilled 
with  heat-j)roducinfi^  food,  then  he  dozes  torpidly  in 
his  den  while  the  su]»ply  lasts;  the  etjuatorial  man 
jthicks  and  eats,  hasks  in  the  o))en  air,  and  sleejts. 

,      i  [ere  we  have  a  medley  of  heteroi;-eneous  and    an- 
ta<i()nistic  elements.      Leisure  is  essential   to  culture; 

[  before  leisure  there  nuist  he  an  accuuiulation  of  wealth  ; 
the  accunudation  of  wealth  is  depentlent  uj)on  the  food- 
supply;  a  surjilus  of  food  can  only  he  easily  obtained 
in  warm  climates.  But  labor  is  also  essential  to  devel- 
opment, aiitl  excessive  heat  is  opj)osed  to  labor.  Labor, 
moreover,  in  order  to  produce  leisui'e  nuist  be  remu- 
iie'-ative,  and  excessive  cold  isoi)]K).sed  to  accunudation. 
It  aj)p.ars,  therefore,  that  an  excess  of  labor  and  an 
ext  ess  [■  leisure  are  alike  detrimental  to  improvement. 
Ao-ain,  heat  and  moisture  are  essential  to  an  abun(hint 
.supply    of  oxidized   food.     But  heat    and   moisture. 

Vol.  II.    4 


50 


iJAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


»li 


especially  in  tropical  climates,  act  as  a  stimulant  upon 
other  rank  prcductions,  engenderinj^  dense  forests, 
tangled  brush-wood,  an,!  poisonous  shrubs,  and  fillinj; 
miasmatic  marshes  with  noxious  reptiles.  These  ene- 
mies to  human  progress  the  weaponless  savage  is  unable 
to  overcome. 

It  is,  therefore,  neither  in  hot  and  humid  countries, 
nor  in  excessively  cold  climates,  that  we  are  to  look  for 
a  primitive  civilization;  for  in  the  latter  nature  lies 
dormant,  while  in  the  former  the  redundancy  of  nature 
becomes  unmanageable.  It  is  true  that  in  the  trop- 
ics of  America  and  Asia  are  found  the  seats  of  many 
ancient  civilizations,  but  if  we  examine  them  one 
after  the  other,  we  shall  see,  in  nearly  every  in- 
stance, some  opposite  or  counteracting  agency.  Thus, 
the  Aztecs,  though  choosing  a  low  latitude  in  j)rox- 
imity  to  both  oceans,  occupied  an  elevated  table-land, 
in  a  cool,  dry  atmosphere,  seven  or  eight  thousand 
feet  al)ove  the  level  of  the  sea.  The  river  Nile,  by 
its  j)eriodic  inundations,  forced  the  ancient  Egypt- 
ians to  lay  by  a  store  of  food,  which  is  the  very  tirst 
step  towaid  wealth.  The  rivers  of  India  are,  some  of 
them,  subject  to  like  ovei-Howings,  while  the  more 
elevated  parts  are  dry  and  fertile. 

Egypt  was  the  cradle  of  European  develoj)ment. 
Long  before  the  advent  of  Christianity,  the  fertik- 
banks  of  the  Nile,  for  their  pyramidal  tombs,  their 
colossi,  their  obelisks  and  catacombs  and  sphinxes  and 
temples,  were  regarded  by  surrounding  barbarians  as 
a  land  of  miracles  and  marvels.  Tlience  Greece  de- 
rived her  earliest  arts  and  maxims.  The  climate  of 
Egypt  was  unchangeable,  and  the  inundations  of  the 
Nile  offered  a  less  uncertain  water-supply  than  the 
rains  of  many  other  districts,  and  thus  agriculture, 
while  offering  to  the  laborer  the  greater  part  of  tlie 
year  for  leisure,  was  almost  certain  to  be  remunerative. 
Common  instincts  and  common  efforts,  uniformity  of 
climate  and  identity  of  interch.ts  j)roduced  a  homoge- 
neous people,  and  forty  centuries  of  such  changele!^s 


''■m 


uUiiit  upon 
se  forests, 
and  fillin^^ 
Those  ene- 
re  is  unable 

I  countries, 
i  to  look  for 
nature  lies 
•y  of  nature 
in  the  trop- 
its  of  many 
I    them  one 
i  every    in- 
iicy.     Thus, 
■de  in  i)rox- 
l  table-land, 
lit  thousand 
var  Nile,  by 
ent   Egypt- 
he  very  tirst 
are,  some  of 
e  the  more 

evelopment. 

,  the  fertile 
nnbs,  their 
)hinxes  and 

arbarians  as 
Greece  de- 

le  climate  ot" 

itions  of  the 
ly  than  the 
airriculture, 
part  of  the 

enumerative. 

iinifonnity  of 

d  a  homo*i:e- 
chan^ele^s 


MR  niCKLK'S  TIIEOUY. 


51 


coming  and  going  could  not  fail  to  result  in  in.prove- 
nient. 

Mr  Buckle,  in  his  attempt  to  establish  a  universid 
theory  that  heat  and  moisture  inevitably  engender 
civilization,  and  that  without  those  combined  ag-nicies 
no  civilization  can  arise,  somewhat  overreaches  iiim- 
self  "  In  America,  as  in  Asia  and  Africa,"  he  says, 
"ail  the  oritifinal  civilizations  were  seated  in  hot  c(Min- 
iries;  the  whole  of  Peru,  })roper,  being  withhi  the 
southern  tro[)ic,  the  whole  of  Central  America  and 
?Texico  within  the  northern  tropic."  The  fact  is,  that 
Cuzco,  the  cajjital  city  of  the  Incas,  is  in  the  Cordil- 
leras, three  hundred  miles  from  and  eleven  thousand 
feet  above  the  sea.  For  the  latitude  the  climace  is 
both  cold  and  dry.  The  valley  of  ^lexico  is  warmer 
and  moister,  but  cannot  be  called  hot  and  humid, 
l^dencjue  and  Co[)an  a{)proach  nearer  Mr  Buckle's 
ideal  than  Cuzco  or  Mexico,  being  above  the  tierra 
caliente  proper,  and  yet  in  a  truly  hot  and  humid 
climate. 

Tlie  Hawaiian  Islands, — an  isolated  group  of  lava 
piles,  thrown  uj)  into  the  trade  winds  on  the  twentieth 
)>arallel,  and  by  these  winds  deluged  on  one  side  with 
rain,  while  the  otlier  is  left  almost  dry,  with  but  little 
alluvial  soil,  and  that  little  exceedingly  fertile,—  at  the 
time  of  their  discovery  by  Cai)tain  Cook  ajt})eared  to 
have  made  no  inconsiderable  advance'  toward  feudal- 
ism. Systems  of  land  tenure  and  \  assalai>e  were  in 
ojH'ration,  and  some  works  for  the  j>ul)lic  weal  had 
^een  constructed.  Here  were  the  essentials  for  a  low 
onler  of  improvement  such  as  was  found  there,  but 
whicli  never,  in  all  probability,  would  have  riben  nuich 
higher. 

Again,  Mr  Buckle  declares  that,  "owing  to  the 
presence  of  physical  phenomena,  the  civilization  of 
America  was,  of  nei-essity,  conHned  to  those  i)arts 
wl.ere  alone  it  was  found  by  the  discoverers  of  the  New 
World."  An  apparently  safe  postulate;  but,  upon 
any   conceivable    hypothesis,    there    are    very    many 


1  r-n:! 


•irl 


52 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATIOX. 


places  as  well  adapted  to  development  as  those  in  which 
it  was  found.  Once  more:  "The  two  «^reat  conditions 
of  fertility  have  not  been  united  in  any  part  of  the 
continent  north  of  Mexico."  When  we  consider  what 
it  is,  namely,  heat  and  humidity,  upon  which  Mr  Buckle 
makes  intellectual  evolution  dependf.'ut,  and  that  not 
only  tlie  Mexican  plateau  lacked  both  these  essentials, 
in  the  full  meanin<>:  of  the  term,  but  that  both  are 
i'ound  in  many  })laces  north waid,  as  for  instance,  in 
some  parts  of  Texas  and  in  Louisiana,  a  discrepancy  in 
liis  theory  becomes  apparent.  "The  peculiar  contiy'- 
ui'ation  of  the  land,"  he  continues,  "secured  a  very 
l:iri;'e  amount  of  coast,  and  thus  <>"ave  to  the  southern 
part  of  North  America  the  character  of  an  island."  An 
island,  yes,  but,  as  M.  Ciuyot  terms  it,  an  "aerial 
island;"  bordered  on  either  side  by  sea-coast,  but  by 
such  sea-coast  as  formed  an  almost  imi)assable  barrier 
between  the  table-land  and  the  ocean. 

"While,  therefore,"  adds  Mr  Buckle,  "ih  •  jKosition 
of  Mexico  near  the  equator  <i^ave  it  heat,  the  slia])e  of 
tilt!  land  gave  it  humidity;  and  this  l)eing  tlie  only  \nirt 
of  North  America  in  which  these  two  conditions  wen; 
united  it  was  likewise  the  only  jiart  which  was  at  all 
<ivilized.  Thei'e  can  be  no  doubt,  that  if  tlie  sandy 
plains  of  (California  and  Southern  Columbia,  instead  of 
being  scorched  into  sterility,  had  been  ii'rigated  by  the 
rivei's  of  the  east,  oi'  if  the  rivers  of  the  east  had  buen 
accompanied  by  the  heat  of  the  west,  the  result  of  either 
combination  would  have  been  that  exuberance  of  soil, 
by  which,  as  the  history  of  the  world  decisively  proves, 
evoiy  early  civilization  was  preceded.  But  inasmucli 
as,  of  the  two  elements  of  fertility,  one  was  deriiient  in 
every  j)art  of  America  north  of  the  twentieth  parallel, 
it  foHowed  tliat,  until  that  line  was  passed,  civilization 
euuld  gain  no  resting  ])lace;  and  there  never  has  been 
found,  and  we  may  contidently  assert  nevei-  will  Ix; 
fbu!i(i,  any  evidence  that  even  a  s'ligle  ancient  nation, 
i'l  tile  whole  of  that  enormous  continent,  was  able  to 
Uiakc  much  progress  in  the  arts  of  life,  oi'  inganize 


3  in  which 
'onditions 
Li-t  of  the 
ider  what 
Ay  Buckle 
I  that  not 
ossuntials, 
))oth  aru 
istance,  in 
repancy  in 
iar  conti.u- 
ed  a  very 
i  southern 
and."    An 
ial 


an 


"  1 


aei 


ist,  Imt  hy 
ble  l)arrier 

li,'  ])osition 
lie  shape  of 
e  only  part 
tions  were 
was  at  all 
the  sandy 
instead  of 
itedhy  the 
t  had  been 
ult  of  either 
nee  of  wod, 
ely  proves, 
t  inasmuch 
demient  in 
th  i)arallel, 
civilization 
or  has  been 
\vv  will  be- 
itnt  nation, 
was  able  to 
or  organize 


"■r  nV  V.KItK  CALIFOKNIANS  NOT  CIVILIZED?  53 

itself  into  a  fixed  and  permanent  society."  This  is  a 
broad  statement  endtodyin<»'  precipitate  deductions 
from  false  premises,  and  one  which  betra3's  singular 
ignorance  of  the  countiy  and  its  climate.  These  same 
"sandy  j)lains  of  California"  so  far  from  being  "scorche<l 
into  sterility,"  arc  to-day  sending  tlieir  cereals  in  every 
direction — to  the  east  and  to  the  west — and  are  caj)able 
of  feeding  all  Europe. 

I  have  often  wondered  why  California  was  not  the 
seat  of  a  primitive  civilization;  wliy,  ui)on  every  con- 
verging line  the  race  deteriorates  as  this  centre  is 
a|)]ii-oache(l ;  why,  with  a  cool,  salubrious  seaboard,  a 
hot  and  healthful  interior,  with  alternate  rainy  and 
dry  seasons,  alternate  seasons  of  labor  and  leisure 
which  encourage  producing  and  hoarding  and  which 
are  the  primary  incentives  to  accumulation  and  wealth, 
in  this  hot  and  cool,  moist  and  drv,  and  inviii-oratinuf 
atmos])hcre,  with  a  fertile  soil,  a  climate  which  in  no 
jiart  of  the  year  can  be  <'alled  cold  or  inhosj)itabli', 
should  be  found  one  of  the  lowest  phases  of  humanity 
on  the  North  American  continent.  The  cause  nuist  be 
sought  in  periods  more  remote,  in  tlie  convulsions  of 
nature  now  stilled;  in  t\\o  tunudts  of  nations  whose 
histor}'  lies  forgotten,  forever  buried  in  the  past.  The- 
ories never  will  solve  the  mysterv.  Indeed,  there  is 
n<»  reason  why  the  foundations  of  the  Aztec  and 
]\raya-Quiche  civilizations  may  n<»t  have  been  laid 
north  of  the  thirtv-Hfth  parallel,  althouu'li  no  archi- 
tectural  remams  have  been  discovered  there,  nor  other 
]»roof  of  such  an  origin;  but  upon  the  banks  of  tlie 
( lila,  the  Colorado,  and  the  Kio  ( Jrande,  in  Chiluiahua, 
and  on  the  hot  dry  jtlains  of  Arizona  and  New  ^fexico, 
far  beyond  the  limits  of  Mr  Buckle's  territory  wlu're 
"there  never  has  been  found,  and  we  mav  confidently 
assert  never  will  be  found"  any  evidence  of  progress, 
are  t(t-(lay  walled  towns  iidiabited  by  an  industrial  and 
agricultural  peojde,  whost'  existence  we  can  trace  back 
\  for  nieie  than  three  centuries,  besides  ruins  of  massive 
buildings  of  whose  historv  nothin-j-  is  known. 


54 


SAVACISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


Tims,  that  California  and  many  otlicr  pai'ts  of  Xortli 
Aiiiurica  c-(jiil(l  not  liave  \)ven  thu  ssoat  of  a  j)riiniti\  u 
civilization,  cannot  bu  proved  upon  the  basis  of  any 
physical  liyj)othesis;  and,  indeed,  in  our  attempt  to 
elucidate  the  principles  of  universal  progress,  where 
the  mysterious  and  antaL:"onistic  activities  of  humanitv 
have  heen  fermentiui,^  all  unseen  for  thousands  of  a^es, 
unknown  and  unknowahle,  amon^' ])eoples  of  whom  our 
utmost  knowledi^e  can  he  oidy  such  as  is  dei'ivcd  iVoni 
a  transient  <4limj)se  of  a  disa])i)eai'iniL;"  race,  it  is  with 
the  utmost  difhculty  that  satisfactoiy  conclusi(jus  can 
in  any  instance  he  reached. 

It  is  in  a  tem])erate  climate,  therefore,  that  man 
attains  the  highest  development.  On  the  })eninsulas 
of  (ireece  and  Italy,  where  the  Mediterranean  invites 
intercourse;  in  li'an  and  Armenia,  where  the  climate 
is  cold  enough  to  stimulate  lahoi',  hut  not  so  cold  as  to 
riMjuire  the  use  of  all  the  enei'gies  of  body  and  mind  in 
order  to  ac(|uire  a  bare  subsistence;  warm  enough  to 
make  leisure  j'ossible,  but  not  so  warm  as  to  enervate 
and  ]>rostrate  the  faculties;  with  a  soil  of  sutlicieiit 
fei'tility  to  yield  a  sui'plus  and  })rom(»te  the  accumulation 
of  wealth,  without  pi'oducing  such  a  ri'dundancy  of 
vegetation  as  to  be  umnanageable  by  unskilled,  })rimi- 
tive  man — there  it  is  that  we  find  the  hi'diest  intel- 
lectual  culture. 

It  sometimes  happens  that,  in  those  climati>s  wliich 
aiv  too  vigorous  for  the  unfolding  of  the  tender  genu, 
(•ulti\ation  is  stinudated  into  gi'eater  activity  than  in 
its  original  seats.  It  sometimes  haj)pens  that,  wIhii 
the  shell  of  savagism  is  once  faii'ly  I)roken,  a  ]h'o])1;' 
may  overcome  a  (lomineerini>'  V(!!>etation,  and  Hourisli 
in   a   climate  whei'e  by  no   itossibilitv  could  their  (\r 

(.  1.  * 

velopnient  have  originated.      Even  in  the  frozen  regions 


o 


fth 


le  north,  as  in  Scandanavia,  man, 


l)y  tl 


le  mtensitv 


of  his  nature,  was  enabled  to  suiniount  the  difficul- 
ties of  climate  and  attain  a  lierce,  iMtde  culti\atioii, 
T\w  regions  of  NortJiern  iMii'ojte  and  Xoi'thei'n  Anui- 
ica,  notwithstanding  their  <iriginal  oj>])osition  to  man, 


ASSOCIATION  AX  ELEMENT  OE  PROGEESS. 


tsof  Nortll 
I  primitive 
asis  of  any 
attempt  to 
n>ss,  wlien^ 
•1"  humanity 
luls  of  ages, 
(f  wliom  our 
orived  from 
},  it  is  witli 
i-Uisions  can 

3,  tliat  uian 
>  peninsulas 
neaii  invites 

tlie  climate 
so  cold  as  to 

iUid  mind  in 
n  enougli  to 
^  to  enervate 

of  sufficient 
\ccuiPjdation 

dundancy  oi" 
killed,  prim i 
li^liest  intel- 

imates  wliich 
tender  o-orni, 
tivity  than  in 
IS  tliiit,  when 
ki'U,  a  ])eopl' 
.  and  flourish 
)uld  their  dr- 
frozen  rejj^ioiis 
•  the  intensitv 
t  the  difficui- 
le  cultivation. 
)i-thern  Aunr- 
>ition  to  m:tu, 


are  to-day  the  most  fruitful  of  all  lands  in  industrial 
discoNeries  and  intellectual  activities,  hut  in  the  j)olar 
re<(ions,  as  iu  the  ecpiatorial,  the  highest  development 
never  can  he  reached. 

The  conditions  which  encourage  indigenous  civiliza- 
tion ai'(!  not  always  those  that  encourai>e  permanent 
development,  and  vice  versa.  Thus,  (jreat  Britain  in 
lier  insulation,  remained  harhurous  long  after  (Ireece 
and  Italy  had  attained  a  high  degree  of  cultivation, 
yet  when  once  the  seed  took  root,  that  very  insulation 
acted  as  a  wall  of  defense,  within  which  a  mighty 
j)ower  germinated  and  with  its  inthience  overspiead 
the  whole  earth. 

Thus  we  have  seen  that  a  cond)ination  of  ])hysical 
conditions    is    essential    to    intellectual    deyelo])ment. 
Without   leisure,   there    can    he    no    culture,    witliout 
wealth  no  leisure,  without  lahor  no  wealth,  and  w  ith- 
out  a  s:'itahle  soil  and  climate  no  rennnierative  lahor. 
Now,  throughout  the  nia.tei-ial  universe,  there  is  no 
ohject  or  element  which  holds  its  place,  whether  at 
rest  or  in  motion,  e\ce})t  under  fixed  laws;  no  atom  of 
matter  nor  suhtle  mysterious  force,  no  hreath  of  air, 
nor  cloudy  vaj)or  nor  streak  of  light,  hut  in  existing- 
oheys  a  law.     The  Almighty  fiat:  Be  fruitful  and  mul- 
tiply, fruitful  in  increase,  intellectual  as  well  as  physi- 
cal, was  given  alike  to  all  mankind;  seeds  of  progress 
were  sown   hroads-ast  throughout  all  the  races  human; 
.^ome   I'ell  on  stony  places,  othei's   were  choked   with 
weeds,  others  found  good  soil.      When  we  see  a  ])eo})lo 
in  the  full  enjoyment  of  all  these  physical  essentials  to 
|ii'ogress  yet  in  a  state  of  savagism,  we   may   he  sure 
tJiat  elements  detrimental  to  progivss  have,  at  some 
period  of  their  history,  interposed  to  prevent  natui'al 
i^rowtli.    War,  famine,  jjostdence,  convulsions  of  nature, 
have  nip]»ed  in  the  hud  manyati  incijiient  civilization, 
whose  history  lies  deep  hui'ied  in  the  unrecorded  past. 

TIu>  ohvious   jiecessity  of  association  as  a  ])iiniarv 
condition  of  deveh)pment  leaves   little  to  he   said  on 


56 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


that  subject.  To  the  manifestation  of  this  Soul  of 
Prot^ress  a  l)ody  social  is  requisite,  as  without  an  indi- 
vidual body  there  can  be  no  manifestation  of  an  indi- 
vidual soul.  This  body  social,  like  the  body  individual, 
is  composed  of  numberless  organs,  each  liavino*  its 
special  functions  to  perform,  each  acting  on  the  others, 
and  all  under  the  general  government  of  the  j)rogres- 
sional  idea.  Civilization  is  not  an  individual  attribute, 
and  though  the  atom,  man,  may  be  charged  with  stored 
energy,  yet  progress  constitutes  no  part  of  individual 
nature :  it  is  somethinof  that  lies  between  men  and  not 
within  them;  it  belongs  to  society  and  not  to  tlie  indi- 
vidual; man,  the  molecule  of  society,  isolate,  is  inert 
and  forceless.  The  isolated  man,  as  I  have  said,  never 
can  become  cultivated,  never  can  form  a  language, 
does  not  possess  in  its  fullness  the  faculty  of  abstrac- 
tion, nor  can  his  mind  enter  the  realm  of  hi<jfher 
thought.  All  those  characteristics  which  distinguish 
mankind  from  animal-kind  become  almost  inojjcrative. 
Without  association  there  is  no  speech,  for  speecli  is  but 
tlie  conductor  of  thoufjlit  between  two  or  moie  indi- 
viduals;  without  words  abstract  thought  cannot  flow, 
for  words,  or  some  other  form  of  expression,  ai-e  the 
channels  of  thought,  and  with  the  absence  of  words  the 
fountain  of  thought  is  in  a  measure  sealed. 

At  the  A^ery  threshold  of  progress  social  crystalliza- 
tion sets  in;  something  there  is  in  every  man  that 
draws  him  to  other  men.  In  the  relationsliip  of  the 
sexes,  this  principle  of  human  attraction  readies  its 
heiglit,  where  the  husband  and  wife,  as  it  were,  coalesce, 
like  the  union  of  one  drop  of  water  with  another,  form- 
ing one  globule.  As  unconsciously  and  as  positively 
are  men  constrained  to  band  together  into  societies  as 
are  particles  forced  to  unite  and  form  crystals.  And 
lierein  is  a  law  as  pali)ai)le  and  as  fixed  as  any  law  in 
nature;  a  law,  which  if  unfulfilled,  would  I'esult  in  the 
extermination  of  the  race.  But  the  law  of  Jiuinan 
attraction  is  not  perfect,  does  not  fulfill  its  ])iirposc 
a})art  from  the  law  of  human  repulsion,  for  as  we  have 


Soul   ()f 
an  indi- 
5111  iiidi- 
(lividual, 
Lviiiji;"  its 
le  others, 
prt)gres- 
ittril)ute, 
til  stored 
idividual 
1  and  not 
the  indi- 
,  is  inert 
lid,  never 
language, 
al)stra('- 
)f  hij^her 
istinjji'uish 
)l)erative. 
cell  is  but 
:u>re  indi- 
uiot  flow, 
ue  the 
words  the 

^stalliza- 
iian  that 
ip  of  the 
aches  its 
coalesce, 
lor,  form- 
H)sitively 
u'ieties  as 

s.  And 
iiy  law  in 
ult  in  the 
f  luinian 

])urpose 

we  have 


COOPEKATION  AND  THE  DIVISION  OF  LAHOR. 


r>7 


■■'&! 


seen,  nntil  war  and  despotism  and  superstition  and 
other  dire  evils  come,  there  is  no  pro_<,n-ess.  Solitnde 
is  insnpportahle,  even  beasts  will  not  live  alone;  and 
men  arc  moi"e  depejident  on  each  otlier  than  beasts. 
SoHtudc  carries  with  it  a  sense  of  inferiority  and 
iiisufKciency;  the  faculties  are  stinted,  lacking-  com- 
])lcteiicss,  whereas  volume  is  added  to  every  individual 
laculty  l)y  union. 

Ihit  association  simj)ly,  is  not  enouj^h;  nothinjTf 
materially  yreat  can  l)e  accomplished  without  union 
and  cooperation.  It  is  only  when  aj^j^reyations  of 
families  interminable  with  other  a^',i,^re<jfations,  cadi 
contributing  its  quota  of  original  knowledge  to  the 
otliei";  when  the  individual  gives  up  some  portion  of 
his  individual  will  and  [)roperty  for  the  better  protec- 
tion of  other  rights  and  jjroperty;  when  he  entrusts 
society  with  the  vindication  of  his  rights;  when  he 
depends  ujion  the  banded  arm  of  the  nation,  and  not 
alone  upon  his  own  arm  for  redress  of  grievances,  that 
])i-ogress  is  truly  made.  And  with  union  and  cooper- 
ation comes  the  division  of  labor  by  which  means  each, 
in  some  special  department,  is  enabled  to  excel.  By 
lixing  the  mind  wholly  upon  one  thing,  by  constant 
repetition  and  practice,  the  father  liands  down  his 
art  to  the  son,  who  likeM'ise,  improves  it  for  his  de- 
scendants. It  is  only  by  doing  a  new  thing,  oi-  by 
doing  an  old  thing  better  than  it  has  ever  been  done 
before,  tliat  lu'ogress  is  made.  (Tnder  the  regime  of 
universal  mediocrity  the  nation  does  not  advance;  it 
is  to  the  great  men, —  great  in  things  great  or  small, 
that  progress  is  due;  it  is  to  the  few  who  think,  to  the 
few  who  dare  t(»  face  the  infinite  universe  of  things  and 
stc]),  if  need  be,  outside  an  old-time  boundary,  that 
tlie  world  owes  most. 

Originally  imjdanted  is  the  germ  of  intelligence,  at 
the  iirst  but  little  more  than  brute  instinct.  This 
germ    in   unfolding    undergoes    a    double    process;    it 


tl 


irows  off  its  own  intuitions 


and 


receives  m  return 


those  (jf  another.    By  an  interchange  of  ideas,  the  expe 


C8 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIMLIZATIOX. 


■  If  " 


1111  PI 


riciici's  of  one  are  iiiiule  known  for  tlie  benefit  of  another, 
tlie  inventions  of  one  are  adiled  to  the  inventions  of 
aiu)ther;  witlujut  interconuuunication  of  ideas  the  in- 
tellert  must  He  dormant.  Thus  it  is  with  indivithials, 
and  witli  societies  it  is  the  same.  Ac(juisitions  are 
eminently  reciprocal.  In  society,  wealth,  art,  litera- 
ture, polity,  and  religion  act  and  react  on  each  other; 
in  science  a  fusion  of  antagonistic  hypotheses  is  sure 
to  result  in  important  developments.  Before  much 
j)rogivss  can  he  made,  thei'e  must  be  established  a 
conunerce  between  nations  for  the  interchange  of 
aggregated  human  experiences,  so  that  the  ai'ts  and 
industries  ac([uired  by  each  may  become  the  ])roperty 
of  all  the  rest,  and  thus  knowledge  become  scattered 
by  exchange,  in  j»lace  of  each  having  to  work  out  every 
})roblem  Ibr  himsell".  Thus  viewed,  ci\ilization  is  a 
partnershij)  entered  into  for  nuitual  improvement; 
a  joint  stock  operati:Mi,  in  which  the  i)roduct  of  every 
brain  contributes  to  a  general  fund  for  the  benefit 
of  all.  No  one  can  add  to  his  own  store  of  knowledye 
without  adding  to  the  genei'al  store;  every  invention 
and  discovery,  however  insignificant,  is  a  contribution 
to  civil izatioji. 

In  savagism,  union  and  cooperation  are  imperfectly 
displayed.  The  warriors  of  one  tribe  unite  against 
the  warriors  of  another;  a  band  will  cooperate  in  })ur- 
suing  a  herd  of  buifalo;  even  one  nation  will  sometimes 
unite  with  another  nation  against  a  third,  but  such 
combinations  are  temporary,  and  no  sooner  is  the  })ar- 
ticular  object  accomplished  than  the  confederation 
disbands,  and  ever}'  man  is  again  his  own  masti'r.  'I'he 
moment  two  or  more  [)ersons  unite  for  the  accom])lish- 
nient  of  some  purpose  which  shall  tend  })ermanently 
to  meliorate  the  condition  of  themselves  and  others, 
that  moment  progress  begins.  The  wild  beasts  of  the 
foi'est,  acting  in  imison,  wei'e  physically  able  to  rise  up 
and  extir])ate  primitive  man,  but  could  beasts  in  reality 
confederate  and  do  this,  such  confederation  of  wild 
beasts  could  become  civilized. 


Till':  SAVACi:  IIATKS  CIVILIZATION. 


69 


another, 
ntioiis  of 
s  the  in- 
llviduals, 
tioiis  aru 
it,  litera- 
L-h  other; 
js  is  sure 
)re  luufli 
hi i. shed  a 
hans^e    of 
arts  and 
property 
scattered 
out  every 
ition   is  a 
fovenient ; 
D  of  every 
le   henetit 
aiowledge 
invention 
ntiihution 

nperfeetly 
la  against 
te  in  pnr- 
sonietinies 

l)ut  such 
s  the  par- 
fi'tleration 
.U'V.     The 

coniphsli- 
rnianently 
ml  t)thers, 
asts  of  the 

to  rise  up 
s  in  reality 
)n  of  wild 


But  whv  (loos  i)i'iniitive  man  desire  to  ahandon  his 
ori"iiial  state  juid  sot  out  upon  an  arduous  never-end- 
iny-  journey?  AVliy  does  he  wisli  to  ehan^e  his  mdd 
]»aternal  n'overinnent,  to  relincpiish  his  title  to  lands  as 
hi-oad  as  liis  arm  can  defend,  with  all  therein  contained, 
the  conunon  j>ro|»erty  of  his  })eople?  Why  does  he 
Avisli  to  ,L;ive  uj)  his  wild  fi'eedom,  his  native  independ- 
ence, and  jilace  uj>on  his  limhs  the  fetters  of  a  social 
and  jiolitiral  despotism?  He  does  not.  The  savai^e 
hates  civih/ation  as  he  hates  his  deadliest  foe;  its 
choicest  heiiotits  he  hates  more  tlian  the  dii'est  ills  of 
his  own  unfettei'fd  life.  He  is  di-iven  to  it;  drivon  to 
it  hy  extraneous  iiiHuences,  without  his  knowled<;e 
and  a_<4"ainst  his  will;  he  is  <ii'iven  to  it  hy  this  Soul  of 
Proyi-ess.  it  is  here  that  this  proj.'Tessional  phenome- 
non ai;ain  apjiears  outside  of  man  and  in  direct  opjio- 
si(ion  to  tlie  will  of  man;  it  is  here  that  tlie  principle 
oi't'vil  ayain  comes  in  antl  stirs  men  up  to  the  accom- 
plishment of  a  higher  destiny.  By  it  Adam,  the  first 
of  recoi'ded  savan'cs,  was  driven  from  Eden,  Avhei'e 
othei'wise  lie  Would  have  remained  forever,  and  re- 
mained uncivilized.  By  it  our  ancestors  were  imiielled 
to  ahandon  their  simple  state,  and  organize  moiv 
heterogeneous  com})lex  forms  of  social  life.  And  it  is 
a  prohk-m  for  each  natic»n  to  woi'k  out  for  itself.  Mil- 
lions of  money  are  expended  for  merely  proselytini^ 
pui'iioscs,  when  if  tlie  first  i)rinci]>les  of  civilization 
wiie  Well  understood,  a  more  liheial  manner  of  teach- 
ing would  prevail. 

Every  civilization  has  its  ]>eculiarities,  its  idiosyn- 
crasies. Two  individuals  attemptino-  the  same  thing 
differ  ill  the  performance;  so  civilization  evolving  uiidei 


incidental  and  extrai 


leous  causes  takes  an  indi\i(lualitv 
Tl 


m   every  mstance.      Ihis  is  whv  civilizations  will   not 


coalesce;  this  is  why  the   Si)an"iai(ls  could  make   tl 
Aztecs  accept  their <jivilization  only  at  the  j)oiut  oftli 
I.      iXvelopment  engendei-ed  hy  one  set  of  jilu 


swon 


noineiia  will   not  suit   the  develojunents  of  other  cir- 
cumstances.    The  government,   reliuion,  and  custom.s 


^ 


60 


SAVACISM  AM)  (•IVILi;^ATI()N'. 


of  one  po()])le  will  not  Ht  iuiotlior  })oo|)lc  any  more  than 
the  coat  of  one  j»erson  will  suit  the  form  of  another. 
Thought  runs  in  dilierent  <'hannels;  the  happiness  of 
one  is  not  the  ]iap]»ineHS  of  another;  (leveloj)ment 
spriniji^s  from  inherent  necessity,  and  one  species  cannot 
l)e    eiii^rafted   on    another. 

Let  UH  now  examine  the  phenomena  of  jL^overnment 
and  relij^ion  in  their  ap])lication  to  the  evolution  of 
societit!s,  and  we  shall  het  er  understand  how  tlu! 
Avheels  of  progress  are  first  set  in  motion,  and  hy 
leligion  I  do  not  mean  creed  or  credulity,  but  that 
natural  cultus  inherent  in  humanity,  Mhich  is  a  verv 
different  thing.  Government  is  early  felt  to  he  a  nee<l 
of  society;  the  enforcement  of  laws  which  shall  hring 
order  out  of  social  chaos;  laws  which  shall  restrain  the 
vicious,  protect  the  innocent,  and  i)unish  the  guilty ; 
which  shall  act  as  a  shield  to  inherent  budding  moral- 
ity. But  before  government,  there  nuist  arise  some 
influence  which  will  band  men  together.  An  early  evil 
to  which  civilization  is  indebted  is  war;  the  pro])ensity 
of  man  unha})pily  not  yet  entirely  overcome — I'or  kill- 
ing his  fellow-man. 

The  human  race  has  not  yet  attained  that  state  of 
liomogeneous  felicity  which  we  sometimes  imagine; 
ujjon  the  surface,  we  yet  bear  many  of  the  relics  of 
barbarism;  under  cover  of  manners,  we  hide  still  more. 
War  is  a  bai'barism  which  civilization  only  intensifies, 
as  indeed  civilization  intensifies  ever}'  barbarism  which 
it  does  not  eradicate  or  cover  up.  The  iMght  of  every 
individual  to  act  as  his  own  avenger;  trial  by  combat; 
justice  dependent  upon  the  passion  or  caprice  of  the 
judge  or  i-uler  and  not  ui)on  fixed  law;  hereditary  feuds 
and  mii»Tatorv  skirmishes;  these  and  the  like  are 
deemed  barbarous,  while  every  nation  of  the  civilized 
world  maintains  a  standing  army,  applies  all  the  arts 
and  inventions  of  civilization  to  the  science  of  killing, 
and  upon  sufficient  provocation,  as  a  disputed  boundary 
or  a  fancied  insult,  no  greater  nor  more  im})ortant  than 


■I 


ill 


OOVKUNMKXT  AM»  |{i:i,I(iI<)N. 


61 


nore  tliiiii 
iiiiothcr. 
(jtiiiess  of 
L'lopiiiont 
iuH  ciiniKtt 


iVeriinieiit 
Dlution  of 

llOW      till! 

—  and  l)y 
but  tliiit 
I  is  Ji  very 
1)0  a  1100(1 
Kill  brinjj;- 
^strain  tlio 
lio  j^uilty; 
iiiLi;'  moral - 
ii'iso  soiiio 
f  early  evil 
)ro])oiisity 
— for  kill - 

it  state  of 

iiiia^ino; 

o  relics  of 

till  more. 

ntensitios, 

sill  which 

of  overv 
y  coiiil  )at ; 
Co  of  the 
tary  feuds 

like  are 
e  civilized 

1  the  arts 
of  killing, 

boundary 
rtaiit  than 


■'Si 


tliat  which  nuncd  our  savaLifo  ancestors  to  like  conduct, 
falls  to,  and  ;ifK'r  a  i-i's|»ectable  ci\  ilizcd  butchery  of 
lifty  or  a  hundred  thousand  men,  ceases  lighting,  and 
I't'tnrns.  jterhaps,  to  rinlit  and  reason  as  a  basis  for  the 
stttlcinent  of  the  dittit'nlty.  AVar,  like  other  evils 
vhit'h  have  proved  instruments  of  s^'oo*!,  should  by 
this  time  have  had  its  day,  should  have  sc^rved  its 
IMirpost'.  Standini;' armies,  whose  foi'inatioii  was  i>ne 
of  the  first  and  most  important  ste])s  in  association  and 
partition  of  labor,  ai'o  but  the  manifestation  of  a  lin;«i^or- 
in<j|'  necessity  for  the  use  of  brute  force  in  plact;  of 
moral  force  in  the  settlement  of  national  dis|»uti'S, 
Siiii'ly,  rational  being's  who  retain  the  most  irrational 
prai'tices  concerninn'  the  simplest  principles  of  social 
lii'r  ciumot  boast  of  a  very  liiyh  order  of  what  we  aro 
pleasi'd  to  call  civilization.  ]\b)rality,  commerce,  lit- 
erature, and  industry,  all  that  tends  toward  elevation  of 
intellect,  is  directly  opposed  to  the  warlike  sjiirit.  As 
intellectual  activity  increases,  the  taste  for  war 
decreases,  for  an  aj)j)eal  to  war  in  the  settlement  if 
<litHciiltics  is  an  ajtpeal  from  the  intellectual  to  the 
jdiysieal,  fi'om  reason  to  brute  ibive. 

l)es|)otisni  is  an  evil,  but  despotism  is  as  essential 
to  pronress  as  any  o(,(xl.  In  some  form  despotism  is 
;m  inseparable  adjunct  of  war.  An  individual  or  an 
idea  may  be  the  (losjxit,  hut  witlaait  cohesion,  witlaait 
a  strong-  central  jjower,  real  or  iina,<>inary,  there  can  bo 
no  unity,  and  without  unity  no  protracted  warfare. 
In  the  first  stages  of  <j;-overninent  des])otism  is  as 
cssontial  as  in  the  last  it  is  noxious.  Jt  holds  society 
toovther  when  nothing- ol so  would  hohl  it,  and  at  a  time 
when  its  very  existence  de|)ends  ujton  its  beiny-  so  hold. 
And  not  until  a  moral  inherent  strength  arises  siiHi- 
•  ii'nt  to  burst  the  fetters  of  dosiiotism,  is  a  ])eoi)lo  fit 
for  a  hotter  or  milder  form  of  o-ovornniont;  for  not  until 
this  inherent  jx.wer  is  manifest  is  there  sutHcient  cohe- 
sive force  in  society  to  hold  it  together  witlaait  boiiio- 
hoojiod  by  some  such  band  as  despotism.  Besides  thi;s 
cementing  society,  war  oeneratos  many  viitues,  such 


02 


8AVA0ISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


as  couriit^o,  (liscij)liiio,  <tl)c'(llL'ni'e,  cliivali'oiis  Ix'ariiijL;, 
iiol»I(j  tli()ii;i(lit;  aiul  tho  virtues  of  war,  as  well  as  its 
vices,  help  to  iiioiikl  national  eharaetei*. 

Slavery  to  the  present  day  has  its  deieiulers,  and 
I'roni  the  Hrst  it  has  heen  a  ])reventivo  of  a  wo'sc; 
evil,  -slanj^hter.  Savaj^es  make  slaves  of  their  j)ris- 
oners  of  war,  and  if  they  do  nr»t  }>reserve  them  for 
HlaveH  they  kill  them.  Tho  oriu^in  of  the  woi'd,  si-ri'iis, 
from  scrrtiiv,  to  preserve,  donote's  humane  thoui^ht 
rather  than  cruelty.  Diseijdine  is  always  neeessaiv  t(> 
(leveloi)nient,  and  slavery  is  another  form  of  savage 
discipline.  Then,  by  systems  of  slaveiy,  j^reat  woiks 
wore  accomplished,  which,  in  the  ahsence  of  arts  and 
inventions,  would  not  have  been  j)ossil)le  without  slavery. 
And  ajL^ain,  in  early  societies  wliei'e  leisure  is  so  ne'/^- 
sary  to  mental  cultivation  and  so  difficult  to  obtain, 
slavery,  by  promoting-  leisure,  aids  elevation  and  refine- 
ment. Slaves  constitute  a  distinct  class,  devoted 
Avholly  to  labor,  thereby  cnablinj^  another  class  to  live 
without  labor,  or  to  labor  with  the  intellect  rather 
than  with  the  hands. 

Primordially,  society  was  an  au^oTegation  of  nomadic 
families,  every  head  of  a  faniily  havin«>'  ecjual  rights, 
and  every  individual  such  power  and  influence  as  he 
could  accjuirc  and  maintain.  In  all  the  ordinary  avo- 
cations of  savage  life  this  was  sufficient;  there  was 
room  for  all,  and  the  widest  liberty  was  possessed  by 
each.  And  in  this  hai)})y  state  does  mankind  ever 
remain  until  forced  out  of  it.  In  unity  and  coopera- 
tion alone  can  great  things  be  accomj)lished;  but  men 
will  not  unite  until  forced  to  it.  Now  in  times  of  war 
— and  with  savages  war  is  the  rule  and  not  the  excep- 
tion— some  closer  union  is  necessary  to  avoid  extinction  ; 
for  other  things  being  equal,  the  j)eoj)le  who  are  most 
firmly  united  and  most  strongly  ruled  are  sure  to  ])re- 
vail  in  war.  The  idea  of  unity  in  order  to  be  effectual 
must  1)0  embodied  in  a  unit;  some  one  mast  be  made 
chief,  and  the  others  must  obey,  as  in  a  bai)d.  of  wild 
beasts  that  follow  tho  one  most  conspicuous  for  its 


.4 


uU  as  its 

iilers,  and 

a  wo'si! 

lu'ir  juis- 

tlieiii  tor 
I'd,  Kcrriis, 
B  thouj^lit 
rossarv  to 
of  sava^o 
■cat  works 
f  arts  aiul 
lit  slaA  cry. 
i  so  m.r„'>^i- 

to  obtain, 
and  rctinc- 
s,  du voted 
lass  to  live 
left  rather 

of  nomadic 
ual  ri.nlits, 
lenee  as  he 
linarv  iivo- 
there  was 
)ssessed  by 
kind  ever 
(•(iopera- 
;  but  men 
ines  of  war 
the  exeei>- 
extinetion ; 
lo  are  iiu)st 
ure  to  i)rc- 
)e  etfettual 
i  be  made 
i)d  of  wild 
ous  for  its 


<;ovi:itNMi:NT  loucHi*  rroN  man. 


68 


]»roW(ssai:d  csunn'n'j;'.  Ihit  the  military  principle  aloiu! 
wonld  never  la}  the  foundation  of  a  stronj4';;(>vernment, 
for  with  ('Very  cessation  from  hostilities  tiiere  would  bo 
a  corresjiondinu^  relaxation  of  o'overnment. 

Another  necessity  for  ^'overnment  here  arises,  but 
which  likewise  is  not  the  cause  of  oovcrnment,  for 
novt  innu'iit  sjtriiiijfs  from  force  and  not  from  utility. 
These  m-n  do  not  want  L''overnment,  they  do  not  want 
iiiltnre;  how  then  is  an  arm  to  be  found  suHiciently 
stroll^'  to  bridle  their  wild  passions?  In  reason  they 
are  cliildren,  in  passion  men;  to  restrain  the  stroiiLif 
passions  of  strong;'  non- reasoning-  men  reijuii'cs  a  jtower; 
wlu'nci!  is  this  power  to  <-ome ?  it  is  in  the  earlier 
stan'e  of  i;'»>vernnient  that  (lesj)otism  assumes  its  most 
inti'nse  forms.  The  more  j)assionate,  and  lawKss,  ami 
cruel  the  ])eople,  the  more  completely  do  they  submit  to 
a  passionate,  lawless,  and  cruel  pi'inc*';  the  moi'e  un- 
yoN-ernable  their  nature,  the  more  slavish  ai'e  they  in 
their  submission  to  i^overnnient;  tiie  stion^'er  the 
element  to  he  •^'overned,  the  stronger  must  be  the  j,^ov- 
ermneiit. 

The  primitive;  man,  whoever  or  whatevei-  that  may 
,be,  lives  in  harmony  with  nature;  that  is,  he  lives  as 
other  animals  live,  drawinjjc  his  supplies  immediately 
from  the  general  storehouse  oi'  nature.  His  Ibod  ho 
plucks  from  a  sheltering'  tree,  or  draws  from  a  spark- 
liui;-  sti'eam,  or  ca])tures  from  a  })rolifie  forest.  The 
remnants  of  his  cajituro,  unfit  for  food,  siipj>ly  his 
other  wants;  with  the  skin  ho  clothes  Iiimself,  and 
with  the  bones  makes  imj)lenients  and  jioints  his 
weapons,  lu  this  there  are  noantai^'onisms,  noopjtosini^ 
|)rinciples  of  i^ood  and  evil;  animals  are  killed  not 
with  a  view  of  extermination,  but  through  necessity, 
as  animals  kill  animals  in  order  to  suj)})ly  actual  wants, 
i^ut  no  sooner  does  the  leaven  of  j)rogress  be^in  to  work 
than  war  is  declared  between  man  and  nature.  To 
make  room  for  denser  ]H)pulations  and  increasiiii';'  com- 
foits,  forests  must  be  hewn  down,  their  ])riineval 
inhabitants  extirpated  or  domesticated,  and  the  soil 


64 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


laid  iMidjr  more  direct  contribution.  Union  and  coop- 
orati',  ii  sprini^  uj)  for  purposes  of  protection  and  ai^s^res- 
sion,  for  the  acconiplislnnent  of  pur})ose.s  beyond  the 
(•a])aLity  of  tlie  individunl  (Jradually  manufactures 
and  commerc'j  increase;  the  products  of  one  body  of 
laborers  are  exchanged  for  the  j)roducts  of  anotliei',  and 
thus  the  aii'<jfre*''ate  comforts  i)roduced  are  doubled  to 
each.  Absolute  j)Ower  is  taken  from  the  hands  of  the 
many  and  ])lai'etl  in  the  liaiids  of  one,  who  becomes  the 
r('[)ri'scntative  power  of  all.  Men  are  no  longer  de- 
pendent upon  the  chase  for  a  daily  suj)j)ly  of  food;  even 
ai^riculture  no  long-er  is  a  necessity  which  each  must 
follow  for  himself,  for  the  inlellectual  products  of  one 
jierson  or  people  may  be  exchanged  for  the  agricultural 
products  of  another.  With  these  changes  of  (*ccuj)a- 
tion  new  institutions  spring  uj),  new  itleas  originate, 
and  now  habits  are  formed.  Human  life  ceases  to  be 
a  pui'ely  matej-ial  existence;  anotlier  element  finds 
exercise,  the  other  part  of  man  is  permitted  to  grow. 
The  energies  of  society  now  assume  a  diiferent  shape; 
hitherto  tlie  daily  struggle  was  for  daily  necessities, 
now  the  accumulation  of  wealth  constitutes  the  chief 
incentive  to  labor.  Wealth  becomes  a  power  and 
absorbs  all  other  j^owers.  The  j)ossessor  of  unHmited 
wealth  commands  the  products  of  every  other  man's 
lal)or. 

Ihit  in  time,  and  t'-  a  certain  extent,  a  class  arises 
already  possessed  of  wealth  sufficient  to  satisfy  even 
the  demands  of  avarice,  and  something  still  better, 
sonic;  greater  go*  d  is  yet  sought  for.  Money-getting 
gives  way  betbre  intellectual  cravi  igs.  The  self-(h'- 
nials  an.d  labor  necessa'y  to  the  act  uisitit/U  of  wealth 
are  abandoned  for  the  enioyment  )f  wealth  alrejulv 
ai'(juired  and  the  ac(|uisition  of  a  yet  higlier  g<wKl. 
Sensual  ])leasui'e  yields  in  a  nieas  tre  to  intelleetual 
pleasui'e,  the  acipiisition  of  money  to  the  ac([uisitioii 
of  learning. 

Where  brute  intelligence  is  the  order  of  the  day, 
man  ixupiires  no  more  governing  than  brutes,  but  when 


Tin:  Sl'PKHNATURAL  IN  CIVILIZATION'. 


C5 


ind  coop- 

yond  the 
ui'aetures 
J  ])ody  of 
)thoi',  and 
oubled  to 
ids  of  the 
comes  the 
oULi'er  do- 
VxkI  ;  even 
iiwh  must 
C'ts  of  one 
^ricultural 
3f  (.»ccii])a- 
ori^iiiate, 
;ases  to  l)u 
iieiit   tinds 
d  to  grow, 
out  shape ; 
iccessities, 
^  tlio  cliief 
lower  and 
unlimited 
jlier  man's 

ass  arises 
tisfy  even 
11  better, 
cy-!L>-ettin,u' 
10  self-dt'- 
of  wcaltli 
h  alrejtdy 
i'her  g«H)d. 
ntflleetiial 
ae([uisitiou 

if  the  day, 
hut  when 


M 


lands  are  divided,  and  the  soil  cultivated,  when  wealth 
iH'n'ins  to  accumulate  and  commerce  and  industry  to 
rtouiMsh,  then  protection  and  lawful  punishment  hccome 
necessary.  Like  the  wild  hoise,  leave  him  free,  and 
he  will  take  care  of  himself;  hut  catch  him  and  curh 
liim,  and  the  wildei"  and  stntnger  he  is  the  sti'ou^er 
must  he  the  curl)  until  he  is  suhdued  and  trained,  and, 
then  he  is  guided  by  a  light  rein.  The  kind  of  govern- 
ment makes  little  difference  so  that  it  he  sironyf  enouiifh. 

(jlranted  that  it  is  ahsolutely  e  ..>ential  to  the  first 
step  towai'd  culture  that  society  should  l)e  strongly 
governed,  how  is  the  first  govermnent  to  be  aceom- 
])lished;  how  is  oik;  member  of  a  })assi()nate,  unbridled 
heterogeneous  community  to  obtain  d(»minion  absolute 
over  all  tlie  others^  Here  coi.ies  in  another  evil  to 
the  assistance  of  tlie  former  ev'ls,  all  foi-  future  trcH^d, — 
Superstition.  Never  could  j»liysical  force  alone  com- 
pi'ess  and  hold  the  iiccessaiy  jiower  witli  wlilch  to  burst 
the  shell  of  savagism.  The  government  is  »,';t  a  reflex 
(»f  the  governed.  .\ot  until  one  ma)i  is  ])hysicallv  <tr 
intellectiialiy  stronger  than  ten  thousand,  will  an  inde- 
jwndent  piojde  sui)mit  to  a  tyrannical  government,  or 
a  humane  ])eoj)le  submit  to  a  cruel  government,  or  a 
j)eoj»ie  accustomeil  to  free  discussion  to  an  intolerant 
fMriesthood. 

At  tlie  outset,  T  [iiai>  is  to  l»e  governed  at  all,  there 
ii»wst  be  no  division  of  governnietital  force.  The  cause 
for  fear  arising  iioni  both  the  i>hysical  and  the  8U])er- 
natural  nnist  be  muted  in  ojio  individu.il  In  the  ab- 
>i'Urv  of  the  moral  sentiment  the  feai-  of  legal  and  tha^ 
of  spiritual  punishments  are  identical,  for  the  s])intual 
I-  feared  only  as  it  works  temjtoral  or  corporal  evil. 
Kreedom  of  thought  at  this  stage  is  incompatii^le  witli 
j.rogress,  for  thought  without  experience  is  dangerous, 
tending  towards  anarchy.  Before  men  can  govein 
themselves  they  nuist  be  subjected  to  the  .sternest  (lis 
ei|)liue  of  governm-nt,  and  whether  this  government 
be  just  or  humane  or  pleasant  is  of  small  eonseuuencu 


66 


SAVAGIS^I  AND  CIVILIZATION, 


so  that  it  be  only  stronq-  enouLjli.  As  with  polity  so 
Avith  morality  and  relii>ion;  cunjoiiitly  with  dos])otisiii 
there  imist  he  an  arbitrary  central  church  novei'nnient, 
or  nio)'ai  anarchy  is  the  incvitahle  consi'(jncnce.  At 
the  outset  it  is  not  for  man  to  rule  hut  to  obey;  it  is 
not  for  savaf^es,  who  a)"  children  in  intellect  to  think 
and  reason,  but  to  beliex'  . 

And  thus  W(;  se('  how  wonderiully  man  is  jtrovided 
Avitli  the  essentials  of  y-rowtli.  This  tender  nerm  of 
])roi,''ress  is  [)reserved  in  hard  shells  and  ])rickly  covei'- 
in^i^s,  which,  when  tliey  have  served  their  ]iui'}>ose  arc 
thrown  aside  as  not  only  useless  but  detrimental  to 
further  de\  elo]>ment.  We  know  not  what  will  come 
herc^aftei',  but  up  to  the  present  time  a  state  of  bondaL;c 
appears  to  be  the  normal  state  of  humanity;  bondai,^', 
;it  tirst  severe  and  ii-rational,  then  ever  looseniny', 
;i;id  expandiniif  into  a  f'roader  freedom.  As  maidvind 
I troLTresses,  moral  anarchy  no  more  follows  iVeedom  nf 
th(»UL!"ht  timu  does  |)o]itic:d  anarchy  follow  fiee<lom  of 
action.  Jn  ^Jermany.  iii  Ki»Lrla?id.  in  AuK'rica,  whei' 
ever  secular  j>ower  has  in  any  measure  cut  loose  from 
««ci<-!siastical    j#»uer  and   thrown    religion    back   ujwni 

*  "^le  sentii»»<:!nt  for  support,  a  moi'al  as  well  ;)^  an 
ectual  ftiMfjlv;inc(  ^,^s  always  followed.  What  the 
an<l  j«rj'r>-ii^ 'i\  e  te.uhin^'s  and  lax  discij)line  of 
the  pn-Ment  epo«-li  would  have  been  to  the  Chiistians 
of  the  f'wrteenth  <i-iitui'v,  the  free  and  lax  oovcrnment 
■etf  re})ubli<an  An  erica  would  have  been  to  i«publican 
H'ome.  Therefore,  \*^.  us  learn  to  look  charitably  upon 
t'  •  ''^i^i itutions  of  the  f*ast,  and  not  forget  how  nnidi 
r*)  th<.T»i;  vhfte  we  rejoice  at  our  release  from 
"  lelty  arA  i^-noran^^-c  of  medioBval  times,  let  us 
n'*  fr^^wet  th«^  deV>t  which  civilization  owes  to  the 
.M.r,  ,i    M^  teacLiiaffs  of  both  Churrh  and  State. 

(  li  ^tianity,  oy  its  exalted  un-utilitnrian  morality 
and  philanthropy,  has  greatly  nid(>d  rivilizatiou.  In- 
deed so  Tiiarked  hms  been  the  ert'oct  in  Kumpe,  so  ♦jreat 
tibe  contrast  fcetfreen  Christianity  and  Islamish,  an<l 
the  pfJytheistic  creeds  in   general,  that  Churchmen 


4 


MORALITY  AND  CREED. 


m 


th  polity  s(» 
1  des])(ttisiii 
'•ovoniiiient, 
[Ueiicc.  At 
)  obey ;  it  is 
ect  to  think 

is  provided 
Icr  oii'iii  of 
ickly  cove)'- 
ptii'posc  ai'i' 
uriinental  to 
it  will  coiiie 

0  oi"l)oiidai(t' 
v;  lioiulage, 
r  l(R)sciiiniL>', 
As  maiikind 
<  fVoodoin  of 
V  tVoedom  of 
lorica,  whoi- 
it  looso  IVoiii 

1  liack  u]ion 
>  Well  a-^   ail 

What  t)R' 
discipline  of 
le  Cliristians 

goveniinent 
o  rcpuhlicaii 
.ritably  upon 
it  how  iniuli 
rolcasG  from 
times,  let  us 
3vves  to  thti 
tate. 

ian  morality 
izaticvu.  In- 
•ope,  so  ixreat 
slamisiu  and 

Churcbm*  u 


claim  civilization  as  the  offspring  of  their  religion. 
But  religion  and  morality  must  not  be  confounded 
with  civilization.    All  these  and  many  other  activities 
act  and  react  on  each  other  as  proximate  principles  in 
the  social  organism,  but  they  do  not,  any  or  all  of  them, 
constitute  the  life  of  the  orijanism.     Long  before  mo- 
rality  is  religion,  and  Img  after  morality  religion  sends 
the  pious  penitent  to  liis  knees.    It<'ligious  culture  is  a 
great  assistant  to  moral  culture  as  intellectual  training 
j)romotes  the  industrial  arts,  but  morality  is  no  more 
religion  than   is   industry  intellect.     When   Christi- 
anity, as  in  the  early  settlement  of  Mexico  and  Central 
America,  falls  into  the  hands  of  unprincipled  advent- 
urcis  or  blind  zealots  who  stand  up  in  deadly  an- 
tagonism to  liberty,  then  Christianity  is  a  drag  upon 
civilization;  and  therefore  we  may  conclude  that  in  so 
i'ar  as  Christ  ianlty  grafts  on  its  code  of  j)ure  morality 
die  principle  of  intellectual  fieedom,in  so  far  Is  civiliza- 
tion promoted  by  Christianity,  but  when  Christianity 
engenders  persecution,  civilization  is  retarded  thereby. 
Then  Protestantism  sets  uj)  a  claim  to  the  authorship 
of  civilization,  points  to  Spain  and  then  to  England, 
compares    Italy  and    Switzerland,   Catholic    America 
and  Puritan   Anierici,  declares  that  the  intellect  can 
never  attain  siij)criority  while  under  the  dominion  of 
tlic  ('Jiiui'i  of  pome;  in  other  words,  that  civilization 
i-  l*rot        iitisni.      It  is  true  that  protestation  again.st 
irratio!,,il    dogmas,    or    any   other    action    that    tends 
toward   the  emancipation  of  the   intellect,  is  a   great 
sti'j)  i'l  advance;  but  religious  belief  has  nothing  what- 
cvei-  to  do  with  intellectual  (adture.      Religion  from  its 
\-'!y  nature  is  beyond  the  limits  of  reason;  it   is  emo- 
tional I'atiier  rlian  intellectual,  an  instinct  and  not  an 
acijuisition.      ll'tween  reason  and  religion  lies  a  domain 
of  co]nmon  ground  upon  which  both  may  meet  and  join 
hands,   but    bevo.id   the  boundaries  of  which  neitln  r 
niiy  pass.      The  moment  tin  intellect  attempts  to  pene- 
trate the  domain  of  the  Supi'rnatural  all  intellectuality 
vanishes,  and  em  )tion  and  imagination  fill  its  place. 


-  I 


'm 


G8 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATIOrC. 


There  can  be  no  real  conflict  between  tlie  two,  for 
ii'iither,  by  any  possibility,  can  pass  this  neutral  ground. 
Before  the  mind  can  receive  Christianity,  or  Mahoni- 
ctanisni,  or  any  otiier  en  ed,  it  nuist  be  ready  to  accept 
doiifnias  in  the  analysis  of  whicli  human  reason  is  ijower- 
less.  Amono'  the  most  brilliant  intellects  are  found 
i  *rotestants,  lionianists,  Unitarians,  Deists,  and  Athe- 
ists; judging  from  the  experiences  of  mankind  in  a^es 
l)ast,  creeds  and  fonnulas,  orthodoxy  and  heterodoxy, 
have  no  inherent  i)()wer  to  advance  or  retard  the  intel- 
lect. Some  claim,  indeed,  that  strong  doctrinal  bias 
stifles  thou,i»-ht,  fosters  su})erstition,  and  fetters  the 
intellect;  still  reli^'ious  tliought,  in  some  form,  is  inse])- 
aral)le  from  the  human  mind,  and  it  would  be  veiy 
ditfit-ult  to  prove  that  belief  is  more  debasing'  than 
non-belief. 

lleligion  at  first  is  a  gi'oss  fetichism,  wliich  endows 
every  wonder  with  a  concrete  i)ersonahtv.  Within 
every  appearance  is  a  several  personal  cause,  and  to 
embody  tliis  personal  cause  in  some  material  form  is 
the  first  efibrt  of  the  savage  mind.  Hence,  images  arc 
made  in  representaion  of  these  imaginary  supernatural 
))<)wers.  ]\Tan,  of  necessity,  must  clothe  these  su})er- 
natui'al  powers  in  tlie  elements  of  some  lower  form. 
The  imagination  cannot  grasp  an  object  or  an  idea  be- 
yond the  realms  of  human  ex})erience.  Unlieard-of 
e(>ml»inations  of  character  may  be  made,  but  the  con- 
stituent  jiarts  must,  at  some  time  and  in  some  form, 
have  had  an  ex.istence  in  order  to  be  conceivable.  It 
is  impossi))le  for  tiie  human  mind  to  array  in  forms  of 
thought  anytliing  wliolly  and  absolutely  new.  Thi.> 
state  is  the  fai'thest  remove  possil)le  from  a  recogni- 
(iiin  of  tliose  universal  laws  of  causation  toward  whicli 
every  dej)artment  of  knowledge  is  now  so  rapidly  tend- 
ing, (lods  ari!  made  in  the  likeness  of  man  and  beast, 
endowed  with  earthly  i)assions,  and  a  sensual  poly- 
tlieism,  in  which  blind  fate  is  a  prominent  element,  be- 
comes the  religious  ideal.      Ivcligious  conceptions  arc 


DKVKLOPMKXT  OF  THE  KF.LIfllOl'S  IDEAL. 


cn 


le   two,  for 
:ral  ^niomid. 
or  liliihoin- 
ly  to  acfe})t 
)U  is  ])owo]'- 
s  are  ibuiid 
,  and  Atla- 
ciiid  in  ai^os 
heterodoxy, 
^d  the  hitel- 
K-trinal  bias 
fetters  the 
rni,  is  inscp- 
uld  1)0  veiy 
basing  than 


hich  endows 
ty.     Witliiti 
ause,  and   to 
L'rial  form  is 
images  are 
suiiernatural 
these  siqter- 
lower  form, 
an  idea  he- 
Unheard-of 
l)ut  the  eon- 
i  some  form, 
'oivahle.      It 
in  forms  of 
new.     Thi> 
n  a  recogni- 
)ward  which 
apidly  tend- 
n  and  heast, 
cnsual  poly- 
eh'ment,  he- 
leeptions  arc 


(ssentially  materi;d;  all  })unishments  and  rewards  are 
such  as  L'tK'ct  man  as  a  material  being;  morality,  the 
innate  sense  of  right  and  wrong,  lies  stiHed,  almost 
dormant. 

Thrown  wholly  npon  liimsulf,  without  experience  to 
guide  liini,  the  sa\age  nmst,  of  necessity,  invest  nature 
with  his  own  (jualities,  for  his  niind  can  grasp  uoii(> 
other.  l)ut  when  exjierience  disjtels  the  neai'er  illu- 
sions, ()l»jects  more  I'emote  are  made  gods;  in  the  sun 
and  stars  he  sees  his  controlling  destinies;  the  nund)er 
of  !iis  gods  is  lessened  until  at  last  all  mei'ge  into  one 
(iod.  tlie  author  of  all  law,  the  great  and  oril}"  rule^*  of 
the  uiii\erse.  In  eveiy  mvtlioloi'V  we  see  this  imiier- 
Bonation  of  natural  ])lu'nomena;  frost  and  fire,  earth 
and  air  and  water,  in  their  disp«layf  of  mysterious 
powirs,  are  at  once'  deified  and  humani/ed.  These 
embodiments  of  physical  force  are  then  natnrall}'  formed 
into  families,  and  their  sujt|)osed  de.scendants  v.orsliipi'd 
as  children  of  the  gods.  Thus,  in  the  childhood  of  so- 
ciety, when  incipi(!nt  tliought  takes  up  its  lodgment 
in  old  men's  brains,  sliadows  of  departed  lieroes  min- 
gle with  shadows  <jf  mysterious  nature,  and  admiration 
turns  to  adoration. 

Xext  arises  tlie  desii-t^  to  ])ropitiafe  these  unseen 
powers,  to  accomj)lish  wlnCh  some  nu'ans  of  cemmmii- 
tioii  nuist  be  ojiened  u|t  between  man  and  his  deities. 
Kow,  as  man  in  his  gods  re[>i'oduces  liimself,  as  all  his 
concc])ti()iis  of  supernatural  power  nuist,  of  iieeessirx-, 
be  f  trnu'd  on  the  skeleton  of  human  power,  na.turally  it 
follows  tliat  the  strongest  and  most  cumiing  of  the 
tribe,  he  upon  wl)om  leadersliip  most  iianirailv  falls, 
coni's  to  be  I'egarded  as  s|M.M'iaily  fa\oiV(l  of  the  gods. 
I^)Wers  supernatural  are  joined  to  powei-s  temporal, 
and  eiubodied  in  the  cliieftain  of  the  nation.  A  ^'ratc- 
ful  postei'ity  I'everesand  ]iro|titiates  departed  aiicestoi's. 
Tlie  earlier  nders  are  made'  gods,  and  tlieir  descend- 
ants lesser  divinities:  tlie  foundei-  of  a  dynastv,  pei-- 
Ivips.  the  s'  ;iieine  ginl,  his  progeny  subordinate  deities. 
The    prii^rhood    a-td    kiiig-liip    thn^    bi'come    united; 


J 


70 


SAVA(iIS^r  AND  nVILIZATrOX. 


ivli^Ion  and  civil  LC'ivcrninoiit  join  forces  to  press  man- 
I;iiul  t  '.;et]ier,  and  the  loose  sands  of  the  new  sti'ata 
coliei'e  into  the  firm  rock,  that  sliall  one  day  bear 
alone  the  wash  of  time  and  tide. 

1  f (.'lice  arise  divine  kin^'shij),  and  tlie  divine  ri^'ht 
of'kin;jfs,  and  with  the  desire  to  win  the  favor  of  this 
divine  kiiiu',  ai'ist!  the  courtesies  of  societv,  the  first 
step  toward  ])olisii  of  manners.  Titles  of  resj)ect  and 
woi'ship  an;  l^mxi'Ii  him,  some  of  which  are  sMhseipiently 
ajtplied  to  the  Deity,  while  others  droj)  down  into  the 
common-j)lac<;  compliments  of  every-day  life. 

Here  tlien,  we  have  as  one  of  the  tirst  essentials  of 
pro'i'ress  the  union  of  Church  and  State,  of  supersti- 
tion and  desj)otism,  a,  union  still  necessarily  ke|)t  uj) 
in  some  of  the  more  backward  civilizations.  Excessi\  o 
loyalty  and  Mind  faith  ever  march  hand  in  hand.  The 
very  basis  of  association  is  credulity,  blind  loyalty  to 
]»olitical  })o\\'ers  and  blind  faith  in  sa<'erdotal  terrors. 
In  all  mythologies  at  some  stayv  temjjoi'al  aiul  spirit- 
ual g-overnment  are  united,  the  sujiernatural  ])ower 
beiiiL''  incarnated  in  the  tem])oral  chief;  ])olitieal  des- 
]>i»tism;nid  an  awful  sauLi'uiiiaryrelii'ion, — ai>'overnment 
a  id  a  belief,  to  disobey  Avhich  \\as  never  .S(^  much  as 
thought  possible. 

See  how  every  one  of  these  primary  essentials  of 
ii\'ili/ation  becomes,  as  man  advances,  a  dra<j;'  upon 
Ills  proi>Tess;  see  how  he  now  stru^'L^'les  to  fi'ce  himself 
iVom  what,  at  the  outset,  he;  was  led  bv  wavs  he  knew 
not  to  (nidure  so  patiently.  (Jovermnent,  in  early 
sta^'es  always  stron*,^  aiul  despotic,  whether  monarchi- 
cal, olis^-ai-chical,  or  re[»ublican,  holding'  mankind  luukr 
the  dominion  of  caste,  placlni;  restrictions  u}v>n  eoni- 
merc(3  and  manufactures,  re^ulatinL''  social  custon^. 
l")od,  dress,  -how  men  have  fought  to  break  louse 
ilu'se  bonds!  lielio'ion,  not  that  natural  cultus  iii- 
stineti\e  in  humanitv,  the  bond  of  union  as  well  under 
its  most  disn'ustiuij;"  form  of  fetichism,  as  luidei-  \\> 
latest,  loveliest  form  of  ( "hristianity ;  but  those  t'oiiu^ 
and  dogmas  of  sect  and   ereed    \\hi<h   stillc    thought 


l!i:i,.\TIi»N'  OF  COVEUNMKNT  TO  CIVIUZATIOX. 


press  inan- 

iiew   strata 

lo  day  licar 

livinc  ri^lit 
av<»r  of  this 
tv,  tlie  first 
respect  aiKi 
;ul)se([Ue!it1y 
Avu  into  the 
ife. 

essentials  of 
of  siipcrsti- 
rilv  kei)t  ui) 
1.  Kxeessive 
I  liand.  Tlie 
1(1  loyalty  tn 
lotal  terrors, 
d  and  spirit- 
itural  ])ower 
political  des- 
i  governinent 
•  so  much  as 

essentials  of 
(lrM"4'   upon 
i'vrr  himself 
avs  he  knew 
nt,  iti    earlv 
monarchi- 
nkind  undt  r 
s  upon  coni- 
a\    custoii'v 
hroak    loose 
d    cultus  in- 
1^  well  un«l«'i' 
,!^   under    !t> 
1  rho^-c  toiiii^ 
till-'   thonu!'^ 


el 


•1 


and  fetter  intellect, — how  men  have  lived  lives  of  sac- 
rifice and  sfh'-denial  as  well  as  died  for  the  ri<^ht  to 
llee  theliisi'lves  I'rom  unwelcome  hcllci'' 

1  n  jtriiiieval  a^es,  i;-overnment  and  reli^^ion  lay  lii^htly 
on  tile  hiniian  race;  ethnoloj^y,  as  well  as  history, 
discloses  the  patriarchal  as  the  earliest  form  of  govern- 
ment, and  a  rude  materialism  as  the  earliest  religious 
ideal ;  tliese  two  simjde  elements,  under  the  form  of 
iiion>ttr>,  hecame  hu^e  ahortions,  he^'otteu  of  i_n'noi'ance, 
that  held  the  intellect  in  ahject  slavery  i'or  thousands 
oi"  vcars,  and  from  these  we,  of  this  generation,  more 
than  any  other,  are  (granted  emanci[)ation.  Even 
wealth,  kind  giver  of  grateful  leisnre,  in  the  guise  of 
avarice  heconies  a  hideons  thing,  which  he  who  would 
attain  the  higher  intellectual  life,  must  learn  to  despise. 

(Jovernment,  as  we  have  seen,  is  not  an  essential 
element  of  coHective  humanity.  Civilization  must 
tir.st  he  awakened,  must  e\en  have  })assed  the  pi-inuD'y 
.stages  hefore  goveriunent  ap])ears.  .])es])otisni,  feudal- 
ism, divine  kingship,  slavery,  war,  superstition,  each 
niaiks  certain  stages  of  development,  and  as  civiliza- 
tion ad\ances  all  tend  to  disappear;  and,  as  in  the 
early  histoiy  of  nations  the  state  antedates  the  gov- 
ernment, so  the  time  may  come  in  the  })rogres.s  of 
mankind  wlieii  government  will  he  no  longer  necessary. 
(!o\<  rnnient  always  grows  out  of  necessity;  tlie  inten- 
sity \>f  go\crnmiMit  inevitahly  following  necessitv.  The 
fitrm  of  ^'ovcrnmeut  is  a  natural  sehrtion;  its  .several 
j)hases  always  the  survival  of  the  littest.  When  the 
fetkialist  says  to  the  monarchist,  or  the  monarchist  to 
the  federaliNt:  ^[y  goveinnient  is  hettei'  than  yours, 
it  is  a-  if  the  Kskimo  said  to  the  Kaihr:  My  coat,  my 
hon^e.  my  I'ood,  is  he-tter  than  yours. 

The  yovenniient  is  made  foi  the  man,  and  not  the 
iiu'»u  for  the  government.  Uovermneiit  is  as  the  prop 
f.r  the  ^rowing  plant;  at  first  the  young  shoot  stands 
.loll..,  then  in  its  raj)id  advancement  for  a  time  it 
ieiuire,>  Mii.[>ort,  after  which  it   is  ahle  aj-ain  to  stand 


1!' 


\'.\    \ 


illllii 


72  SAVACISM  AND  CrVirjZATIOX. 

alone.     What  wo  term  the  evils  t)f  jrovernnient  arc 
rather  its  necessities,  and  are,  indeed,  no  evils  at  all. 
Tho   lieavy  hit  which  ccjiitrtjls  tlie  mouth  of   an   un- 
tamed horse  is  to  that  horse  an  evil,  yet  to  the  di'iver  a 
necessity  wliich  may  he  laid  aside  as  the  temper  of  the 
animal   is  suhdued.      So  desj)otism,  feudalism,  slavei'v, 
are  cavils  to  those  under  their  dominion,  yet  are  they 
as   necessary  for  the  prevention  of  anardiv,   for  tlic 
restraint   of  nnhridled   passions,   as   the  powerful  hit 
to  the  horse,  and  will  as  surely  he  laid  aside  when  no 
lonnrer  required.     Shallow-minded  jtoliticians  talk  of 
kinuccraft,    arhitrary  rule,  tyrants,    the    down-trodden 
masses,  the  withholdinu;*  of  just  riL^hts;  as  though  the 
gov(;rnnu!nt  was  some  inde[)endent,  adverse  element, 
wholly    foreign    to    the  character   of  the    ])eo]»le;    as 
thou^-h  one  man  was  sti'ontj;er  than  ten  thousand;  a.-> 
thoii'^li,  if  these  ])hases  of  society  were  not  the  fittest, 
they  would   l)e  tolerated  for  a  moment.      The  days  of 
ri'j'orous  rule  were  ever  the  host  days  of  France  and 
Spain,    and    so    it    will   he   until  the    ])eople   hecome 
strontjfer  than  the  strem^th  of  rulers.      He])uhlicanism 
is  as  unfit  for  stu})id  and  unintellectual  ])oj)ulations, 
as  desj)otism  would  he  for  the  advanced  ideas  and  lih- 
eral  institutions  of  Anglo-Saxon  Amei'ica.      The  suh- 
ject  of  a  liheral  rule  sneeringly  ciying  down  to  tlu' 
suhject  of  an  ahsolute  rule  his  form  of  government,  is 
like  the  nss  crying  to  the  tiger:   Leave  hlood  and  meat : 
feed  on  grass  and  tliistles,  the  only  diet  fit  for  civilized 
heasts!     Our  federal  government  is  the  very  hest  for 
our  people,  when  it  is  not  so  it  will  speedily  change; 
it  fits  the  temper  of  American  intelligence,  hut  hefore 
it  can  he  planted  in  Japan  or  China  the  traditions  and 
temper  of  the  Asiatics  nuist  change. 

We  of  to-day  are  undergoing  an  important  epoch  in 
tlie  history  of  civilization.  Fi'udalisni,  (U'spotism,  and 
fanaticism  have  had  each  its  day,  have;  each  acconi- 
])lished  its  necessary  pur})ose,  and  are  fast  fading  aAvay. 
()urs  is  the  age  of  democracy,  of  scientific  inxcstiga- 
ticm.  and  fivedom  of  religious  thought ;  what  these  mav 


LATTEUDAV  PUOCRKSSION. 


78 


iiinoiit  arc 
■vils  at  all. 
of  an  uii- 
he  <lrivcr  a 

HptT  of  tilt-' 

111,  slavcrv, 
.'t  arc  tliL'V 
ly,   for  the 
Dworful  l)it 
lu  wlion  n<» 
Ills  talk  of 
wn-troddc'ii 
though  tlio 
so  elcmuiit, 
])eo]iU';    as 
lousaiul;  a> 
)  the  fittest, 
riic  (lays  of 
Francu  and 

Jllo     1)C'('()11U' 

puldicanism 
lopulatioiis, 
as  and  lil)- 
Tho  snl.- 
)\\\\  to  tlu' 
ernnii'nt,  is 
and  meat ; 
or  civilized 
ry  best  for 
ily  change; 
)iit  belVirc 
iditions  and 

lilt  epoch  in 
)otisin,  antl 
ich   acconi- 

iding  aAvay. 
investiga- 

t  these  iiiav 


acconi{tlisli  for  the  advancing  intelU'ct  remains  to  he 
seen.  ( )ur  ancestors  loved  to  dwell  u})on  the  jiast,  n(»\v 
we  all  look  toward  the  future. 

The  sea  of  ice,  over  which  our  forefatliers  glided  so 
si'i-ciH'lv   in    their  trustful    reliance,    is    hn-aking    up. 
(  Mie  after  another  traditions  evaporate;  in  their  appli- 
cation to  lU'oximato  events  thev  fail  us,  hi.storv  ceases 
to  rej»eat  itself  as  in  times  past.      Old  things  are  \n\sH- 
ing  away,  all  things  are  hccoining  new;  new  philoso- 
jthies,  new  religions,  new  sciences;  the  industrial  sjiirit 
springs    uj)    and    o\erturns     time-honored    customs; 
theories  of  government  nuist  he  reconstructed.     Thus, 
says  I'xperience,  n-puhlicanism,  as  a  form  of  govern- 
ment, can  exist  only  in  small   states;  hut  steam  and 
electiicity  step  in  and  annihilatt!  time  and  space,      'i'he 
iJoman  repuhlic,  from  a  lack  of  i-ohesiNe  energy,  frouj 
failure  of  central  vital    j)ower  sufHcient  to  send  the 
hlood  of  th(i  nation  fi'om  the  heai't  to  the  extremities, 
died  a  natural  death.      The  American  repuhlic,  co\er- 
iiig  nearly  twice  the  teri'itoi-y  of  repuhlican  Home  in 
her  palmlt^st  days,  is  eii(h)Wed  with  a  dirt'ereiit  species 
of  organism;  in  its  physiological  system  is  found  a  new 
series  of  veins  and  arteries,  the  railway,  the  telegra})h, 
and  the  daily  })ress,     through  which  imlsates  the  life's 
hlood  of  the  nation,   millions    inhaling  and    exhaling 
.  intelligence  as  on(>  man.      .By  means  of  these  inven- 
tions   all    the    woild,  once    e\eiy   day,    are    hrought 
together.      By   telegraphic    wires    and    railroad    iron 
men  are  now  hound  as  in  times  past  they  were  hound 
by   war,    desj»otism,   and   su])erstition.      The  remotest 
corners  of  the  largest  repuhlit-s  of  to-day,  are  bi'ounht 
into   closer   communication   than  wi're   the   adjoining 
states  of  the  smallest  confederations  of  anti(|uitv.     A 
united  ({ermany,  from  its  past  history  held  to  he  an 
|inij.<)ssil)ility,  is,   with  the   j. resent    iacilities    of  cu\\\- 
|lnunication,    an    accomi)li.shed    I'act.      Kngland    could 
I  as    easily   liave    possessed    colonies    in    the   moon,    as 
[have  held  her  present  possessions,  tliret'  hundred  years 
age.      Practically,  .'^an   Francisco  is  nearer  \Vus'hiu<"- 


74 


SAVAdISM  AND  ('IVII.IZA  l'I()\. 


toll  tli;iii  was  I'hil;ulc'lj)liia  wlicii  the  louiulatioiis  (.f 
tliu  Caj)it()l  wcru  laid.  What  is  to  j)rovent  r(.[>iil)liis 
IVoiii  LifowiMii',  so  l(»iiij'  as  iiituinuuiici!  kee|)s  ]),uc  with 
extension?  The  {general  of  an  army  may  now  sit  he- 
Tore  liis  maps,  and  maiHi-nvic  hall"  a  scoi-e  of  armies  a 
hundred  or  a  thousand  miles  a[)art,  know  hourly  the 
situation  ot"  every  division,  the  sueeess  of  every  Iiattle, 
order  an  advance  or  a  retreat,  lay  }»lots  and  make  eom- 
hinations,  with  more  exactness  than  was  onee  pos.sihle 
in  the  conduct  of  an  ordinary  cam}>ai,L;i». 

A  few  words  ahout  morals,  manners,  and  fashion, 
will  further  illustrate  how  man  is  played  upon  hy  his 
environment,  which  here  takes  the  sha}>e  of  hahit.  In 
their  heai'inn'  on  civilization,  these  [>heiiomena  all 
come  under  the  same  category;  and  this,  without 
re^ai'd  to  the  I'ival  theories  of  iiituition  and  utility  in 
morals.  Experience  teaches,  blindly  at  lirst  yet  daily 
with  cleai'er  vision,  that  rii^ht  conduct  is  henelicial, 
antl  wj'oul;"  conduct  detrimental ;  that  the  conseipienees 
of  sin  invariably  rest  on  the  evil-doer;  that  for  an 
unjust  act,  though  the  knowledge  of  it  he  forever 
locked  in  the  bosom  of  the  offender,  punishment  is 
wure  to  follow;  yet  there  are  those  who  ([Uestion  the 
existence  of  innate  moral  j)erce})tions,  and  call  it  all 
custom  and  traininL,^  And  if  we  look  alone  to  ])rimi- 
tive  people  for  innate  ideas  of  moi'ality  and  justice  1 
fear  we  shall  meet  with  disa})pointment.  Some  we  iind 
who  value  female  chastity  only  before  marriage,  others 
oidy  after  marriage,  -that  is,  after  the  woman  and 
lier  chastity  both  alike  become  the  tangible  propei'ty 
of  somebody.  Some  kindly  kill  their  aged  ])arents, 
others  their  female  infants;  the  successful  A])ac-lio 
horse-thief  is  the  darling  of  his  mother,  and  the  heiu 
of  the  tril)e;  often  these  American  Arabs  will  remain 
fi'om  home  half-starved  for  weeks,  i-ather  than  sufllr 
the  ignominy  of  retui'ning  em])ty-hande(l.  (Jood,  in  tin; 
mind  of  the  savage,  is  when  he  steals  wives;  bad,is  wln'ii 
his  own  wives  are  stolen.      Where  it  is  that  inherent 


Mni;.\|,S,  MANXIuHS,  AND  lASlIIOX. 


75 


lali*>ns  <<r 
ru|iiil»lits 
])ii(c  witli 
()\v  sit  \iv- 
\'  iU'inii's  ;i 
hourly  tlu' 
c'l'v  battle', 
make  coin- 
L*u  possible 


11(1  fashion, 
ipKii  l)y  hii^ 
luil.it.      Ill 
loiueiui    all 
is,    without 
d  utility  ill 
st  yet  daily 
,  l)eucru'ial, 
msoqueliCL's 
that  ibr  an 
l)u   Ibrover 
nishinent  is 
question  the 
I  eall  it  all 

0  to  i»riini- 

1  justice  1 
>inu  Nve  iin<l 
ia*4'e,  othei -i 
woman  and 
h'  property 
ed  parents, 
ul  Apaehe 
id  the  heiii 
will  remain 
than  sulK  r 

(Jood,  in  tlu' 
had,iswlieii 
lat  inherent 


nioralitv  in  savai^^cs  first  makes  Its  appearan(H\  and  in 
what  manner,  it  is  nl'ten  ditlienit  to  say;  tlu'  most 
hidcdiis  vices  are  every  where  practiced  with  unhlusliin^^' 
eU'roiitei-y. 

Take  tlie  jtlienomena  of  Shame.  (Jo  l.ack  to  tlie 
childlinod  of  onr  race,  (»r  even  to  our  o\\  n  childliood, 
and  it  will  be  liard  to  discover  any  inherent  ipiality 
which  make  men  ashamed  of  one  tiling'  more  than 
aiMithrr.  Xor  can  the  wist'st  of  us  ;^'ive  any  ^dod  and 
>utlicient  reason  wliy  we  slioidd  be  aslianii'd  of  our 
body  any  more  than  of  our  face.  Tlu;  wliole  man  was 
fasliioned  by  one  Creator,  and  all  jiarts  e(|ually  are 
|ieilect  and  alike  hemii-able.  \\\'  co\er  our  ]terson 
with  drapery,  and  think  thereby  to  liide  our  faults 
from  (lursclvi's  and  othei's,  as  tlie  ostrich  liidis  its 
head  under  a  leaf,  and  fancies  its  body  concealed 
fiDin  the  hmiti'r.  What  is  this  cpiality  of  sliaine  if  it 
be  not  habits  \  feiuale  savage  will  stand  unbhish- 
iiiu'ly  before  you  naked,  l)ut  strij)  lier  of  lier  ornaments 
and  she  will  manifest  the  same  ap|)earance  of  shame, 
tliou'^'h  not  pi'rhaps  so  ^reat  in  dei^i'ee,  that  a  I'airo- 
|)i'an  wiiman  will  manifest  if  stiM|iped  of  her  clothes. 
It  is  Well  known  liow  civili/i'd  and  semi-ci\  ilizeil 
nations  reijfal*'  this  (|iia1ity  of  proi.riety.  ( 'ustom, 
couveutional  usa^v,  dress  and  behavior,  nvc  inllueiices 
as  >ubtle  and  as  stronu;'  as  any  that  "^'overn  us,  weav- 
in;.;'  thi'ir  net-W(»i'k  round  man  more  and  niori'  as  lie 
throws  otf  alleL;'iance  to  other  powers;  and  wi'  know 
liut  little  luore  ot'  their  origin  and  nature  than  we  do 
of  the  orinin  and  nature  of  time  and  space,  of  lil'e  and 
death,  of  origin  and  end. 

I'^N'erv  a' e  and  every  society  has  its  own  standard 
of  morality,  holds  nj»  some  certain  conduct  or  ipiality 
as  a  model,  sayiiiL,''  to  all.  Do  this,  and  ii'ceive  the  much- 
coM'ted  })raisi' of  your  fellows.  ( )ften  what  one  peo- 
ple deem  virtue  is  to  anotlier  vice;  what  to  one  ai^c  is 
relinioii  is  to  another  superstition;  but  underlyiiiu'  all 
this  are  livino'  firt's,  kindled  by  ( )mnij)otence,  and  des- 
tined to  bum  throuyhout  all  time.      In  the  Spartan 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


A 


J 


K, 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


u 


2.0 


i.8 


1.4 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  rtiMt*  f  TREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  MSSO 

(716)  872-4503 


A 


78 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


and  Roman  republics  the  moral  ideal  was  patriotism ; 
among  mediaeval  Churchmen  it  took  the  form  of  ascet- 
icism ;  after  the  elevation  of  woman  the  central  idea 
was  female  chastity. 

In  tliis  national  morality,  which  is  the  cohesive 
force  of  the  body  social,  we  find  the  fundamental  prin- 
ciple of  the  progressional  impulse,  and  herein  is  the 
most  hopeful  feature  of  humanity ;  mankind  nuist  pro- 
gress, and  progress  in  the  right  direction.  There  is 
no  lielp  for  it  until  God  changes  the  universal  order  of 
tilings ;  man  must  become  better  in  spite  of  himself; 
it  is  the  good  in  us  that  grows  and  ultimately  prevails. 

As  a  race  we  are  yet  in  our  nonage;  fearful  of  the 
freedom  given  us  by  progress  we  cling  tenaciously  to 
our  leading-strings;  hugging  our  mother,  Custom,  wo 
refuse  to  be  left  alone.  Liberty  and  high  attainments 
must  be  meted  out  to  us  as  we  are  able  to  receive 
them,  for  social  retchings  and  vomitings  inevitably 
follow  over-feedings.  Hence  it  is,  that  we  find  our- 
selves escaped  from  primeval  and  mediteval  tyrannies 
only  to  fall  under  greater  ones ;  society  is  none  the  less 
inexorable  in  her  desj)otisms  because  of  the  sophistry 
wliicli  gives  her  victims  fancied  freedom.  For  do  we 
not  now  set  up  forms  and  fashions,  the  works  of  our 
own  hands,  and  bow  down  to  them  as  reverently  as 
ever  our  heathen  ancestors  did  to  their  g(jds  of  wood 
and  stone?  Who  made  us?  is  not  the  first  question 
of  our  catechism,  but  What  will  people  say  ? 

Of  all  tyrannies,  the  tyranny  of  fashion  is  the  most 
implacable;  of  all  slaveries  the  slavery  to  fasliion  is 
tiie  most  abject;  of  all  fears  the  fear  of  our  fellows 
is  the  most  overwhelming;  of  all  the  influences  tliat 
surround  and  govern  man  the  forms  and  customs  which 
he  encounters  in  society  are  the  most  domineeiing. 
It  is  the  old  st«)ry,  only  another  turn  of  the  wlieel 
tliat  grinds  and  sharpens  and  polishes  humanity,  at 
the  first  a  benefit,  now  a  drag.  Forms  and  fashions 
are  essential;  we  cannot  live  without  them.     If  we 


ORIGIN'  AND  SIGNIFICANCE  OF  DRESS. 


( I 


have  worship,  government,  commerce,  or  clothes,  "vve 
must  have  forms;  or  if  we  have  them  not  we  .still  must 
act  and  do  after  some  fashion ;  costume,  which  is  hut 
another  word  for  custom,  we  uuist  have,  hut  is  it 
necessary  to  make  the  form  the  chief  concern  of  our 
lives  while  we  pay  so  little  heed  to  the  suhstance?  and 
may  we  not  hope  while  rejoicing  over  our  past  eman- 
cijiations,  that  we  shall  some  day  be  free  from  our 
j)resent  desjjotisms  ? 

Dress  has  ever  exercised  a  powerful  influence  on 
morals  and  on  progress;  but  this  vesture-})henomenon 
is  a  thing  but  imperfectly  understood.  Clothes  serve 
as  a  covering  to  the  body  of  which  we  are  ashamed, 
and  protect  it  against  the  weather,  and  those,  we  infer, 
are  the  reasons  of  our  being  clothed.  But  the  fact  is, 
aboriginally,  except  in  extreme  cases,  dress  is  not 
essential  to  the  comfort  of  man  until  it  becomes  a 
habit,  and  as  for  shame,  until  told  of  his  nakedness, 
the  primitive  man  has  none.  The  origin  of  dress  lies 
behind  all  this;  it  is  found  in  one  of  the  most  deep- 
rooted  elements  of  our  nature,  namely,  in  our  love  of 
approbation.  Before  dress  is  decoration.  The  suc- 
cessful warrior,  proud  of  his  achievement,  besmears 
liis  face  and  body  with  the  blood  of  the  slain,  and 
straightway  imitators,  who  also  would  be  thought 
strong  and  brave,  daub  themselves  in  like  manner;  and 
si>  j)ainting  and  tatooing  become  fashionable,  and  pig- 
ments supply  the  })lace  of  blood.  The  n.aked,  houseless 
Californian  would  undergo  every  hardsliip,  travel  a 
hundred  miles,  and  fight  a  round  with  every  ojjposing 
band  he  met,  in  order  to  obtain  cinnabar  fi'oni  the 
New  Ahnaden  (juicksilver  mine.  80  when  the  Jumter 
kills  a  wild  beast,  and  with  the  tail  or  skin  decorates 
his  l)ody  as  a  trophy  of  his  ])rowess,  others  follow  his 
cv;ii,mi>le,  and  soon  it  is  a  shame  to  that  savage  who 
has  neither  paint,  nor  belt,  nor  necklace  of  l)ears'  claws. 
And  so  follow  head-rtattenings,  and  nose-piercings,  and 
li[»-cuttings,  and,  later,  chignons,  and  breast-) taddings, 
and  bustles.     Some  say  that  jealousy  prompted  the 


78 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


first  Boncdicks  to  liide  tl>eir  wives'  charms  from  their 
rivals,  and  so  oriij^iiiated  female  dress,  which,  from  its 
heiii^'-  so  common  to  all  ahorit^ines,  is  usually  regarded 
as  the  result  of  innate  modesty.  But  whatever  gave 
us  <lress,  dress  lias  given  nuich  to  liuman  progress. 
Beneath  dress  arose  modesty  and  refinement,  Hke  the 
courtesies  tinit  cliivahy  threw  over  feudalism,  covering 
the  coarse  brutality  of  the  barons,  and  paving  the  way 
to  real  politeness. 

From  the  artificial  grimaces  of  fashion  have  sprung 
many  of  the  natural  courtesies  of  life:  though  here, 
too,  we  are  sent  back  at  once  to  tiie  beginning  for  the 
cause.  From  the  ages  of  superstition  and  despotism 
have  (h.'scended  the  expressions  of  every-day  [)oliteness. 
Thus  we  have  sir,  from  sicury  sire,  seij/HCur,  signifying 
ruler,  king,  lord,  and  aboriginally  father.  80  madam, 
ma  (Idiiic,  my  lady,  formerly  a}>plied  only  to  women  of 
rank.  I  n  place  of  throwing  ourselves  u})on  the  ground, 
as  bef()re  a  god  or  prince,  we  only  i)artially  prostrate 
ourselves  in  bowing,  and  the  hat  which  we  touch  to  an 
accpiuintance  we  take  off  on  entering  a  church  in  token 
of  our  humility.  Again,  the  captive  in  war  is  made 
a  slave,  and  as  such  is  rf  ipiired  to  do  obeisance  to  his 
master,  which  forms  of  servility  are  copied  by  the  peo- 
j»le  ill  addressing  their  superiors,  and  finally  become 
the  established  usage  of  ordinary  intercourse.  Our 
daily  salutations  are  but  modified  acts  of  worship,  and 
our  parting  word  a  benediction ;  and  from  blood,  toma- 
hawks, and  senseless  superstitions  we  turn  and  find  all 
the  world  of  humanity,  with  its  still  strong  passions 
and  subtle  cravings,  held  in  restraint  by  a  force  of 
which  its  victims  are  almost  wholly  unconscious, — 
and  this  force  is  Fashion.  In  tribunals  of  justice,  in 
court  and  camp  eticpiette,  everywhere  these  relics  of 
barbarism  remain  with  us.  Even  we  of  this  latter-day 
American  republicanism,  elevate  one  of  our  fellows  to 
the  chieftainship  of  a  federation  or  state,  and  call  him 
E.K(;ellency;  we  set  a  man  uj)on  the  bench  and  /tlcad 
our  cause  before  him;  we  send  a  loafer  to  a  legislature, 


ETIQUETTE,  MORALITY.  LXVfS. 


73 


and  straij^htway  call  him  Honorable,— such  divinity 
doth  hedge  all  semblance  of  jKnver. 

Self-denial  and  abstinence  lie  at  the  bottom  of  eti- 
quette and  g(M)d  manners.  If  you  would  be  moral, 
says  Kant,  you  must  "act  always  so  that  the  inune- 
diate  motive  of  thy  will  may  become  a  universal  rule 
for  all  intelligent  beings,"  and  Goethe  teaches  that, 
"there  is  no  outward  sign  of  courtesy  that  does  not 
rest  on  a  deep,  moral  foundation." 

Fine  manners,  though  but  the  shell  of  the  individ- 
ual, are,  to  society,  the  best  actions  of  the  best  men 
crystallized  uito  a  mode;  not  only  the  best  thing,  but 
the  best  way  of  doing  the  best  thing,  (^ood  society 
is,  or  ought  to  be,  the  society  of  the  good ;  but  fashion 
is  more  than  good  society,  or  good  actir)ns;  it  is  more 
than  wealth,  or  beauty,  or  genius,  and  so  arbitiary  in 
its  sway  that,  not  unfrequently,  the  form  al)sorbs  the 
substance,  and  a  breach  of  decorum  becomes  a  deadly 
sin. 

Thus  we  see  in  every  phase  of  development  the 
result  of  a  social  evolution ;  we  see  men  coming  and  go- 
ing, receiving  their  leaven  from  the  society  into  which 
l)y  their  destiny  they  are  projected,  only  to  tling  it 
l)ack  into  the  general  fund  interpenetrated  with  their 
own  quota  of  force.  ^leanwhile,  this  aggregati(»n  of 
human  experiences,  this  compounding  of  age  with  age, 
one  generation  heaping  uj)  knowledge  upon  another; 
tliis  In'getting  of  knowledge  by  knowledge,  the  seed  so 
infi)itesimal,  the  tree  now  so  raj)idly  sending  forth  its 
brau'hes,  whither  does  it  tend  ?  Kunning  the  eye 
aloM^-  the  line  of  progress,  from  the  beginning  to  tlie 
en  I,  the  measure  of  our  knowledge  seems  nearly  full; 
resolving  the  matter,  experience  assures  us  that,  as 
compared  with  those  who  shall  come  after  us,  we 
are  the  veriest  barbarians.  The  end  is  not  yet;  not 
until  infinity  is  spanned  and  eternity  brought  to  an  end, 
will  mankind  cease  to  improve. 

Out  of  this  conglomeration  of  intenninable  relation- 


80 


SAVAGISM  AND  CIVlLIZATiOX. 


ships  conroidant  and  <antafj()nistic  laws  arc  ever 
evolviiij^  tlioinselvos.  Like  all  other  itrogressional 
jihenoiueiia,  they  wait  not  u\Km  man;  they  are  selt- 
ereative,  and  force  themselves  ujion  the  mind  aji^e 
after  a<,'e,  slowly  but  surely,  as  the  intellect  is  able 
to  receive  them;  laws  without  law,  laws  unto  them- 
selves, j^radually  api)earing  as  from  behind  the  mists 
of  eternity.  At  first,  man  and  his  universe  appear 
to  he  re<,'ulated  by  arbitrary  volitions,  by  a  multitude 
of  individual  minds;  each  governs  absolutely  his 
own  actions;  every  phenemenon  of  nature  is  but  tlie 
exjiression  of  some  single  will.  As  these  phenomena, 
one  after  another,  become  strip[)ed  of  their  mystery, 
there  stands  revealed  not  a  g(»d,  but  a  law;  seasons 
come  and  go,  and  never  fail ;  sunshine  follows  rain, 
not  because  a  pacified  deity  smiles,  but  because  the 
rain-clouds  have  fallen  and  the  sun  cannot  hel})  shin- 
ing. Proximate  events  first  are  thus  made  godless, 
then  the  whole  host  of  deities  is  driven  farther  and 
farther  back.  Finally  the  actions  of  man  himself  are 
found  to  be  subject  to  laws.  Left  to  his  own  will,  he 
wills  to  do  like  things  under  like  conditions. 

As  to  the  nature  of  these  laws,  the  subtle  workings 
of  M'hic)»  we  see  manifest  in  every  j)hase  of  society, 
I  cannot  even  so  much  as  s})eak.  An  infinite  ocean 
of  j)henomena  awaits  the  inquirer;  an  ocean  bottom- 
less, over  whose  surface  spreads  an  eternity  of  i)ro- 
gress,  and  beneath  whose  glittering  waves  the  keenest 
intellect  can  scarcely  hope  to  j)enetrate  far.  The  uni- 
verse of  man  and  matter  nuist  be  anatomized;  the 
functions  of  innumerable  and  cohplex  organs  studied; 
the  exercise  and  infiuence  of  every  part  on  every  otlier 
|)art  ascertained,  and  events  aj)parently  the  nu)st  ca- 
l»ricious  traced  to  natural  causes;  then,  when  we  know 
all,  when  we  know  as  God  knoweth,  shall  we  under- 
stand what  it  is,  this  Soul  of  Progress. 


CHAPTER  II. 


GENERAL   VIEW   OP   THE   CIVILIZED   NATIONS. 

The  American  Civilization  of  the  Sixteenth  CENTiinv— Its  Disap- 
PKARANCE— The  Past,  a  New  Element— Dividing  link  hktwken 
Savage  and  (,'ivilized  Trikes  — Hounds  of  American  <"iviliza- 
tion  — PiivsKAL  Features  ok  the  Country— Maya  and  Nahua 
Branches  ok  Aroric.inal  Culture  — The  Nahua  Civilization  — 
The  Aztecs  its  Ukpresextatives— Limits  ok  the  Aztva  Kmpire— 
Ancient  History  ok  Anahuac  in  Outline— The  Toltec  Kra— The 
Ciiit'HiMEc  Era— The  Aztec  Era— Extent  ok  the  Aztec  LANtuAiiE 
—  Civilized  Peoples  outside  ok  Anahuac  — Central  A.meuuan 
Nations— The  Maya  Culture— The  Primitive  Maya  Empire— 
Nahua  Influence  in  the  South— Yucatan  and  the  Mayas  The 
Nations  ok  Chiapas — The  Quiche  Empire  in  (Juatemala  -The 
Nahuas  in  Nicaragua  and  Salvador— Etymology  ok  Names. 


In  the  preceding  volume  I  have  liad  occasion  sev- 
eral times  to  remark  that,  in  the  delineation  of  tlie 
Wild  Trihes  of  the  Pacific  States,  no  attenn)t  is 
made  to  follow  them  in  their  rai)id  decline,  no  at- 
tempt to  penetrate  their  j'ast  or  pro[)hesy  a  possil^le 
future,  no  profitless  lingering  over  those  misfortunes 
that  wrought  amonsf  them  such  swift  destruction.  To 
us  tlie  savage  nations  of  America  have  neither  past 
nor  future;  only  a  brief  j)resent,  from  which  indeed 
we  niay  judge  somewhat  of  their  })ast;  for  the  rest, 
foreign  avarice  and  interference,  European  piety  and 
greed,  saltpetre,  steel,  snudl-l'ox,  and  syphihs,  tell  a 
speedy  tale.  Swifter  stil.  must  he  the  hand  that 
sketches  the  incipient  civilization  of  the  ^Mexican  and 

'  (81) 


Vol.  11.      6 


82 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


Central  American  tal»le-landa.  For  altliouj;h  here  we 
luive  more  past,  there  is  .still  less  present,  and  scarcely 
any  future.  Those  nations  raised  the  hijjfhest  hy  their 
wealth  and  culture,  were  the  first  to  fall  before  the 
invader,  their  superior  attainments  offerin^j^  a  more 
shininj^  mark  to  a  rapacious  foe;  and  fallinuc,  they 
were  the  soonest  lost, — absorbed  by  the  contpieriui,'' 
rai  J,  or  disai>pearin«*'  in  the  surroundin«jf  darkness. 
Althouufh  the  sava<^e  nations  were  ra])idly  annihil- 
ated, traces  of  savagism  lingered,  and  yet  linger;  but 
the  higher  American  culture,  a  plant  of  more  deli- 
cate growth  and  more  sensitive  nature,  withered  at 
the  first  rude  touch  of  foreign  interference.  Instead 
of  being  left  to  its  own  intuitive  unfoldings,  or  instead 
of  being  fostered  by  the  new-comers,  who  might  have 
elevated  by  interfusion  both  their  own  culture  and 
that  of  the  conquered  race,  the  spirit  of  ])r()gress  was 
effectually  stitied  on  both  sides  by  fanatical  attempts 
to  substitute  by  force  foreign  creeds  and  polities  for 
tliose  of  indigenous  origin  and  growth.  And  now  be- 
hold tliem  both,  the  descendants  of  conijuorors  and  of 
contpiored,  the  one  scarcely  less  denaturalized  than 
t!ie  other,  the  curse  inflicted  by  the  invaders  on  a 
flourishing  empire  returning  and  resting  witli  crush- 
ing weight  on  their  own  head.  Scarce  four  centuries 
ago  the  em})ire  of  Charles  the  Fifth,  and  the  emj)ire 
of  Montezuma  the  Second,  were  brought  by  the  force 
of  prt)gress  most  suddenly  and  unexpectedly  face  to 
face;  the  one  then  the  grandest  and  strongest  of  the 
old  world  as  was  the  otlier  uf  the  new.  Since  which 
time  the  fierce  fanaticism  that  overwhelmed  the  New 
World  emj)ire,  has  i>ressed  like  an  incubus  upon  the 
dominant  race,  and  held  it  fast  while  all  the  world 
around  were  making  the  most  rapid  strides  forward. 
No  indigenous  civilization  exists  in  America  to-dav, 
yet  the  ettects  of  a  former  cultu;"e  are  not  altogether 
absent.  The  descendant  of  the  Vztec,  Maya,  and  Qui- 
che, is  still  of  superior  mind  and  haughtier  s})irit  than  his 
roving  brother  who  boasts  of  none  but  a  savage  anccs- 


THE  PAST,  A  NEW  ELEMENT. 


8S 


try.  Still,  so  complete  has  been  the  substitution  of  for- 
ei<^n  civil  and  ecclesiastical  polities,  and  so  f'ar-reachinLj 
their  influence  on  native  character  and  conduct;  so  inti- 
mate the  association  for  three  and  more  centuries  with 
the  Spanish  element;  so  closely  guarded  from  foreij^n 
i^aze  lias  been  every  manifestation  of  the  few  surviv- 
iiiLj  sparks  of  abori<(inal  modes  of  thought,  that  a  study 
of  tlie  native  condition  in  motlern  times  yields,  by  it- 
self, few  satisfactory  results.  This  study,  however,  as 
part  of  an  investigation  of  their  original  or  normal 
condition,  should  by  no  means  be  neglected,  since  it 
mav  furnish  illustrative  material  of  no  little  value. 

Back  of  all  this  lies  another  element  which  lends  to 
our  subject  yet  grander  proportions.  Scattered  over 
the  southern  j)lateaux  are  heaps  of  architectural  re- 
uiains  and  monumental  piles.  Furthermore,  native 
traditions,  both  orally  transmitted  and  hieroglyph- 
ically  recorded  by  means  of  legible  picture-writings, 
attbrd  us  a  tolerably  clear  view  of  the  civilized  na- 
tions during  a  period  of  several  centuries  jjreceding 
the  Sj)anish  conquest,  together  with  ])assing  glances, 
through  momentary  clearings  in  tlie  mythologic  clouds, 
at  historical  epochs  much  more  remote.  Here  we 
have  as  aids  to  this  analysis, — aids  almost  wholly 
wanting  among  the  so-called  savage  tribes,  antlcjui- 
ties,  tradition,  history,  carrying  tlie  student  far  back 
into  the  mysterious  New  World  j)ast;  and  hence  it 
is  that  from  its  sinudtaneous  revelation  and  eclipse, 
American  civilization  would  otherwise  otter  a  more 
limited  Held  for  investiijfation  than  American  savag- 
ism,  yet  by  the  introduction  of  this  new  element  the 
field  is  widely  extended. 

Nor  have  we  even  yet  reached  tlie  limits  of  our  re- 
sources for  the  investiiration  of  this  New  World  civil- 
ization.  In  these  relics  of  architecture  and  literature, 
of  mythology  and  tradition,  tiiere  are  clear  indications 
of  an  older  and  higher  type  of  culture  than  that  brouglit 
immediately  to  the  knowledge  of  the  invaders;  of  a  type 
tluit  had  temporarily  deteriorated,  i»erhaps  through  the 


M 


arXERAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVIMZEO  NATIONS. 


innuenco  of  lon'jf-continucd  and  Idoody  conflittH,  civil 
and  forc'iirii,  bv  which  the  inoro  warlike  rather  than  tho 
more  hijjfldy  cultured  nations  had  l»een  hroujj^ht  into 
prominence  and  power,  liut  this  anterior  and  superior 
civiliziition,  restin*,'  lari^ely  as  it  d(»es  on  vajj^ue  tradi- 
tion, and  preserved  to  our  knowledvfo  in  •jceneral  allu- 
sions rather  than  in  detail,  maA',  like  the  native  con- 
dition  since  the  concpiest,  he  utilized  to  the  hest 
advantai»'e  here  as  illustrative  of  tlie  later  and  het- 
ter-known,  if  somewhat  inferior  civilization  of  the 
sixteenth  century,  descrihed  liy  the  con«pieror,  tho 
missionary,  and  the  Spanish  historian. 

Anti(jue  remains  of  native  skill,  wliich  have  been 
preserved  for  our  examination,  may  also  bo  largely 
used  in  illustration  of  more  nuKlern  art,  whoso  products 
liavo  disappeared.  These  relics  of  the  j)ast  are  also 
of  tho  hii'-hest  value  as  conHrmiuijf  tho  truth  of  tho 
reports  made  by  Spanish  writers,  very  many,  or  per- 
haps most,  of  whoso  statements  respectini;  tho  wonder- 
ful plionomona  of  tho  New  World,  without  this  incon- 
trovf-rtiblo  material  i)roof,  would  find  few  believers 
aimoni''  tho  sceptical  students  of  the  jirosont  day. 
These  remains  of  anti(piitv,  however,  beini^  fully  de- 
scribed in  another  vohunoof  this  W()rk,  mav  bo  referred 
to  in  very  general  terms  for  present  purposes. 

Of  civilization  in  general,  tho  nature  of  its  phe- 
nomena, tho  causes  and  processes  by  which  it  is 
evolved  from  savagism,  I  have  spoken  sufficiently  in 
tho  foregoing  chapter.  As  for  the  many  theories  re- 
specting tho  American  civilization  in  i)articular,  its 
origin  and  growth,  it  is  not  my  purpose  to  discuss 
them  in  this  volume.  No  theory  on  those  questions 
could  1)0  of  any  practical  value  in  tho  elucidation  of 
tho  subject,  save  one  tliat  should  stand  out  among  the 
rest  so  proeminently  well-founded  as  to  be  generally  ac- 
cepted among  scientific  men,  and  no  one  of  all  the  mul- 
titude pro[)osod  has  acfpiirod  any  such  preeminence. 
A  complete  resume  of  all  the  tlieories  on  the  subject, 
with  tho  foundations  which  sujjport  them,  is  given  else- 


OUICJIN  OF  AMERICAN  CIVILIZATION. 


85 


where  in  connection  with  the  ancient  tratliti.mary  his- 
tory of  the  alK)ri<^inal  nations.  It  is  well,  however, 
to  remark  that  our  lack  of  definite  kno\vle(l«jfe  alM)ut 
tlie  orij^in  of  this  civilization  is  not  practically  so  iin- 
jjortant  as  iai«^ht  a})|)ear  at  first  thou«rht.  Irue,  we 
know  not  for  certain  whether  it  is  indij^^enous  or  exotic; 
and  if  the  former,  whether  to  ascribe  its  cradle  to  tlm 
north  or  south,  to  one  locality  or  many;  or  if  the  lat- 
ter, whether  contact  with  the  old  world  was  ett'ected 
at  one  or  many  j)oints,  on  one  occasion  or  at  divers 
epochs,  through  the  agency  of  migrating  peoples  or 
hy  the  advent  of  individual  civilizers  and  teachers. 
Yet  the  tendency  of  modern  research  is  to  prove  the 
great  anti(piity  of  the  American  civilization  as  well  as 
of  the  American  people;  and  if  either  was  drawn 
from  a  foreign  source,  it  was  at  a  time  probably  so 
remote  as  to  antedate  any  old-world  culture  now  ex- 
isting, and  to  j>revent  any  light  being  thrown  on  the 
otfspring  by  a  study  of  the  parent  stock;  while  if  in- 
digenous, little  ho])e  is  afforded  of  following  rationally 
their  development  through  the  politii'al  convulsions  of 
the  distant  past  down  to  even  a  traditionally  historic 
epoch. 

1  may  tlien  dispense  with  theories  of  origin  and  de- 
tails of  p.'ist  history  as  confusing  rather  than  aiding 
my  present  purpose,  and  as  being  i'ully  treated  else- 
where in  this  work.  Neither  am  I  recpiired  in  this 
treatment  of  the  civilized  races  to  make  an  accurate 
division  between  them  and  their  more  savajj^e  neiyfh- 
bors,  to  determine  the  exact  standard  by  which  savag- 
ism  and  civilization  are  to  be  measured,  or  to  vindicate 
tlie  use  of  the  word  civilized  as  aj)i)lied  to  the  Ameri- 
can nations  in  preference  to  that  of  semi-civilized,  pre- 
ferred by  many  writers.  We  have  seen  that  civilization 
is  at  best  only  a  comparative  term,  apj)lied  to  some  of 
tlie  ever-shifting  phases  of  human  progress.  In  many 
of  the  Wild  Tribes  already  described  some  of  its  charac- 
teristics have  been  observed,  and  the  opposite  elements 
of  savagism  will  not  be  wanting  among  what  J  proceed 


M 


(JKXKKAL  VIEW  OK  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


to  tlcHcribc  as  the  Civilized  Nations.  Thoro  is  not  a  aav- 
aLfo  people  between  Antihuac  and  Niearajjfua  that  hiin 
not  neen  inHiienced  in  its  institutions  by  intercourse, 
warlike,  social,  or  commercial,  with  neighlKus  of  hij^her 
culture,  and  has  not  exerted  in  its  turn  a  reHex  influence 
on  the  latter.  The  difficulty  of  drawinjr  division-lines 
between  nations  thus  mutually  acting;  on  each  other  is 
further  increased  in  America  by  the  fact  that  two  or 
three  nati«)ns  constitute  the  central  figure  of  nearly 
all  that  has  been  observed  or  written  by  the  few  that 
came  in  actual  ctnitact  with  the  natives.  This  volume 
will,  therefore,  deal  rather  with  the  native  civilization 
tlian  with  the  nations  that  j)osscssed  it. 

While,  however,  details  on  all  the  points  mentioned, 
outside  of  actual  institutions  found  existini^  in  the  six> 
toenth  century,  would  tend  to  confusion  rather  than 
to  clearness,  be«idea  leadin<.j  in  many  cases  to  endless 
repetition,  yet  a  «jfenend  view  of  the  whole  subject,  of 
the  number,  extent,  location,  and  nmtual  relations  of 
the  nations  occuj>yin^  the  central  portions  of  the  con- 
tinent at  its  discovery,  as  well  as  of  their  relations  to 
those  of  the  more  immediate  past,  appears  necessiiry 
to  an  inteliiijfent  perusal  of  the  followin»>^  paj^es.  In 
this  jnreneral  view  I  shall  avoid  all  ('scussion  of  dis- 
puted (juestions,  reservinjjf  argument,  and  details  for 
future  volumes  on  antiquities  and  aboriginal  history. 

That  portion  of  what  we  call  the  Pacific  States  which 
was  the  home  of  American  civilization  within  historic  or 
tr;^ditionally  historic  times,  extends  along  the  continent 
from  north-west  to  south-east,  between  latitudes  22"' 
and  1 1°.  On  the  Atlantic  side  the  territory  stretches 
from  Tamaulipas  to  Honduras,  on  the  Pacific  from  Co- 
1  ima  to  Nicaragua.  Not  that  these  are  definitely  drawn 
boundaries,  but  outside  of  these  limits,  disregarding  the 
New  Mexican  Pueblo  culture,  this  civilization  had  left 
little  for  Europeans  to  observe,  while  within  them 
lived  few  tribes  uninfluenced  or  unimproved  by  con- 
tact with  it.     No  portion  of  the  globe,  perhaps,  em- 


HOMK  OF  TIIK  AMERICAN  CLLTIRE. 


m 


l)raocH  witliin  cciuiil  latitiulinnl  limitH  ho  j^rent  a  variety 
of  cliiiiatt',  Hoil,  and  ve<;etatioii:  a  variety  whose  iui- 
]>ortant  hearinjif  on  the  native  deveU)|)n»ent  can  he  iin- 
tlenstocKl   in  some  dcyrce,  and  which  would  douhtlesrt 
account  satisfactoriy  *'  .  Most  of  the  coinpHcations  of 
|>ro<,'ressional  ])henoinena  ohserved  within  the  terri- 
tory, were  tlie  connection  hetwe'.'U  environment  and 
]»roj,m;ss  fully  within  the  j^rasp  of  our  knowIed»(e.    All 
the  j^radations  from  a  torrid  to  a  temperate  clime  are 
here  found  in  a  region   that  lies  wholly  withii    il)o 
n(»rthern  tropic,  altitudinal  variations  taking*  the  pLir  j 
of  and  pnMlucitijr  all  the  effects  elsewhere  attrilmt;il»ie 
to  latitude  alone.     These  variations  result  friu  the 
topography  of  the  country  an  determined  by  tiie  con- 
formation givoTi  to  the  continent  hy  the  central  cordil- 
lora.    Tlie  rMoira  JVIadre  enters  this  territory  from  the 
north  "•?  two  principal  ranges,  one  stretching  along  the 
coast  of  the  Pacific,  while  the  other  and  more  lofty 
range  trends  nearer  the  Atlantic,  the  two  again  unit- 
ing lu'fore  reaching  the  isthnms  of  Tehuantepec.    This 
«;astern  hranch  between  18^'  40'  and  20"  30'  opens  out 
into  a  tahle-land  of  some  seventy-five  hy  two  hundred 
miles  area,  w  ith  an  altitude  of  from  six  to  eight  thou- 
sand feet  above  the  sea  level.     This  broad  plateau  or 
series  of  j)latoaux  is  known  as  the  tierra  fria,  while  the 
lower  valleys,  witli  a  band  of  the  surrounding  slopes, 
at  an  elevation  of  from  three  to  five  thousand  feet,  in- 
cluding large  portions  of  the  western  lands  of  Micho- 
acan,  Guerrero,  and  Oajaca,  between  the  two  mountain 
branches,  constitute  tlie  tierva  templada.     From  tlio 
surface  of  the  upper  table-land  rise  sierras  and  isolated 
peaks  of  volcanic  origin,  the  highest  in  North  America, 
their  summits  covered  with  eternal  snow,  which  shel- 
ter, temper,  and  protect  the  fertile  plateaux  lying  at 
their  base.     Centrally  located  on  this  t'd)le-land,  sur- 
rounded by  a  wall  of  lofty  volcanic  cliffs  and  peaks,  is 
the  most  famous  of  all  the  valley  plateaux,  somet'.'ing 
more  than  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles  in  circuit,  the 
valley  of  Mexico,  Anilhuac,  that  is  to  say,  'country  by 


88 


GENERAL  VFEVV  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


the  waters,'  taking  its  name  from  the  hikes  that  form- 
erly occupied  one  tenth  of  its  area.  Anilhuac,  with  an 
elevation  of  7,500  feet,  may  be  taken  as  representative 
of  the  tierra  fria.  It  has  a  mean  temperature  of  62°  a 
cHniate  much  like  that  of  southern  Europe,  although 
dryer,  and  to  which  the  term  'cold'  can  only  be  com- 
paratively applied.  The  soil  is  fertile  and  productive, 
though  now  generally  presenting  a  bare  and  parched 
surface,  by  reason  of  the  excessive  evaporation  on  lofty 
plains  exposed  to  the  full  force  of  a  tropical  sun,  its 
natural  forest-covering  having  been  removed  since  the 
Spanish  conquest,  chiefly,  it  is  believed,  through  arti- 
ficial agencies.  Oak  and  pine  are  prominent  features 
of  the  native  forest-growth,  while  wheat,  barley,  and 
all  the  European  cereals  and  fruits  flourish  side  by  side 
with  plantations  of  the  indigenous  maize,  maguey,  and 
cactus.  B^rom  May  to  October  of  each  your,  corres- 
ponding nearly  with  the  hot  season  of  the  coast,  ruins 
or  showers  are  frequent,  but  rarely  occur  during  the 
remaininof  months.  Trees  retain  their  foliatje  for  ten 
months  in  the  year,  and  indeed  their  fading  is  scarcely 
noticeable.  Southward  of  18^,  as  the  continent  nar- 
rows, this  eastern  table-land  contracts  into  a  mountain 
range  proper,  presenting  a  succession  of  smaller  ter- 
races, valleys,  and  sierras,  in  place  of  the  broader 
plateaux  of  the  region  about  Anahuac.  Trending 
south-eastward  toward  the  Pacific,  and  uniting  with 
the  western  Sierra  Madre,  the  chain  crosses  the 
isthnms  of  Tehuantepec  at  a  diminished  altitude, 
only  to  rise  again  and  expand  laterally  into  the 
lofty  ( Guatemalan  ranges  which  stretch  still  south- 
eastward to  Lake  Nicaragua,  where  for  the  second 
time  a  break  occurs  in  the  continental  cordillera  at 
the  southern  limit  of  the  territory  now  under  con- 
sideration. From  this  central  cordillera  lateral  sub- 
ordinate branches  jut  out  at  right  angles  north  and 
south  toward  either  ocean.  As  we  go  southward  the 
vegetation  becomes  more  dense,  and  the  temperature 
higher  at  equal  altitudes,  but  the  same  gradations  of 


THE  TIERRA  CALIENTE. 


89 


*fria'  and  'templada'  are  continued,  blendinj^  into  each 
other  at  a  lieight  of  5,000  to  6,000  feet.  The  charac- 
teristics of  the  Cordillera  south  of  the  Mexican  table- 
land are  lofty  volcanic  peaks  whose  lower  bases  are 
clothed  with  dense  forests,  fertile  plateaux  bounded  by- 
precipitous  cliffs,  vertical  fissures  or  ravines  of  iunnense 
depth  torn  in  the  solid  rock  by  volcanic  action,  and 
mountain  torrents  flowing  in  deep  beds  of  porphyry 
and  forming  picturesque  lakes  in  the  lower  valleys. 
Indeed,  in  Guatemala,  where  more  than  twenty  vol- 
canoes are  in  active  operation,  all  these  characteristic 
features  appear  to  unite  in  their  highest  degree  of 
perfection.  One  of  the  lateral  ranges  extends  north- 
eastward from  the  continental  chain,  forming  with  a 
comparatively  slight  elevation  the  back-bone  of  the 
peninsula  of  Yucatan. 

At  the  bases  of  the  central  continental  heights,  on 
the  shores  of  either  ocean,  is  the  tierra  caliente,  a  name 
applied  to  all  the  coast  region  with  an  elevation  of  less 
than  1,500  feet,  and  also  by  the  inhabitants  to  many 
interior  valleys  of  high  temperature.  So  abru})t]y  do 
the  mountains  rise  on  the  Pacific  side  that  tlie  western 
torrid  band  does  not  perhaps  exceed  twenty  miles  in 
average  width  for  its  whole  length,  and  has  exerted 
comparatively  little  influence  on  the  history  and  de- 
velopment of  the  native  races.  But  on  the  Atlantic 
or  gulf  coast  is  a  broad  tract  of  level  plain  and  maish, 
and  farther  inland  a  more  gradual  ascent  to  the  inte- 
rior heiglits.  This  remon  presents  all  the  features  of 
an  extreme  tropical  climate  and  vegetation.  In  the 
latitude  of  Vera  Cruz  barren  and  sandy  tracts  are  seen; 
elsewhere  the  tiern.  caliente  is  covered  with  the  dens- 
est tropical  growth  of  trees,  shrubs,  vines,  and  Howors, 
forming  in  their  natural  state  an  almost  impenetrable 
thicket.  Cocoa,  cotton,  cacao,  sugar-cane,  indigo,  va- 
nilla, bananas,  and  the  various  palms  are  prominent 
anu>ng  the  flora;  while  the  fauna  include  birds  in  infi- 
nite variety  of  brilliant  plumage,  with  myriads  of  tor- 
menting and  deadly  insticts  and  reptiles.     The  atmos 


00 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


phere  is  deadly  to  all  but  natives.  The  moist  soil,  en- 
riched by  the  decay  of  vegetable  substances,  breathes 
pestilence  and  malaria  from  every  pore,  except  during 
the  winter  months  of  incessant  winds,  which  blow  from 
October  to  March.  Southern  Vera  Cruz  and  Tabasco, 
the  tierra  caliente  par  excellence,  exhibit  the  most  luxu- 
riant display  of  nature's  prodigality.  Of  alluvial  and 
comparatively  recent  fonnation  this  region  is  traversed 
by  the  Goazacoalco,  Alvarado,  Usumacinta,  and  other 
noble  rivers,  which  rise  in  the  mountains  of  Guatemala, 
Chiapas,  and  Tchuantepec.  River-banks  are  crowded 
with  magnificent  forest-trees,  and  the  broad  savanas 
farther  back  marked  off  into  natural  plantations  of  the 
valuable  dye-woods  which  abound  there,  by  a  network 
of  branch  streams  and  canals,  which  serve  both  for 
irrigation  and  as  a  medium  of  transi)ort  for  the  native 
products  that  play  no  unimportant  role  in  the  world's 
commerce.  Each  year  inundations  are  expected  be- 
tween June  and  October,  and  these  transform  the 
whole  system  of  lagoons  into  a  broad  lake.  Farther 
up  the  course  of  the  rivers  on  the  foothills  of  the  Cor- 
dillera, are  extensive  forests  of  cedar,  mahogany,  za- 
l>ote,  Brazil,  and  other  precious  woods,  together  with 
a  variety  of  medicinal  plants  and  aromatic  resins. 

Tlie  whole  of  Yucatan  may,  by  reason  of  its  tem- 
perature and  elevation  above  the  sea,  be  included  in 
the  tierra  caliente,  but  its  climate  is  one  of  the  most 
healthful  in  all  tropical  America.  The  whole  north 
and  west  of  the  peninsula  are  of  fossil  shell  forma- 
tion, showing  that  at  no  very  distant  date  this  region 
was  covered  by  the  waters  of  the  sea.  There  are  no 
rivers  that  do  not  dry  up  in  winter,  but  by  a  wonder- 
ful system  of  small  ponds  and  natural  wells  the  country 
is  supplied  with  water,  the  soil  being  moreover  always 
moist,  and  supporting  a  rich  and  vigorous  vegetation. 

Notwithstanding  evident  marks  of  oimilarity  in 
nearly  all  the  manifestatit>ns  of  the  progressional  spirit 
in  aboriginal  America,  in  art,  thought,  and  religion, 


THE  NAHUA  AND  MAYA  ELEMENTS. 


91 


there  is  much  reason  for  and  convenience  in  referrinj^ 
all  the  native  civilization  to  two  branches,  the  Maya 
and  the  Nahua,  the  former  the  more  ancient,  the  latter 
the  more  recent  and  wide-spread.  It  is  important, 
however,  to  understand  the  nature  and  extent  of  this 
division,  and  just  how  far  it  may  be  considered  real 
and  how  far  ideal.  Of  all  the  languages  spoken  among 
these  nations,  the  two  named  are  the  most  wide-spread, 
and  are  likewise  entirely  distinct.  In  their  traditional 
history,  their  material  relics,  and,  above  all,  in  their 
methods  of  recording  events  by  hieroglyphics,  as  well 
as  in  their  several  lesser  characteristics,  these  two 
stocks  show  so  many  and  so  clear  points  of  difforenco 
standing  prominently  out  from  their  many  resem- 
blances, as  to  indicate  either  a  separate  culture  from 
the  beginning,  or  what  is  more  probable  and  for  us 
j)ractically  tlie  same  thing,  a  progress  in  different 
j)atlis  for  a  long  time  prior  to  the  coming  of  the  Eu- 
ropeans. Very  many  of  the  nations  not  clearly  affili- 
ated with  either  branch  show  evident  traces  of  both 
cultures,  and  may  be  reasonably  supposed  to  have  de- 
veloped their  condition  from  contact  and  intermixture 
of  the  parent  stocks  with  each  other, and  with  the  neigh- 
boring savage  tribes.  It  is  only,  however,  in  a  very  gen- 
eral sense  that  this  classification  can  be  accepted,  and 
then  only  for  practical  convenience  in  elucidating  the 
subject;  since  there  are  several  nations  that  nuist  l)e 
ranked  among  our  civilized  peoples,  which,  particularly 
in  the  matter  of  language,  show  no  Maya  nor  Nahua 
affinities.  Nor  is  too  much  importance  to  be  attached 
to  the  names  Maya  and  Nahua  by  which  I  designate 
these  parallel  civilizations.  The  former  is  adopted  for 
the  reason  that  the  Maya  people  and  tongue  are  com- 
monly regarded  as  among  tlie  most  ancient  in  all  the 
Central  American  region,  a  region  where  formerly 
flourished  the  civilization  that  left  such  wonderful 
remains  at  Palenque,  Uxmal,  and  Copan;  the  latter 
as  being  an  older  designation  than  either  Aztec  or 
Toltec,  both  of  which  stocks  the  race  Nahua  includes. 


92 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


The  civilization  of  what  is  now  the  Mexican  Republic, 
north  of  Tehiiantepec,  belonged  to  the  Nahua  branch, 
both  at  the  time  of  tlie  conquest  and  thn)ughout  the 
historic  period  preceding.  Very  few  traces  of  the 
Maya  element  occur  north  of  Chiapas,  and  these  are 
chiefly  linguistic,  appearing  in  two  or  three  nations 
dwelling  along  the  shores  of  the  Mexican  gulf  In 
published  works  upon  the  subject  the  Aztecs  are  the 
representatives  of  the  Nahua  element;  indeed,  what 
is  known  of  the  Aztecs  has  furnished  material  for  nine 
tenths  of  all  that  has  been  written  on  the  American 
civilized  nations  in  general.  The  truth  of  the  matter 
is  that  the  Aztecs  were  only  the  most  powerful  of  a 
league  or  confederation  of  three  nations,  which  in  the 
sixteenth  century,  from  their  capitals  in  the  valley, 
ruled  central  Mexico.  This  confederation,  moreover, 
was  of  compjiratively  recent  date.  These  three  nations 
were  the  Acolhuas,  the  Aztecs,  and  the  Tepanecs,  and 
tlicir  respective  capitals,  Tezcuco,  Mexico,  and  Tlaco- 
pan  (Tacuba)  were  located  near  each  other  on  the  lake 
borders,  w'.ere,  except  Mexico,  they  still  are  found  in 
a  sad  state  of  dilapidation.  Within  the  valley,  in  gen- 
eral terms,  the  eastern  section  belonged  to  Tezcuco, 
the  southern  and  western  to  Mexico,  and  a  limited 
territory  in  .he  north-west  to  Tlacopan.  At  the  time 
when  the  confederation  was  formed,  which  was  about 
one  hundred  years  before  the  advent  of  the  Spaniards, 
Tezcuco  was  the  most  advanced  and  powerful  of  the 
allies,  maintaining  her  precedence  nearly  to  the  end  of 
the  fifteenth  century.  Tlacopan  was  far  inferior  to 
the  other  two.  Her  possessions  were  small,  and  ac- 
cording to  the  terms  of  the  compact,  which  seem 
always  to  have  been  strictly  observed,  she  received 
but  one  fifth  of  the  spoils  obtained  by  successful  war. 
While  keeping  within  the  boundaries  of  their  respect- 
ive provinces,  so  far  as  the  valley  of  Mexico  was  con- 
cerned, these  three  chief  powers  united  their  forces  to 
extend  their  conquests  beyond  the  limits  of  the  valley 
in  every  direction.    Thus  under  the  leadership  of  a  line 


THE  AZTECS  THE  NAHUA  REPRESENTATIVES. 


93 


of  warlike  kings  Mexico  extended  her  domain  to  the 
shores  of  either  ocean,  and  rendered  tlie  tribes  therein 
tributary  to  her.  During  this  period  of  foreign  con- 
quest, the  Aztec  kings,  more  energetic,  ambitious,  war- 
Hke,  and  unscrupulous  than  their  allies,  ac(|uired  a 
decided  preponderance  in  the  confederate  councils  and 
possessions;  so  that,  originally  but  a  small  tribe,  one  of 
the  many  which  had  settled  in  the  valley  of  Anjlhuac, 
by  its  valor  and  success  in  war,  by  the  comparatively 
broad  extent  of  its  domain,  by  the  magnificence  of  its 
ca[)ital,  the  only  aboriginal  town  in  America  rebuilt 
by  the  conquerors  in  anything  like  its  }>ristino  splen- 
dor, and  especially  by  being  the  i)eoj)le  that  came  di- 
rectly into  contact  with  the  invaders  in  the  desj)erate 
struggles  of  the  conquest,  the  Aztecs  became  to  Eu- 
roj)eans,  and  to  the  whole  modern  world,  the  re})re- 
sentatives  of  the  American  civilized  peoples.  Plence, 
in  the  observations  of  those  who  were  personally  ac- 
(juainted  with  these  peoi)le,  little  or  no  distinction  is 
made  between  the  many  different  nations  of  Central 
Mexico,  all  being  described  as  Aztecs.  Indeed,  many 
of  the  lesser  nations  favored  this  error,  being  j)roud  to 
claim  identity  with  the  brave  find  powerful  peo))!e  to 
wliose  valor  they  had  been  forced  to  succumb.  While 
this  state  of  things  doubtless  creates  some  confusion 
by  failing  to  show  clearly  the  slight  tribal  differences 
that  existed,  yet  the  difficulty  is  not  a  serious  «>ne, 
from  tlie  fact  that  very  many  of  these  nations  were 
unquestionably  of  the  same  blood  as  the  Aztecs,  and 
that  all  dr<3W  what  civilization  they  possessed  from 
the  sa:  Nahua  source.  I  may  therefore  coiitimie  to 
speak  of  the  Aztecs  in  their  representative  character, 
including  directly  in  this  term  all  the  nations  perma- 
nently subjected  to  the  three  ruling  powers  in  Anii- 
huac,  due  care  being  taken  to  point  out  such  differ- 
ences as  may  have  been  noticed  and  recorded. 

To  fix  the  limits  of  the  Aztec  Empire  with  any  ap- 
proximation to  accuracy  is  exceedingly  difficult,  botJi 
l)y  reason  of  conflicting  statements,  and  because  the 


M 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. . 


boundaries  were  constantly  changing  as  new  tribes 
were  brought  under  Aztec  rule,  or  by  successful  revolt 
threw  off  the  Mexican  yoke.  Clavigero,  followed  by 
Prescott,  gives  to  the  empire  the  territory  from  18° 
to  21°  on  the  Atlantic,  and  14°  to  19°  on  the  Pacific, 
exclusive,  according  to  the  latter  author,  of  the  posses- 
sions of  Tezcuco  and  Tlacopan.  But  this  extent  of 
territory,  estimated  at  nearly  twice  that  of  the  state 
of  California,  gives  an  exaggerated  idea  of  Anahuac, 
even  when  that  term  is  applied  to  the  conquered  ter- 
ritory of  the  whole  confederacy.  The  limits  men- 
tioned are  in  reality  the  extreme  points  reached  by 
the  allied  armies  in  their  successful  wars,  or  rather, 
raids,  during  the  most  palmy  days  of  Aztec  rule. 
Within  these  bounds  were  several  nations  that  wore 
never  conquered,  even  temporarily,  by  the  arms  of 
Anahuac,  as  for  example  the  Tlascaltecs,  the  Taras- 
cos,  and  the  Chiapanecs.  Many  nations,  indeed  most 
of  those  whose  home  was  far  from  the  central  capitals, 
were  simply  forced  on  different  occasions  by  the  pres- 
ence of  a  conquering  army  to  pay  tribute  and  allegi- 
ance to  the  Aztec  kinors,  an  alleofiance  which  thev  were 
not  slow  to  throw  off  as  soon  as  the  invaders  had  with- 
drawn. Such  were  the  nations  of  northern  Guate- 
mala and  Soconusco,  whose  conquest  was  in  reality 
but  a  successful  raid  for  plunder  and  captives;  such 
the  nations  of  Tehuantepec,  such  the  Miztecs  and  Za- 
potecs  of  Oajaca,  the  latter  having  completely  regained 
their  independence  and  driven  the  Aztecs  from  their  soil 
before  the  coming  of  the  Spaniards.  Other  nations 
were  conquered  only  in  the  years  immediately  preced- 
ing theSpanish  conquest;  instance  the Matlaltzincas  just 
westof  Anahuac,  and  the  Huastecs  and  Totonacsof  Vera 
Cruz.  By  their  successful  raids  among  these  latter 
peoples,  the  Aztecs  only  sealed  their  own  doom,  mak- 
ing inveterate  foes  of  the  coast  nations,  whose  services 
would  have  been  most  efficacious  in  resisting  the  fatal 
progress  of  the  Castilian  arms.  But  other  tribes  less 
warlike  and  powerful,  or  nearer  the  strongholds  of 


EXTENT  OF  THE  AZTEC  EMPIRR 


M 


their  conquerors,  were,  by  means  of  frequent  military 
expeditions  made  to  check  outbreaking  rebellion,  kept 
nominally  subject  to  the  Aztecs  during  fifty  years, 
more  or  less,  preceding  the  coming  of  the  Spaniards, 
paying  their  annual  tribute  with  some  regularity. 
Outside  the  rocky  barriers  of  their  valley,  the  Mexi- 
cans maintained  their  supremacy  only  by  constant 
war;  and  even  within  the  valley  their  sway  was  far 
from  undisputed,  since  several  tribes,  notably  the  Chal- 
cas  on  the  southern  lake,  broke  out  in  open  rebellion 
whenever  the  imperial  irmies  were  elsewhere  occupied. 

The  Aztec  empire  proper,  not  restricting  it  to  its 
original  seat  in  the  valley  of  Mexico,  nor  including 
within  its  limits  all  the  nations  which  were  by  the 
fortunes  of  war  forced  at  one  time  or  anotlier  to  pay 
tribute,  may  then  be  said  to  have  extended  from  the 
valley  of  Mexico  and  its  immediate  environs,  over  the 
territories  comprised  in  the  present  States  of  ^lexioo 
(with  its  modern  subdivisions  of  Hidalgo  and  !More- 
los),  Puebla,  southern  Vera  Cruz,  and  Guerrero,  Of 
all  the  nations  that  occupied  this  territory,  most  of 
them,  as  I  have  said,  were  of  one  blood  and  language 
with  their  masters,  and  all,  by  their  character  and  in- 
stitutions, possessed  in  greater  or  less  degree  the  Na- 
hua  culture.  Of  many  of  the  multitudinous  nations 
occupying  the  vast  territory  surrounding  the  valley  of 
Mexico,  nothhig  is  known  beyond  their  names  and 
their  likeness,  near  or  remote,  to  the  Aztecs.  For  a 
statement  of  their  names  and  localities  in  detail,  the 
reader  is  referred  to  the  Tribal  Boundaries  followiniy 
the  chapter  on  the  Central  Mexicans  in  the  first  vol- 
ume of  this  work.  Let  it  be  understood,  therefore, 
that  the  description  of  Aztec  institutions  contained  in 
this  volume  applies  to  all  th<^  nations  of  the  empire  as 
bounded  above,  except  where  special  limitation  is  in- 
dicated ;  besides  which  it  has  a  general  application  to 
a  much  wider  region,  in  fact  to  the  whole  country 
north  of  the  isthm^us  of  Tehuantepec. 

In  this  connection,  and  before  attempting  a  descrip- 


M 


GENERAL  VIEW  OP  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


tion  of  the  IMcxican  nations  beyond  the  Hmits  of  the 
empire,  nations  more  or  less  independent  of  Aztec 
sway,  a  glance  at  ancient  Mexican  history  seems  ne- 
cessary, as  well  to  throw  light  on  tlio  mutual  relations 
of  the  peoples  of  Anilhuac,  as  to  partially  explain  the 
broad  extent  of  the  Nahua  civilization  and  of  the  Az- 
tec idiom.  The  old-time  story,  how  the  Toltecs  in 
the  sixth  century  a])peared  on  the  Mexican  table-land, 
how  they  were  driven  out  and  scattered  in  the  elev- 
enth century,  how  after  a  brief  interval  the  Chichimecs 
followed  their  footsteps,  and  how  these  last  were  suc- 
ceeded by  the  Aztecs  who  were  found  in  possession, — 
the  last  two,  and  probably  the  first,  migrating  in  im- 
mense hordes  from  the  far  north-west, — all  this  is 
sufficiently  familiar  to  readers  of  Mexican  history,  and 
is  furthermore  fully  set  forth  in  the  fifth  volume  of 
this  work.  It  is  probable,  however,  that  this  account, 
accurate  to  a  certain  degree,  has  been  by  many  writers 
too  literally  construed;  since  the  once  iH)pular  theory 
of  wholesale  national  migrations  of  American  jteoples 
within  historic  times,  and  i)articularly  of  such  migra- 
tions from  the  north-west,  may  now  be  regarded  as 
practically  unfounded.  The  sixth  century  is  the  most 
remote  })eriod  to  which  we  are  carried  in  the  annals  of 
Anahuac  by  traditions  sufficiently  definite  to  be  con- 
sidered in  any  proper  sense  as  historic  records.  At 
this  period  we  find  the  Nahua  civilization  and  insti- 
tutions established  on  the  table-land,  occupied  then  as 
at  every  subsequent  time  by  many  tribes  more  or  less 
distinct  from  each  other.  And  there  this  culture  re- 
mained without  intermixture  of  essentially  foreign  ele- 
ments down  to  the  sixteenth  century;  there  the  suc- 
cessive phases  of  its  development  appeared,  and  there 
the  progressional  spirit  continued  to  ferment  for  a 
period  of  ten  centuries,  which  fermentation  constitutes 
the  ancient  Mexican  history.  During  the  course  of 
these  ten  centuries  we  may  follow  now  definitely  now 
vaguely  the  social,  religious,  and  political  convulsions 
through  which  these  aboriginals  were  doomed  to  pass. 


THE  NAIR'AS  IX  AXAIIUAC. 


97 


From  small  l)c»,nnnint;^s  we  sec  miLfhty  political  poweis 
evolved,  and  these  overturned  and  thrown  into  oh- 
scurity  hy  other  and  rival  uni'oldinjL^s.  Uelii^ious  sects 
in  like  manner  we  see  succeed  each  other,  colorini^ 
their  j>roL;ress  with  fre(|uent  persecutions  and  reforma- 
tions, not  unworthy  of  old-world  medi;eval  fanaticism, 
as  })artisans  of  rival  deities  shaj)e  the  popular  sujjersti- 
tion  in  conformity  with  their  creeds.  Wars,  loniLf  and 
hloody,  are  waged  for  plunder,  for  territory,  and  for 
souls;  now,  to  quell  the  insurrection  of  a  tributary 
prince,  now  to  repel  the  invasion  of  outer  harharian 
iiordes.  Leaders,  j)olitical  and  relij^-ious,  rising  to 
])()wer  with  their  nation,  faction,  city,  or  sect,  aie 
1  <hiven  at  their  fall  into  exile,  and  therehy  forced  to 

seek  their  fortunes  and  introduce  their  culture  amoim' 
distant  tril)es.  Outside  bands,  more  or  less  barbarous, 
but  l)rave  and  powerful,  come  to  settle  in  Anahuac, 
and  to  receive,  voluntarily  or  involuntarily,  the  ben- 
etits  of  its  arts  and  science, 

1  have  no  disposition  unduly  to  magnify  the  New 
World  civilization,  nor  to  under-rate  old  wt)rld  cultuie, 
but  during  these  ten  centuries  of  almost  universal 
mediieval  gloom,  the  diH'erence  between  the  two  civil- 
izations was  less  than  most  peo})le  imagine.  On  both 
sides  of  the  Dark  Sea  humanity  lay  floundering  in  be- 
sotted ignorance;  the  res})ectivc  qualities  of  that  ig- 
norance it  is  hardly  i)rofitable  to  analyze.  The  history 
of  all  these  complicated  changes,  so  far  as  it  may  be 
traced,  sei)arates  naturally  into  three  chronologic  j)e- 
riods,  corresponding  with  what  are  known  as  the  'J'ol- 
tec,  the  Chichimec,  and  the  Aztec  empires.  Prior  to 
the  sixth  century  doubtless  there  were  other  periods 
of  Nahua  greatness,  for  there  is  little  evidence  to  in- 
dicate that  this  was  the  first  ap[»earance  in  Mexico  of 
this  })rogressive  people,  but  previous  developments  can 
not  be  definitely  followed,  although  attbrding  occa- 
sional glimpses  which  furnish  interesting  matter  for* 
anti(|uarian  speculation. 

At  the  opening  then,  of  the  historic  times,  we  find 


Vox,.  II.    7 


96 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


the  Toltecs  in  possession  of  Anilliuno  and  the  sur- 
rounding^ country.  Thou2fli  the  civiUzjition  was  old, 
the  name  was  new,  derived  prohahly,  althoui^h  not  so 
re<ifarded  by  all,  from  Tollan,  a  capital  city  of  the  em- 
pire, hut  afterward  becominjnf  synonymous  with  all  that 
is  excellent  in  art  and  hi«^h  culture.  Tradition  im- 
])utes  to  the  Toltecs  a  hi«^her  civilization  than  that 
found  amonur  the  Aztecs,  who  had  dejjenerated  with 
the  growth  of  the  warlike  s[)irit,  and  esj»ecially  by  the 
introduction  of  more  cruel  and  sanffuinary  reliuj-ious 
rites.  But  this  superiority,  in  some  respects  not  im- 
probable, rests  on  no  very  stronof  evitlence,  since  this 
people  left  no  relics  of  that  artistic  skill  which  gave 
them  so  great  traditional  fame;  there  is,  however,  much 
reason  to  ascribe  the  construction  of  the  pyrami<ls  at 
Teotihuacan  and  Cholula  to  the  Toltec  or  a  still  earlier 
I)eri()d.  Among  the  civilized  peoples  of  the  sixteenth 
century,  however,  and  among  their  descendants  down 
to  the  present  day,  nearly  every  ancient  relic  of  archi- 
tecture or  sculpture  is  accredited  to  the  Toltecs,  from 
whom  all  claim  descent.  In  fact  the  term  Toltec  be- 
came synonymous  in  later  times  with  all  that  was 
wonderful  or  mysterious  in  the  past;  and  so  confus- 
ing has  been  the  effect  of  this  universal  reference  of 
all  traditional  events  to  a  Toltec  source,  that,  while 
we  can  not  doubt  the  actual  existence  of  this  great 
empire,  the  details  of  its  history,  into  which  the  suj)er- 
natural  so  largely  enters,  must  be  regarded  as  to  a 
great  extent  mythical. 

There  are  no  data  for  fixing  accurately  the  bounds 
of  the  Toltec  domain,  particularly  in  the  south. 
There  is,  very  little,  however,  to  indicate  that  it  was 
more  extensive  in  this  direction  than  that  of  the  Az- 
tecs in  later  times,  although  it  seems  to  have  extended 
somewhat  farther  northward.  On  the  west  there  is 
some  evidence  that  it  included  the  territory  of  Micho- 
acan,  never  subdued  by  the  Aztecs;  and  it  probably 
stretched  eastward  to  the  Atlantic,  including  the  To- 
tonac  territory  of  Vera  Cruz.     Of  the  tribes  or  nations 


THE  TOLTEC  EMI'IRE. 


of 
ilo 


a 


that  jnailo  up  tlio  cm[>irc  none  can  he  positively  idon- 
titieil  l)y  iiaino  with  any  ')f  tho  hiter  peoples  found  in 
Anjlhuac,  thouji^h  there  can  he  little  douht  that  several 
of  the  latter  were  descended  directly  from  the  Toltecs 
and  contenijumiry  trihea;  and  indeed  it  is  believed 
with  much  reason  that  the  semi-harharous  Otomis  of 
Anilhuac,  and  several  nations  beyond  the  limits  of 
the  valley,  may  date  their  tribal  history  back  to  a  pe- 
riod even  precedinjj^  the  Toltec  era.  Durinjif  the  most 
nourishing  period  of  its  traditional  five  centuries  of 
duration,  the  Toltec  empire  was  ruled  l)y  a  confed- 
eracy similar  in  some  respects  to  the  alliance  of  later 
♦late  between  Mexico,  Tezcuco,  and  TIacopan.  The 
(•aj)itals  were  C.'ulhuacan,  Otonipan,  and  Tollan,  the 
two  former  corresponding  somewhat  in  tei'ritory  with 
Mexico  and  Tezcuco,  while  the  latter  was  just  beyond 
tho  limits  of  the  valley  toward  the  north-west.  Each 
of  these  capital  cities  became  in  turn  the  leading  pow- 
er in  the  confederacy.  Tollan  reached  the  highest 
eminence  in  culture,  splendor,  and  fame,  and  Culhua- 
(^an  was  the  only  one  of  the  three  to  survive  by  name 
the  bloody  convulsions  by  which  the  empire  was  at 
last  overthrown,  and  retain  anything  of  her  former 
greatness. 

Long-continued  civil  wars,  arising  chiefly  from  dis- 
sensions between  rival  religious  factions,  resulting  nat- 
urally in  pestilence  and  famine,  which  in  the  aboriginal 
annals  are  attributed  to  tiie  direct  interposition  of  irate 
deities,  gradually  undermine  the  imperial  thrones. 
Cities  and  nations  previtmsly  held  in  subjection  or 
t)vershadowed  by  the  splendor  and  power  of  Tollan, 
take  advantage  of  her  civil  troubles  to  enlarge  their 
respective  domains  and  to  establish  independent  pow- 
ers. Distant  tribes,  more  or  less  barbarous,  but  strong 
and  warlike,  come  and  establish  themselves  in  de- 
sirable localities  within  the  .limits  of  an  empire  whose 
rulers  are  now  powerless  to  repel  invasion.  So  the 
kings  of  Tollan,  Culhuacan,  and  Otompan  lose,  year 
by  year,  their  prestige,  and  finally,  in  the  middle  of 


100 


(;km:i!ai,  vir:w  of  tiik  civimzki)  nations. 


tho  tilovciiitli  tH'ntiirv,  ai'<(  coinpk'trly  oviiitliiowii,  K-av- 
iii^'  tluj  Moxitan  tahlc-laixl  to  l)o  nilcMl  l>y  iiuw  n>inl»i- 
iiatioiis  of  ris'm;^  powi'is.  'J'hu.s  uiuls  tho  T»)ltLr  pciioil 
of  anciunt  An:iluiac  history. 

The  popular  account  pictures  tho  whole  Toltoc  pop- 
ulation, or  such  |)art  of  it  as  had  hccii  spared  hy  war, 
pijstileuce,  and  famine,  as  niii;iatin.uf  en  masse  south- 
ward, and  leavinj.^  Analnnu'  desolate  and  un|teopled 
for  nearly  a  half  century,  to  he  settled  anew  hy  trihes 
that  crowded  in  from  the  north-west  when  they  learned 
that  this  fair  land  had  heen  so  stran^jcelv  ahandoned. 
'Phis  account,  like  all  (►ther  national  mij^nat ion-narra- 
tives ])ertainin;Lif  to  the  Americans,  has  little  founda- 
tion in  fact  or  in  jirohahility. 

The  royal  families  and  leli^'ious  leaders  of  the  Tol- 
tees  were  douhtless  driven  into  perj»etual  exile,  and 
were  accompanied  hy  such  of  the  nohility  as  pre- 
ft^rred,  rather  than  ctuiti^nt  themselves  with  suhordi- 
nato  ])ositions  at  home,  to  try  their  fortunes  in  new 
lands,  some  of  which  were  perhaj)S  included  in  the 
southern  jtarts  of  the  emj)ire  concerniujL;' which  so  little 
is  known.  That  there  was  any  essential  or  imme- 
diate chanu^e  in  the  population  of  the  tahle-land  he- 
vond  the  irruption  <»f  a  ftnv  trihes,  is  hii>hlv  im- 
)>rol)al)le.  The  exiled  princes  and  priests,  as  I  have 
said,  went  southwaid,  where  douhtless  they  played 
an  important  j)art  in  the  sul)se(|uent  histt)ry  of  the 
Maya -Quid  10  nations  of  Central  America,  a  history 
less  fully  recorded  than  that  of  Anahuai;.  That  these 
exiles  were  the  founders  of  the  CV'ntrul  Ai  lerican  civil- 
ization, a  })opular  helie  '  supported  hy  many  writers, 
I  cannot  hut  reijfard  a  atjother  phase  of  that  tend- 
ency ahove-mentioned  attrihute  all  that  is  undo- 
fined  and  ill-understood  to  the  ufreat  and  wonderful 
Toltocs;  nor  do  1  heliev  that  the  evidence  warrants 
su(^h  an  liyj)othesis.  ]{  the  pioneer  civilizers  of  the 
south,  the  huilders  of  j^deuijue,  (\)j)an,  and  other 
<  itios  of  the  more  ancient  type,  were  iinl)ued  with  or 
influenced  hy  the  Nahuu  culture,  as  is  not  iuiprohable, 


Tui:  ciiicniMF.c  KMPiin:. 


lot 


■'t  ccrtMiiily  was  not  that  cultiiri'  as  caniod  sotith- 
wanl  ill  tlic  cK'Vc'iith  (ciitniv,  l>iit  a  «lt'vi'|(>|(in(iit  or 
jiliast'  (A'  it  loriL,'  pn'rcdiiii^r  that  wliicli  took  tlin  iiai.io 
f  Toltrc  (111   t\\v    Mt'xii-aii   |tlat('aiix.      With   tlic  d 


stnutioii  of  the  ('iM|tiri'  the  term  Tohi'*',  as  applied  tn 
an  I'xistiiiLj  ixMipIc,  disapix-arcd.  'I'his  disa|>p' aiaiHc 
of  the  naiiic  while  the  institutions  of  thi'  nation  vou- 
tinued  to  tioiirish,  may  inchcate  that  the  desiicnation 
of  the  peopit!  or  possiMy  of  the  niHiin"  t'ainiiy  (»t' 
'I'ollan,  was  not  apphed  conteiniioianeonsly  to  tlie 
whole  empire,  and  that  in  the  tra<litions  and  records 
(tt"  later  tini's,  it  has  ineideiitally  a<(piire«l  a  tietiti(ais 
importance.  ( )t*  the  Toltt'c  citii's,  Cnlhuacan,  (»n  tin; 
lake  horder,  reco^■L'red  under  tluj  lu-w  political  comhi- 
natjons  soniethini^  of  her  old  prominence;  tlu'  nam.' 
( 'ulhiias  applied  to  its  peopKj  a|>peai's  nnu'h  more 
ancient  than  that  of  Toltecs,  and  indeed  the  .\rexican 
civilization  as  a  whole  minht  peihaps  as  appropriately 
he  terme«l  Culhua  as  Xahua. 

The  new  era  succt'edini;'  the  Toltec  rule  is  that  of 
the  Chichimec  i'm[)ire,  which  endured  with  some  vari- 
ations down  to  the  comiiin'  of  CV)rtL's.  The  or<liaary 
version  of  the  early  annals  has  it,  that  the  Chichimecs, 
a  wild  trihe  livinj^  far  in  the  north-west,  learning''  that 
the  fertile  rei^ions  of  Central  ATexico  had  heeii  ahan- 
(loned  hv  the  Toltecs,  came  down  iti  immense  hordes 
to  occupy  the  land.  Numerous  other  trihes  canu; 
after  them  at  sliort  intervals,  were  kindly  received 
and  in'ranted  lands  for  settlement,  and  the  more  pow- 
erful of  the  new  comers,  in  confederation  with  the 
ori^'inal  (.'hichimee  settlers,  developed  intt)  the  so- 
called  em})ire.  Now,  although  this  occupation  of  the 
central  tahle-lands  by  sucrcessive  nuL^rations  of  foreign 
trihes  cannot  he  accepted  hy  the  soher  historian,  and 
althouiifh  wo  must  conclude  that  very  manv  of  the  so- 
called  new  comers  were  trihes  that  had  occupied  tlie 
countrv  duriu'''  the  Toltec  i)eriod,  -  tluMr  names  now 
cominuf  into  notict;  witli  their  increasing-  mij»ortauco 
and  power, — yet  it  is  probable  that  sumo  new  tribes, 


102 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


sufficiently  powerful  to  exercise  a  i^reat  if  not  a  oon- 
trolliii'.,^  influence  in  buildini^  up  the  new  empire,  did 
at  this  time  enter  Anahuac  from  the  immediately 
Ixjrderini^  rei^ions,  and  play  a  prominent  part,  in  con- 
junction with  the  I'isinjj^  nations  within  the  valley,  in 
the  overthrow  of  the  kind's  of  Tollan.  Tliese  in-com- 
inij;'  nations,  by  alliance  with  the  orii^inal  inhabitants, 
infusetl  fresh  life  and  vi<^or  into  tlie  w^orn-out  mon- 
archies, furnishinj^  the  strenj^th  by  which  new  powers 
wore  built  up  on  the  ruins  of  the  old,  and  receiving 
on  the  other  hand  the  advantages  of  the  more  perfect 
Nahua  culture. 

If  one,  and  the  most  powerful,  of  these  new  nations 
was,  as  the  annals  state,  called  the  Chichimec,  noth- 
ing whatever  is  known  of  its  race  or  language.  The 
C^hichimecs,  their  identity,  their  idiom,  and  their  insti- 
tutions, if  any  such  there  were,  their  name  even,  as  a 
national  a})pellation,  were  m  M^r«)cl  into  those  of  the 
Nahua  nations  that  accompanied  or  followed  them, 
and  were  there  lost.  The  ease  and  rapidity  with 
which  this  tribal  fusion  of  tongue  and  culture  is  rep- 
resented to  have  been  accomplished  would  indicate  at 
least  that  the  Chichimecs,  if  a  separate  tribe,  were  of 
the  same  race  and  language  as  the  Toltecs;  but  how- 
ever this  may  be,  it  must  be  conceded  that,  while  tliey 
can  not  have  been  tlie  Avild  cave-dwelling  barbarians 
painted  by  some  of  the  historians,  they  did  not  intro- 
duce into  Anahuac  any  new  element  of  civilization. 

The  name  Chichimec  at  tlio  time  of  the  Si)anish 
coiKpiest,  anil  subseijuently,  was  used  with  two  sig- 
nitications,  first,  as  a})plied  to  the  lino  of  kings  that 
reigned  at  Tezcuco,  and  second,  to  all  the  wild  hunt- 
ing trihes,  particularly  in  the  broad  and  little-knowi) 
regions  of  the  north.  Traditionally  or  historically  the 
name  has  been  aiiplied  to  nearlv  every  people  men- 


tioned in  the  ancient  history  of  America.  This  has 
caused  the  greatest  confusion  among  writers  on  the 
subject,  a  confusion  which  I  believe  can  only  be  cloai'od 
up  by  the  supposition  that  the  name  Chichimec,  like 


NO  SUCH  NATION  AS  THE  CIIICIIIMEG. 


103 


I 


that  of  Toltoc,  never  was  applied  as  a  tiiltal  or  na- 
tional designation  })roper  to  any  })eoi>le,  while  such 
j)eople  were  livinj^.  It  seems  probable  that  among 
the  Nahua  peo})les  that  ocoin)ied  the  country  iVom  the 
sixth  to  the  eleventh  centuries,  a  lew  of  tiie  leading 
powers  appropriated  to  themselves  the  title  Toltucs, 
which  had  been  at  first  em})loyed  by  the  inhabitants 
of  Tollan,  v'hose  artistic  excellence  soon  reiidered  it 
a  designation  of  honor.  To  the  other  Nahua  j)eo- 
j)les,  by  whom  these  leading  powers  were  surrounded, 
whose  institutions  were  identical  but  whose  j)olish  and 
elegance  of  mar.ner  were  deemed  by  these  self-consti- 
tuted autocrats  somewhat  inferior,  the  term  C'hichi- 
mecs,  barbarians,  etymologically  'dogs,'  was  applied. 
After  the  convulsions  that  overthrew  Tollau  and  re- 
versed the  condition  of  the  Nahua  nations,  the  'dogs' 
ill  their  turn  assumed  an  air  of  superiority  and  re- 
tained their  designation  Chichimecs  as  a  title  of  honor 
and  nobility.  *> 

The  names  of  the  tribes  represented  as  entering  Ana- 
huac  after  the  Chichimecs,  but  respecting  the  order  of 
whose  coming  there  is  little  agreement  among  authors, 
are  the  following:  ^latlaltzincas,  Tepanecs,  Acoiiuias, 
Teo-Chichimecs  (Tlascaltecs),  ]\Ialinalcas,  Cholultecs, 
Xechimilcas,  (  Hialcas,  Huexotzincas,  Cuitlahuacs,  Cui- 
catecs,  Miz(|uicas,  TLihuicas,  Cohuixcas,  and  Aztecs. 
Some  of  these,  as  I  have  said,  may  have  entei'eil  the 
valley  from  the  inimediate  north.  Which  these  were 
1  shall  not  attempt  to  decide,  l)ut  they  were  nearly 
all  of  the  same  race  ;ind  language,  all  lived  imder 
Xahua  institutions,  and  their  descendants  were  i'ound 
living  on  and  about  the  Aztec  i)lateau  in  tiie  six- 
teenth century,  speaking,  with  one  or  two  exceptions, 
the  Aztec  tongue. 

In  the  new  era  of  prosperity  that  now  dawned  on 
Audhuar,  C'ulhuacan,  where  some  I'emnants  even  of 
the  Toltec  nobility  i'emained,  muU'r  C'hicbimec  auspi- 
ces regained  to  a  gre-it  extent  its  old  positi(»n  as  a 
centre  of  culture  and  ])owei'.     Among  the   new  na- 


104 


(JENERAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


tions  whoso  name  now  first  ajipcars  in  history,  tho 
A"(>llnias  and  Tepanccs  soon  rose  to  political  promi- 
nenco  in  tho  valley.  Tho  Acolhuas  were  the  Chi- 
chiniecs  par  excellence,  or,  as  tradition  has  it,  the 
(yhichiniec  nation  was  absorhed  hy  them,  j,nvin<>'  np 
its  name,  lanjj^uaijfe,  and  institutions.  The  caiiitals 
which  ruled  the  destinies  of  Andhuac  down  to  the 
iit'teentii  century,  besides  C'ulhuacan,  were  Tenayo- 
can,  Xaltocan,  Ooatlychan,  Tezcuco,and  Azca})uzalco. 
These  capitals  being  governed  t(<r  the  most  ]>art  by 
branches  of  tho  s.amo  royal  (.'hichimec  family,  the  era 
was  one  of  civil  intrigue  for  the  balance  of  ])o\ver  and 
for  succession  to  tho  throne,  rather  than  one  of  foreign 
coiujuest.  During  the  latter  part  of  the  i)eri()d,  Tez- 
cuco,  the  Acolhua  caj)ital  under  the  Chichimec  kings 
proper,  Azcapuzalco  the  capital  of  the  Te})anecs,  and 
(Julhuacan  held  tho  country  under  their  sway,  some- 
times allied  to  meet  the  forces  of  foreign  foes,  but 
oftener  ])lotting  against  each  other,  eiwh,  by  alliance 
with  a,  second  against  the  third,  aiming  at  universal 
dominion.  At  last  in  this  series  of  political  manani- 
vres  Culhuacan  was  ptn-manently  overthrown,  and 
the  Chichimec  ruler  at  Tezcuco  was  driven  from  his 
l)osscssions  by  the  warlike  chief  of  the  Te})anecs, 
who  thus  for  a  short  time  was  absolute  master  of 
Anahuac. 

But  with  tho  decadence  of  the  Culhua  jiower  at 
(Adhuacan,  another  of  the  tribes  that  camu  into  notice 
in  tho  valley  after  the  fall  of  the  Toltecs,  had  boon 
trraduallv  L'aining  a  iiosition  amon<»  the  nations.  This 
rising  power  was  the  Aztecs,  a  ])e*)})lo  ti'aditionally 
from  the  far  north-W(>st,  whose  wanderings  are  tie- 
scribed  in  ])icture-writings  shown  in  another  part  of 
this  volume.  Their  migi-ation  is  more  delinitely  de- 
scril)ed  than  that  of  any  other  of  tlie  many  wlio  are 
said  to  have  come  from  the  same"  direction,  and  has 
been  considered  by  ditferent  writi-rs  to  be  a  migra- 
tion from  California,  New  ]\[exico,  or  Asia.  Later 
researches    indicate  that  the  pictuivd  annals  are  in- 


THE  AZTEC  ERA. 


105 


ten(l("(l  simply  as  a  record  of  the  Aztec  waiKlorinq-s  in 
the  valley  of  Mexico  and  its  vicinity.  AVhatiiver  tlieir 
origin,  hy  their  fierce  and  warlike  natnre  and  bloody 
reliiiioiis  rites,  from  the  first  they  made  themsclvt-s  the 
])t'sts  of  Aniihnac,  and  later  its  tyrants.     For  some  cen- 


tnr 


L'S 


tl 


>ev  ac 


quired  no  national   influence,  hut  were 


often  coiKjuered,  enslaved,  and  driven  from  jilace  to 
place,  until  early  in  the  fourteenth  century,  when 
^Texico  or  Tenochtitlan  was  founded,  and  under  a  line 
of  ahic  warlike  kind's  started  forward  in  its  career  of 
])rosperity  unequaled  in  the  annals  of  aboriginal  Ain(M"i- 
ca.  At  the  fall  of  Culhuacan,  Mexico  ranked  next  to 
'iV'Zcuco  and  Azcapuzalco,  and  whei<  the  armies  of  the 
latter  prevailed  ai>'ainst  the  former,  ^lexico  was  the 
most  powerful  of  all  the  nations  that  sprang'  to  arms, 
and  ])ressed  forward  to  hund)le  the  Te[>anec  tyrant, 
to  reinstate  the  Acolluia  monarch  on  his  throne,  and 
to  restort;  Tezcuco  to  her  former  commandiui^' position. 
'I'he  result  was  the  utter  defeat  of  the  Te}>anecs,  and 
the  n'lory  of  Azcapuzalco  departed  forever. 

Thus  ended  in  the  early  part  of  the  fifteenth  centu- 
ry the  Chicliimec  empire, — that  is,  it  nominally  ended, 
for  the  C'hichimec  kings  proper  lost  nothing"  of  their 
l)o\vei-. — and,  hv  the  estahlishnient  of  the  confedci'acv 
already  descrihed,  the  Aztec  empire  was  inaunuiated. 
lender  the  new  dis])ensation  of  affairs,  Mexico,  hy 
whose  aid  chieHy  Azca{)Uzalco  had  heen  humhled, 
received  rank  and  dominion  at  least  etpial  to  that  of 
Tezcuco,  while  from  motivcss  of  policy,  and  in  older, 
so  far  as  ])ossil)le,  to  conciliate  the  Lj-ood  will  of  a 
stronLic  thoui^'h  conipiered  people,  'J'lacopan,  under  a 
hranch  of  the  Te])anecs,  with  a  less  exteiisivi>  domaii 
w 


as  admitted  to  the  alliance.      The  terms  of  the  con- 


fed 


eracv   seiMu,    as 


r  1 


lave  said,  nevei 


I, 


to    I 


lave    heen 


ojK'iily  violated;  hut  in  the  first  years  of  the  six- 
teentli  century  tfie  Aztecs  had  not  only  excited  the 
hatred  of  the  most  ])owerful  nations  outsi(K>  the 
hounds  of  Aniihuac  hy  their  forei^'u  raids,  hut  hy  their 
arrogant  overhearing^-  s[»irit  had  made  themselves  oh- 


106 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


noxious  at  home.  Tlicir  aim  at  supremo  })ower  was 
ai)i)aroiit,  and  both  Tezcuco  and  the  indej)endent  re- 
j)uhlic  of  Tlascala  beoan  to  tremble  at  the  dangerous 
j)ro<jfress  of  tlieir  mighty  neighbor.  A  desperate  strug- 
gle was  inuninent,  in  wliich  the  Aztecs,  pitted  against 
all  central  Mexico,  by  victory  would  have  grasped  the 
coveted  j)rize  of  im})erial  power,  or  cruslied  as  were 
the  Tepanecs  l)efore  them  by  a  coalition  of  nations, 
would  have  yielded  their  place  in  the  confederacy  to 
some  less  dangerous  rival.  At  this  juncture  Cortes 
ap})eared.  This  renowned  chieftain  aided  Montezu- 
ma's foes  to  triumph,  and  in  turn  fastened  the  shackles 
of  European  despotism  on  all  alike,  with  a  partial  ex- 
ception in  favor  of  brave  Tlascala.  The  nations  which 
formed  the  Aztec  empire  proper,  were  the  tribes  lor 
the  most  part  that  have  been  named  as  s})ringing  into 
existence  or  notice  in  Andhuac  early  in  the  Chichimec 
j)eriod,  and  the  names  of  most  of  them  have  been 
preserved  in  the  names  of  modern  localities.  It  will 
be  seen,  in  treating  of  the  languages  of  the  Pacific 
States,  that  the  Aztec  tongue,  in  a  pure  state,  in  dis- 
tinct verbal  or  grammatical  traces,  and  in  names  of 
places,  is  spread  over  a  much  wider  extent  of  territory 
than  can  be  su])posed  to  have  ever  been  brouglit  imder 
subjection  to  Anahuac  during  either  the  Toltec,  Chi- 
chimec, or  Aztec  phases  of  the  Nahua  domination. 
To  account  for  this  we  have  the  connnercial  connec- 
tions of  the  Aztecs,  whose  traders  are  known  to  have 
pushed  their  mercantile  ventures  far  beyond  the  re- 
gions subjected  by  force  of  arms;  colonies  which,  both 
in  Toltec  and  Aztec  times,  may  be  reasonably  su[»- 
])osed  to  have  sought  new  homes;  the  exile  of  nobles 
and  ])riests  at  tlie  fall  of  the  Toltec  empire,  and  other 
probable  migrations,  voluntary  and  involuntary,  of 
])riiices  and  teachers;  the  large  detachments  of  Aztecs 
who  acc()mj)anied  the  S})aniards  in  the  ex{)editions  by 
which  tlie  continent  was  brought  under  subjection; 
and  finally,  if  all  these  are  not  sufficient,  the  unknown 


THE  TARASCOS  OF  MICIIOACAN. 


107 


liistory  and  migrations  of  tlio  Nahua  peoples  during 
tlie  centuries  preceding  the  Toltec  era. 

I  will  now  briefly  notice  the  civilized  nations  beyond 
tlie  limits  of  An.'ihuac,  and  more  or  less  independent 
of  the  Aztec  rule,  concerning  whose  institutions  and 
liistory  comparatively  little  or  nothing  is  known,  ex- 
cept what  is  drawn  from  the  Aztec  amials,  with  some 
very  general  observations  on  tlieir  condition  made  by 
their  Spanish  conquerors.  Westward  of  the  Mexican 
valley  was  tlie  flourishing  inde})endent  kingdom  of 
Michoacan,  in  possession  of  the  Tarascos,  whose  cap- 
ital was  Tzintzuntzan  on  'Lake  Patzcuaro.  Their 
country,  lying  for  the  most  j)art  between  the  rivers 
Mexcala  and  Tololotlan,  is  by  its  altitude  chieHy  in  tlie 
tierra  templada,  and  enjoys  all  the  advantages  of  a 
tropical  climate,  soil,  and  vegetation.  Topogra])hical]y 
it  presents  a  surface  of  undulating  plains,  intersected 
by  frequent  mountain  chains  and  by  the  characteristic 
ravines,  and  well  watered  by  many  streams  and  beauti- 
ful lakes;  liencc  the  name  Michoacan,  which  signifies 
'land  abounding  in  fish.'  The  lake  region  of  Patzcu- 
aro, the  seat  of  tlie  Tarasco  kings,  is  described  as  un- 
smpassed  in  pictures(]ue  beauty,  while  in  the  variety 
of  its  agricultural  products  and  in  its  yield  of  mineral 
wealth,  Michoacan  was  equaled  by  few  of  the  states  of 
New  Spain. 

If  we  may  credit  the  general  statements  of  early  au- 
thors, who  give  us  but  few  details,  in  their  institutions, 
their  maimers,  wealth,  and  power,  the  Tarascos  were  at 
least  fully  the  equals  of  the  Aztecs,  and  in  their  phy- 
sical (levelo})ment  were  even  su])eri()r.  That  they  suc- 
cessfully resisted  and  defeati'd  the  allied  armies  of 
Aniihuac  is  sufficient  proof  (»f  their  military  prowess, 
although  they  yielded  almost  without  a  struggle  to 
the  Spaniards  after  the  fall  of  Mexico.  AVith  resjK'ct 
to  their  civilization  we  must  accept  the  stati'mejits  of 
their  superiority  as  the  probably  correct  inq)ressi()n  of 
those  who  came  first  in  contact  with  tliis  ])eople,  not- 
withstandinu"  which  I  find  no  architectural  or  artistic 


108 


CIKNEIIAL  VIKW  OF  TlIK  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


■if 


rellos  of  ii  liiucli  culture  within  tlieir  torritorv.  All  that 
is  known  on  the  suhject  indicates  that  their  civilization 
was  of  the  Nahua  tvj»e,  altluniiji'h  the  laniJ-ua^e  is  al- 
toucether  distinct  from  the  Aztec,  the  representative 
Nahua  tontrue.  The  history  of  ^Tichoacan,  in  the 
form  of  any  hut  the  va<>'uest  traditions,  does  wot  reach 
hack  farther  than  the  thirteenth  century:  nevertheless, 
as  I  have  said,  there  is  some  reason  to  su[)jK»se  that  it 
formed  part  of  the  Toltec  empire.  The  theory  has 
even  heen  advanced  that  the  Tarascos,  forminu;-  a  ]>art 
of  that  empire,  were  not  disturhed  hy  its  fall,  and 
were  therefore  the  hest  representatives  of  the  oldest 
Nahua  culture.  Their  reported  jthvsical  suj)eriority 
miij:ht  favor  this  view,  hut  their  distinct  lan<>ua<>"e  on 


t1 


le  contrary  would  renr 


der  it 


nnpro 


hahlt 


care 


ful 


study  of  all  that  is  known  of  this  jx^ople  convince^'  me 
that  they  had  Ion*;'  heen  settled  in  the  lands  where 
they  wre  found,  hut  leaves  on  the  mind  no  deiinite 
idea  of  their  earlier  history.  Their  later  annals  are 
made  up  of  tales,  partakinuc  largely  of  the  mar^•elous 
and  supernatural,  of  the  doini;-s  of  certain  demi-n'ods 


in<» 


or  priests,  and  or  wai's  waL>"ed  a^amst  the  onnn])resont 
Chichimecs.  Branches  of  the  "^-reat  and  ])rimitive 
Otonu'  family  are  mentioned  as  haviuLT  their  jioines  in 
the  mountains,  and  there  are  traditions  that  fraL^nients 
of  the  jVztecs  and  other  trihi's  which  followed  the  Chi- 
chimecs into  Aiuihuac,  linu'ered  on  the  route  of  their 
min'ration  and  settled  in  the  fertile  valleys  of  ^licho- 
acan.  Between  the  Tarascos  and  the  Aztecs,  speak- 
a  lany'ua<4'e  diflerent  fi-om  either  hut  alli^'d  more 
or  less  intimately  with  the  former,  were  tlie  ]\ratlalt- 
ziiu'as,  whose  ca])ital  was  in  the  jilateau  valley  of  To- 
luca,  ju.'-t  outside  the  hounds  of  Anahuac.  This  was 
(>'  J  of  the  trihes  that  have  already  heen  named  as 
coming-  traditionally  from  the  north-west.  For  a  long- 
time they  maintained  their  independence,  hut  in  the 
last  ([uarter  of  the  fifteenth  century  were  forced  to 
yield  to  the  victorious  arms  <.)f  Axayacatl,  the  Aztec 
vv'arrior  kinir. 


MIZTKCS  AND  ZAPOTF.CS. 


1(10 


Tmmixllati'ly  l)el()w  tlic  mouth  of  the  ^Toxriila,  on 
the  1)or(.lcr  of  the  Pacitii",  woio  tlio  lands  of  tlie  (,'ui- 
tlatocs,  ami  also  the  j)i\)vim'o  or  kingdom  of  Zacatollan, 
whose  capital  was  the  modern  Zacatula.  ( )f  tiiese  two 
|)e<ti)les  absolutely  nothing"  is  known,  save  that  tluy 
were  trihutary  to  the  Aztec  empire,  the  latter  havinLf 
hecn  added  to  the  domain  of  Tezcuco  in  the  very  last 


vcars  of  the  tifteenth  centurv. 


() 


'riie  j>rovinces  that  extended  south-westward  from 
Aniihuac  to  tiie  ocean,  beloni^ini;"  chieHy  to  the  modern 
state  of  (luerrero  aiul  inchuled  in  what  1  have  de- 
scrihetl  as  the  Aztec  empire  pr<>j)er,  were  those  of  tlu; 
'riahuicas,  wliose  capital  was  Cuernavaca,  the  Coiuiix- 
cas,  ca])ital  at  Acapulco,  the  Yop|>i  on  tlie  coast  south 
f  Acaj)ulco,  and  the  province  of  ^[az.itian  fartlicr  in- 
land or  north-cast.  The  name  Tlapanecs  is  also  ratlu'r 
indi'Hnitely  applied  to  the  peo])le  of  a  portion  of  this 
territory  in  the  south,  includin;;-  jirohahly  the  Yoi)])i. 
( )f  tlie  names  mentioned  we  have  met  those  of  the 
Tlahuicas  and  C'ohuixcas  amonj;'  the  trihes  newly 
sj)riniL;in<j^  into  notice  at  the  hc^iimim;"  of  the  Chichi- 
niec  jtcriod.  It  is  jirohable  that  nearly  all  were  mon; 
or  less  closely  alliiul  in  race  and  laniifua^e  to  their 
Mexican  masters,  their  ])olitical  subjection  to  whom 
dates  from  about  tlie  middle  of  the  iifteenth  centuiy. 

The  western  slope  of  the  cordillera  still  farther 
south-west,  coni])risinj;-  in  t^'eneral  terms  the  modern 
state  of  Oajat'a,  was  ruled  and  to  a  great  extent  in- 
hal»ited  by  the  ^liztecs  an<l  Zapotccs,  two  ])owerful 
nations  distinct  in  tongue  from  the  .\ztecs  and  from 
each  other.  Western  ( )ajaca,  the  home  of  the  ]\liz- 
tecs,  was  divided  into  Uj)per  and  Lower  ^rizteca])an, 
the  latter  toward  the  coast,  and  the  fornu'r  luLihcr  up 
in  the  mountains,  and  sometimes  tc.nied  Cohuaixtla- 
huacan.  The  Zapotccs  in  t\isterp.  ( >ajaca,  when  lii'st 
deilnitely  known  to  history,  had  exteiuled  their  ])ower 
over  lu'arly  all  the  tribes  of  Tehuantepec,  besides  vn- 
croachiuL!^  somewhat  on  the  Miztec  boundaries.  The 
Miztecs,  notwithstandintr  the  foreisj'n  aid  of  Tluscaltecs 


110 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVILIZEP  NATIONS. 


and  otlior  eastern  foes  of  the  Aztec  kinof,  were  first 
(lefeatecl  by  the  allied  forces  of  Anahuac  ahout  I4^i^] 
and  from  that  date  the  conquerors  succeeded  in  hold- 
inuf  their  stronger  towns  and  more  commandinn^  posi- 
tiinis  down  to  the  con(juest,  thus  enforciuij^  the  pay- 
ment of  tribute  and  controllin*^  the  commerce  of  the 
southern  coast,  which  was  their  primary  object.     Te- 
huantej>ec  and  Soconusco  yielded  some  years  after  to 
tlie  conquerini:^  Axayacatl,  and  Zapotecapan  still  later 
to  his  successor  Ahuitzotl;  but  in  the  closinijf  years 
of  the  fifteenth  century  the  Zapotecs  recovered  their 
country  with  Tehuantepec,  leaving  Socunusco,  how- 
ever, permanently  in  Aztec  possesi^ion.     The  liistory 
of  the  two  nations  takes  us  no  farther  back  than  the 
fourteenth  century,  when  they  first  came  into  contact 
with  tlie  peoples  of  Anahuac;  it  gives  a  record  of  their 
rulers  and  their  deeds  of  valor  in  wars  wajifed  against 
each  other,  against  the  neighboring  tribes,  and  against 
the  Mexicans.     Prior  to  that  time  we  have  a  few  tra- 
ditions of  the  vaguest  character  i)reserved  by  Burgoa, 
the  historian  of  Oajaca.     These  picture  botii  IVliztecs 
and  Za})otecs  as  originally  wild,  but  civilized  by  the 
inHuence  of  teachers,  priests,  or  beings  of  supernatural 
powers,  who  came  among  them,  one  from  the  south, 
and  others  from  the  direction  of  Anahuac.     Their  civ- 
ilization, however  received,  was  surely  Nahua,  as  is 
shown  by  the  resemblances  which  their  institutions, 
and  particularly  their  religious  rites,  bear  to  those  of 
the  Aztecs,     Being  of  the  Nahua  type,  its  origin  has 
of  course  been  referred  to  that  inexhaustible  source, 
the  dispersion  of  the  Toltecs,  or  to  proselyting  teach- 
ers sent  southward  by  that  wonderful  people.     Indeed, 
the  Miztec  and  Zapotec  royal  families  claimed  a  direct 
Toltec  descent.      It  is  very  probable,   however,  that 
the  Naiua  element  here  was  at  least  contem})oraneods 
in  its  i  'Production  with  the  same  element  known  as 
Toltec  in  Anilhuac,  rather  than  implanted  in  Oajaca 
by  missionaries,  voluntary  or  involuntary,  frini  Tol- 
lan.     I  have  already  remarked  that  the  presence  of 


NATIONS  OF  TEIIUANTKI'nC. 


Ill 


IS 


t 
it 

Is 
Ls 


Naliua  institutions  in  difTerent  re<i;'ions  is  too  often 
attrii)utt'd  to  tho  Tolti'c  exiles,  and  too  seldom  to 
liistorical  events  preeedinjjf  the  sixth  eentury.  The 
Oajacan  eoast  re<jfion  or  tierni  oaliente,  it'  we  may 
eiedit  the  result  of  researches  by  the  Ahhe  Brassour 
de  Bourbt)ur<^,  was  sometimes  known  as  Anahuae  Ay- 
otlan,  as  the  opposite  coast  of  Tahaseo  was  called 
Anahuae  Xicalanco.  Both  these  Anahuacs  were  in- 
habited by  enterprising^  connnercial  peoples,  whose 
riourishinuc  centres  of  trade  were  located  at  short  in- 
tervals alonuf  the  eo.ist.  IMaterial  relics  of  past  excel- 
lence in  architecture  and  other  arts  of  civilization 
abound  in  Oaiac.a,  chief  anionic  which  stand  the  re- 
markable  structures  at  Mitla. 

AlthouL>h  Tehuantepec  in  the  later  aboriijinal  times 
was  subject  to  the  kini^s  of  Zapotecapan,  yet  within 
its  limits,  besides  the  C-hontales, — a  name  resemblin«]f 
in  its  uncertainty  of  application  that  of  Chichimecs 
farther  north,  -were  the  renmants  of  two  old  nations 
that  still  preserved  their  independence.  These  were 
the  ^rijes,  livinijf  chietiy  by  the  chase  in  the  mountain 
fastnesses  of  the  north,  and  the  Huaves,  who  held  a 
small  territory  on  the  coast  and  islands  of  the  hiij^oons 
just  east  of  the  city  of  Tehuantepec.  The  ^Tijes,  so 
far  as  the  vau^ue  traditions  of  tho  country  reveal  any- 
thinuf  of  their  past,  were  once  the  possessors  of  Zapo- 
tecajian  and  the  isthmus  of  Tehuantepec,  antedatinijf  the 
Zapotecs  and  perhaps  the  Nahua  culture  in  this  reunion, 
beini>-  atHliatetl,  as  some  believe,  in  institutions  and 
])ossiblv  in  lauijfuaife,  with  the  ^Eaya  element  of  Cen- 
tral  America.  While  this  connection  nuist  be  reii^arded 
as  somewhat  conjectural,  we  may  nevertheless  accept 
as  probably  authentic  the  anticpiity,  civilization,  and 
power  of  this  brave  j)eo}Ue.  The  Huaves  were  tradi- 
tionally of  southern  origin,  having  come  to  Tehuante- 
jiec  by  sea  from  Nicaragua  or  a  point  still  farther  south. 
In  navigation  and  in  commerce  they  were  enterpris- 
ing, as  were  indeed  all  the  tribes  of  this  southern -coast 
Andhuac,  and  they  took  gradually  from  the  Mijes, 


112 


cnNKRAL  VFKW  OF  THE  t'lVIMZKD  NATIONS. 


I 


wljoiii  tlu'V  I'ound  in  possisssiou,  a  larj^o  extent  ot'tcrri- 
torv,  Mliich  as  we  have  seen  they  were  tinally  I'uived 
to  yield  uj)  to  tlieir  Zapotee  i()n((Uei()is. 

Crussinn'  now  to  tlie  Athmtic  or  ( Jult'  hIioivs  we  liavo 
from  the  past  nothinjjc  hut  a  eonfusi-d  aieoiint  of  ( )1- 
niecs,  Xicahincas,  and  NonoliuaU-as,  \vho  may  liave 
heen  (hstinet  peoples,  or  the  same  j)eople  undi  r  diller- 
ent  names  at  dilterent  ej»o(hs,  and  who  at  some  time 
inhahited  the  lowlands  of  Tehuantej)ee  and  Vera  Cruz, 
as  well  as  those  of  Tahasco  farther  south.  At  the 
time  of  the  eontjuest  we  know  that  this  region  was 
thiekly  inhahited  hy  a  people  seareely  loss  advanced 
than  tho.se  of  Anahuac,  and  dotted  with  tlouri.shin:j^ 
towns  devoted  to  eonuneree.  But  neither  in  the  six- 
teenth nor  inunediately  ])recedin<jf  centuries  can  any 
one  civilized  nation  he  detinitelv  named  as  occupy- 
ini>'  this  Anahuac  Xicalanco.  We  know,  however,  that 
this  country  north  of  the  (Joazacoalco  lliver  formed  a 
portion  of  the  Aztec  em[)ire,  and  that  its  inhal>itants 
spoke  for  the  most  i)art  the  .Vztec  tongue.  These 
provinces,  known  as  Cuetlachtlan  and  (Joazacoalco, 
Avero  conipiered,  chiefly  with  a  view  to  the  extension 
of  the  Aztec  connnerce,  as  early  as  the  middle  of  the 
Hfteenth  century,  notwithstanding  the  assistance  ren- 
dered hy  the  armies  t>f  Tlascala. 

The  plateau  east  of  Anahuac  sometimes  known  as 
Huitzilaj)an  was  found  hy  the  Spaniards  in  the  |)os- 
session  of  the  independent  re])ul)lics,  or  cities,  of  Tlas- 
cala, Huexotzinco,  and  C'holula,  The  jteople  who 
occupied  this  part  of  the  tahle-land  were  the  Teo-Chi- 
chimecs,  of  the  same  language  and  of  the  same  tradi- 
tional noi-th-western  origin  as  the  Aztecs,  whom  they 
preceded  in  Anahuac.  Late  in  the  thirteenth  century 
they  left  the  valley  of  Mexico,  and  in  several  detach- 
ments estahlished  themselves  on  the  eastern  })lateau, 
where  they  successfully  maintained  their  inde))endence 
of  all  foreign  powers.  As  allies  of  the  C'hichimec 
king  of  Tezcuco  they  aided  in  overturning  the  Tej>anec 
tyrant  of  Azcapuzalco;  hut  after  the  subsequent  dan- 


Tin:  Ti,AS(Ai;ri:i:s. 


113 


j^'crous  (lt'V(I()|nnc!it  of  A/trc  aiiiMtion,  the  Tlascalti't; 
armies  aidfd  in  in-arly  oncit  attempt  «)!"  otluT  nations 
to  aiit'st  the  jiioyrcss  of  the  Mexicans  towaid  uni- 
versal dominion.  'J'heir  assistance,  as  we  have  seen, 
was  unavaiHiin"  except  in  tlie  final  successful  alliance 
with  thi'  foites  t>f  Cortes;  for,  although  secure  in  their 
small  domain  against  I'orei^n  invasion,  theii-  ai'mies. 
were  often  defeated  ahroad.  Tlascala  has  ntaiued 
very  lu-arly  its  oriLjinal  hounds,  and  the  details  of  its 
historv  iVom  the  foundation  of  the  citv  are,  hy  the 
writings  of  the  native  historian  (  amart^o,  nunc  fully 
known  than  those  of  most  other  nations  outside  of 
.Vn;ihuac.  Tliis  author,  howevi-r,  i>;i\t's  us  tiie  annals 
of  his  own  and  the  surrounding'  peoples  I'rouj  a  'I'las- 
caltec  stand-point  only.  l>efore  the  Teo-t  "hichimec 
invasion  of  Iluit/.ilapan,  Cholula  had  ah'eady  acquired 
jU'reat  [irominence  as  a  Toltec  city,  and  as  tlu'  ixsidence 
(»f  the  i;reat  Xaluui  apostle  Quetzalcoatl,  of  which  era, 
or  a  pi'ccedinn"  one,  the  famous  pyi'amid  remains  as  a 
memento.  Outside  of  Cholula,  however,  the  ancient 
history  ol'  this  rei^ion  ])resents  hut  a  hlaidi  J^ai^e,  ov  one 
va^'uely  tilled  with  tales  of  oiants,  its  tirst  rej)uted  in- 
hahitants,  and  of  the  mystei'ious  ( )lmecs,  from  some 
remaining;'  frat^monts  of  which  people  the  Tlascaltecs 
are  said  to  have  won  their  nt'W  homes.  These  Olmecs 
seem  to  have  been  a  very  ancient  ])eoj)le  who  occupied 
the  whole  eastern  region,  horderin^-  on  or  nuAi'd  witli 
tht!  Xicalancas  in  the  south;  or  rathei-  the  name  ( )lmec 
seems  to  have  heen  thi^  designation  of  a  phase  or  era 
of  the  Xahua  civilization  preceding,'  that  known  as 
the  Toltec.  It  is  imj)ossil)ie  to  determine  accui'ately 
whether  the  Xicalancas  sln)uld  he  classed  with  tht^ 
Xahua  or  Mava  element,  although  probahly  with  the 
iormer. 

The  coast  rct^ion  cast  of  Tlascala,  comprising"  the 
northern  half  of  the  state  of  Vera  Cruz,  was  the  honu; 
of  the  Totonacs,  whose  capital  was  the  famous  Cem- 
]>oala.  and  who  were  conciuered  hy  the  Aztecs  at  the 
close  of  the  liftcenth  century.     They  were  probably 


Vol.  n.    S 


HI 


cKNKKAL  vii;w  OF  Till:  riviMzr.o  ^;^TI()^•s. 


I 


one  of  tlic  iincioiit  pro-Tolt(U'  peoples  Iik«»  tlio  (^tonifs 


>ii)( 


I  ol 


lili;cs,    JilH 


Ion  Ml  T     tillK'S 


1    tluy  cljiiint'd   to   \\a\v   (iicupiid   i 


II 


AlKll 


UKU!  am 


1    til 


lo   adjoiiiini,^  ti'iritoiy, 


vvlicic  tlii'V  erocti'd  tho  pyramids  of  the  sun  and  moon 
at  'I'cotiliiiacan.  Their  institutions  when  Hist  ohst-rved 
by  Kuropcans  seem  to  have  heeii  essi-ntially  Nahiia, 
and  t\\c  alnindant  arehiteetural  remains  found  in  To- 
tiniac  territory,  as  at  l'aj)arithi,  Misantla,  and  Tusapan, 
show  no  well-iletined  dillerences  from  Aztec  eonstruc- 
titiiis  ju-oper.  Wlustlier  tliis  Naluia  culture  was  that 
()riL,Mnally  possi>ssed  l»y  them  or  was  intro(hiced  at  a 
conqiaratively  lati;  period  tliroui,di  the  iiiHueiu'e  of  the 
Teo-Chicliimecs,  with  whom  they  hecame  largely  con- 
sohdited,  is  uncertain.  The  Totonac  hmyua^e  is, 
however,  distinct  from  tho  A/tec,  and  is  tlioui^lit  to 
hav(!  some  altinitv  witli  tho  ISFaya. 

North  of  the  'I'otonacs  on  tlio  cjulf  coast,  in  tlii^ 
present  state  of  Tamaulipas,  lived  the  lluastecs,  con- 
(terniuL!^  whose  early  history  nothiniic  whatever  is 
known.  Their  laniruaw  is  allied  to  tho  Mava  dia- 
lects.  They  were  a  bravo  [)eo|)le,  looked  upon  hy  the 
Mexicans  as  semi-harharous,  hut  were  defeated  and 
forced  to  pay  trilmto  hy  the  king  of  Tozeuco  in  the 
middle  of  tho  fifteenth  century. 

Tho  difficulties  experienced  in  rendering  to  any  de- 
gree satisfactory  a  general  view  of  the  northern  na- 
tions, are  very  greatly  augmented  now  that  I  come  to 
treat  of  tho  Central  American  tribes.  Tho  causes  of 
this  increased  difficulty  are  maiiv.  I  have  already 
noticed  the  })romincnco  of  the  A/tc«  s  in  most  that  has 
been  recorded  of  American  civil '/iicion.  During  the 
con(piest  of  the  central  portions  oX  the  continent  fol- 
lowing that  of  Mexico,  tho  Spaniards  found  an  ad- 
vanced culture,  great  cities,  magnificent  temples,  a 
complicated  system  of  religious  and  ])olitical  institu- 
tions; but  all  those  had  been  met  before  in  the  north, 
and  consequently  mere  mention  in  generr.l  terms  of 
these  later  wonders  was  deemed  sufficient  by  tho  con- 


1  -1 


NATIONS  OF  CKNTUAL  AMKIMCA. 


ii:> 


rnKMors,  who  wcic  a  class  of  inoii  not  disjxjsod  to  inako 
iiiiiiutt!  olisiTvatioiis  or  comparisons  ivsjicitiiiL,'"  what 
Kccnictl  to  tlicni  uniiuportant  details.  As  to  tho 
j)ri(sts,  tlicir  ihity  was  clearly  to  destroy  rather  than 
to  closely  investigate  these  institntions  of  the  devil. 
And  in  the  years  t'ollowinL;'  the  coixjuesi,  the  associa- 
tion hetwi-en  the  natives  and  the  comiuiMors  was  nuich 
less  intimate  than  in  Analmac.  Tlu-se  nations  in  matiy 
instances  lout»ht  until  nearly  aiuiihilated,  or  alter  de- 
feat retired  in  national  fra<ri  lentH  to  the  inaccessihh) 
fastiu'sses  of  the  <'ordillera,  retainiiiLj  for  si'veral  gen- 
erations some  of  them  permanently  their  independ- 
ence, and  allordinuf  the  Spaniards  little  opportunity  of 
hcconiiiii^  accjuainted  with  their  ahoriyinal  institutions. 
in  the  south,  as  in  Anahuac,  native  writers,  after  their 
lanijcuau^e  had  been  fitted  to  the  Spanish  alphabet, 
wrote  more  or  less  fully  of  their  national  history;  hut 
all  such  writings  whose  existence  is  known  are  in  tin; 
possession  of  one  or  two  individuals,  and,  excej)tinLi^ 
the  Popol  Vuli  translated  hy  Ximenes  as  well  as 
Brasseur  do  Bourhouriif,  and  the  IVrez  Mava  nianu- 
scrij>t,  their  contents  are  only  vaiL^uely  known  to  the 
))ul)lic  throuLjh  the  writinj^s  of  their  owners.  Another 
diliiculty  respectinu^  these  writing's  is  that  their  de- 
pendence on  any  original  authority  more  trustworthy 
than  that  of  orally  transmitted  traditions,  is  at  least 
doubtful.  The  key  to  the  hieroglyphics  eni^raved  on 
the  stones  of  l^den(ple  and  Copan,  and  painted  on  the 
))aLrcs  of  the  very  few  ancient  manuscripts  ])reserved, 
is  now  practically  lost;  that  it  was  possessed  by  the 
writers  referreil  to  is,  althouij^h  not  impossible,  still  far 
from  proven.  Ai'-ain,  ehronoloucy,  so  com])licated  and 
uncertain  in  the  aimals  of  Anahuac,  is  here,  throui^-h 
the  absence  of  leij^ible  written  recortls,  almost  entirely 
wanting,  so  that  it  is  in  many  cases  absolutely  impos- 
sible to  tix  even  an  approximate  date  for  historical 
events  of  uci-eat  im])ortance.  The  attempts  of  authors 
to  attach  some  of  these  events,  without  sufficient  data, 


116 


GENKRAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


to  the  Naliu.a  chronology,  have  done  niucli  to  compli- 
cate the  matter  still  further. 

The  only  author  who  has  attempted  to  treat  of  tlie 
subject  of  Central  American  civilization  and  anti(juity 
(•om})rehensively  as  a  whole  is  the  Abbo  Brasseur  do 
JJourbourg.  The  learned  abbe,  however,  with  all  his 
research  and  undoubted  knowledge  of  the  subject,  and 
with  his  well-known  enthusiasm  and  tact  in  antiquari- 
an engineering,  by  which  he  is  wont  to  level  difficul- 
ties, apparently  insurmountable,  to  a  grade  which  offers 
no  obstruction  to  his  theoretical  construction-trains, 
has  been  forced  to  acknowledge  at  many  points  his 
inability  to  construct  a  perfect  whole  from  data  so 
meagre  and  conflicting.  Such  being  the  case,  the  fu- 
tility must  be  apparent  of  attempting  liere  any  outline 
of  history  which  may  throw  light  on  the  institutions 
of  the  sixteenth  century.  1  must  be  content,  for  the 
purposes  of  this  chapter,  with  a  mention  of  the  civil- 
ized nations  found  in  possession  of  the  country,  and  a 
brief  statement  of  such  prominent  j)oinis  in  their  past 
as  seem  well-autlienticated  and  important. 

Closely  enveloped  in  the  dense  forests  of  Cliiapas. 
< Guatemala,  Yucatan,  and  Honduras,  the  ruins  of  sev- 
eral ancient  cities  have  been  dis(!overed,  which  are  far 
superior  in  extent  and  magnificence  to  any  seen  in  Aztec 
territory,  and  of  which  a  detailed  description  may  be 
found  in  the  iourth  volume  of  this  work.  Most  of  these 
cities  were  abandoned  and  more  or  less  unknown  at  the 
time  of  the  coiupiest.  They  bear  hieroglyphic  inscrip- 
tions apparently  identical  in  character;  in  other  respects 
they  resemble  each  other  more  than  they  resemble  the 
Aztec  ruins — or  even  other  and  apj)arently  laler  works 
if)  Guatmiala  and  Honduras.  All  these  remains  bear 
evident  marks  of  great  antiquity.  Their  existence 
and  similarity,  in  the  absence  of  any  evidence  to  the 
contrary,  would  indicate  the  ociuipation  of  the  whole 
country  at  some  remote  jieriod  by  nations  far  advanced 
in  civilization,  and  closely  allied  in  manners  arid  cus- 
toms, if  not  in  blood  and  language.      Furthermore,  the 


THE  ANCIENT  MAYA  EMPIRE. 


117 


traditions  of  several  of  tlie  most  advanced  nations 
j)()int  to  a  wide-si)read  civilization  introduced  among  a 
numerous  and  i)o\verful  peojjle  by  Yotan  and  Zamnd, 
who,  or  their  successors,  built  the  cities  referred  to, 
and  founded  great  allied  empires  in  Chiapas,  Yucatan 
and  Guatemala;  and  moreover,  the  tradition  is  con- 
lirmed  by  the  universality  of  one  family  of  languages 
or  dialects  spoken  among  the  civilized  nations,  and 
among  their  descendants  to  this  day.  I  deem  tlio 
grounds  sufficient,  therefore,  for  accejiting  this  Central 
American  civilization  of  the  j)ast  as  a  fact,  referring 
it  not  to  an  extinct  ancient  race,  but  to  the  direct  an- 
cestors of  the  peoples  still  occupying  the  country  witli 
the  Spaniards,  and  applying  to  '■  'le  name  Maya  as 
that  of  the  language  which  has  ruvinis  as  strong  as 
any  to  be  considered  the  mother  tongue  of  the  lin- 
guistic family  mentioned.  As  I  have  said  before,  the 
j)henomena  of  civilization  in  North  America  may  be 
accounted  for  with  tolerable  consistency  by  the  friction 
and  mixture  of  this  Maya  culture  and  people  with  tlie 
Nahua  element  of  the  north;  while  that  either,  by 
migrations  northward  or  southward,  can  have  been 
the  parent  of  the  other  within  the  traditionally  his- 
toric past,  I  regard  as  extremely  improbable.  That 
the  two  elements  were  identical  in  their  orisrin  and 
early  develojiment  is  by  no  means  impossible;  all  that 
we  can  safely  presume  is  that  within  historic  times 
they  have  been  practically  distinct  in  their  workings. 
There  are  also  some  rcit]u;r  vague  traditions  of  the 
fu'st  a})pearance  of  the  Nahua  civilization  in  the  re- 
gions of  Tabasco  and  Chiapas,  of  its  <;rowth,  the  grad- 
ual establishment  of  a  power  rivalling  that  of  the 
people  1  call  Mayas,  Jind  of  a  struggle  by  which  the 
Niih.uas  were  scattered  in  different  directions,  chiefly 
north wa".  *.  .o  reap})ear  in  histoiy  sonij  centuries  latei' 
as  the  Toltecs  of  Anahuac.  While  the  positive  evi- 
dence in  favor  of  this  migration  from  the  south  is  very 
lueagre,  it  must  be  admitted  that  a  southoi  !i  origin  of 
the  Nahua  culture  is  far  more  consistent  w  ith  i'a<t  and 


118 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


tradition  than  was  the  north-western  origin,  so  long 
iniplicitl}?  acce^ited.  There  are  no  data  by  which  to 
fix  the  period  of  the  original  Maya  empire,  or  its 
downfall  o.  breaking-up  into  rival  factions  by  civil 
and  foreign  wars.  The  cities  of  Yucatan,  as  is  clearly 
shown  by  Mr  Stephens,  were,  many  of  them,  occupied 
by  the  descendants  of  the  builders  down  to  the  con- 
quest, and  contain  some  remnants  of  wood-work  still 
in  good  preservation,  although  some  of  the  structures 
appear  to  be  built  on  the  ruins  of  others  of  a  some- 
what different  type.  Palenque  and  Copan,  on  the 
contrary,  have  no  traces  of  wood  or  other  jierishable 
material,  and  were  uninhabited  and  probably  unknown 
in  the  sixteenth  century.  Tlie  loss  of  the  key  to  what 
must  li:»ve  been  an  advanced  system  of  hieroglyphics, 
while  the  spoken  language  survived,  is  also  an  indica- 
tion of  great  anti(juity,  confiimed  by  the  fact  that  the 
Quichd  structures  of  Guatemala  differed  materially 
from  tliose  of  the  more  ancient  epoch.  It  is  not  likely 
that  the  Maya  empire  in  its  integrity  continued  later 
tlian  the  third  or  fourth  century,  although  its  cities 
may  have  been  inhabited  much  later,  and  I  should  fix 
the  epoch  of  its  highest  power  at  a  date  jareceding 
rather  than  folio  'nng  the  Christian  era.  A  Maya 
manuscript  fixes  the  date  of  the  first  appearance  in 
Yucatan  of  the  Tutul  Xius  at  171  a.  d.  The  Abbe 
Brasseur  therefore  makes  this  the  date  of  the  Nahua 
dis})ersion,  believing,  on  apparentlv  very  slight  found- 
ation, the  Tutul  Xius  to  be  one  of  the  Nahua  friiu;- 
ments.  With  tlu  breakinj-up  of  this  empire  into 
separate  nations  at  an  unknown  date,  the  ancient  his- 
tory of  Central  America  as  a  whole  ceases,  and  down 
to  a  period  closely  preceding  the  concpiest  we  have 
only  an  occasional  event  preserved  in  the  traditions  of 
two  or  three  nations. 

Yucatan  Avas  occupied  in  the  sixteenth  cc.itury  by 
the  Mayas  proper,  all  speaking  tlie  same  language, 
and  living  under  practically  tlie  same  institutions,  re- 
ligious and  political.     The  chief  divisions  were   the 


MAYA  NATIONS  OF  YUCATAN. 


Oocomos   Tiitnl   Y*        T 

to  have  1,00,,  oriWnaiv  r'  ?*^-  ^'"^'<^^.  "'"V-I.  soom 

'  '0  poopio,,  ovo;  whom  tt  I  I  w  '""""'  1>"'U  of 
those  J,a<J  tlieir  oricnntLif^  "'.H  ""'"y-  fid,  of 
;-  toa..I,or«  wI,o  came  i^'tt  disf     ;"'""'fe'™""ff  t,-;!,:, 

'Jeas,    ,„   tl,e  fertile   m"'"'    w"^""i ""'"  ''''Iwious 

t  .o,-»  w,tl,  Toltec  miss,Wfest  ox?!  "'r*"''^''  ''^  ■»"- 
ihe  evidonoe  i„  favor  of  thistu.r*  '  ''■"'"  ^^"^''"lac. 
^;a*< ;»  of  oou,-«o  unsa&factoJv  ^  ^.',"  '"'/  l«rti".lar 
."■  d«I  m  so.„e  cases  ,-,t„?r^'  ",'  ,*'""  't  «"»  «ell- 
'"tercour.se  i,avin„u,X' 1,1    ' '"■"''.""''--"""'"-■■<^1 

l.orte,l  l,y  tl,e  ,„-eseBce  of  n!  „,    """-''''-'"'d  «  sup- 

'"osts,  a„<l  of  Nahua  elc^euK  l^f .""T  "^  "''^'■•^  ^"  <1 

thosa,,-o  r'-markappiyi,,  t"'|V;^  "f  Yucatec  ,elioio„, 

aiK'iont  liistoiy  of  tuSn  ;      ^"'"«' An,erica.    The 

t'ons  ,„e„tio„e,l.     To  em.me,nf^.T'''''''.'"''  "''  "'"  '•""- 
these  successive  chan.resso  v,         ''''"'  I"  """""^  ^■von, 
cordcl  would  bo  useless  ,."    "^'."''^  ""'^  «>"'uscdiv  ro 
»>'«"■  as  ca„  be    not  '  X't'^''?-"'"''-  ""^t'tutfo  .^ 

lu,,sju.:ve,  a:,l  i-ebVion    '  '*"?'«  "^  the  sauie  blood, 

I'""-'",!,'  ..t  a  ,„„ch  later  dt^'  '' o  "'""  ■■','"'  <^'l"^^l'.'«  ap- 
!;-"-  eras  i,.  tl,e  late,  ttorv "7 ,  ""'  ""■'''  '"■»'- 
li'cat™,  ,s  ,-eprese„ted  to    c     ''^c   ,  "'^l'^'""i«ila  „f 
7''""f  Cuculcau,  a,,,;„t^,-   •""'"''''"■'••''  ""c  appcar- 
;^l"»"',y    n  his  teachiuir  a '   :  T""T  ™"--l"'''.ling 
;■■"";■  «'t!,  the  Toltec'QueL  c,v  il'  ^■'{/""'•W  "f  i'S 
■^"■l  •  :  the  Cocou,e  d,™,;      "ii'     "^'  '"-"""e  the 
tlic  ^.,.„.,y  ,,^  J- ,  1,:"^^     "ty  at  Mayai,au,  a,„l  ,„|ed 

^-'-^"'^C'.eie.ati.a,^r'^:^,l--n,a.^ 


120 


GENERAL  V;EW  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


were  overthrown,  and  Mayapan  destroyed  l)y  a  revo- 
lution of  the  allies.  The  Tutul  Xius  now  l)eea]ue  the 
leading  power,  a  position  which  they  held  down  to 
the  time,  not  lon<^  before  the  conquest,  when  the  coun- 
try was  divided  by  war  and  civil  dissensions  into  nu- 
merous petty  domains,  each  nded  by  its  cjiief  and 
independent  of  the  rest,  all  in  a  weak  and  exhausted 
condition  compared  with  their  former  state,  and  un- 
al)le  to  resist  by  united  effort  the  jiro^^ress  of  the 
Spanish  invaders  whom  individually  tliey  fought  most 
bravely.  Thre  *'  ^  comparatively  recent  events 
of  some  importaiK  i  Yiicatec  history  may  be  no- 
ticed. The  Cocomec  in  tho  struggle  preceding  their 
fall  called  in  the  aid  of  a  large  force  of  Xicalancas, 
probably  a  Nahua  people,  from  the  Tal)ascan  coast 
region,  who  after  their  defeat  were  permitted  l)y  the 
conquerors  to  settle  in  .the  country.  A  successful  raid 
by  some  foreign  people,  supjiosed  with  some  reason  to 
be  tlie  Quiches  from  Guatemala,  is  reported  to  have 
been  made  against  the  Mayas  with,  however,  no  im- 
portant permanent  results.  Finally  a  portion  of  the 
Ttzas  migrated  southward  and  settled  in  the  region  of 
Lake  Peten,  establishing  their  capital  city  on  an  island 
in  the  lake.  Here  they  were  found,  a  powerful  and 
advanced  nation,  by  Hernan  Cortes  in  the  sixteenth 
century,  and  traces  of  their  cities  still  remain,  although 
it  must  be  noted  that  another  and  older  cL'ss  of  ruins 
are  found  in  the  same  region,  dating  back  j)erhaps  to 
a  time  wlien  the  glory  of  the  Maya  ejnpire  had  not 
wholly  departed. 

Chiapas,  politically  a  part  of  the  Mexican  Republic, 
but  belonging  geographically  to  Central  America,  was 
occupied  by  the  Chiapanecs,  Tzendales,  and  Quelenes. 
The  Tzendales  lived  in  the  region  aliout  Palentpie,  ..nd 
were  j)resuniably  the  direct  descendants  of  its  builders, 
their  language  having  nearly  an  equal  claim  with  tlie 
Maya  to  be  considered  the  mother  tongue.  Tlie  Chi- 
apanecs of  the  interior  were  a  warlike  tribe,  and  had 
before   the  coming  of  the   Spaniards  coiKpiered  the 


CHIAPAS  ,VSD  GUATEMALA. 


121 


id 

til 

uns 


tlio 
Mii- 
liul 
tlie 


other  nations,  forcing  tlicra  to  pay  triluito,  and  ruc- 
cossfiilly  resisting  the  attacks  of  tlie  Aztec  allies. 
They  also  are  a  very  old  people,  liaving  been  referred 
even  to  tho  tribes  that  preceded  the  establishment  of 
Votan's  empire.  Statements  concerning  their  history 
are  numerous  and  irreconcilable;  they  have  some  tra- 
ditions of  having  come  from  the  south;  their  linguistic 
affinity  with  the  Mayas  is  at  least  very  slight.  The 
Quelenes  or  Zotziles,  whose  past  is  equally  mysterious, 
inhabited  the  southern  or  Guatemalan  frontier. 

Guatemala  and  northern  Honduras  were  found  in 
possession  of  the  IVlc^T^es  in  the  north-west,  the  ]*oco- 
manis  in  the  south-east,  the  Quiches  in  the  interior, 
and  the  Cakchiquels  in  the  south.  The  two  latter 
were  the  most  powerful  and  ruled  the  count)-^^  from 
their  capitals  of  Utatlan  and  Patinamit,  where  tuey  re- 
sisted the  Spaniards  almost  to  the  point  of  annihila- 
tion, retiring  for  the  most  part  after  defeat  to  live  by 
the  chase  in  the  distant  mountain  gorges.  Guatema- 
lan history  from  the  Votan  empire  down  to  an  indefi- 
nite date  not  many  centuries  before  the  conquest  is  a 
blank.  It  recommences  with  tho  first  traditions  of 
the  nations  just  mentioned.  These  traditions,  as  in 
the  case  of  every  American  people,  hcgin  with  the 
innnigration  of  foreign  tribes  into  the  country  as  the 
first  in  the  series  of  events  leading  to  the  establish- 
ment of  the  Quiche-Cakchiquel  emi>ire.  Assuming 
the  Toltec  dispersion  from  AnilhujiC  in  the  eleventh 
century  as  a  well-authenti''ated  fiict,  most  wi'iters 
have  identified  the  Guatemalan  nations,  except  per- 
haps the  Mames  by  some  considered  the  descendants 
of  the  oriiifinal  inhabitants,  with  the  mii^ratinu- To]tc<-s 
who  fied  southward  to  found  a  new  empire.  1  have 
already  made  known  my  scepticism  respecting  national 
American  miifrations  in  ii^eneral,  and  the  Toltec  mitiTa- 
tion  southward  in  particular,  and  there  is  nutliing  in 
the  aimals  of  Guatemala  to  modify  the  views  previ 
ously  expressed.  The  Quiche  traditions  arc  vague  and 
without    chronologic   order,   nuich    less  definite   than 


122 


GENEIIAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


those  relatihijf  to  the  mytlilcal  Aztec  wjuidcilni^. 
Tlie  sum  antl  substance  of  tlio  Quiclitj  and  Toltec 
identity  is  the  traditional  statement  that  tlie  former 
people  entered  Guatemala  at  an  unknown  period  in 
tlie  past,  while  the  latter  left  Anahuac  in  the  elev- 
entli  century.  That  the  Toltecs  should  have  mi- 
grated en  masse  southward,  taken  possession  of  CUia- 
temala,  established  a  mighty  empire,  and  yet  have 
abandoned  their  lanoua;»'c  for  dialects  of  the  ori<2ri- 
iial  Maya  tongue  is  in  the  highest  degree  imi)rob- 
able.  It  is  s.ii'er  to  suppose  that  the  mass  of  the 
Quiches  and  other  nations  of  Guatemala,  Chiapas, 
and  Honduras,  were  descended  directly  froni  the 
Maya  builders  of  Palenque,  and  from  contemporary 
peoples.  Yet  the  differences  between  the  Quiche- 
Cakchiquel  st  ucturcs,  and  the  older  architectural  re- 
mains of  the  ^laya  empire  indicate  a  new  era  of  Maya 
culture,  originated  not  unlikely  by  the  intrcjduction  of 
foreign  elements.  Moreover,  the  apparent  identity  in 
name  and  teachings  between  the  early  civilizers  of  the 
Quiche  tradition  and  the  Nahua  followers  of  Quetzal- 
coatl,  together  with  reported  resemblances  between 
actual  Quiche  and  Aztec  institutions  as  ol)served  by 
Eurojieans,  indicate  farther  that  the  new  element  was 
engrafted  on  ISIaya  civilization  by  contact  with  the 
Nahuas,  a  contact  of  which  the  presence  of  the  exiled 
Toltec  nobility  may  have  been  a  prominent  feature. 
After  the  overthrow  of  the  original  empire  we  may 
su})pose  the  people  to  have  been  subdivided  during  the 
course  of  centuries  by  civil  wars  and  sectarian  strug- 
gles into  petty  states,  the  glory  of  their  former  great- 
ness vanished  and  partially  forgotten,  the  spirit  of 
progress  dormant,  to  be  roused  again  by  the  j)resence 
of  the  Nahua  chiefs.  These  gathered  and  infused  new 
life  into  the  scattered  renmants;  they  introduced  some 
new  institutions,  and  thus  aided  the  ancient  j)eoj)le  to 
ri'build  their  emj)ire  on  the  old  foundations,  retaining 
the  dialects  of  the  original  lan>>ua<je. 

In  addition  to  the  peoples  thus  far  mentioned,  there 


mmtuminf^ 


NICARAGUANS  AND  riPILES. 


123 


were  iiTul()ul)teclly  in  Nicaragua,  and  probaMy  in  Sal- 
vador, nations  of  nearly  pure  Aztec  blood  and  lan<j;uaL>o. 
The  former  arc  known  anionic  different  autliorsas  Nic- 
araguans,  Nitpiirans,  or  (^holutecs,  and  they  occuj>ied 
the  coast  between  lake  Nicaragua  and  the  ocean,  with 
tlie  lake  islands.  Their  institutions,  political  and  rc- 
ligicais,  were  nearly  the  same  as  those  of  the  Aztecs 
of  Aiuilmac,  and  they  have  left  abundant  relics  in  the 
form  of  idols  and  sepulchral  deposits,  but  no  archi- 
tecturjil  remains.  These  relics  are  moreover  hardly 
less  abundant  in  the  territory  of  the  adjoining  tribes, 
nor  do  they  differ  essentially  in  their  nature;  hence  we 
must  conclude  that  some  other  Nicaraguan  peoples, 
either  by  Aztec  or  other  influence,  were  considerably 
advanced  in  civilization.  The  Nahua  hibes  of  Salva- 
dt)r,  the  ancient  Cuscatlan,  were  known  as  l^ipiles,  and 
their  culture  appears  not  to  have  been  of  a  high  order. 
Both  of  these  nations  probably  owe  their  existence  to 
a  coK)ny  sent  soutliward  from  Anahnac;  but  whether 
in  Aztec  or  pre-Aztec  times,  the  native  traditions,  like 
their  interj)retation  by  writers  on  the  subject,  are  in- 
extricably confused  and  at  variance.  For  further  de- 
tails on  the  location  of  Central  American  nations  I 
refci*  to  the  stat(3ment  of  tribal  boundaries  at  the  end 
of  Chai)ter  VII.,  Volume  I.,  of  this  work. 

I  hero  close  this  general  view  of  the  subject,  and  if 
it  is  in  some  respects  unsatisfactory,  I  cannot  believe 
that  a  diiferent  method  of  treatment  would  have  ren- 
dered it  less  so.  To  have  gone  more  into  detail  would 
liave  tended  to  confuse  ratlier  than  elucidate  tlu;  mat- 
ter in  the  reiider's  mind,  uidess  with  the  sup})ort  ctf 
extensive  quotations  from  ever-contlicting  authorities, 
which  would  have  swollen  this  general  view  from  a 
chaj)ter  to  a  volume.  As  far  as  antiquity  is  concerned, 
the  most  intricate  element  of  the  subject,  I  shall  at- 
tempt to  present — if  I  cannot  reconcile  —all  the  im- 
portant variations  of  opinion  in  another  division  of 
this  work. 


124 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  THE  CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


In  the  troiitincnt  of  my  subject,  truth  and  ac- 
curacy aro  tlic  j)rincij)al  aim,  and  tlieso  arc  never 
sacrificed  to  jjfra})liic  stylo  f>r  t»l()win<>^  diction.  As 
much  of  inten'st  is  thrown  into  the  recital  as  the  au- 
thorities justify,  and  no  more.  Often  mnv  he  seen  the 
more  striking  characteristics  of  these  nations  dashed 
off  with  a  skill  and  brilliance  eijualed  only  by  their 
distance  from  the  fticts;  disputed  })oints  and  unpleas- 
inuf  traits  olossed  over  or  thrown  aside  whenever  they 
interfere  with  style  and  eflect.  It  is  my  sincere  de- 
sire,  above  all  others,  to  })resent  these  j)eople  as  they 
were,  not  to  make  them  as  1  would  have  them,  nor  to 
romance  at  the  expense  of  truth;  nevertheless,  it  is 
to  be  hoped  that  in  the  truth  cnou<i-h  of  interest  will 
remain  to  command  the  attention  of  the  reader.  ^Fy 
treatment  of  the  subject  is  essentially  as  follows:  The 
civilized  j)eoj)les  of  North  America  naturally  grouj) 
themselves  in  two  great  divisions,  which  for  conveni- 
ence may  be  called  the  Nahuas  and  the  ^NFayas  re- 
spectively; the  first  representing  the  Aztec  civilization 
of  ^Mexico,  and  the  second  the  Maya-Quiche  civiliza- 
tion of  Central  America.  In  describing  their  man- 
ners and  customs,  tive  large  divisions  may  be  made 
of  each  group.  The  first  may  be  said  to  include  the 
systems  of  ijfovernment,  the  order  of  succession,  the 
ceremonies  (.)f  election,  coronation,  and  anointment, 
the  magnificence,  power,  and  manner  of  life  of  their 
kings;  t-ourt  forms  and  observances;  the  royal  pal- 
aces and  gardens.  The  second  comprises  the  social 
system;  the  classes  of  nobles,  gentry,  plebeians  and 
slaves;  taxation,  tenure,  and  distribution  of  lands; 
vassalage  and  feudal  service;  the  inner  life  of  the 
jieople;  their  fsxmily  and  private  relations,  such  as 
marriage,  divorce,  and  education  of  youth;  other 
matteis,  such  as  their  dress,  food,  games,  feasts  and 
dances,  knowledge  of  medicine,  and  manner  of  burial. 
Tiie  third  divisitm  includes  their  system  of  war,  their 
relations  with  foreign  powers,  their  warriors  and  oiders 
of  knighthood,  their  treatment  of  prisoners  of  war  and 


ETYMOLOGY  OF  NAMKS. 


125 


their  weapons.  The  fourtli  division  enihracos  their 
system  of  trade  and  eoninieree,  the  community  ttf 
merchants,  tlieir  sciences,  arts,  and  mauuljuturi's. 
The  fifth  and  hist  considers  their  jndii'iary,  hiw- 
courts,  and  legal  officials,  I  aj)pend  as  more  apj)r()- 
l>riately  j)laced  here  tlian  elsewhere,  a  note  on  the 
etymological  meaning  and  derivation,  so  far  as  known, 
of  the  names  of  the  Civilized  Nations. 


KTYMOI.OCY   OF    NAMKS. 

AroMlUAS; — Possibly  from  rolon,  "to  Itciiil,'  iiicaniii;;  with  Ihc  prefix 
(itl,  'wiiter-roUinas,'  or  '|)fo|ilo  at  the  IwihI  of  the  wiitor.'  Not  from  uvolli, 
■  >hc)iilili'r,'  nor  from  rolU,  'j^'raiuifather.'  Jliisr/iintniii,  Ortstiamni,  pp.  S.">,  S'.t. 
'I'nioii,  oiiconiar,  o  ciitortar  alj;i>,  o  rodcar  yt'inlo  (.'amino.'  ' Anilli,  onihro.' 
'Ciillmiti,  llouar  a  otro  por  rodoos  a  al^^una  parte.'  Mo/iiia,  Vtnithnhirio. 
i'ltlU,  '<;ranil-father,'  plural  rolhuan.  ('oUnianiii,  or  Ci(fiiiniii,  may  then 
mean  "tiic  hiuil  of  our  ancestors.'  Gallnlin,  in  Aiiur.  Ethiut.  Sor.,  Traiisurt., 
\ol.  i.,  ]»p.  204-5.  'El  uonihre  lie  ucitlhuan,  o  «ej;un  la  orto{;rafia  niexica- 
na,  ncitlliuiii[iii\  en  plural,  y  no  ((niUitKirmifs,  ni  oru/hncs.''  lUci-.  I'liir., 
toni.  i.,  p.  ;V.>.  'Col,  chose  eourhe,  faisant  rtilon,  rohiti,  on  chI/ikii,  nom  a|i- 
)>iii|U(5  jilns  tan!  dans  le  sens  d'aneetre,  j)aree  que  du  Col/iiiardii  primitif, 
des  ilos  de  la  (\)url»e,  vinrent  les  emi<,'res  qui  rivili.s^rent  les  habitants  do  la 
valk'c  d'Anahuac.'  JirtiKSiiir  de  liniirlioiinf,  Qudlir  Lfltirx,  p.  407.  'Co/- 
/mil,  on  riil/iiKi,  riihxi,  dc  coitic,  eho.se  courbee.  Oe  lii  Ic  nom  de  la  rite  de 
I'olliUiiatti,  qu'on  trailuit  inditleremmont,  ville  de  la  eourbe,  de  ehoscs 
riM-ourboe^  (des  scri)euts),  et  aussi  des  aieux,  de  roltzin,  aieul.'  /(/.,  Po/kiI 
Viih,  ]).  xxix. 

AzTKCS;— From  Azflnii,  the  name  of  their  uneient  liomc,  from  a  root 
Aztll,  which  is  lost.  It  has  no  connection  with  (tzcutl,  'ant,'  but  may  liaM- 
some  reference  to  iztar,  'white.'  lUischtitatm,  Ortsiianini,  pp.  5-ti.  'I>e 
Azflan  se  deriva  el  nneional  Aztrrntl.'  Pimnitrl,  Ciiadro,  tom.  i.,  )>.  l.')S. 
'.Ic,  primitif  iVdzrntl,  fourmi,  est  le  mot  qui  desi;,'ne,  a  la  fois,  d'uiie  ma- 
nierc  ".^enerale,  la  vajtenr,  le  {jaz,  ou  toute  chose  leg^re,  eomnie  le  vent  on 
lii  plnie;  c'est  I'aile,  aztli  qui  disij;iie  aussi  la  vapenr,  c'est  le  heron  dans 
K.-Jiitl.  II  se  retrouve,  avee  une  leyere  varianfe,  dans  le  mot  nahnatl  com- 
jiose,  tvin-az-cnUi,  bain  de  vai>eur,  dans  i-z-lU,  le  sang  ou  la  lave;  dans  Ics 
vo;ables  quiches  atz,  bouiree  du  funu'e,  eponvantail,  feu-follet. . . .  Ainsi  Ics 
fourmis  de  la  trad'tion  hai'tienne,  comme  de  la  tradition  niexicaine,  sont 
ii  la  fois  des  ima.geii  des  feux  intcrieurs  tie  la  terre  et  de  leurs  exhalaison.s, 
comme  du  travail  des  mines  etde  raj^riculture.  Du  meme  i)rimitif  uz  vienl 
Azilitii  "le  I'ayssur  <»u  dans  le  gaz,  nz-tmi,  nztlan,  la  terre  .seche,  soulevio 
liar  les  !_'a/.  ou  remplie  de  vapeurs.'"  Rni.sinur  </<•  Dviirhuunj,  Quatic  l.i-t- 
tvs,  p.  311. 

tlHAiiCVS;— '  II  nome  Chnlvho  vale,  Nellu  gemma.  II  P.  Acosta  dice,  dip 
Chulto  vu(d  dire,  Nelle  lM>cehe.'  Cfuriifrri),  Sforin  Aiif.  ihl  Missim,  tom.  ii. 
j>.  -IZ^'i.     Duschmuuii  believes  Acosta's  delinitiou  'in  the  mouths'  to  be  niorr 


126 


ETYMOLOGY  OF  NAMES. 


correct.  Ortminmrn,  p,  83.  Thairn,  Co  qtii  est  Ic  calonire;  c'est  IVxamen 
do  t(ms  IcH  vocables  nicxicaiiis,  coinmcii\:ant  en  rhal,  qui  \\\\\.  fail  di'cou. 
vrir  le  sens  exact  tic  ee  mot;  il  so  trouvc  surtout  dan  c/ial-c/ii/uiitt,  Ic  jatle, 
litteraleiiient  ce  qui  est  sort!  du  fond  du  calouirc.'  Brasscur  dc  Boitibounj, 
Qiialrc  Lcttirs,  pp.  4()S,  A(Wy. 

CllKi.K.s;  -*Le  Chcl  dans  la  lanfjiie  niaya  est  unc  esp^ce  d'oi.seaux  par- 
ticulicrs  i\  ccttc  contrtSc'  Brasscur  dc  Bourbvurg,  Hist.  Xut.  Civ.,  toui.  ii., 
p.  19. 

('IIIAPANKCS; — Chiapan,  'locality  of  the  chia''  (oil-seed).  Biisrhmann, 
Orfsnaincti,  p.  187.  'C/iiajinnt^qiif,  du  naliiiatl  rhiitpniirnitl,  c'cst-ii-dire 
hoinnie  dc  la  rivibrc  Chiaitan  (can  douce),  n'est  pas  le  noin  veritable  dc  ce 
peuplc;  c'cstceluiquc  lui  donnbrcnt  Ics  Mcxicains.'  Brasscur  dc  Bonrbourg, 
Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  87. 

CliK-niMKCs;— 'CVu'cAj,  pcrro,  o  pcrra.'  Molina,  Vocabtdurio.  Chichi, 
'''•^o;'  perhaps  as  inhabitants  of  Chichimrcan,  'place  of  doys.'  Mccull  may 
mean  'line,'  'row,'  'race,'  and  Chichimccatl,  therefore  'one  of  the  race  of 
dogs.'  Bu.frhmann,  Ortsuimcn,  pp.  79,  81.     'Chichini6quc  veut  dire,  h  pro- 

prenient  parler,  hommo  sauvagc Ce  mot  designe  des  hommes  ([ui  inaii- 

tjeut  de  la  viaude  cruo  et  succnt  le  sang  des  animaux;  cur  chichilizll!  veut 
dire,  en  mexicain,  sucer;  chichinalizlli,  la  chose  que  Ton  suce,  et  Chichi- 
hualli,  mamelle. . .  .Toutcs  les  autres  nations  Ics  rcdoutaient  ct  leur  don- 

liaicnt  le  noni  de  Suceurs,  en  mexicain,  'Chichimccatrrhinfiiii.^ Les  Mexi- 

caius  nomment  aussi  les  chicns  chichimc,  parce  qu'ils  Ifecheut  Ic  saii*;  des 
animaux  et  lesucent.'  Camargo,  Hist.  Tlaxcallan,  '\n  Nouiclks  Anindcs  des 
Voy.,  1843,  toni.  xcviii.,  p.  140.  '  Tcnchichimcras,  que  quiere  decir  del  todo 
bnrbados,  que  por  otro  nombre  se  decian  Cacachimecas,  6  sea  hombres  sil- 
vestres.'  Sahagun,  Hist.  Gen.,  tom.  iii.,  p.  UC.  'Chichiiucc  o\\  chichi inetl, 
Huceur  de  majj;uey,  et  dc  Ifi  lea  Chichimbques.'  Brasscur  dc  Bourboiirg,  Hist, 
Nat.  Cii\,  tom.  i.,  pp.  171,  5G.  Other  derivations  are  from  Chichcii,  a  city 
of  Yucatan,  and  from  chichiltic  'red,'  referring  to  the  color  of  all  Indians. 

Id.,  Popol  Vuh,  p.  Ixiii.     'CAj scion  Vetancourt,  c'est  une  preposition, 

cxprimant  ce  qui  est  tout  en  has,  au  plus  profond,  comme  aco  signilic  cc 
qui  est  au  plus  \\a,\\t. ..  .Chichi  est  un  petit  cliien  (c/it-en),  dc  ceux  qu'on 
appclle  dc  Chihuahua,  qui  sc  creusent  des  tanifcres  souterraincs. . .  .Chichi 
euouce  tout  cc  qui  est  amer,  aigrc  ou  Acre  tout  ce  qui  fait  tache:  il  a  le 
Bcus  de  sucer,  d'absorber;  c'est  la  salive,  c'e  it  le  poumon  et  la  mauiclle.  Si 
inaintcnant. . .  .j'ajoutc  inc,  primitif  dc  rmtl,  aloiis,  chose  courbJe,  vous  au- 
rcz  Chichimc,  choses  courbes,  tortueuses,  su^antes,  absorbantes,  amfcres, 
ficres  ou  aeides,  se  cachant,  comme  les  petits  chicns  terriers,  sous  Ic  sol 
oil  dies  se  conccntrent,  commes  des  poumons  ou  des  manielles ....  Or,  puis- 
qu'il  est  acquis,  d'aprbs  ccs  pcintures  et  ces  explications,  que  tout  cela  doit 
s'appliqucr  ?i  unc  puissance  telluriquc,  erraute,  d'ordinaire,  comme  les  popu- 
lations nomades,  auxqucllcs  on  attacha  le  nom  de  Chichinicca.'  Id.,  Quatre 
Lcttrcs,  pp.  111-12. 

CnOLULTKCS;— From  clioloa,  meaning  'to  spring,'  'to  run,'  'to  flee,'  or 
'place  where  water  springs  up,'  'place  of  flight,'  or  'fugitives.'  Bu.ichiuann, 
Orfsnatncn,  p.  100.  'C'est  du  lieu  d'oii  ils  etaient  sortis  primitivement,  ou 
plutOt  Ii  cause  dc  Icur  qualittS  actucUc  d'cxiles,  qu'ils  prireni  eusuite  Ic  nom 


CrVlLf^ED  NATIONS. 


<"'IONTV(KS--'r/       .    /,  J'    "^xt.  i\at.  Liv., 


'Wr/>.A,;,>      ^"'''"«"".    f>'-Asv,r,;.o,.   p.    15      •  I//  ,/ ""'""'"'•  ''"^•"l- 
IIlvsTi-  "LTivation 


"">    loni.    1.,  r,|,     r,   /..     r,        ,         ^ 

q"e  cs  inl.il.il  6  tos,.o  I..  I  '        '  ^""■^"""»»,  ( 


128 


ETYMOLOGY  OF  NAMES. 


liiif/iii,  cosa  torcidii.'  Molina,  Vncaftii/nrin,  '  Afalinnl  cM  lo  nom  roinirmn 
<l(!  Ill  liune,  (Ml  (k'H  <'or(lcs  tonliiCM,'  '  Mulltin,  tordr^^,  <[iii  fuit  vuiUikiI,  liiiiii; 
oil  <'i)r(U'.  Oil  Wifii  plus  litti'Tiileim-iit  de  cIiomom  touriu'-es,  |n;rLi^o  ii  jour,  ile 
mid,  ])riiiiitif  <lu  mnmali,  percur,  tiiraiulur,  (>t  <lu  mil,  di;  piirt  en  purt,  tt)Ut 
uutour.'  Jlriiaitcnr  <li:  Ihurhoitnj,  Qualrc  Lcttirs,  pp.  JOT-S. 

Ma.Mi:s;--'KI  viTdiidcri)  luuiiliro  ilt!  In  Icii^jim  y  de  Iti  trlliu  es  incin,  quo 
rjiiicri;  decir  ttirtainudii.s  porqui;  Ioh  puoliltm  (|U0  priiiicro  le.s  oycroii  liahliir, 
I'lM'iiiitraron  Heini'jiui/n  ctitrc  lus  tardus  para  proiiuiu'lar,  y  la  iiiaueni  I'ou 
<|iie  ii(|ii(dliM  duciau  hu  li>ii<{ua.'  Oruzco  i/  lUi-nt,  (irot/ra/iii,  p.  "24.  'A  until 
Icii^^ua  Hainan  Miiiuc,  i  iiidius  iniiincn  A  los  do  cista  ttiorru,  iHtrqiic  ordiimri- 
iiiiu'iito  liiiiilau  y  roHpondc!!  con  vntu  pulaltra  man,  qiio  quiure  decir  yxxZ/r.' 
Jiii/noso,  ill  Piiiiinlii,  Viiadro,  toiii.  i.,  i>p.  83-4.  'Afiin  veiit  dire  Iti'giu'  ot 
iiiiu't.'  *  "Mem,"  iiial  i\  propiw  di''li;.(iiri5  dans  Maiiu;  par  Ics  EMpiijiiiols,  servit 
di!|iiiiH  ^emiraleiiient  11  designer  les  nations  (^ui  coiiHorvcront  lour  anciunnt; 
]aii;,'uu  et  deiiiourbront  plus  ou  inoiiis  indi'-poiidontCH  des  unvuiii.sHciirs  etraii- 
y,vr».'  Mam  'vcutdircancieii,  veillanl.'  liraiixciirilc  Ihuihonrtj,  Ili.st.  Nal. 
('ii\,  loin,  ii.,  If.  111).  Mum  soniutiiiuis  nieans  grand-son.  /(/.,  J'njtut  Viih, 
p.  41. 

M.\TI.AI,TZINCAS;~'E1  uonibrc  Matlaldnratl,  tomiisc  de  Matfatl  quo  es 

la  red  con  la  cual  desgranuban  el  niaiz,  y  liaiiun  otras  eosus Taiiibien  se 

llaniati  MuUatzincas  de  hundas  que  so  dicen  tlrmatlak;  y  as!  Mathilziiivas 
jior  otni  interprt'tauion  quiere  decir,  hoiideros  6  foiidihiilurius;  porque  los 
diclius  Mdlliilziiiros  euaiido  niut'liaflios,  iisaltan  iniiclio  truer  las  liondus,  y 
de  ordinario  las  tniiun  consij^o,  eonio  los  Vhir.himecas  bus  areos,  y  sieinjjre 
undalian  tirando  eon  ellas.  Taniliien  Ics  llunialian  del  noinbre  de  red  por 
olra  ni/on  que  es  la  mas  prineipal,  porque  euundo  h,  su  idnio  suerillcalian 
algiina  persona,  le  eehaban  dciitro  en  una  red,  y  alii  Ic  retoreian  y  estrujii- 
lian  eon  la  dieliu  red,  lia.sta  <|iic  le  liacian  eeliar  los  intestinos.  La  eaiisa 
d(!  llaiiiarse  i'o((^/  (Haniirez  dieeiiue  "dehe  leerse  6V/«?7/ (eabeza).  C'oatl  si;;- 
iiiticii  eulehra,"  cuando  es  uno,  y  quaquatas  euando  son  muclios  es,  porque 
sieiiipre  traian  la  eabeza  eenida  eon  la  lionda;  por  loeuul  el  vocablo  se  deeia 
ijua  por  abreviatura,  ipie  quiere  deeir  quui/l  (jue  es  la  calK'za,  yfa  que  (piiere 
deeir  /a/«rt^/«</ (Molina  says  'Honda  para  tirar  es  (emaflail,  llalCDKilhiiii- 
/.ii)>r)  qucs  es  la  lionda,  y  asi  quiere  deeir,  quatlatl  liombre  <pie  true  la  lion- 
da  en  la  eabeza  por  guirnalda:  tambien  se  interpreta  de  otra  ina?iera,  (pie 
quiere  deeir  bombre  de  cal)eza  de  picdra.'  SoJukjiiii,  Ilist.  Gcii.,  torn,  iii., 
lib.  X.,  p.  1'28,  and  Urozco  y  Dcrru,  Geo<imJ'ia,  i)p.  29-30.  'Mullafzinia, 
dar  palmadas.'  ' Mallatcpito,  red  pequena.'  Molina,  Vorabiihrrio.  From 
■iititllull,  'net,'  meaning'  tlierefore  'small  plaee  of  nets.'  Jjimchmfiiiii,  Oriti- 
vanicn,  p.  13.  'Dc  Matlatl,  le  filet,  lea  mailles.'  Bras.iriir  de  Boarl/oiir;/, 
(Juatrc  LcUrcn,  p.  408.  'Matlntziiico  es  una  I'lilabra  incxicana  que  siynilii  a 
"liigareito  de  las  redes,"  pucs  se  compone  de  ituUlat,  red,  y  la  partieula 
tzinco  que  expresa  diminueion.  Fiicilmente  se  eomprendc,  pucs,  ipic  ///'(- 
tlalzincn  vieiic  de  inallatzinco,  y  que  la  etimolo;;ia  cxiye  ipie  estas  piilabias 
se  escriban  eon  c  (nicjor  k)  y  no  eon  <j  eomo  huccn  alguuos  autores,'  Pimcn- 
lei,  Cuadro,  tom.  i. ,  p.  500. 

Mayas;— '  "Mai,"  unc  divinit<5  ou  uii  personnage  dcs  temps  antiques,  suns 
doute  celui  i  I'yccasiyn  duquel  le  pays  fut  aiqielc'  Maya."  Brusseurdc  Lour- 


CIVIMZKI*  NATIONS. 


130 


Itiiiin/,  ill  I,in)i/(i,  HI.  ill-  las  ('iinas  ili-  Viiriifnii,  ji.  4'J.  ' Matfii  on  Mum, 
iioiii  iintirnu'  il'iim'  p.irtif  ilii  Viii'iitaii,  luiniit  hi;;iiitu'r  aiisxi  In  tciic.'  /'., 
p.  Ixx.  'Maaylii'i,  imii  mlcst  ai|Uii,  siiivaiit  Onlofii-z,  c'fst-ii-ilin',  'I'criv  Naiin 
••an.'  /(/.,  ///s/.  Sill.  I'ir.,  ttiiii.  i.,  |i.  7ti.  Tlie  tcrmiiiatioiis  ((  and  u  of  l\un 
iiaiiii' an*  Siianinli.   J'ininilrl,  i'lntilnt.  tmii.  ii.,  |i.  ;i.">. 

Ml/i;ilfA.s;  '.lA/;'/(/(V/,  arliol  ilc;,'(iiiia  paratiiita.'  Mnlhin,  Viinilnildrio. 
Mi'zi/iiifl,  a  ti'Of  yicldin;,'  tlii-  pure  yiini  araliif,  a  spfcii'tn  of  ucaria.  Jliisr/i- 
niniiii,  Orl.siiiiiiini,  p.  104.  , 

Ml/l'Kcs;  'La  palalira  niexicaiia  Mi.rlrrnll,  cs  iiiiiii1ir<>  narimial,  ilt-riva- 
(In  lit!  iiii.r/liiii,  liij;ar  «le  iiulii!s  ('(  lu'lailiiso,  loiiipucsto  de  nii.iili,  iiiilic,  y  do 
la  ItTiiiinaciim  llmi.'  I'iinriili'l,  Ciiiu/ro,  toni.  i.,  p.  '.\'.).  Mi.iilnn,  'pliitc  of 
cliMids.'  liiisriniiiiiiii,  Ort.siiiniioi,  ]i.  IS.  ' Mi jtiritjiiiii ...  .\ti\yH  tlva  lirouii- 
lards.'  ISrii.s.siiir  ilv  Iloiirlioiirij,  Ifi.il.  Xiit.  Cir.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  1l(i. 

NaiU'AS;-  -'TodoH  ids  (|Ut'  lialilan  claro  la  lenj^iia  nicxicana  (luc  Ics  lla- 
inaii  iict/iOiis,  son  dt'sccndiontcs  de  lo.s  Tultfcas.'  Sd/nn/mi,  lli.st.  II,  n.,  toin. 
iii.,  lil».  X.,  p.  111.  '  \(i/ionll  it  mihiiiill,  Nfj,'uii  td  dinimiario  iK'  Miiliiia.  mI^'- 
iiilicaTO.vo  f/iieniienii  hint,  de  ni<Klo<pie  vienea  ser  iiii  adjctivu  iiuc  aplirado  al 
siisiaiitivo  uliniiifi,  ercotiut'  i)uede  tradiieirse  \ntr  nrniiniiusi).''  J'iiiinilil,  ('mi. 
ilrii,  toin.  i.,  p.  I."),S.  SoiiK'tliiii^  of  line,  or  elear,  or  load  sonud;  lui/uiiilliifo 
MH-ans  an  interpreter;  nahiiuli,  to  Hpeak  lond;  nii/nniliu,  to  roniniand. 
Till'  name  has  no  eonnectiun  whatever  with  Aiuihiiiir.  liu.irhuiiniii,  Ort.siiii- 
mrii,  pp.  7-H.  'Molina  lu  tradnit  par  Linliiio,  inslrnit,  expert,  eivilise,  et 
Ini  donne  anssi  nn  sens  qui  bo  rapporte  aux  scienees  0(  enlteH.  On  n'en 
tronve  pas,  toutefois,  la  racine  dans  h;  niexieain.  \m  lan^^ne  qnieliec  en 
donne  nne  exi)ruatioii  parfaite:  11  vient  dii  verlie  Nao  on  Xnii;  connaitre, 
seutir,  savoir,  penser;  Tin  iiuo,  jo  sais;  Xno/i,  saj;esse,  inlel'i;4cn<,'e.  II  y  n 
eneore  lo  verlie  radical  Xfi,  .sentir,  sonpv<>iiner.  Le  mot  Xnlnml  dans  son 
sens  primitif  et  veritalde,  mgniiie  done  litteralemcnt  "(pii  suit  tout;"  eVst 
la  memo  chose  ahsolnincnt  que  lo  mot  anj;lais  Kiiuir-all,  avec  leijuel  il  a 
tant  d'identite.  l.n  C^uiche  et  lo  Cakchiquel  reni|>loient  fr('(|ueinment  aussi 
dans  le  sens  de  niysterioux,  extraordinaire,  niervoilleux.'  Brusscitr  ile  Bum- 
lioiirr/,  Ili.'it.  Xal.  Cir.,  torn,  i.,  pp.  101-'2,  l!»t. 

NoNolliAl.cA.s;— The  Tutul-Xius,  chiefs  of  a  Nahuatl  house  in  Tnlan, 
seem  to  have  home  the  uauic  ol  Nonoiial,  which  may  have  };iven  rise  to 
Xoiio/iimiro  or  OiiohiKtli'u.  ' Xonoiial  ne  ^erait-il  pas  une  alteration  do 
Xiiiiiiual  on  Xanahnatlf^  Bransciir  ilc  BuurOourij,  in  Luiula,  lid.  ilc  Iks 
L'ljsdH  lie  Yiiciiliin,  p.  420. 

OlmkcS; — (')lmeeatl  was  the  name  of  their  first  traditionary  leader.  Brn.t' 
.inir  ilr  Uniirhoiir'j,  Hint.  Xat.  Civ.,  toin.  i.,  [>.  l.VJ.  Olincnitl  nniy  mean  an 
inhaliitaiit  of  the  town  of  Olitiaii;  hut  as  iiirrd/l  is  also  used  for  'shoot.' 
'oll'sprin;,','  'hranch,'  tho  word  prohahly  conies  from  oHi,  and  means  'peojilo 
of  the  j,'um.'  Ihisvhinuun,  Ort.Hiutiiuii,  ji.  1(5. 

Oto.mI.S; — 'Kl  vocahlo  OtomitI,  que  es  el  nonihre  de  los  O'omiifi,  toii;:i- 
rnnlo  do  su  caudillo,  cl  eual  se  llanuiha  Oton.''  Suhiifjuii,  Ifi.sl.  G:n.,  toin.  iii  , 
lib.  x.,  j>.  \'1'2.  Not  a  native  word,  hut  Mexican,  derived  perhaps  from  oil.', 
'road,'  and  toinitl,  'animal  hair,'  referring  possibly  to  some  peculiar  mode 
of  wearing  the  hair.  Biisrlniumn,  Orl.snnnini,  pp.  18-19.  'Of/io  en  la  mis- 
ma  longua  olhonii  quiere  decir  iiui/ii,  y  mi,  quicto,  OBCiitado,  de  luuncraquo 
Yul.  II.    U 


130 


ETYMOLOGY  OF  NAMEIS. 


traditrida  litoralnicnto  la  tialahra,  sigiiifica  nada-quioto,  niya  idi-a  pudic'ra- 
inos  exprcsar  <liciundo  pcirgrino  6  cfrantc.'  I'iniciitcl.  Ctiiidvo,  toiii.  i.,  p. 
118;  Xi'txcrtt,  Dinrrtuviuii,  j).  4.  'Si-i  etyiiiologie  iiiexicaiiic,  Otoiiiill,  isi^- 
uil'io  la  llochc  irOton.'  Bmsscur  ilc  Boiirboiirg,  Hist.  Nal.  Vic,  toiu.  i., 
p.  ir)8. 

Pirn.KS; — A  reduplication  of  piUi,  which  luiH  twonieaiiiiifr-*,  'noble'  and 
'diiUl,'  the  latter  Iteing  <,'cnerally  rcj,'arded  as  its  nicaiiinj,'  in  tho  tribal 
name.  Jliischiiiaini,  Orfxnitiiicn,  j»[>.  137-8.  So  called  because  they  spoke 
the  Mexican  language  with  a  childish  pronunciation.  Juarro.s''  Hint.  Gmtl., 
p.  2-.M. 

PoKOM.VMS; — 'Pokom,  dont  la  racinc  j)ok  di^signc  uno  sorte  de  tnf  blaiic 

ct  sablonneux La  ternii.iation  ojii  est  un  particijie  i)rcsent.     De  Poloin- 

vieiit  U;  noni  de  Pokoniani  et  de  I'okouK^hi,  qui  fut  <lonne  a  ces  tril)us  de  la 
(pialite  du  sol  ou  ils  bfitirent  lour  ville.'  Bt asscur  dc  Bourboiirg,  Jli.it.  iVo/. 
Cir.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  122. 

QnriiK.S; — 'La  pali'i)ra  quichf,  kirhf,  6  qiiif-r,  signillca  Niiir/io-:  drho/is.' 
Piinctitd,  Ciiudro,  torn,  ii.,  p.  124.  'De  ^Miheaucoup,  plnsie'.;i>i,  et  de  fAe, 
urbre;  ou  de  ijkccIic^  'jKerkduh,  qcchdah,  la  foret.'  X'.niuirz,  in  Brasscitr 
de  Poiu-huiirff,  Popol  Viih,  p.  cclxv. 

TAUAStOS; — 'Tarasco  vicne  de  tnrhancnc,  que  en  la  lengua  de  Miihoacan 
eignifica  suegro,  6  yerno  segun  dice  el  P.  Lagunaseii  sn  ( UiUiuitica.'  I'inicii- 
tcl,  Ciiadro,  toni.  i.,  p.  273.  '  Tarns  en  la  lengua  niexicaiia  m'  dice  Mixroatl, 
que  era  el  dios  dc  los  Chidiiincva.s.'  Sahmjioi,  Hist.  (!ni.,  <oni.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  p. 
138.  'A  (juienes  dieroii  el  noinbrc  de  tarascos,  por  el  sonidociue  les  hacian 
las  i)artes  genitaies  en  los  inuslos  al  andar.'  Vnjtia,  Ui.sl.  Ant.  Mrj.,  toni. 
ii.,  p.  lO.");  Brasscur  dc  Boitrbnurtj,  Hist,  drs  Xiif,  Cic,  toin.  iii.,  p.  r>7. 

'ri;i'ANi;t'S; — Tr/inn,  'stony  place,'  from  fetf,  or  fi'rpan,  'royal  palace.' 
Biisrfihiaini,  Ort.sii  iiiieii,  p.  92.  'Trrpantlan  signilie  aupres  ties  palais.' 
Bru.t.'triir  dr  Boiirhoiirff,  Popol  Viih,  p.  ex.  'Cailloux  roules  sur  la  roche, 
tc-pa-nc-cd,  litteralenient  ce  qui  est  niele  ensemble  sur  la  pierre;  «>u  bien  tc- 
jHia-r-ed,  e'est-a-dire  avcc  des  petites  pierres  sur  la  roche  ou  le  soiide,  <\  pour 
ctl,  le  haricot,  frijol,  (5tant  yiris  souveut  dans  le  bciis  d'une  i>etito  pi-rre  sur 
une  surface,  etc.'  Id.,  Quatrc  Lcttirs,  p.  408. 

TLAHUICAS;^From  tlahuitl,  'cinnabar,'  from  this  mineral  being  jilenti- 
ful  in  their  country.  Bu.fchmatiu,  Ortstiaiiini,  p.  93.  Tlitliuilli,  'poudrcs 
brillantes.'  Brasscur  dc  Boiir/joiinj,  Qiiatrc  Lctlirs,  j).  422.  'Tlouiii,  ahini- 
brar  a  otros  con  candelu  o  hacha.'  MoHn  \  Vorabiifuno. 

Tlai'ANKcs; — 'Y  Ihlmanlos  taini)ien  tlaiianccas  que  quiche  decir  I'otii- 
hrc.i  (diiKujrados,  porquc  se  ombijaban  con  color.'  Sa/uvfiiii,  Hi  it.  (ini.,  toni. 
iii.,  lib.  X.,  p.  135.  From  tlnlpnntli,  'ground;'  may  also  come  fron.  tUdll, 
'laud.'  Buschmtttin,  Orfttnninoi,  p.  102,  TlapaUdti,  'terre  ccdoree.'  Brn.'i- 
sr.urih-  Bourtioiii'fj,  Pojwl  Vnh,  p.  Ixiii.  Tla,  'feu.'  /</.,  Qiiiilir  Lcttirs,  p.  41(». 
'Tlapnni,  quchrarse  algo,  o  el  tintorero  que  tine  pafios.'  Molina,  Vocnbuln- 
rio.  Probably  a  syimuym  of  Yoppi,  q.  v.  Orozco  y  Bcrra,  Gcografia,  i)p. 
20-7. 

Tlascaltkcs; — '  TlaxcnlU,  tortillas  do  niayz,  o  pan  generalmente.'  Moli- 
na, Vocahulario.  Tla.rcalli,  'place  of  bread  i>r  tortillas,'  the  past  particip'e 
of  ixca,  'to  bake  or  broil.'  Buschnuinn,  Orfsiianun,  p.  93. 


CIVILIZED  NATIONS. 


131 


Toi.TKCS;— '  7'o//rcr^//o//,  maostriii  ilc  arto  riu'caiiioa.     ToUrratl,  ofl'irial 
de  arte  mccanira.     To/frrniiin,  faUricar  o  lia/or  alyio  ol  maestro.'  Molina, 
Voi-nbnhirio.     'Lo.s  fii//r.rns  toilos   se  nomhrahaii  rhichiiiirnis,  y  no  toiii- 
nn  otro  iioinbro  particular  siiio  e.ste  quo  tointiroii  de  la  euriosiihul,  y  i>riiiit)r 
«le  liiH  oWras  que  liaeiau,  (lue  se  llainaroii  ohra.s  tidtcras  (,    ca  oomo  si  <li;,'e- 
seuios,  otii'iale.s  puliilo.s  y  enri(Hos  ooino  alioni  los  de  Flaudes,  y  eon  razoii, 
porque  craii  sutiles  j-  priiiinrosos  en  euanto  ellos  ponian  la  niano,  que  totlo 
era  niuy  l)ueno.'  Sahoffitii,  Hist.  Orn.,  toni.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  j).  107.    Toltecs,  'i)ei)- 
pleof  Tolian.'    Tollan,  'place  of  M'illows  or  reeds,'  from  foiiii,  'willow,  reed.' 
Jhi.ir/iiiKtnn,  Orf.siidincii,  p.  70.     'To/li'cd/l  etait  le  litre  (ju'on  donnait  a  un 
artiste  habile.'    Brn.s.srHv  <fe  Buiirltoinv/,  Ilist.  Nat.  dr.,  tom.  i.,  j).  I'.U. 
Tollan:  'Kile  est  frapjiaiite. . .  .par  I'identitt'  qu'elle  jiresente  avec  le  nom 
de  Mifzfli  ou  le  C"rois.sant.     En  cH'et,  ce  qu'elle  exprime,  tl'ordiiiaire,  c'est 
riilee  d'uii  "pay.s  reeonrljo"  ou  incline.     Sa.  iirenuere  syllabe  fol,  prim.lif 
Ac  lufon,  "abaxar,  iudinar  laealK;{,'a,"  dit  Molina,  "eiit.ortar,  encorvar,"  dit- 
il  aillonrs,  siynilie  done  baisser,  ineliner  la  teto,  se  tortuer,  courber,  ce  (jui, 
avec  la  particnle  locale  /an  pour  flmi  on  tan,  la  terrc,  I'endroit,  annoiinco 
nne  ferre  ou  un  pays  recourbi'-   sens  exact  du  mot  toflaii.     Du  meme  vei  I  o 
vieut  tulliii,  le  jonc,  le  roseau,  dont  la  tete  s  incline  an  nu)in(lre  vent;  de  la, 
le  sens  de  .Ion([niJ're,  de  limiie,  quo  peut  j)rendre  tollan,  dont.  le  hieroylyiibo 
rcprcseiite  jireciseiuciit  le  son  et  la  eliose,  et.  qui  parait  I'xprimer  donbleiiient 
ridue  de  cette  (erre  famense  de  la  Courbe  on  tin  Croissant,  basse  et  mareca- 
{^cuseen  l)cauconpd''enilroitssuivfint  In  tradition. . .  .Danssa  (the  word  toloa) 
sij,'iiiticatiou  active,   Molina  le  tradiiit  par  "tra;4ar,"  avaler,  en<^loutir,  co 
(pii  donne  alors  pour  tollan,  le  sens  de  terre  eiigloutio,  abiniee,  qui,  cuuimo 
vous  le  voyez,  convient  ou  no  punt  mieux  dans  Ic  eas  present.     Mais  si  /«/- 
hilt  est  la  terr(>  eugloutie,  ki  c't'st  en   incine  temi>s  le  pays  de  la  Courbe, 
Metztli  ou  le  Croissant,  ces  deux  noni.M,  vcm(rir(iue/-le,  peuvent  s'appliquer 
uii.ssi  bien  an  lieu  oii  il  a  <5t«  englouti,  :«.  I'eau  qui  so  courbait  le  long  dea  ri- 
va,i;es  du  Croissant,  soit  il  riulerieni  dvs  grande.s  golfes  du  nord  et  du  iiiidi, 
soil  au  rivage  eonve\e,  tourae  comme  It;  genou  d<^  la  janibe,  vers  I'Orieut. 
<  "est  ainsi  qu'oii  retronvo  I'ldentificution  coutiiiuelli^  do  I'idt'e  m;Uo  unco 
I'iili'e  feiiielle,  liu  c.onteuu  ot  du  contenaiit,  d(?  talhiii,  le  pay.s  englonti,  avec. 
liiJImi,  I'oceai!  engloutia,^(!nr,  de  I'eau  qui  est  contenue  et  des  continents*  qui 
Tcnscrreut  dans  lenrs  limites.     Ajoutons,  jtour  completer  cette  analyse,  qi'o 
tol,  dans  la  laugne  tiuiclice,  est  im  verbe,  dout  tnlau  <'st  le  jiasse,  et  qii'aiusi 
que  tiilmi  il  sigiiilie  I'abandon,  la  nudite,  etc.     Do  tol,  taites  tor,  dans  laiiie- 
nie  langue,  et  vous  aurez  avec  toraii.  vi^  qui  est  tourne  ou  retourne,  comme  en 
niexicain,  de  meuie  que  dans  liiraii  (touran)  vous  trouverez  ce  (pii  a  etc  rcu- 
verse,  bonleverse  de  fond  en  comble,  no;  e  si.us  les  eaux,  etc.     Dans  la  lan- 
gue niaya,  /(^/signifio  remplir,  condiler,  et  an,  t-unnie  en  qiiieho,  est  Ic  jiasse 
du  verbe:  niais  si  a  ////  on  ajoute  ha  ou  a,  I'eau,  nousavous  Tnllia  ou  Tula, 
rcin])li,  subnu-rgo  d'eau.     I-Ji  derniJ'r*'  analyse,  tol  ou  tiil  jiarait  avoir  jiour 
rorigine  ol,  ul,  eonler,  vonir,  suivtiut  le  quiche  encore;  primitif  tVolli,  ou 
bien  tVitlli,  en  langue  nahiuitl,  la  gomnie  elastique  liquide,  \iv  boule  noire  du 
jeu  de  i)au:ue,  <(ui  deviout  lo  hieroglyphe  do  I'eau,  remplissant  los  deujr, 
golfes.     Le  ]irelixe  t  pour  ti  serait  iiiio  i)repositlou;  fai.saut  to,  il  ■'i^iiiiic 
I'orbite  do  I'leil,  en  quiche,  imago  do  Tabime  <iue  la  bonlo  noire  remplit  com- 


132 


ETYMOLOGY  OF  NAMKS. 


rue  aa  pruiiellc,  cc  dont  voiis  pouvoz  vous  assurer  (Inns  hi  fi,'ure  tli'  lii  paj^o 
suivaiite;  to  est,  en  outre,  I'aidc,  i'instruinent,  devenaiit  tool;  iiiais  en  niexi- 
eain,  to,  i)riinitif  de  ton,  est  hi  cliah'ur  de  I'oau  houilhuite.  Tol,  contraite  de 
to-ol,  pourrait  done  avoir  signilie  "le  lii{<ii<le  iMHiillant,"  ou  hi  venue  «U.'  lu 
chiileur  houilhinte,  de  renibrasenient.  Avec  tint,  etendre,  le  mot  entier  tul- 
trrn,  nous  aurions  done,  etendre  le  courlie,  ete.,  et  fof-'irufl,  le  tolte(jue, 
serait  re  (jui  etend  le  eourbeou  I'englouti,  ou  bieu  I'eau  boitillante,  etc.  Ces 
etymologies  rentrent  done  toutcs  duna  la  menie  idee  i|^ui,  sous  bien  des  rap- 
ports, fait  des  Tolteques,  une  des  puis.sanees  tellnri(iiies,  destruetrices  de  la 
terre  du  Croissant.'  /(/.,  Qiialrc  Lcttrrs,  j)j).  IIS-'JO. 

ToTOX.VCS;— From  tototl  and  iiacntl,  Mdrd-llesli;'  or  from  tnini,  'to  1m> 
warm.'  Ihisrhmfuin,  Ortsnamni,  p.  13.  '  Totoiioro  sigiiiHca  li  la  letn<.,  tres 
eora/oncs  en  iin  sentido,  y  tres  panales  en  otro,'  from  tot»,  'three,'  and  iiari), 
'heart,'  in  the  Totonae  language.  Dumiiif/urz,  in  Pinirulrl,  Cimdro,  tom.  i., 
pp.  *2'JG-7.  ^Tutotiftl,  el  .'^igno,  en  iiue  uigunu  ua.see,  o  ci  alma  y  espiritu.' 
Molina,  Vombuliirio. 

Tt'TUL-Xirs; — 'Le  nom  des  Tutul-Xin  parait  d'origine  nahuatl;  il  serait 
derive  de  totol,  tototl,  oiscan,  et  de  xixi'l,  ou  j-ihnill,  horlte.'  limstsiur  <li: 
liouroounj,  in  Luiidn,  lid.  de  hin  Co.sn.i  ile.  ^  tirntun.  ■>.  47. 

XlCALANCAS; — 'Xicidli,  vaso  de  eahibava.'  Molinn,  Vucatndario.  Xi- 
mill,  'place  of  this  species  of  eahibasli  or  drinklng-shell.'  Unxrlinniiiii,  Ort.'i- 
vnmfti,  J).  17.  'Xicalanco,  la  Ville  des  courges  ou  des  tasses  faites  de  la 
courge  et  appelee  Xicalli  dans  ces  contrees,  et  dout  les  Kspaguois  out  fait 
Xi(7ira.'  linis.srur  df  lionrljoiirf/,  llifst.  Nat.  ('ir.,  torn,  i.,  p.  110. 

Xoi;illMlLC'.VS; — Vvwn  xorliill,  'llower,' and  /;/////,  'piece  of  land,' mean- 
ing 'place  of  llower-tields.'  litinr/niifnin,  Oi'tsiutntrii,  p.  94.  ' Xovhiiiiirijin: 
c.iptiuoa  en  guerra.'  Molina,  Vomhidurin.  Worhiniilrn,  habitants  de  Xo- 
rhiitiili'o,  lieu  ou  '.'on  seme  tout  en  has  <lo  la  Ihise,  nom  de  la  terre  vege- 
talc  et  fertile  oil  Ton  ensemeii(,'ait,  ,/('//,  qu'on  retoiirne,  d'oii  le  mot  mil  on 
milli,  chamit,  terre  ensemencce,  et  sans  doute  aussi  le  latin  iiiilitnn,  notie 
mil  et  millet.'  ' .I'ajouterai  seulenient  que  ce  nom  signilie  dans  le  langage 
ordinaire,  ceux  <ini  cultiventde  lleurs,  do  jorhill,  Ih'ur,  litteralement,  ce  qui 
vit  sous  la  base.'  Bra.'i.HCur  dc  Jloiirb<jiir(/,  Qiintn'  Lcttnn,  ]([».  40(>-8. 

YoPlM; — 'Lh'imanles  ijoiics  porqiie  su  tierra  se  llama  Yo/iinzinrn.'  S'tihn- 
ffUH,  11  f.  Gen.,  torn,  iii.,  lib.  x.,  p.  l'^'^.  'Infcrimos. . .  .cjiie  yope,  yoi>i,  jojie, 
segnn  seencuentni  escrita  la  pahibra  en  varios  lugares,  es  sinonimo  de  tlapa- 
neca.'  Orozro  i/  Bcrra,  Giografia,  pj).  'ICt  T.  Yojiaa,  'Lanilof  Tombs.'  llrn.s- 
■sriir  de  lionrbvitrg,  Ifi.st.  Xat.  dr.,  tom.  iii.,  j).  *.). 

'/j\nytVA'»;- '  Tzojmtl,  cierta  fruta  conocida.'  Muliiid,  Voriihuhn'io.  Tzo- 
jinflan,  'placeof  the  zapotes,  trees  or  fruits.'  Dn-irlimami,  Ort-siidinrii,  j).  1(>. 
'  Uerivadode  la  [talabra  mexicana  t.:iijit>ll(iii,  qiu-  si^^nilica  "lugar  de  los  znji'i- 
fi:i,"  nombre  castellanizado  de  una  fruta  may  conocida.'  l'im<  itiel,  Cniidro, 
torn,  i.,  p.  310.  'Zdjtoteeajxoi  est  le  nom  que  les  Mexieains  a\aient  donne 
a  cette  contree,  a  cause  de  hKiuantite  ot  de  la  (|ualifi''  supi'ricure  i!e  ses  .  ..its. 
lirassev^-  de  liourboiivi],  Hist.  Xof.  Cir.,  tom.  iii.,  p.  38. 

ZoTZlLK.s;— 'Zo/i//,  murcielago.'  I'imriitcl,  Cuoilro,  tom.  ii.,  p.  '21."). 
/ot/iiha  'signilie  la  ville  des  Cliauves-Sonris.'  lirtis.niir  de  Hoiuhoiirij,  Hist. 
Xat.  Civ.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  88, 


CHAPTER   III. 


GOVERNMENT    OF    THE    NAIIUA    NATIONS. 
System  of  (Jovernment — The  Aztec  roxKEnEn.vrY— Orper  of  Sur- 

(  KSSKIN-  KhErTIOX  OK  KlMiS  AMONO  THE  MEXICANS— KoVAL  I'HE- 
HOOATIVES  -  (JoVEUXMEXT  AXD  LaWS  OE  SllCESSIOX  AMOXO  THE 
Tol.TECS  AND  IX  MUIIOACAX,  TLASC?ALA,  CHOLULA,  HlEXOTZIXlO, 
AXD  OA.IACA—  MaOXIIICEXCE  ok  the  NaHIA  MOXAUtllS-CEUE- 
MitXY    OK   AXOIXTMEXT— ASCEXT   TO  THE  TEMI'LE— THE   HoLV    TXC- 

TioN  -Address  ok  the  High-Puiest  to  the  Kixg— Pexan'ce  and 

TasTIXI!  IX  THE  IIorSE  CALLED  TLACATECCO— IIoMAOE  OK  THE  No- 
IlLES—dENKUAL  UeJOKTXO  TIIROrOHOlT  THE  KlXfiDO.M— CEREMOX Y 

OK  CoitKXATiox — The  Procirixi;  ok  Sacrifices— Descrii-tiox  of 

THE  CRoWX— COROXATIOXS,  FEASTS,  AXD  KXTERTAINMEXTS— HoSI'l- 
TAI.ITY   EXTEXDEDTO  liXEMIES— COROXATlOX-Sl'EECH  OK  NEZAHIAL- 

rii.Li,  Kixo  ov  Tezcico,  to  Moxtezima  II.  ok  Mexico— Oration 
•jK  a  Noni.i:  to  a  Newly  elected  Kixi;. 


The  prevailing-  form  of  government  among  the  civ- 
ilized nations  of  Mexico  and  Central  America  was 
nionarcliical  and  nearly  absolute,  although  some  of  the 
!<niailer  and  Ivss  j>owcrful  states,  ns  for  instance,  Tlas- 
c.ila,  affected  an  aristocratic  rci)uhlican  system.  The 
three  great  confederated  states  of  ^Fexico,  Tezcuco,  and 
Tlat'opan  were  each  governed  l>y  a  king,  who  had  su- 
juvme  authority  in  his  own  dominion,  and  in  matters 
t.)Uiliing  it  alone.  AVhcrc,  however,  the  welfare  of 
the  whole  alliec'  connnunitv  was  involved,  notnie  kuvj; 
could  act  without  the  concurrence  of  the  others ;  never- 
theless, the  judgment  of  one  who  was  held  to  be 
especially  skih'ul  and  wise  in  any  <piestion  under  con- 

(133) 


134 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


.sidoration,  was  usually  defoiTod  to  by  his  colleagues. 
Thus  ill  matters  of  war,  or  foreign  relations,  the  o})in- 
iou  of  tho  kiuLj-  of  Mexico  had  most  weight,  while  in 
the  administration  of  home  government,  and  in  deci- 
sions respecting  the  rights  of  persons,  it  was  customary 
during  the  reigns  of  the  two  royal  sages  of  Tezcuco, 
Nezahualcoyotl  and  Nezahualpilli,  to  respect  tlieir 
counsel  above  all  other.^  The  relative  importance  of 
tliese  three  kingdoms  must,  however,  have  shown 
greater  disparity  :ifj  fresh  ctaupies^s  were  made,  since 
in  the  division  of  territory  acquired  by  force  of  arms, 
Tlacopan  received  onl}'^  one  fifth,  and  of  the  remainder, 
judging  by  the  relative  power  and  extent  of  the  states 
when  the  Sjianiards  arrived,  it  is  probable  that  ^lex- 
ico  took  the  larger  share.'^ 

In  Tezcuco  and  Tlacopan  the  order  of  succession 
was  lineal  and  hereditary,  in  IVIexico  it  was  collateral 
and  elective.     In  the  two  former  kingdoms,  however. 


1  Ln^  Cnxas,  Hist.  Apologctirn,  M>^.,  cap.  ccxi.;  Ziirita,  lia/i/iorf,  in  Trr- 
vaux-Coni/Kiiis,  Vol/.,  SL'iie  ii.,  torn,  i.,  j).  y.j;  Turquv.nuulii,  Moitan/.  Iiul., 
toiii.  ii..  i>.  ;i")4. 

'•^  I.xtlil.xocliitl,  for  whose  ])iitrii)tisni  ilue  iillownnc  must  Itc  made,  writi's: 
'Ivs  vi-rdad,  ((110  el  tie  iMe.\.ii'()  y  Ti-zcin'o  fiienm  i^nialcs  vn  di;,Mii(lail 
wfuirio  y  ivutas;  y  t'l  ile  Tiacoiiaii  solo  ti'iiia  fierta  iiaiie  coiiio  la  ([uiii- 
ta,  en  lo  (|iic  era  rentas  y  despues  en  los  otros  dos.'  llisf.  C/iir/iiinrfu,  in 
Kliiifshoroii(ih\-i  Mi\v.  .Infii/.,  vol.  i.\.,  p.  '2',iS.  Znrita  also  allirnis  this: 
'Dans  eertainos,  les  trilints  elaient  repartis  en  portions  ej^ales,  et  dans 
d'antres  on  en  faisait  ein([  parts:  le  souverain  de  ^lexieo  et  celni  de  Tez- 
eiico  en  prelevaient  eiiaeun  ueu.x,  celni  de  Tacnt)a  nne  seule.'  jLnjtporf,  in 
I'l  riiiniu'-Conijxiii.s,  Toy.,  serie  ii.,  toni.  i.,  j).  1'2.  'Qnodo  ]»nes  deterniinado 
(\ne  ii  los  estados  de  Tlacopan  so  a^^regase  la  qiiinta  parte  de  las  tierras 
nue\ainente  comjuistadas,  yelrestosediviilie.se  i;;nalnieiite  entre  el  |)riiM'i]io 
vel  reyde  .Mejico.'  Vci/fiit,  Hist.Aiit.  Mij. ,Xwn.  iii.,  p.  1()4.  lirassenrdellour- 
iionr^i  agrees  with  anil  takes  his  information  from  Ixtlilxocliitl.  lli.st.  Sal. 
Cir.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  11)1.  Torijueniada  makes  a  fardilU'rent  division:  'Coikmu- 
rienilo  los  tres,  .se  diese  la  (piinta  parte  al  Hei  de  'J'lacnpa,  y  d  Tercio  de  lo 
(jne  ([uedase,  a  Ne(,'allinalcoiotl;  y  los  denias,  a  Itzcoluiat/in,  como  a  ("ahcca 
iSlaior,  y  Sn]ireina.'  Miniani.  IniL,  toni.  i.,  p.  14(i.  As  also  does  Clavi;:cro: 
'Si  diede  (|iiella  Corona  (llacopaii)  a  Toto(iniliuatzin  sotto  la  coiidizioiie 
*ne  triippe  al  He  di  Messico,  (>;,'ni  volta  clie  il  ricliie- 


di  servir  con  tntte 


dcssc, 
si  ave 


assej 
iscro 


;naiido  a  li 
dai  neinici. 


inedesiino  per  cio  la  tininta  iiarte  delle  spoglic.  clie 
Similniente  Nezalinalcojotl  fn  nies.so  in  posscsso 
del  trono  d'.Vcolhiiacan  sotto  la  condizione  di  dover  soccorrere  i  Messicaiii 
iiclla  ifiierra,  e  ])crcio;;li  fn  assejfnata  la  terza  narte  dclla  preda,  ca\ataiie 
prima  (luella  del  lie  di  Tacnha,  restaiido  I'altre  (lue  terze  ])arti  pel  lie  ^!^■•- 
.sicano.  S/nr/it  Aiif.  i/rf  J/c.v.v/co,  toni.  i.,  ]>.  '224.  I'rcscott  says  il  \va^  !i;,'rr(il 
that  'one  lifth  should  he  assinjiiod  to  Tlacopan,  and  tlie  remainder  he  di\  itlcl, 
in  what  proiiortion  is  uncurtain,  hetween  (he  otiier  j»owers.'  Mix.,  \u\.  i., 
p.  IS. 


itfinraiii 


ORDER  OF  SUCCESSION. 


135 


altlioiii^^li  tlio  sons  succeeded  their  fathers,  it  was  not 
aceordinL*-  to  birth,  hut  aceordin;^'  to  rank;  tlie  st)iis 
of  the  (|ueen,  or  principal  uife,  who  was  Generally  a 
daughter  of  the  royal  liouse  of  ^NTexico,  heiny'  al- 
ways })referred  to  the  rest.^  In  ^lexico,  the  eldest 
survivinif  brother  of  the  deceased  monarch  was  g'en- 
erally  elected  to  the  throne,  and  when  there  were  no 
more  brothers,  then  the  nephews,  connnencini;"  with 
the  eldest  son  of  the  first  l)rother  that  had  dii-d;  l)ut 
this  order  was  not  necessarily  observed,  since  tlie  elec- 
tors, tliough  restricted  in  their  choice  to  one  faniil}-, 
could  set  aside  the  claims  of  those  wliom  tlicy  con- 
sidered ini'ompetent  to  reign;  and,  indeed,  it  was 
their  })articular  duty  to  select  from  among  the  rela- 
tives of  the  deceased  kini«f  the  one  l)est  fitted 
to  I)ear  the  dignity  .and  responsibility  of  supreme 
lord.*     During  the  early  days  of  the  Mexican  mon- 


"3  TorifiirDiniffi,  Motinrq.  I.nl.,  toin.  ii.,  p.  S.'tfi;  Ziiritn,  liii/i/tiir/,  in  Tcr- 
vni.r-CoMjiniis,  I'oi/.,  sorio  ii.,  torn,  i.,  i)]).  l'J-i;{;  ('/nr/i/rru,  Sttiv!<i  Aiil.ilvl 
Mcxiiiro,  toiii.  ii.,  ji.  IIG;  Brussetif  dc  htiiirlmunj.  Hist.  S'at.  tV/;.,  toiii.  iii., 


1)  577. 


(irnuoniada  wri 


r.i 


4   1 

0('l'i()!U'?i,   ([11 


itcs:  'cstii  flic  costimilpro  do  pstos  Mcxicaiios.  en  I, 


IS 


('  iiai-iiiii,  (lue  fiu'scii  lleiiiaiiilo  succsivaiiKiiti',  lus  HcriiiaiKis, 


viios  (icsimr 


(Ic  (ill 


V  afaliando  ik'  Itciiiari'l  vltiimi,  oiitral 


)a  en  sii  liiiiar. 


c'l  Ifiji)  (lt>  |[(.'riiiaii()  Maior,  (lue  iiriiuent  avia  lioiiiailo,  <jiie  cia  S^ihiino  do 
Ills  otiDs  Ivt'it's,  ([iii  ;i  su  Padre  avian  Micodido.'  Miniiir<i.  Iml.,  toiii.  i.,  p. 
I<t7,  'I. OH  Ki'ics  (of  Mexico)  no  licicdalian,  siiio  epic  cniii  cic,L;idos,  y  conio 
viiiios  en  el  l.iliro  de  los  ivcies,  (iitando  v\  IJei  iiioria.  si  tenia  lieiinaiio,  en- 
tralta  lieredando;  y  ninei'to  cste,  olio,  si  lo  avia;  y  ^iiando  faltalia,  le  .siicc- 
dia  cl  .soliriiio,  llijo  do  .sii  licrniaiio  maior,  a  (|iiieii.  por  su  niuerle,  avia  sii- 
ccdido,  y  liie^o  el  liennano  de  este,  y  asi  discnriian  por  los  deiiias.'  Id., 
torn,  ii.,  p.  177.  Zurita  states  that  in  Te/cin'o  and  'i'lacopaii,  ami  their 
dcppinlent  provinecs,  'Ic  droit  de  successimi  le  pins  ordinaire  etait  eelui 
4I 


tla  sai 


1  lij;iie  direete  de  iiere  en  Ids;  iiiais  tons  les  Ills  n'lieritaient  point 
'     Ills  aiiie  do  repoiise  principale  i|Ue  le  souveiain   a\ait 


11  11  y  avail  o 

clioisic  daii.<  ectte  intention. 


le  joMissai 


t  d' 


iiiK!   iiliis  "laiiilc  c;)iisi(lera 


d< 


tioii  ipic  les  antics,  et   les  snjets  la   respectaii'iit    ila\aiitap'.      I.orsiine   lo 
souveiain  jirenaient  line  de  ses  feimiies  i!aii>  la  t'amille  de  Mexico,  cllc  occu 


lait 


ireinicr  ran'',  et  sou  lil 


ucccdait,  s  1!  etaiUcapalir 


'I'i 


icii,  without 


(Icliiiitcly  statin.;^  whether  he  is  speaking'  of  all  lu-  part  of  the  three  kin;,'- 
doms  ill  (|nestioii,  the  author  ;.;oes  on  to  say,  that  in  default  of  diicrt  heirs 
the  succession  hecanie  collateral;  and  liiially.  spcakin;,'  in  this  instance  of 
Mexico  alone,  he  says,  that  in  the  event  of  tin'  kin;;'  dyiii;;'  wiihout  hciis, 
his  successor  was  elected  hv  the  iirinciiial  iiohics.      I 


II  a  previous  p.iraurajili 


IC  writes:    'L'oidre  de  successiiui  vjiiiait  sui\aiit   les  proviuces;  les  nuMues 


ii--a.L;('s,' a  pen  <lc  diUV'icnce  ]tn''s,  efaicut   rcciis 


M. 


exico,  a   'I'ezcnco  et   il 


:i  'Uha. 


.\fh 


erward    we  re; 


d:   'Daii 


cjIK 


lllelll 


lies   lirovinecs,   eoniliie 


par  ex- 


cinnlc  ."i  Mexiro,  les  freres  ('taiciit  admis  u  hi    iicicssioii,  (|iioii|u"il  v  cut  des 


liLs,  el   il 


s  jfoiivernaient  successivenieiit. 


llpjXJI 


|IIOll|l 

/,   in    'J cniKiu-C 


136 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


arcliy  tlie  king  was  elected  liy  vote  of  the  wliole  peo- 
j)le,  who  were  j^uided  in  their  choice  l)y  their  leaders; 
even  the  women  appear  to  have  had  a  voice  in  the 

!'/>//.,  surio  ii.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  12-18.  M.  l'Al)l)i'  Uiiv-ssoiir  de  Roiirlxmry,  tak- 
iiifj;  lii.H  inf(>nimtii>ii  from  Ziirita,  and,  imlcod,  almost  (niotinj^  literally  from 
the  Fri'iicli  translation  of  that  author,  agrees  that  tlu'  direct  line  of  micccs- 
sion  (il)taiiK'd  in  Tlaeopan  and  Te/eueo,  hut  as.sorts,  re;;anlini;  Mi'xico,  that 
tiie  soverei;,ni  was  elected  hy  tlie  live  principal  ministers  of  the  state,  who 
were,  however,  restricted  in  their  choice  to  the  hrothcrs,  nephews,  or  sons 
of  the  ileceased  moiiari'h.  Hist.  \tif.  dr.,  t(nn.  iii.,  pp.  .")7()  7.  J'inientcl 
also  follows  Zurita.  Mnunria,  p.  2(5.  Prescott  atlirnis  that  'the  sovereij;n 
was  selet'ed  from  the  hrothers  of  the  deceased  ])rince,  or,  in  default  of 
them,  from  his  nephews.'  M<x.,  vol.  i.,  p. '2.1.  Saha^iiin  merely  says:  '!Csco- 
<X\i\\\  uno  de  los  mas  nobles  de  la  linea  de  los  senores  ante|pasa(ios,'  who 
should  he  a  valiant,  wise,  and  accom|)lished  man.  Hint.  <iiii.,  toni.  ii.,  lil». 
viii.,  p.  :ns.  'IV'r  non  lasciar  trop]>a  liherfa  a;L,di  I'.lettori,  e  per  imjx'diri', 
(|uanto  fosse  jiossihile,  <;rinconvenieiiti  de'  nartiti,  o  fa/ioni,  lissarono  la  I'o- 
rona  nella  casa  d'.Vcamapitzin;  c  i>oi  stabilirono  per  lejr;.:(',  die  al  lie  morto 
dovesse  suci'edere  uno  de'suoi  fratelli,  e  mancando  i  fratelli,  uno  deVuoi 
nipoti,  e  s(!  mai  non  ve  ne  fossero  iiep])ur  di  (piesti,  uno  de'suoi  cu;;iui  res- 
tando  in  halia  dej;li  Klettori  lo  ,sce;j;liere  Ir  i  fratelli,  o  tra  i  nipoti  dtd  He 
niortocfdui,  che  ri<'onoscessi'ro  piii  idoneo  pel  ^'overno,  schivaiido  con  si  fatta 
le^i,'e  ]iare(;chj  iuconvenienti  da  noi  altrove  accennati.'  ( 'A/c/'/'/v*,  Slon'ii, 
Ant.  (Id  Mcssivo,  tom.  ii.,  p.  112.  Leon  Cartiajiil  nuotcs  this  almost 
literally.  DLsnifsn,  pp.  .54-.').  That  the  eldest  son  could  jiiit  forward  no 
claim  to  the  crown  by  ri;,dit  of  primo;;eniture,  is  evident  from  the  following;: 
'(jluando  al;;un  Senor  nmria  y  de.vava  muchos  hijos,  si  al;^uno  se  al/.ava  en 
])alacio  y  se  ([ueria  i)referir  a  los  ofros,  auni(ue  fues(>  el  mayor,  no  lo  eon- 
sent  la  el  Senor  iupiieu  ]ierteneciala  coiitirmacion,  y  menosel  pueblo.  Antes 
dexavan  i)asar  uu  afio,  (')  mas  de  ofro,  en  el  <iual  considcravaii  bien  (jue  era 
mejor  ])ara  rej^iro  ;;overnar  el  estado,  y  a<|uel  ])ermanecia  por  sefior.'  I.ii!t 
(.'(t.i((s,  Jfi'.sf.  A/)o/()i/rtir<i,  .lA.S'.,  cap.  ee.xiii.  Senor  ("arbajal  F.spinosa  says 
tliat  from  the  election  of  Chimalpopoca,  who  succeeded  his  brother  Iluit- 
zilihuitl,  and  was  the  third  kin;f  ot  Mexico,  '(juedi)  establecida  la  ley  de 
elej,nr  uno  de  los  hermanos  del  rey  difunto,  y  a  falta  de  estos  un  so- 
brino,  cuya  ]ir,ictica  se  observo  constantemente,  como  lo  harenios  ver, 
hasta  la  ruina  del  imperio  mexicano.'  Jli.st.  ilc  Mr.r.,  tom.  i.,  ]>.  X\A.  'Kl 
Imperio  era  nionanjuico,  jhm'o  no  hereditario.  Muriendo  el  Kmperador 
los  nefes  did  Imperii)  anti;4'uamente  se  juntaban  v  elcLjian  eutrc  si  mismos 
al  (]ue  creian  mas  di;j:no,  y  ])or  el  eual  la  intris^a,  el  manejo,  la  super- 
siicion,  eran  mas  felizmeute  reconocidas.'  Cuili,  ('((rtus,  j)t  i.,  p.  114. 
'Tambien  auia  suco.xion  ])or  sanifre,  sucedia  el  hiio  mayor,  sii'ndo  ]iarii 
ello,  y  sino  el  otro:  en  defeto  de  los  hijos  sucedian  nielo>,  y  en  defeto 
ilellos  yua  por  elecion.'  llcrnni,  Jli.tt.  (Itii.,  dec.  iii.,  lil».  iv,,  c.i)i.  xv.  As 
the  order  in  which  the  Mexican  kiujjs  actually  did  follow  eai'h  other  should 
be  stron;4-er  proof  of  what  was  the  law  than  any  other  evidence,  I  t;ike  from 
the  Codex  Mendo/a  the  following  list:  .\caniapiclitli,  who  is  us;ially  spoken 
of  as  the  first  kin_!_',  succe(>(leil  Tenuch,  althoujjh  it  is  not  stated  that  ho 
was  related  to  him  in  any  way;  then  came  lluicilyhuitl,  son  oi'  Acaniaiiich- 
tli;  (']iimali)upuca,  son  o?  lluicilyhuitl;  ^'zcoaci,  sou  of  .Acaiiiapiclilli;  llue- 
hueiuoteccuma,  son  of  lluicilyhuitl;  Axayacaci,  .son  of  'recocomochtli,  and 
grandson  of  \'zcoaci;  Tivocicat/i,  son  of  Axayaeat'i;  ^Ahiiicociu,  brother  of 
Tieocicatzi;  Moteccuma,  sou  of  .Vxayacaci;  thus,  acconllML;-  to  this  author, 
we  see.  out  of  nine  monarchs,  three  succeeded  directly  liy  their  sons,  and 
three  by  their  brothers.  J'Js/i/iriiriiin,  in  Kiii<i>iluinnt(jli\'<  .Mcr.  Anli'i,,  vid.  v., 
pp.  42  .").'?.  See  further,  I'ciftiti,  Hist.  Ant.  Mr/.,  and  I'ru.t.trnr  ffr  l'„)iir- 
hijin-'f.  Hist.  \(it.  Cii:  'I'hese  writers  ditl'er  slightly  from  the  collection  above 
(quoted,  but  in  no  important  respect. 


ELECTION  OF  KINGS. 


137 


matter  at  tliis  period.^  Afterwards,  tlic  duty  of  elect- 
ini»'  tlie  ]\'n\'^  of  Mexieo  devolved  ii])on  four  or  tixe  of 
the  eliief  luon  of  the  empire.  The  k\\vj;s  of  Trzeiu-o 
and  Thu'0})a!i  were  also  electors,  hut  with  merely  au 
honorary  rank;  they  ratified  the  decision  of  the  others, 
hut  ])i-ol)al)]y  took  no  direct  j)art  in  the  election,  al- 
thouij;]i  their  influence  and  wishes  douhtless  carried 
o-reat  weight  with  the  council.  As  .soon  as  tlie  new 
kinof  had  heen  chosen  the  hodv  of  electors  was  dis- 
solved,  and  others  were  apjwinted  in  their  j)lace,  whose 
duties  also  terminated  with  their  first  electoral  vote." 


5  Aftor  tlio  tloiith  of  Aciimapirlitli,  tho  first  kiiip  of  Mexico,  a  jri'iicral 
comu'il  was  licld,  ami  the  pt'ople  were  addressed  as  follows:  '  Va  es  fallido 
inicstro  rcy  A('aiiia]iielitli,  a  »iuieii  poiidreinus  en  sii  liij;ar,  (|iie  rija  v;;i>lii<T- 
jie  I'ste  jmelilo  MexicaiioV  l'ol)res  de  los  viejos,  iiinirs  y  iniij;en's  viejas  (jue 
liay;  ([lie  ser.i  de  iiosotros  adoiide  ireiiios  a  deiiiaiidar  ny([iie  sea  de  iiiii'.-.tia 
]iatria  y  naeioii  Mexieaiia?  liaMeii  todos  para  de  eual  iKU'e  ele^in'Muos  rev,  e 
iiiiiu'iiiio  i>iiede  ilejar  de  liablar,  pties  a  todos  iios  iiniiorta  ]>ara  v\  reparo.  y 
calie/a  de  imestni  patriu  Mexieaiia  este.'  1'|kiii  lliiit/ililiuill  lieiiii;-  ijro- 
jiosed,  'toilos  jiiiitos,  iiiaiK'elHts,  viejos  y  viejas  res[K(iidieron  a  una:  (pu'  se:i 


iit'lio  de  enliiirabueiia,  (pie  li  el  (piieren  jwr  senor  y  rey.'  7 


c:.(i:.ii(iiiii' 


co- 


Mix.,  in  J\'/iiiis/)orijii/f/t\s  M<\r.  Aiitit/.,  vol.  ix.,  ji.  10.  Salia;:iiii's  de- 
si'riptiou  of  tlieir  iiuiiiner  of  eleetinj,'  kiiij,'s,  appears  also  to  lie  nioie  ajipro- 
piiate  to  this  early  jwriod  than  to  a  later  date:  'Cuamlo  nioria  id  sefioro  rev 


I 


:ira  ele<;ir  otrt),  jiintalianse  los  seiiadores  iiuo  Ilaniahau  trrn//(if(i//iii\  y  t 
lien  los  viejos  ilel  piieltlo  ipie  llaniahan  iirhniraiihli,  y  tanihien  los  capifanes 


pnel 
Idados  viejos  de  la  ;;;uerra  que  llanialian  IiiKirijKiiturj^iir,  v  otros  eapitani 


eran  ]ii  ineipales  en  las  eosas  de  la  ;;uerra,  y  taniluen  ios  Sat 


anas  (iiie 


llaniahan  T/rtiiiiiiin'iiziiiir  6  jxi/xioinjiir:  todos  estos  se  juntahau  en  las  (■a>as 
reales,  y  alii  deliheraoau  y  deterniinahan  (piieu  hahia  de  ser  si'fior.'  Jli.tt. 
(Int.,  toni.  ii.,  lih.  viii.,  p.  318;  Arostn,  Hist.  <lr  Ins  Yiid.,  \\.  A',V.) 


cT 


le  exact  nundier  and  rank  of  the.se  electors  is  hard  to  determine. 


'Si  1 


1  le  souveram  ( 


le  M 


exieo 


inourait  sans  heritier,  les  iiri 


ciiiHsissaien 


riei 


t  un  successeur  dont  I'eleetiou  etait  i 


neijiaux  ciu 


onlirmee  |iar  l( 


f>  1 


ui 


ihciV 


rs  de  Tezcuco  et  'I'aeuhu.'  /iirita,  Jiiiji/iorf,  in  Tiriiini.i-t'diKii'inx 


i/lii 


III.  siiiii  r  III 


III. 
Ill 


i/i'/i'iKi,  p.  "Jti:     'Tntti  e  due  i  IJe  (of  Tezcuco  and  Tlacopan)  funmo  crcati 
Klettori  onorarj  del  l!e  di  Messico,  il  ipud  onore  soltanto  ridncevasi  a  rat- 


'J'i 
rie  ii.,  tom.  i.,  pp.  l.")-l().     Pimenfel  f(dlows  this,  .1/. 


ilicare  I'ele/ion  fatta  <la<iuattro  Nidiili  Messicani,  clferaiio  i  veri 


>'/, 


iiriifiro,  ,^'iirit 


;i' 


Klcit. 


t  Aiil.  ilrl  Mrs.sicu,  ti 


1' 


'!> 


opiies  en  ticiiipo  de 


l/coatl  (piarto  Ivey,  por  eonsejo  y  orden  <le  vn  sahio  y  \;de^l^o  homlir 
tuuieron  llamado  Tlaeaellel  se  senalaron  quatro  idectorcs,  y  a  e.--tos  jiiKla- 
mcnte  eon  dos  sefiores,  o  Reyes  snjetos  al  Mi'siciino,  (pie  eran  el  de  Tez- 


cuco, V  el  (ic 


Tacuha,  toeaua  hazer  la  elecion.'  Ai 


II  .1.  ill-  las   Villi., 
iiaricutcs  iiiiiv 


]i.  4,S0.  .These  four  tdectors  'de  oidinario  eran  hiTinai  .. 
cercanos  d(d  Key.  Llanuinan  a  estos  Tlacohecahatl,  ipie  si;:nilica  el  Prin- 
cipe de  las  lancas  arrojadizas,  (jue  era  vn  <,'enero  de  armas  (pie  i^ilos  mii- 
clio  vsauan.'    ///.   ]).   441.      'Seis  elei'tores  eleuian   el    Kniperador,  dos  de 


les  eran  sieni])re  los  priucipes  de  Tes( 


cua 


cuha,  V  un 


le  A 


colhuacan  v  <le 


Ti 


princijie  de  la  saiijjre  real."  I'nrli,  Cnrtiis,  \>t  i.,  p.  1 14.  'Four  of 
the  principal  lioUles,  who  had  Ix'en  chosen  hy  their  own  hody  in  the  ]U-e- 
cediui.'  reiiru,  lilhMl  the  olliee  of  electors,  to  whom  were  addeil,  with  merely 


uii  honurar 


v  rank  however,  the  two  roval  allies  of  Tezei 


d  Th 


138 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


Tills  ])ljin  of  election  was  not  without  Its  .•nlvaiitaij^es. 
As  the  i>ersons  to  whom  the  cliolce  was  entrusted  were 
^reat  iiiinisters  or  lords  who  lived  at  court,  they  had 
hotter  oi)j)ortunltles  of  ol)servlnj4'  the  true  character  of 
the  future  candidates  for  tlie  throne  than  tlie  coinnion 
])eo|)le,  Avho  are  e\er  too  a})t  to  jud<4e,  hy  pleasinn'  ex- 
terior rather  than  hy  real  merit,  those  with  whose 
private  life  tliey  can  Jiavo  no  ac(juainta!ice.  In  the 
next  i)lace,  the  high  private  rank  of  the  ^fexican 
electors  [daced  them  heyond  the  ordliuiry  inllueiuio  of 
brihery  or  threats;  and  thus  the  state  was  in  a  meas- 
ure free  from  that  system  of  corruption  which  makes 
the  voice  of  the  peoi)le  a  mockery  in  moi'e  democratic 
comnumities,  and  which  would  have  i)revailed  to  a  far 
greater  extent  in  a  country  where  feudal  lelatlons  ex- 
isted between  lord  and  vassal.  Then  again,  tlie  free- 
dom of  choice  accorded  to  electors  cnaiiled  tluin  to 
prevent  imbeciles  from  assuming  the  responsibilities 
of  kingship,  and  thus  the  most  conspicuous  evil  of  an 
hereditary  monarchy  was  avoideel. 

The  almost  absolute  authority  vested  in  tlic  person 

Pi-r.fco/r.i  Mi\r.,  vol.  i.,  p.  23.  IJrassour  do  rourlioiirfr  iiwo^  (lio  stylo  imd 
titlo  (if  oacli  cloi'tor,  and  says  tlioy  wore  livo  in  miiiilior,  iiiit  doos  mil  stato 
Jiis  autliiirity:  'J-os  ]irini'i|iaii\  di;;'iiitairos  du  loyaiiiiio,  lo  Cilmacnliuatl  mi 
Wiiiisirc  sii|>roiiic  do  la  jiistioo  ot  »lo  la  iiiai.son  du  roi,  lo  Tlacoi'licaloatl, 
(ioiKM-alissiiiio  oil  .Maitri!  do  la  iiiaisoii  dos  Ariiios,  IWtoiiiiiaiioiall,  <iii 
(Iraiid-Ma'itre  dos  Kaiix,  rK/hiialiiiaoatl,  mi  lo  Maitro  du  Saii,u',  ot  h;  Tli- 
llaui'al(|ui.  <>u  cliof  do  la  Maismi-Noiro,  cotiiposaut  oiitio  oiix  lo  cmisoil 
do  la  luiiiiairliio,  olisaiont  oolui  <|iii  lour  paraissait  lo  |)lus  aplo  aux  all'airo.s 
]iulilii|Uos,  ot  lui  doniiaiont  la  ommmiio. . . .  II  ost  dontoux  (pio  los  lois  iXi' 
'rotzouco  ot  do  TIai'opau  aioiit  jamais  pris  uno  jiarto  dirooto  a  oo  olmix.'  Hist. 
Nut.  ('ir.,  toiii.  iii.,  wp.  577-8.  At  tlio  foot  of  tlio  samo  ]ia;;('  is  the  follow- 
iiiLT  iioto:  'Si  liavia  iluda  <)  diforoiioia  <(uioii  dobia  do  sor  roy,  avcrijiuaso  lo 
mas  aiiia  ipio  podiau,  y  sino  pooo  touiaii  ipio  liaoor  (los  .sofioros  do  Ti't/.oiico 
V  Tlacapau).  tloimirit,  Vrunii'ii  dr,  Xucrd-E.sjHiiiit,  (i/i.  Jlitrria,  cajt.  *M. 
This  (|uotatioii  is  not  to  lio  found,  howovor  in  tlio  plaoo  indioatod.  'd'oaititi 
I'liatro  oloi'toros,  cu  ouya  o|)inioii  so  oonipromotian  todos  los  volos  dol  roino. 
luaii  a(|nollos  fuiioionarios,  nia;;iiatos  y  sonori's  do  la  jirinioia  noliloza,  co- 
inunnionto  do  sanuio  roal,  y  do  tanta  iinidoncia  y  ]>roliidad,  oiianta  so  nooo- 
sitaha  |iara  iin  oarj^'o  tan  iniportanto.'  CiiH/ti/'d  Esjiiiidsn,  lli.st.  M(.i\,  toni. 
i.,  p.  ">7S.  '  L'"iio  td  ([uinto  Hoy,  Motozuina  prinioro  dosto  niinilni';  y  ponpio, 
])ava  la  olooion  aiiia  tpiatro  olotoros,  o.in  los  (pialos  intonionian  los  Uoyos 
do  To/cuco  y  do  Taciilia.  So  junto  oon  olios  TlaoaoUol  oouio  Capitan  ;;o- 
noral,  y  salio  oloj,ndo  su  solirino  Motozuina.'  Ifmrra,  lllsl.  (lin.,  doc.  iii., 
lil).  ii.,  oap.  xiii.  Aftor  llio  kiii^^in  laiiK,  'oran  losiiuatro  oloctoros  dfl  Itoy, 
([HO  tamliion  siicodiaii  por  olooion,  y  do  ordinario  oran  lioiiiiaiins,  o  jiari- 
o;itos  oorcanos  dol  l!oy,  y  a  ostos  llamauaii  on  su  lonjiua,  I'rinoipos  do  hw 
lauvas  arrojadizas,  arums  nuo  olios  vsauaii.'  Id.,  oaj*.  xix. 


POWKR  OF  MEXICAN  KINGS. 


ino 


of  the  sovcreijjfii  renderefl  j^roat  discrimijiation  nocos- 
sary  in  liis  solcL'tion.  It  was  ossoiitial  tliat  the  nilt'i* 
of  a  pu'oplu  surnnmdud  by  ouuiiiics  and  continually 
])0!it  u|)o!i  con(iuust,  should  be  an  approved  and  vali- 
ant warrior;  having  the  personal  direction  of  state 
affairs,  it  was  necessary  that  he  should  be  a  deep  and 
subtle  politician;  the  gross  superstition  and  theoci'atic 
tendencies  of  the  governed  re(juired  the  governor  to 
be  versed  in  religion,  holding  the  gods  in  reverence; 
and  tlie  records  of  the  nation  }>rove  that  he  was  gen- 
erally a  man  of  culture,  and  a  patron  of  art  and  sci- 
ence. 

In  its  first  stages  the  Mexican  monarchy  partook 
rather  of  an  aristocratic  than  of  an  absolute  nature. 
Though  the  king  w'as  ostensibly  the  suj)reme  head  of 
the  state,  he  was  expected  to  confer  with  his  council, 
which  was  composed  of  the  royal  electors,  and  other 
exalted  j)ersonages,  before  deciding  u])on  any  imijor- 
tant  step;''  and  though  the  legislative  power  rested 
entirely  in  his  hands,  the  executive  government  was 
entrusted  to  regularly  ai)})ointed  officials  and  courts  of 
justice.  As  the  em})ire,  owing  to  the  able  administra- 
tion of  a  succession  of  conquering  princes,  increased  in 
greatness,  the  royal  power  gradually  increased,  al- 
though 1  find  nothing  of  constitutional  amendments  or 
reconstructions  until  the  time  of  Montezuma  1 1.,  \\]\vn 
the  authority  of  all  tribunals  was  reduced  almost  to  a 
dead  letter,  if  opposed  to  the  desires  or  conmiands  of 
the  king. 

The  neighboring  independent  and  jjowerful   king- 

T  Acosta,  ITisf.  fir  hs  Y)irJ.,  p.  411,  f;ivos  tlip  names  of  tliiro  military 
orders,  of  wliicli  tlio  four  royal  olcctors  foi-mi'd  oiic;  and  of  a  foiirtii,  wliicli 
Mas  of  a  sacerdotal  cliaraeti'r.  All  tlu'se  were  of  the  royal  I'omnil,  and 
witliiiiit  their  advice  the  kiii;^  could  do  iiothiii;^  of  iiii|Mirta;  .  Ilerrei:i 
helps  himself  to  this  from  Acosta  almost  word  for  word:  ilec.  iii.,  lib.  ii., 
ca|(.  xix.  Saha;;im  implies  that  this  siiiireme  council  was  composed  of  only 
four  memliers:  '  I'lej^ido  el  sefior,  luej^o  eleiiiau  otros  cuatro  cjue  eran  count 
sciiadores  ([ue  siempre  haliiaii  de  estar  al  lado  d(>  el,  y  enteinler  en  toilo>  los 
iie;;(icios  f^raves  de  reino,  (estos  cuatro  ti-nian  en  diversos  lii;:;ire.^  (ii\eiMis 
iionihres).'  ///s7.  (Irti.,  torn,  il.,  lih.  viii.,  |),  SIS.  Accordin;^;  to  !\tiil\<M  !.■(! 
the  council  whose  duties  corresponded  to  this  in  Tezi'uco,  was  composed  of 
fourteen  memliers,  Hist,  ('/u'r/u'iiircii,  in  KiniisliuruiKjh'ti  J/tx'.  Aiiiiij.,  vol. 
ix.,  p.  "JW;  Vcytiu,  Hut.  Ant.  JltJ.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  1S3. 


140 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


(loiii  of  ]\tiflioac,an  was  i,'overnc(l  liy  an  ah.soluto  iiioii- 
Hi'ch,  wlio  usually  resided  at  his  eaj)ital,  on  lake 
I\itz('uaro.  Over  each  jjrovinee  was  placed  a  govei- 
iior,  choseu  from  the  first  ranks  of  the  nohility,  who 
ruled  with  jj^reat  if  not  ahsolute  authority,  in  the  nan u- 
of  the  kinijc,  and  maintained  a  court  that  was  in  almost 
every  respect  a  miniature  of  that  of  liis  soverei<4n. 
The  order  of  succession  was  hereditary  and  lineal,  the 
eldest  son  generally  succeedint;  to  the  throne.  Tht; 
selection  of  a  successor,  however,  was  left  to  the  reif,ni- 
in*^  kiuuf,  who,  when  he  felt  himself  to  he  near  his  end, 
was  at  liberty  to  choose  from  among  his  sons  the  one 
whom  he  thoui»ht  best  fitted  to  jjfovern.  In  ordei- 
to  test  his  capability  and  accustt)m  him  to  handling 
the  reimis  of  government,  and  that  he  might  have  the 
old  monarch's  advice,  the  chosen  heir  immediately 
l)egan  to  exercise  the  functions  of  king.  A  custom 
similar  to  this  existed  among  the  ancient  Tcdtecs. 
Their  kings  were  oidy  permitted  to  reign  for  a  xiidi- 
moljii/fi,  that  is  to  Hay  an  'age,'  which  was  fifty-two 
years,  after  which  time  the  eldest  son  was  invested 
Avith  loyal  authority  and  conmienced  to  reign.*  When 
the  old  Michoacan  monarch  fell  sick,  the  son  who 
had  been  nominated  as  his  successor  inunediately  dis- 
])atched  messengers  to  all  the  grandees  of  the  king- 
dom, with  orders  to  repair  inunediately  to  the  cajiital. 
None  was  exemj)t  from  being  present,  and  a  failure  to 
com})ly  with  the  sununons  was  held  to  be  lese-majeste. 
Having  assembled  at  the  palace,  if  the  invalid  is  able 
to  receive  them,  the  nobles  pass  one  by  one  through 
liis  chamber  and  with  words  of  condolence  and  en- 
couragement seek  to  comfort  him.  Before  leaving 
the  palace  each  mourner  deposits  in  the  throne-room 
certain  presents,  brought  for  the  occsion  as  a  more 
substantial  testimonial  of  his  sorrow.  If,  however, 
the  i<]iysicians  pronounce  the  royal  patient  beyond 
hope  of  recovery,  no  one  is  allowed  to  see  him.^ 

8  Torqiicnntda,  Monarq.  Tin/.,  torn,  i.,  j*.  H7. 

^  licuuinont,  Croit.  ilc  Mivltotivaii,  pp.  52,  54-3;  Torqucmadii,  Monarq. 


COVKRNMKXT  IN  TLASCALA. 


lit 


Tft'  \\]\o  roads  the  ronuiiitic  story  of  the  conquest, 
feels  his  heart  warm  towards  tliat  stauneh  htth;  nation 
of  warriors,  the  ^Mascaltees.  Tliere  is  tiiat  ahout  tlio 
men  wlio  ate  their  meat  saltless  for  tiftv  vears  rrtlur 
tlian  huinhle  themselves  hefore  tlie  mi!>htv  (hjsitots  or 
Mexict),  that  savors  of  tlie  same  material  that  defied 
the  IV'rsian  host  at  Thermopyhe.  Had  the  Tlaseal- 
toes  steadily  o|)j>osed  the  Spaniards,  Cortes  never  could 
have  <^one  forward  to  look  upon  the  face  of  Kinjj;'  ^fon- 
tezuma,  nor  backward  to  Kinu^  Cha)"les  as  the  con- 
(jueror  of  New  Sj)ain;  the  warriors  who  routed  their 
allied  enemi<'s  on  the  hloody  ])lains  of  Poyauhtlan,  as- 
suredly could  have  ottered  the  hearts  of  the  invaders 
an  accej)tal)le  sacrifice  to  the  ufods  of  Tlascala.  The 
state  ol'  Tlascala,  thoui^h  invariably  s})oken  of  as  a 
republic,  was  certainly  not  so  in  the  modern  accept- 
ation of  the  term.  At  the  time  of  the  coiKjuest 
it  was  governed  by  four  supreme  lords,  each  inde- 
pendent in  his  own  territory,  and  possessed  of  equal 
authority  with  the  others  in  matters  concerning  the 
welfare  of  all.'"  A  parliament  or  senate,  composed  of 
these  four  lords  and  the  rest  of  the  nobility,  settled 
the  affiiirs  of  government,  especially  those  relating  to 
peace  and  war.  The  law  of  suc^cession  was  nnich  the 
same  as  in  Michoacan.  The  chief  before  his  death 
named  the  son  wliom  he  wished  to  succeed  him,  who, 
however,  did  not,  as  in  Alichoacan,  commence  to  gov- 
ern until  after  his  father's  death.  The  old  chief's 
choice  was  restricted  in  two  ways:  in  the  first  place 
the  api)roval  of  his   thi'ee   colleagues  was  necessary; 

//"/.,  toiii.  ii.,  pp.  .S.'?S,  .">'23;  Sdhiifjini,  Jfisf.  Gen.,  toni.  iii.,  lil).  x.,  ]>.  I,'{S; 
Znritn.  Itupitiirt,  in  Tfnidttx-Coiii/xtii.i,  I'n//.,  sc'rie  ii.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  17;  (ro- 
iiiitni.  Coll'/.  ,)fij\,  f(»l.  ;UO-ll;  I'imnitcl,  Midi.  iiiiz((  Jii(/it/rini,  y.  -JT;  Ilrti.i- 
inir  </r  liuiifhinivif,  J/ist.  XkI.  Cir.,  foiii,  iii.,  ]>.  8"_'.  In  ilic  \i  i.sf-//ii/t.sr/it; 
■V/z/'v/Z/r/,  pp.  •2(i,"»-(),  we  read:  '  Dcsc  Stadt  cnilc  I'rovincic  \\  icrdcii  vunr  de 
III  iistc  dt'r  Spiienjiii'i'dtMi  sno  trellt-'lick  f;lu'r(';.;('ort,  ills  ccni;:'!!*'  van  liic  l-an- 
iliMi,  ilacr  \v,(s  eiMi  Caciipie  die  al).s(iluti'li«'k  i'(';.'i'fnii',  .stai'iidc  oiidciili'  ;;li('- 
iiiiii-saendu'vdt  van  do  jfrixitu  Hoere  van  Tono.xtitlaii.'  'J'iic  old  rliionicliT 
i-*  niistaki'H  Iilmv,  liowever,  as  tiic  kin<^doin  of  Mii'lmacun  was  never  in 
ii:iy  way  subject  to  Mexico. 

'0  Claviiieni  says  tliat  tlic  eity  of  Tlasealii  was  divided  into  four  parts, 
f.i'ii  dixision  liavin;;  its  lord,  tDwIioni  all  places  dependent  on  siuli  division 
wore  likewise  sultject.  Storiu  Ant.  del  Mcusico,  torn,  i.,  p.  lo5. 


U2 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


and  scM'ondly,  loL^itiinfito  hotis,  tliat  is  the  sons  of  a 
\vitt!  to  whom  lie  hud  l)oc;n  united  accordinu^  to  et;it!iin 
f'oriMs,  must  take  precedence  of"  his  otiier  chihh'en.  In 
delanU of  sons,  tlie  hrothers  of  the  deceased  cliief  suc- 
ceeded." In  any  event  the  jji'operty  of  the  hite  ruler 
was  iuheritetl  by  his  hrothers,  who  also,  accordiuij^  to 
n  custom  which  we  shall  find  to  he  almost  u'liversal 
anioui,'  the  civilized  ]»eoj)les  of  the  New  World,  mar- 
lied  his  widows.''^  Such  inforniation  as  I  tind  upo/i 
the  suhject  ascribes  the  same  form  of  j^()Vernment  to 
(.'holula  and  Huexotzinco,  that  was  found  in  Tlas- 
cala.'^  The  Miztecs  and  Zapotocs  acknowled'^ed  one 
su[)remo  cliief  or  kin<(;  the  law  of  iidieritance  with 
them  was  similar  to  that  of  Tlascala,  except  that  in 
default  of  sons  a  dau,i>;hter  could  inherit."  The  Za})o- 
tecs  appear^  at  least  in  the  more  ancient  times,  to 
have  heen,  if  possible,  even  more  priest-ridden  than 
their  nei<.(libors;  the  orders  of  priests  existing  among 
them  were,  as  will  be  seen  elsewhere,  numerous,  and 
seem  to  have  po.ssessed  great  power,  secular  as  well  as 
sacerdotal.  Yopaa,  one  of  their  principal  cities,  was 
ruled  absolutely  by  a  pontiff,  in  whom  the  Zapotec 
monarchs  had  a  powerful  rival.  It  is  impossible  to 
t)verrate  the  reverence  in  which  this  spiritual  king 
was  held.  He  was  looked  uj)on  as  a  god,  whom  the 
earth  was  not  worthy  to  hold,  nor  tlie  sun  to  shine 
ui)on.  He  proftmed  liis  sanctity  if  he  so  much  as 
touched  the  ground  with  his  foot.  The  officers  who 
bore  liis  palanquin  upon  their  shoulders  were  mem- 
bers of  the  first  Zapotec  families;  he  scarcely  deigned 
to  look  upon  anything  about  him.  He  never  apj^eared 
in  i)ublic,  except  with  the  most  extraordinary  pom]>. 

"  TorqiiCDimhi,  Monnrq.  hid.,  torn,  i.,  pp.  200,  270,  toiu.  ii.,  pp.  .'?'" 
Pi'trr  Min-fi/r,  <k'c.  v.,  lib.  ii.;  Lftcf,  Noriis  Orbis,  p.  252;  I'iiuviitcl, 
Jinzii  fiiifiift'iKt,  i>.  27;  Prcscotfs  Mcx.,  vol.  i.,  p.  41 1. 

li!  (hunarijo.  Hist.  Tlax.,  in  Nouedlcs  Annalc-idcs  Voy.,  1843,  torn,  xc 
p.  1<)7. 

13  Torqucmada,  Monarq.  Ind.,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  SiJO-l. 

u  Ifrnrra,  Hint.  (Irii.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  iii.,  cap.  xiv.  Biassciir  tie  TJonr- 
boiir;.;  writoa:  'Dans  l«;s  divorH  etats  <lii  Mi.xtei'apan,  Ics  heritaf^es  passsait'iit 
de  niiVIo  en  niAle,  sans  ([uc  les  feninics  piissciit  y  avoir  droit.'  /li.sf.  Xiit. 
Civ.,  *  )in.  ill.,  p.  31);  this  may,  however,  refer  merely  to  private  property. 


Tin:  PONTIFF  (»F  VOPAA. 


143 


and  all  "lio  mot  lilin  fell  with  their  fiu-os  to  the  Lrroiiud, 
fciiriii'''  that  death  would  ovi-i'ta!  e  thein  were  tlu'V  to 
l(K»lv  ii|)i»M  th(j  face  of  the  holy  W'iyatao,  as  ho  was 
called.  'I'he  most  powei't'id  lords  never  entered  his 
presence  excejit  with  eyes  lowered  und  feet  ha  red, 
and  even  the  Zapotec  princes  of  the  hlood  nnist  occu- 
]»y  a  seat  ht^tore  him  lower  than  his  own.  ("oiitinenco 
was  strictly  imposed  uj)on  the  Zapotec  ))iiests,  and 
especially  was  it  incumhent  uj)on  the  pontiirof  \'opaa, 
from  the  eminence  of  his  ])osition,  to  he  a  shining'  lii;ht 
of  chastity  for  the  ^'uidance  of  those  who  looked  up 
to  him;  yet  was  the  jtontitical  diL^iiity  hereditary  in 
the  family  of  the  Wiyatao.  The  way  in  which  this 
paradox  is  exj)laiiied  is  as  follows:  on  cei'tain  days 
in  eacli  year,  which  were  jji^enerally  celehrated  with 
feasts  and  dances,  it  was  customary  j'or  the  hi,nh- 
|»riest  to  luH-ome  drunk.  While  in  this  statt>,  seemiuif 
to  helonn'  neither  to  heaven  nor  to  eailh,  one  of  thu 
most  heautiful  of  the  viroins  consecratetl  to  the  servico 
t)r  he  ui'ods  was  hrouj^ht  to  him.  If  the  result  of 
thi..  holy  dehauch  })roved  to  he  a  male  infant,  the  child 
was  hrouyht  up  with  ,i;'reat  care  as  a  ])i-im'e  of  tlie 
I'oyal  I'amily,  The  eldest  son  of  the  rei^iiin^'  ]K)ntilf 
inherited  the  throne  of  Yo})aa,  or  in  del'ault  of  chil- 
dren, the  hi_i^h-])riest's  nearest  relative  succeeded. 
The  younger  children  devoted  themselves  to  the  serv- 


ice o 


f   th 


(1 


le   jjous,   or  married   and   remamec 


I 


d   li 


IV  men. 


according,''  to  their  inclination  or  the  ]»aternal  wish;  in 
either  case  the  most  honorable  and  important  i)osition8 
usually  fell  to  their  lot." 


The  pomp  and  circumstance  which  surrounded  tlie 
Aztec  monarchs,  and  the  ma^niticence  of  theij"  every- 
day Hie  was  most  inii)ressive.  From  the  moment  of 
liis  corontvtion  the  Aztec  soverciun  lived  in  an  atmos- 
j)here  of  adulation  unknown  to  the  mightiest  ])oten- 
tate  of  the   old  world.     Reverenced    as    a  god,   the 

15  Uiinititi,  Grog.  Dcscrip.,  cap.  53;  Brasscur  i/c  Bouvboiirg,  Ilixt.  Nut. 
Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  pp.  2y-.30. 


H 


11 

i 


I'  ii 


\ 


i 


lU 


THE  NAHTA  NATIONS. 


liauijflitlest  nobles,  sovcrel<j;"ns  in  tlieir  OAvn  land,  liuni- 
l)lc'd  thcniHolves  before  liini ;  absolute  in  power,  the 
fate  of  thousands  depended  upon  a  gesture  of  his 
hand. 

The  ceremony  of  anointment,  which  preceded  and 
was  entirely  distinct  fvohi  that  of  coronation,  was  an 
occasion  of  much  display.  In  Mexico,  as  soon  as 
the  new^  king  was  elected,  which  Wiis  immediately 
after  the  funeral  of  his  })redecessor,  the  kings  of 
Tezcuco  and  Tlacopan  were  sent  for  to  be  ])resent 
at  tlie  cereniony  of  anointment;  all  the  great  feuda- 
atory  lords,  who  had  been  present  at  the  i'uneral  of 
the  late  king,  were  also  invited  to  attend.  AVlien 
all  arc  .assembled  the  procession  sets  out  for  the 
temple  of  Huitziloj)ochtli,  tlie  god  of  war.  The  kings 
(»f  Tezcuco  and  Tlaco])an,  surrounded  by  all  the  most 
]>owerful  nobles  of  the  realm,  bearing  their  ensigns  and 
iisignia  of  rank,  lead  the  van.  Next  comes  the  king 
elect,  naked,  exce})ting  only  the  maxtli,  or  cloth  about 
the  loins;  following  these  are  the  lesser  nobles,  and 
after  them  the  conunon  people.  Silently  the  pro- 
cession wends  its  way  along  the  streets;  no  l)eat  of 
<lruni  nor  shout  of  people  is  heard  above  the  tramping. 
The  road  in  advance  is  as  fi-ee  from  obstiiK  tit)n  as  a 
corridor  in  the  I'oyal  palace;  no  one  moves  among  the 
nudtitude  that  string  along  its  edges,  but  all  stand 
with  bended  head  and  eyes  downcast  until  the  solenm 
pageant  has  passed,  when  they  close  in  with  the  jost- 
bng  and  whis[)ering  crowd  that  follows.  Arri\ed  at 
the  temple  the  king  and  that  ])art  of  the  procession 
which  precedes  him  ascend  to  the  summit.  ])uring 
the  ascent  he  is  sujported  on  either  side  by  a  gi'eat 
lord,  and  such  aid  is  not  superHuous,  for  the  staircases, 
having  in  all  one  hundred  and  fourteen  steps,  each  a 
foot  high,  are  so  arranged  that  it  is  necessary  to  go 
completely  round  the  building  several  tinus  before 
reacliing  the  to}).  On  the  sununit  the  king  is  met  by 
th<3  high-j)rii'st  and  his  colleagues,  the  people  mean- 
while waiting  below.      His  tirst  action  uj)oii  reaching 


CEREMONY  OF  ANOINTMENT. 


145 


the  summit  is  to  pay  reverence  to  the  image  of  the  god 
of  battles  by  touching  the  earth  with  his  liand  and  then 
carrying  it  to  his  mouth.  The  high-])riest  now  anoints 
the  king  throughout  his  entire  body  with  a  certain 
black  ointment,  and  sprinkles  him  with  water  which 
has  been  blessed  at  the  grand  feast  of  Huitzilopoch- 
tli,  using  for  this  purpose  branches  of  cedar  and  willow 
and  leav'es  of  .naize;^*^  at  the  same  time  he  addresses 
a  fev  words  of  counsel  to  him.  The  newly  anoint'jd 
n);-narch  is  next  clothed  with  a  mantle,  on  wliich  are 
repifjsented  skulls  and  bones,  to  remind  him,  we  are 
told,  that  even  kings  are  mortal ;  his  head  is  covered 
with  two  cloths,  or  veils,  one  blue  and  the  other  black, 
and  decorated  in  a  similar  manner;  about  his  neck  ':; 
tied  a  small  gourd,  containing  a  certain  j)o\vder,  which 
is  esteemed  a  strong  preservative  against  disease,  soi'- 
cery,  and  treason.  A  censer  containing  live  coals  is 
put  into  his  right  hand,  and  into  his  left  a  bag  of  coj)al, 
and  tluis  accoutred  and  provided  he  [)roceeds  to  inc<3nse 
the  god  liuitzilopochtli."     This  act  of  worship  he  j)er- 


i«  Arosta,  ///s'/  di'  fii.i  Villi.,  p.  474,  writes:  'Pusicronle  rorona  Real,  y 
vii;,'ii!r()iilo,  cDiiK)  fuc  ('(•^stulllll^l'  liawiio  con  todos  siis  Kt-vt's,  ('(in  viia  vncioii 
<|Uc  llaiiiaiiaii  diuiiia,  jH(r(|iu'  era  la  iiiisitia  con  <iii('  vii;.nan  wu  ydolo.'  Tori|iii'- 
niaila,  Mdiinn/.  Im/.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  'M>0,  says  tliat  Acosta  is  mistaken,  foi-,  Ik! 
nliserves  tiiat  '  la  ( 'orona  4110  lianialia  ("oi)illi,  no  sc  daha  en  esta  oca>  'on,  ^ilIo 
(|iie  en  Iii;,'ar  de  ella,  le  [loniau  las  niantas  diciias  solne  la  Calu'va,  ni  tani- 
poco  era  la  vncioii  la  niisma  ([ue  la  de  los  Idolos;  ])ori|ue  la  I)ivina,  one  el 
[Acosta]  nonilira.  era  de  I'Ui,  y  Saii;j;re  de  Nifios,  con  i|iie  taniliien  vn^ianal 
Siitno  Saccnlote;'  'ait  T<»r4Ueinadii  '.^ere  directly  contradicts  a  previous  stale- 
n'cnt  of  liis  own,  toni.  i.,  p.  102,  where  he  says  that  ininiedialtdy  after  tie.! 
election,  havinj;  seated  the  kinj^  elect  U|(on  a  throne.  '1.  jjusieron  la  Coroniv 
Itcal  en  su  Calteca,  y  le  viitaron  todo  el  ("nerpo,  con  la  \  iicion,  (jue  despues 
acostnniliraron,  (jne  era  la  niisina  con  une  vn<fian  a  su  Dios,'  thus  usiii;; 
almost  the  same  words  as  Acosta.  l/con  y  (Jama,  />o.v  /'infrn.s,  says  that 
tiie  water  used  at  the  aiu)intin;;  was  drawn  from  the  fountaiti  To/.iialatl, 
wl  ic.h  was  held  in  {ireat  veneration,  and  that  it  was  jirst  u.>ed  Tor  tiiis  pur- 
Jiose  a*  the  anointment  of  lluitzilihnitl.  second  kin;;  of  Mexico. 

l''  Saha;4'un  states  that  the  kiiif;  was  dresseil  upon  this  occasion  in  a  tunic! 
of  clark  ;;rcen  <'loth,  with  Imuics  paiuteil  upon  it;  thi>  tunic  resemhled  the 
liuipil,  or  chemise  of  the  women,  and  was  usually  worn  hy  the  iioliles  when 
they  oli'ered  incense  to  thv  puis.  The  veil  was  also  of  ^reen  <'loth  orna- 
mented with  skulls  and  hones,  and  in  aildition  to  the  articles  descriheil  hy 
oilier  writers,  this  author  mentions  that  they  placed  dark  ;rreen  sandals  upon 
his  feet.  Ill'  also  allirms  that  the  four  royal  electors  were  conlirmeil  in  their 
ollice  at  the  same  time  as  the  kin^',  hein;;'  similarly  dressed,  sa\c  thai  the 
color  of  their  ccstinne  was  hlack,  anil  j.'oin^'  throu;,'h  the  same  per  ornianccs 
alter  him,  except,  of  course,  the  tiiiuintmeul.  Huliiujuii,  llid.Gni.,  toiii.ii  , 
Vol.,  II.    10 


146 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


forms  on  his  knees,  amid  tlie  cheers  of  the  peo])le  be- 
low, and  tlie  playino^  of  musical  instruments.  He  has 
concluded  now,  and  the  his^'h-priest  ajj^ain  addresses  a 
short  s])eech  to  him.  Consider  well,  Sire,  he  says,  the 
great  honor  which  your  subjects  have  conferred  upon 
you,  and  remember  now  that  you  are  kin<^,  that  it 
is  your  duty  to  watch  over  your  people  with  great  care, 
to  look  u))on  them  as  your  children,  to  preserve  them 
from  sufferinj^,  and  to  protect  the  weak  from  the  op- 
pression of  tlie  stronjjc.  Behold  before  you  the  chiefs 
of  your  kingdom  together  with  all  your  subjects,  to 
whom  you  are  botli  father  and  mother,  for  it  is  to  you 
they  turn  for  protection.  It  is  now  your  place  to  com- 
mand and  to  govern,  and  most  especially  is  it  your 
duty  to  bestow  great  attention  upon  all  nuitters  relating' 
to  war,  to  search  out  and  })unish  criminals  without  re> 
gard  to  rank,  to  put  down  reliellion,  and  to  chastise 
the  sedicious.  Let  not  tlie  strength  of  religion  decline 
during  your  reign,  see  that  the  tem[)les  are  well  cared 
for,  let  there  be  ever  an  al)undance  of  victims  for  sac- 
rifice, a!id  so  will  you  prosper  in  all  your  uiuh^rtakings 
and  be  l)eloved  of  the  gods.  Gomara  affirms  that  the 
high-])riest  imposed  an  oath  upon  the  king  that  during 
his  reio'ii  he  would  niiiintain  the  reliufion  of  his  ances- 
tors,  and  observe  their  laws;  that  he  would  give  offence 
to  none,  and  be  valiant  in  war;  that  he  would  make  the 
sun  to  shine,  the  clouds  to  give  rain,  the  rivers  to  flow, 
and  the  earth  to  bring  forth  fruits  in  abundance.***  The 
allied  kings  and  the  nobles  next  address  him  to  tlic 
same  ])urpose ;  to  whicli  the  king  aiiswers  with  thanks 
and  ])r()mises  to  exert  himself  to  the  utmost  of  his 
power  for  the  happiness  of  tlie  state. 

Tlie  speeches  being  i-nded  the  procession  again  winds 
round  the  temple  until,  following  terrace  after  terrace, 
it  finally  reaches  the  grouiul  in  the  same  order  that  it 
went  up.     The  king  now  receives  homage  and  gifts 

]).  .^10.    (inniara  says  tlicv  Inii^  upon  tlic  kin^Li's  neck  'vtias  corroas  colom- 
«1q3  lai;;as  y  <le  mnrhos  lainalt's;  .Ir  ciiios callow  colgauan  ciertajs  iusiguiusda 
rei,  r.)!i.>  >  |iiiijaiitfs.'     ('<uii/.  Mi.r.,  I'ul.  305. 
i^Uoiuara,  Uomj.  Mcx.,  I'ol   UOli. 


CORONATION'  CEREMONY. 


W 


from  the  rest  of  the  nohilitv,  amidst  tlie  loud  acchiims 
of  the  people.  He  is  next  condiKted  to  a  temple 
called  Tlacatecco,  where  duriiiij  four  days  he  remains 
alone,  doin<^  penance  and  eating  but  once  a  day,  with 
the  liberty,  however,  of  choosing  his  own  food.  Twice 
in  each  twenty-four  hours  he  bathes,  once  at  noon  and 
once  at  midnight,  and  after  each  bath  he  draws  blood 
fron^  bis  ears  and  offers  it,  together  with  some  burnt 
copai,  to  Huitzilopochtli.  The  remainder  of  his  time 
during  these  four  days  he  occupies  in  praying  the  gods 
to  endow  him  with  the  wisdom  and  prudence  necessary 
to  the  ruler  of  a  mighty  kingdom.  On  the  fifth  day 
he  is  conducted  in  state  to  the  royal  palace,  where  the 
feudatory  lords  come  to  renew  the  investiture  of  their 
feifs.  Then  follow  great  public  rejoicings,  with  games, 
feasts,  dances,  and  illuminations. 

The  coronation  was,  as  T  have  stated,  a  ceremony 
distinct  from  the  anointment.  To  prepare  for  it,  it 
was  necessary  that  the  newly  elected  king  should  go 
out  to  war,  to  })rocure  victims  for  the  sacrifices  neces- 
sar}'^  on  such  an  occasion.  They  were  never  without 
enemies  upon  whom  war  might  be  made;  either  some 
province  of  the  kingdom  had  rebelled,  or  Mexican 
merchants  had  been  unjustly  put  to  death,  or  insult 
had  been  offered  to  the  royal  ambassadors,  or,  if  none 
of  these  excuses  was  at  hand,  the  importance  of  the 
occasion  alone  rendered  war  justifiable.  ( )f  the  man- 
ner in  which  war  was  waged,  and  of  the  triumphal  re- 
turn of  the  victorious  army,  I  shall  speak  in  another 
place.  It  ap})ears  that  when  a  king  of  Mexico  was 
crowned,  the  diadem  was  placed  upon  his  head  by  the 
king  of  Tezcuco.  The  crown,  whiih  was  called  by  the 
^[exicans  t'(>y>////,  was  in  shape  like  a  small  mitre,  the 
ftjre  part  of  which  stood  erect  and  terminated  in  a 
Jioint,  while  the  hinder  ])art  hn.ngdown  ovi'r  the  neck. 
Jt  was  comj)ose(l  of  difi'erent  materials,  according  to 
the  })leasure  of  the  wearer;  sometimes  it  was  of  thin 
plates  of  gold,  sometimes  it  was  woven  of  golden  thread 


148 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


and  !ul()riK!(l  witli  beautiful  featliors.'''  Accounts  of  the 
]>vi'ticular  coruiiionics  used  at  the  coronation  are  \vant- 
ii'.g,  but  all  ai^ree  that  they  were  of  unparalleled  (splen- 
dor. The  new  kin^^  entertained  most  sunij)tuously  at 
his  own  palace  all  the  i^reat  nobles  of  his  realm;  honors 
were  conferred  with  a  lavish  hand,  and  o'ifts  were  made 
ill  profusion  both  by  and  to  the  kins^.  Splendid  ban- 
ipiets  were  given  in  which  all  the  ntjbility  of  the  king- 
dom partici})ated,  and  the  lower  classes  were  feasted 
and  entertained  with  the  greatest  liberality.  The 
fondness  of  the  Aztecs  for  all  kinds  of  public  games 
and  festivals  is  evidenced  in  the  fretjuency  of  their 
feasts,  and  in  no  way  could  a  newly  elected  uionarcli 
butter  secure  a  place  in  the  affections  of  his  subjects 
than  by  inauij-urating  his  ro'vj-n  with  a  series  t)f  si)len- 
did  entertainments.  The  strange  fascination  which 
this  species  of  enjoyment  possessed  for  them  is  shown 
by  the  fact  that  strangers  and  foi'eigners  came  from 
afar  to  witness  the  coronation  feasts,  and  it  is  related 
that  members  of  hostile  nations  were  frccpiently  dis- 
covered disguised  among  the  ci'owd,  and  were  not  only 
allowed  by  the  clemency  of  the  king  to  j)ass  unmo- 
lested, but  were  provided  with  seats,  from  which  they 
could  obtain  a  good  view  t)f  the  ])roceedings  and  where 
they  would  be  secure  from  insult.'*     One  of  the  prin- 


'^  Tlic  crown  iisid  hy  tiiC  early  (^liicliiiiicc;  sovoreij^iis  was  codiimisciI  of  a 
licrl)  falloil  fi(ir/i.ini/ii//,  wliicli  <j;rt'w  on  tlie  rocks,  siirnioiiiitiMl  liy  |iliiiiics  of 
Ihi-.  royal  ca;,'lc,  and  ^^rccn  tatlicrs  ralltMl  Tirjiiliitl,  tlic  whole  Ix'in;;'  niouiilctl 
with  ;;olil  anil  iirccioiis  stones,  and  hound  to  the  head  with  strips  of  (Uer- 
,s\in.  l.iillLrurliitl,  lli.sl.  ('hir/iiiKira,  \u  l\ili;/.sl)0)oii(//i\s  Mr.r.  Aii/i'i/..  toni. 
\'i,  |>.  'JIH.  Inananotlier  plaee,  liiliiriom-fi,  in  i</.,  |).'t.'{t».  tliesanie  writersays 
t.ltiil,  tlie  crown  dill'ered  according;'  to  time  and  season.  In  time  of  war  it  was 
coiuposeil  of  royal  ea^de  feathers,  placed  at  the  i)aeU  of  the  head,  ami  held 
to;.;('tlier  with  clasps  of  )j;old  and  ])recioiis  stones;  in  time  of  peace  the  crown 
was  inaile  of  laurel  and  ;,freen  featliors  of  a  very  ran;  liird  called  <i>uezailo- 
tid(;;  in  the  dry  season  it  was  made  of  a  whitisii  mo.->s  which  ;;rew  on  the 
ri)d\s,  with  a  iiower  at  the  junction  called  Icit.nirhill . 

'"  (.'oneerniii;;anointment  anil  coromition,  see  Ti>ni(iiiti<iiiii,  Moiiiini.  [ml ., 
(i»ni.  i.,  ]i.  102;  tom.  ii.,  pp.  8;{.  :{.')!t-(iO;  '/.iiriln.  Un/iiiDrl,  in  Tmiini.s- 
i'f>ni/)ini\;  Vol/.,  scrie  ii.,  tom.  i.,  pp."2<)-D;  Clfiriifiro,  Sturin  Ant.  i/cf  Mis- 
sKUt,  tom.  ii.,  pp.  113-1.");  Sii/iififini,  Hint.  Hcii.,  toni.ii.,  lili.  viii.,  ])p..'!IS- 
■_'l;  llirrrrii,  I/iif.  (!(ii.,  dec,  iii.,  lih.  iv.,  cap.  xv;  (lomtiin.  Cuii] .  .IAm.,  I'ol . 
:!r)-l!;  Ar,)st,i,  Hist.  (Ir  /n.s  Viii/.,  pp.  :{,"!'>,  -l.'UMd,  -174;  ()rlif/<i,  in  I'liftin. 
Hist.  Ant.  MiJ.,  tom.  iii.,  p.  'M'.) ;  Tiziccitiiif,  Crrm.  .Mi.r..  in  Kimfslni 
iinijICs   Mcx.  Aiitiq.,    tym.  i.v.,   p.    U2-3,     lu   additivU   tu   the    luimcrua* 


ADDRESS  TO  THK  KING. 


149 


oipiil  fenturcs  of  the  day  was  tlio  coiiofratiilatdiy  speed i 
of  one  inonareh  to  another,  wliich  was  eourteous  and 
flattering*'  and  filled  with  ^'ood  advice;  the  following.;- 
address  of  Nezalinalpilli,  kinjjf  of  Te/cuco,  to  M<jnte- 
zunia  1 1.,  on  tho  oeeasion  of  the  a('eL'SHi(>!(  of  the  latter 
to  the  tlirone  of  iMexico,  will  illustrate. 

The  ii^reat  ij^ood  fortune,  most  mighty  lord,  which 
has  hefallen  this  kinydoni  in  deservini,''  thee  i'or  its 
monarch,  is  plainly  shown  hv^  the  unanimity  with 
which  thou  wast  elected,  and  l)y  the  ij^eneral  rejoicini;- 
of  thy  peo})le  thereat.  And  they  have  reason  to  re- 
joice; for  so  ^^reat  is  the  Mexican  empire  that  none 
]K)ssessed  of  less  wisdom,  prudence,  and  courage,  than 
thou,  were  fit  to  govern  it.  Truly  is  this  })eo[)le  he- 
loxed  of  the  gods,  in  that  they  have  given  it  light  to 
clioose  that  which  is  best;  for  who  can  doubt  that  a 
])riiice  who,  before  he  came  to  the  throne,  made  the 
nine  heavens  Ids  study,'^  will,  now  that  he  is  king, 
o!»tain  tlie  good  things  of  the  earth  for  his  peopled 

wiirks  (if  ju'knf>\vlo<l^'('(l  authority  on  tlic  isnlijoct  of  iil»ori;,'iiiaI  American 
civili/atioii  tlierc  aic  a  iinintiLMs  of  otiiers,  ciiii'lly  of  iiiodi'ni  <lato,  thai  treat 
more  or  less  eomph'tely  of  the  matter.  Many  of  tlie^e  are  mere  eoiii|>i!a- 
tioiis,  [lut  toji'ether  witlioiit  rejiaril  to  aeeiira<'y  or  eonsisleiiey ;  others  are 
wcirks  which  deal  osteusihly  with  othtT  S[»anisii  American  matters  and  only 
refer  to  the  aiii'ieiit  civili/ation  in  passing;  their  accounts  are  tisnally  co|iicd 
IpiHJiiy  from  one  or  two  of  the  old  \vrit"rs;  some  few  profess  to  exhaust  the 


siiliiect;  in 


these  latter,  however,  the  autli 


ors 


ha\e  faileil  to  cite  th 


tliorities,  or  at  hest   have  merv'ly  j.'iven  a  list  of  them.     'l"o  attem])t   to  note 


th 

diU'cr  fr 

he  usele: 


iiiiits  on  which  these  v  riters  have  fallen   into  e 


rror,  or  wlien 


th 


om  my  text,  would  proxcas  tiresome  to  tlie  reader  as  the  result  wouii 


d 


It  will  therefore  he  sullicicnt  to  refer  to  thi 


iss  (»f  hooks  at 


the  <oiiclusiou  of  tho  larije  di\isions  into  which  this  work  naturally  I'alls. 
.Mioiit  the  svstemof  <tovernment.  laws  of  siu'cession,  ceri'monies  of  election, 


iiiointment  and  coronation,  of  the   \ztec; 


iloti 


ler  uatioMs  included  in  this 


division,  see;  ('iirluijnl  Esjiintisn,  /lis/.  Mt.r..  Imn.  l.,  jip.  ."»7S-S;{,  .V.Ki;  Sni/i 


'  ■(. 


S/iiiiiiiu-  ill  I'irii,  tom.ii.,  pp.  S-H,  .">1-'J;   'I'liiiran.   Hi 
li-7,  '_'.")-!{S;  I'mril,  Mirir/ur,  pp.  'Jd-t-T;  //c.v.v/i  /vv,  /,'/'-' 


l.Mi  s,  ■_>_>;»-:?(), -JU;  l.iifciiil,  y 


"/'/'■'] 


.'•-'-.•«:  .1/' 


nfi/n'ii(ir  s  I  rii'/i'i  ss  n, 


ii/iiiff,  torn.  1.,  I 


"/:; 


.lA 


toni.  III.,  pp. 
p.  IM», 


f-/'  .1/ 


I  .rii-Klii,  p 
i.   ll'.t;    I'liiiisi  ir.s  S'<ihs'M< 
■11,  p.  '-M  ;  hi  Hi, II,  Hist.  M, 


\i\>.  •_M-I),    41-;<;   11't.s.sr/,    Mi\r.    Hint.,  \>.    '1\~\    IHIirnrtli,    dun/.    Mr.r.,  Ji.  4.' 


I'rni/I.  I'nr/'l-'!,  \t\i.   KMJ,    17<»;    Mniif/i'irr,    II 


(W; 


Kir 


f'll/tiir-disr/iif/itr,  tom.   v.,  pp.  oil-T.'), 


I' 


ISC. 


',»,    I  I- HI, 

I'lirli 


.  I  mil iirii:<. 


/"''./■<  \>\>-  7-l.'<;  C/i  (I  III  Iter's  Ji. 
I.ii.sli/iirf,  p.  ((7 


d. 


V 


2.".;(;    ll'r.st   mill  (M   Jiiilisrln 


'  't^iie  antes  de  Heiiiar  avia  invpsti;.rado  los  uueve  didileces  de  id  Ciele 
'/iniiiiii/ii,  .]fniiiiri/.  liiil.,  loin,  i.,  p    hU.     th'le;,'a,  in   I'li/liu,  Hint.  Aiil 


M'J.  lorn,  iii.,  p.  soil,  «rit 


ii(d  el 


|Ue  sienilo  particular  siijio  pciietiai 


los  sccretos  del  eielo;'  'that  he  who  lieiii;,^  a  private  iixlividiial,  could  jieue- 
liaie  li'c  tecrtt;,  ef  lieavtJ),'  wliicli  iii»pcai»  iiiurv  iutclliyihle, 


160 


THE  NAIlLfA  NATIONS. 


Who  can   doiil)!   tliat  liis  well-triod  couraj^-e  will  be 

even  greater  now  that  it  is  so  much  needed?     Who 

can  believe  that  so  mighty  and  ])oweifiil  a  pi'ince  will 

be  found  wanting  in  charity  toward  the  orphan  and 

the  widow?     Who  can  doubt  that  the  JMexican  peojjle 

are  favored  of  the  gods,  in  having  for  a  king  one  to 

whom  the   great  Creator   has  imj)arted   so  much   of 

his  own  glory  tliat  by  simj)ly  looking  upon  his  face 

we  are  made  to  partake  of  that  gloiy?     liejoice,  O 

haj)py  lantl!  for  the   gods  have  given  thee  a  prince 

who  will  l)e  a  Hrni  pillar  for  thy  sui>[)oi-t,  a  father  and 

a  refuge  for  thy  succor,  a  more  than  brother  in  j)ity 

and  mercy  toward   his  pe()ple.      Verily  thou   hast  a 

king  who  will  not  avail  himself  of  his  high  j)lace  to 

give  himsclt'  uj)  to  sloth  and  ]>leasure,  l>ut  who,  rather, 

will   lie  sleepless   through   the   night,   pondering   thy 

welfare.     Tell  me,  then,  most  fortunate  land,  have  I 

not  reason  for  saying.  Rejoice  and  be  happy!     And 

thou  most  noble  and  ])ulssant  lord,  be  of  good  heart, 

lbi-  as  the  high  gods  have  apj)ointed  thee  to  this  office, 

so  will  they  grant  thee  strength  to  fill  it;  and  be  well 

assurcid  that  the  gods  who  have  been  so  gracious  to 

thee  during  these  many  years,  will  not   now  fail   in 

theiv  goodness;  by  them  bast  thou  been  raised  to  thy 

pi'esent  exalted  i»osition;  we  Jtray  that  with  their  help 

thou  mayest  continue  to  lu)ld  it  during  many  happy 

years  to  come." 

It  is  probable  that  the  orations  used  upon  those  oc- 
casions by  the  Aztecs  were,  like  their  prayers,  not 
spoken  ex  tem])ore,  nor  even  })repared  beforehand  by 
the  speaker;  most  likely  they  were  in  the  form  of  a 
iixed  ritual,  each  being  })repared  to  suit  a  special  occa- 
sion, such  as  the  coronation  or  l)urial  of  a  monarch, 
and  repeated  as  often  as  such  an  occasion  occurred. 
Some  orations  nuist  be  delivered  by  particular  ])er- 
sons;  others  needed  only  an  ehxpient  sjieaker.  Sa- 
hagun  gives  us  a  speech  which  was  addressed  to  a 
newly  elected  king.      It  coidd  be  delivered,  he  says, 

'^-  Turqiiciiuula,  Munani.  IinL,  toiu.  i.,  pp.  l",)4-5. 


ADDRESS  TO  THE  KIXU. 


151 


by  one  of  the  high-priusts,  or  l>y  a  iioblo  noted  for  Ills 
ulcxjuciico,  or  by  some  delegate  tVoiu  tlie  j)roviiu'es  wlio 
was  an  ehxjuent  speaker,  or  j)ossibly  l)y  some  learned 
senator,  or  other  ])erson  well  versed  in  the  art  ot* 
speeeh-makhii;'.  The  lani>ua^e  is  constrained  and 
(juaint,  and  j)ossibly  tiresome,  bnt  as  a  specimen  of 
Aztec  oratory  1  ^'ive  it  in  fnll,  adherinjj^  to  the  sense, 
and  IS  clearly  as  possible  to  the  words  of  the  oii^iiial: 
()  kinj4',  most  })itiful,  most  devout,  and  best  bcloNcd, 
more  worthy  to  be  esteemed  than  precious  stones  or 
clioice  feathers,  thou  art  here  by  the  will  of  the  Lord 
our  (Jod,  who  has  appointed  tliee  to  rule  ovei'  us  in 
the  place  of  the  kinj^vs  thy  ancestors,  who,  dyiui;',  have 
let  I'all  from  their  shoulders  the  burden  of  <;()vernment 
under  which  they  labored,  even  as  one  who  toils  up  a 
hill  heavy-laden.  Perchance  these  dead  ones  still  re- 
member and  care  for  the  land  which  they  t>overned, 
now,  by  the  will  of  God,  a  desert,  in  darkness,  and 
desolate  without  a  kin»>';  peradventure  they  look  with 
j)ity  u\)on  their  country,  which  is  become  a  place  of 
briiirs  and  barren,  and  upon  their  })oor  })eople  who  are 
orplians,  fatherless  and  m(>therless,  knowing"  not  nor 
understandiuL!^  those  things  which  are  best;  who  are 
unable  to  s[)eak  for  duml)ness,  who  are  as  a  body  with- 
out a  head.  He  who  has  lately  left  us  was  strong 
and  valorous:  for  a  few  short  days  he  was  lent  to  us, 
tlieu  like  a  vision  he  slip})ed  from  our  midst,  and  his 
passing  was  as  a  dream,  for  the  Lord  our  CJod  hath 
called  him  to  rest  with  the  dead  kings,  his  ancestors, 
who  are  to-day  in  a  manner  shut  from  our  sight  in  a 
cotfer.  Thus  was  he  gathered  to  his  peo})le,  and  is 
even  now^  with  our  fatluir  and  mother,  tlie  (lud  of 
Hell,  who  is  called  Mictlantecutli.  Will  he,  i)erad- 
veiiture,  return  from  the  place  to  which  he  is  gone? 
May  it  not  be  that  he  will  come  back  to  us?  (lone 
is  he  forever,  and  his  kingdom  has  lost  him.  Never 
again,  through  all  coming  time,  may  we  see  his  lace, 
nor  those  who  come  after  us.  lEe  is  gone  IVoni  our 
sight  forever.     Our  light  is  put  out;  we,  whom   he 


152 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


illuniinod,  whom  he  carried,  as  it  were,  upon  liis  shoul- 
ders, are  ahaudoned,  and  in  darkness,  and  in  iji-reat 
})eril  of  destruction.  Beliokl  lie  has  left  his  j)eople 
and  the  throne  and  seat  whereon  our  Lord  (Jod  placed 
him,  and  which  he  made  it  his  constant  aim  to  hold  in 
peace  and  (piietness.  He  did  not  cover  his  hands  and 
feet  with  his  mantle  for  laziness,  l)ut  with  diliiL>ence 
did  he  work  for  the  ofood  of  his  people.  In  thee,  O 
most  compassionate  kinjj^,  we  have  a  <»reat  solace  and 
iov;  hi  thee  hath  the  Lord  CJod  mven  us  a  sun-like 
•(lory  and  splendor.  God  points  at  thee  with  his 
tinu^er,  he  hath  written  down  thy  name  in  red  letters. 
It  is  fixed  ahove  and  helow,  in  heaven  and  in  hell, 
that  thou  shalt  be  king'  and  possess  the  throne  and 
seat  and  diiifuity  of  this  kingdom,  the  root  of  which 
was  deep  planted  long  ago  hy  thine  ancestors,  they 
themselves  being  its  first  branches.  To  thee,  Sire,  is 
entrusted  the  care  of  the  seignory.  Thou  art  the  suc- 
cessor of  the  lords,  thy  j*.  "decessors,  and  nuist  bear 
the  burden  they  bore;  upon  thy  back  nuist  thou  ])lace 
the  load  of  this  kingdom;  to  the  strength  of  thy 
thighs  and  thine  arms  does  the  Lord  CJod  entrust  the 
government  of  the  connnon  people,  who  ai'e  cai)ricious 
and  hard  to  jdease.  For  many  years  nuist  tlK)U  sup- 
port and  amuse  them  as  though  they  were  young  chil- 
dren ;  duriiiiif  all  thv  life  must  thou  dandle  them  in 
thine  arms,  nurse  them  on  thy  In])  and  soothe  them  to 
sleep  with  a  lullaby.  O,  our  lord,  nutst  serene  and 
estimable,  this  thing  was  determined  in  heaven  and 
in  hell;  this  matter  was  considered  and  thou  wast 
signaled  out,  upon  thee  fell  the  choice  of  the  I-,ord 
our  God.  Was  it  ])ossible  that  thou  couldst  hide  thy- 
self or  escape  this  decision?  In  what  esteem  dost  thou 
hold  the  Lord  (Jod^  AVith  what  resj)eit  dost  thou 
consider  the  kings  and  great  nobles  wlio  have  been 
inspired  by  God  to  choose  thee  for  our  father  and 
iiiotlier,  whose  election  is  divine  and  irrevoi-able  ? 

This  being  so,  ( )  our  lord,  see  that  thou  girdest  thy- 
self for  thy  task,  that  thou  puttest  thy  shoulder  to  the 


ADPRKSS  TO  THE  KINO. 


158 


liurdt'ii  Avliicli  lias  l)oon  imposed  upon  tlioo.  Let  tlie 
\vill  of  (  Mxl  l)e  oheyed,  Pereliuiice  thou  wilt  eany  this 
li)i\(l  tor  a  s[)n('e,  or  it  may  ho  that  death  will  cut  tlun'  oil* 
and  thy  election  l)e  as  a  dream.  Take  heed,  therel'ore, 
that  thou  art  not  uuLcrateful,  setting- small  store  hy  the 
henetits  of  (jlod.  Be  assured  that  he  sees  all  secivt 
things,  and  that  he  will  atHiet  thee  in  such  manner  as 
niav  seem  j>ood  to  him.  Peradventui'e  he  will  send 
thee  into  the  mountains  and  waste  i)laces,  or  lu-  will 
cast  thee  u])on  dirt  and  filthincss,  or  sonie  i'earCul  and 
ui^ly  thinsj^  will  liai)})en  to  thee;  perchance  thou  shalt 
he  defamed  and  covered  with  shame,  or  discord  and 
revolt  shall  arise  in  thy  kinu^doni,  so  that  thou  shalt 
fall  into  contempt  and  he  cast  down;  pei'hai)s  other 
kings,  thine  enemies,  may  rise  up  against  thee  and 
coiKjuer  thee;  or  j)ossihly  the  Lord  may  suffer  faniint; 
and  want  to  desolate  thy  kingdom.  What  wilt  thou 
do  if  in  thy  time  thy  kingdom  should  he  destroyed, 
and  the  wrath  of  our  God  should  visit  thee  in  a  ])esti- 
lence?  Or  if  the  light  of  thy  splendor  should  l)e 
turned  into  utter  darkness,  and  thy  dt)niinions  laid 
waste?  ( )r  if  death  should  ct)me  upon  thee  while 
ihou  art  yet  young,  or  the  Lord  (Jod  should  set  his 
loot  upon  thee  hefore  thou  hast  fully  gathered  up  the 
reins  of  govermnent?  What  wilt  thou  do  if  C^od  on 
a  sudden  should  send  forth  armies  of  enemies  against 
thee,  from  the  wilderness  or  from  the  sea,  from  the 
waste  and  harren  j)laces  where  men  wage  war  and 
shed  rlood  that  the  thirst  of  the  sun  and  the  earth 
may  he  slaked?  Manifold  are  the  ])unishments  of 
(led  for  those  that  offend  him.  Wherefore,  ()  our 
king,  it  hehoves  thee  with  all  thy  sti'ength  to  do 
that  which  is  right  in  the  fultilment  of  thine  othce, 
taking  care  that  this  be  done  with  tears  and  sighs, 
and  continual  prayer  to  the  Lord  our  (Jod,  the  invisi- 
hle,  the  impalpable.  Draw  near  to  him,  Sire,  weej)- 
iiig,  and  in  all  sincerity,  that  he  may  help  thee  to 
goverii  in  peace.  Beware  that  thou  receixest  with 
kindness  and  humility  those  that  approach  thee   in 


IM 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


)a 


»! 


'I 


grief  and  despair.  Neitliur  spealv  nor  act  rashly,  l)ut 
Ileal"  calmly  and  to  the  end  all  coni[iIaints  hron^ht  he- 
fore  thee;  dt)  not  harshly  interrupt  the  words  of  the 
speaker,  lor  thou  art  the  ima^e  of  the  Lord  (Jod,  in 
thee  is  represented  his  person,  tiiou  art  his  reliance, 
with  thy  mouth  he  speaks,  with  thine  ear  he  listens. 
Be  no  respecter  of  })ersons,  Sire,  hut  punish  all  alike, 
and  justly,  for  thou  hast  thy  power  of  (Jod,  thy  riL>ht 
hand  to  punish  is  as  the  claws  and  teeth  of  Uod,  Ibr 
thou  art  his  juds^e  and  executioner.  Do  justice, 
therefore,  heediui;'  the  wrath  of  none;  this  is  the  com- 
mand of  (iod,  who  hath  ^iven  the  doiii^"  of  these 
things  into  thine  hand.  Take  care  that  in  the  hii^h 
l)laces  of  the  lords  and  judges  there  he  nothiiii;'  done 
snatch ino'ly  nor  in  haste,  that  there  he  no  lu)t  words 
nor  deeds  done  in  ani»er.  Say  not  now  in  thine  heart, 
1  am  the  lord,  my  will  is  law,  hut  rather  let  this  he 
an  occasion  for  the  humhling  of  thy  valor  and  the 
lowering-  of  thy  self-esteem.  Look  to  it  that  thy  new 
dignities  he  not  the  means  of  putfin*,^  thee  uj)  with 
jtride  and  haughtiness,  hut  in  place  thereof  jionder 
often  on  thy  former  lowly  estate,  from  which,  without 
desert,  thou  wast  taken  and  }>laced  where  thou  now 
art.  Say  to  thine  heart,  Who  was  I  ?  Who  am  I  ? 
Not  hy  mine  own  deserts  did  I  attain  this  hi<;h  })lace, 
but  hy  the  will  of  God;  verily  all  this  is  a  dream,  and 
not  soher  truth.  Be  watchful,  Sire,  that  thou  dost  not 
rest  free  from  care,  that  thou  dost  not  ij^row  heedless 
■with  pleasure,  and  hecome  a  glutton  and  wiiie-hihher, 
speiidino-  in  feasting'  and  drunkenness  that  which  is 
earned  hy  the  sweat  of  thy  subjects;  let  not  the  ^ra- 


ciousness  wliich  God  has  shown  in  electimr  thee  kiiu 


o' 


be  repaid  with  profanity,  folly,  and  disturbances. 

O  Kin^'  and  ^••randcliild  of  ours,  God  watches  over 
those  that  <>overn  his  kingdoms,  and  when  they  do 
■wrong  he  laughs  at  them;  he  mocks  and  is  silent; 
for  lie  is  the  Lord  our  God,  he  does  what  he  |>leases, 
he  scoffs  at  whom  he  })leases;  we  are  the  work  ol"  his 
hand,  in  the  hollow  of  his  palm  he  tosses  us  to  and  fro 


APPRESS  TO  THE  KINTi.  155 

even  Rs  l)jills  and  j)laytliiniTs,  lie  makes  a  niockciy  of  us 
as  we  stunil)lu  and  lall,  he  uses  us  for  liis  ends  as  we 
roll  tVuni  side  to  side.  Strive  luiid,  O  kiiiy-,  to  do 
what  thou  luist  to  do  Httle  1)V  httle.  Perchance  the 
nunil»er  of  our  sins  has  rendered  us  unwortliy,  and  tliy 
election  will  ho  to  us  a  vision  that  passes;  or  jterchame 
it  ni.iy  he  the  will  of  the  Lord  that  tliou  possess  the 
royal  di^iiity  for  a  time;  i>erchance  he  will  prove  i^  rv, 
and  put  thee  to  the  test,  and,  it'  thou  art  touiul  want- 
iiiL;'  will  set  up  another  in  thy  place.  Are  not  the 
I'riends  of  the  Lord  ,i,n'eat  in  numher?  Art  thou  the 
only  one  whom  he  holds  dear?  ^Eany  are  the  fiiends 
(»f  the  Lord;  many  are  those  that  call  upon  him; 
m;my  ai"e  those  that  lift  uj)  their  voices  hefore  him; 
many  are  those  that  weep  hefore  him;  many  are  those 
that  tearfully  pray  to  him;  many  are  those  that 
sii^h  in  his  presence;  verily  all  these  are  uncountahle. 
There  are  many  <^-enerous  and  j)rudent  men  of  i^reat 
ahility  and  power,  who  }>ray  to  the  Lord  and  cry  aloud  to 
him  ;  hehold,  therefore,  tliere  are  not  lacking-  otheis  he- 
side  thvself  on  whom  to  confer  the  dii^nity  of  kinijf. 
Peradventure  as  a  thing  that  endures  not,  as  a  thiui^ 
seen  in  slee}),  the  Lord  j^ives  thee  this  ore'at  honor  and 
glory;  j)eradventure  he  gives  thee  t(j  smell  of  his  ten- 
der sweetness,  and  passes  it  (piickly  over  thy  lips.  () 
king,  most  foi'tunate,  how  down  a?id  humhle  thyself; 
wcej)  with  sadness  and  sigh;  l>ray  fervently  and  do  the 
will  of  the  Lord  l>y  nit>ht  as  well  as  hv  dav,  during- 
the  time  he  sees  fit  to  s])aro  thee.  Act  thy  ])ait  with 
cahnness,  continually  })raying  on  thy  throne  with  kind- 
ness and  softness.  Take  heed  that  thou  givcst  none 
cause  for  pain  or  weariness  or  soi'row,  tlnit  thou  si'ttest 
thy  foot  upon  none,  that  thou  frightest  none  with  an- 
gry words  or  tierce  looks.  Refrain  also,  ()  our  king, 
IVom  all  lewd  jests  and  converse,  lest  thou  hring 
thy  person  into  contemj)t;  levity  and  hutfoonery  are 
not  Ht  for  one  of  thy  dignity,  incline  not  thine  ear 
to  rihaldrv,  even  thouyh  it  come  from  a  near  rela- 
five,  for  though  as  a  man  thou  art  mortal,  yet  in  res])ect 


IM 


THE  NAIIIA  NATIONS. 


to  tliiiio  offico  tilou  art  as  God.  Tliouufli  thou  art  our 
rtHow-crcaturt!  and  friend,  our  sou  and  our  hrotlu-r,  yet 
are  wv  not  tliinu  ecjuals,  nor  tlo  \vc  look  upon  tlirc  as 
u  Uiau,  in  tliat  tliou  now  art  tlio  iniaj^-e  of  the  Loi'd 
(lod;  l»e  it  is  tliat  speaks  witliin  thee,  instruetinn'  us 
and  niakintif  liiniself  lieard  throui^li  thy  lips;  thy  mouth 
is  his  nioutii,  thy  t()n;j;ue  is  his  ton<,nic,  thy  face  is  his 
face.     Already  he  has  ijfraced  thee  with  his  authority, 

i/  n  ft    ' 

he  has  iriven  thee  teeth  and  claws  that  thou  uiayest  ho 
feared  and  res[»ecte<l.  See  to  it,  Sire,  that  thy  fornur 
levity  he  now  laid  aside,  that  thou  take  to  thyself 
the  heart  of  an  old  man,  of  one  who  is  austere  and 
^rave.  Look  closely  to  thine  honor,  to  the  decency  of 
thy  j)erson,  and  the  maj(!sty  of  thine  otHce;  let  thy 
words  he  few  and  serious,  for  thou  art  now  another 
heini*'.  IJehold  the  jdace  on  \vhich  thou  standest 
is  exceedin<i^  hi.iJfh,  and  the  fall  therefrom  is  peril- 
ous.     Con  ,Ider  that  thou  yoest  on  a  lofty  ridu^e  and 

r>  ft'  O 

Upon  a  narrow  path  haviui^-  a  fearfid  dei)th  sheer 
down  on  either  side,  so  that  it  is  imposssihle  to 
swerve  to  the  right  or  to  the  left  without  falling 
headlong  into  the  ahyss.  It  also  hehoves  thee.  Sire, 
to  guard  thyself  against  heing  cross-grained  and  fierce 
and  dreaded  as  a  wild  heast  hy  all.  Conihine  modera- 
tion with  rigor,  inclining  rather  to  mercy  than  to  piti- 
lessness.  Never  .show  all  thy  teeth  nor  put  forth  the 
full  length  of  thy  claws.  Never  appear  startled  or  in 
fear,  harsh  or  dangenais;  conceal  thy  teeth  and  claws; 
assemble  thy  chief  men  together,  make  thyself  accept- 
ahlo  to  them  with  gii'ts  and  kind  word.s.  Provide  ;d.so 
for  the  entertainment  of  the  conunon  jieople  according 
to  their  (pudity  and  rank;  ada])t  thyself  to  the  difler- 
ent  classes  of  the  people  and  ingratiate  thy.self  witli 
them.  Have  a  cai"0  and  concern  th^^self  ah(>ut  the 
dance.s,  and  about  the  ornaments  and  instruments  used 
at  them,  for  they  are  the  means  of  infusing  a  warlike 
spir't  into  men.  (lladden  the  hearts  of  the  common 
peojile  with  games  and  amusements,  for  thus  wilt  thou 
become  famous  and  be  beloved,  and  even  after  death 


AnnnRss  to  the  kino. 


167 


tliy  faino  will  livf  and  tlio  (»1(1  iih'Ii  miuI  women  who 
kiK'W  tlii'i;  will  slit'd  tears  of  soi-iow  lor  tliiin'  ahst'iu'i'. 
()  most  t'oi'tmiute  and  happy  kinijf,  most  precious  treas- 
ure, hear  in  mind  thai  tliou  j;<)est  hy  a  eran'yy  J"i<l 
dangerous  road,  whereon  thou  imist  step  with  fiiinness, 
for  in  the  path  of  kin^s  and  prinees  there  are  many 


1  sli 


yawnm^'  ,L;ults,  and  slippeiy  places,  ai 


>h 


dst 


Vi 


■p.  !• 


itl 


tatliless 


slopes,  where  the  matted  thorn-hushes  and  lony'  yrass 
hide  |)itralls  havinj,^  j»ointed  stakes  set  upri,i;'ht  in  them. 
Wherefore  it  hehoves  thco  to  call  upon  thy  (!od  with 
moanin^s  and  lamentations,  to  watch  constantly,  and 
to  shun  the  harlot,  who  is  a  curse  aiul  a  sickn<  -i  to 
mail.  Sleep  not  li,i;htly  in  thy  hed,  Sire,  hut  ratlier 
lie  and  ponder  the  affairs  of  thy  kingdom;  even  in  thy 
slumhers  let  thy  dreams  hu  of  the  <,''<)od  thing's  in 
thy  chart»o,  that  thou  mayest  know  how  best  to  dis- 
tribute tlioui  amonjjf  thy  lords  and  courtiers,  for  thero 
aie  many  who  envy  the  kins4',  and  would  fain  eat  as 
hv  eats  and  drink  as  he  drinks,  wherefort;  is  it  said 
that  kinos  'cat  the  hreatl  of  ^rief.'  Think  not,  Sii'e, 
that  the  royal  throiie  is  a  soft  and  pleasant  seat,  for 
there  is  nothinn^  hut  trouble  and  penitence,  ( )  blessed 
and  most  })recious  kiniL;',  it  is  not  my  wish  to  cause  ]»ain 
to  thine  heart  nor  to  excite  thy  wrath  and  indignation  ; 
it  is  sufhi-ient  for  me  that  I  have  many  times  wtumbied 
and  yli]j})ed,  aye,  and  have  even  fallen,  durinu^  this  dis- 
enoui>h  foi-  me  are  the  faults  of  the 


course  ot  nune 


speech  which  1  have  spoken,  .H'oinj^,  in  a  manner,  with 
jumps  like  a  fro^  before  our  Lord  iiod,  the  invisibU;, 
the  impal})able,  who  is  here  and  listenini;-  to  us,  who 
has  heard  distinctly  the  sliijhtest  of  the  words  which 
1  have  spoken  stannnerinoly  and  with  hesitation,  in 
had  order  and  with  unajtt  gestures;  but  in  doino-  this 
1  liave  com])lied  with  the  custom  which  obliges  the 
aii'ed  men  of  the  state  to  address  a  newly  elected  kinl,^ 
In  like  manner  have  1  done  my  duty  to  our  (»od  who 
hears  me,  to  whom  1  make  an  otierino'  of  this  my 
siteech.  Lono-  mavest  thou  live  and  reii>n,  ()  lord  and 
k'u\<^.      I  have  spoken. 


CHAPTEE   IV. 

PALACES    AND    HOUSEHOLDS    OF    THE    \AHUA    KINGS. 

ExTKNT  ANP  Interior  of  the  Greas'  Palace  ix  Mexico— The  Pal- 
ace OK  Nkzahcalcovotl,  Kin(}  of  Tezcuco  — The  Zoological 
Collections  ok  the  Nahua  MrjNARCHS— Montezuma's  OitAiouY 
—  Royal  Gardens  and  Plkascre-Grounds  — The  Hill  ok  Cha- 
imltepec— N^jzahualcoyotl's  Country  Residence  at  Tezcozinco 
— Toltec  Palaces— the  Royal  Guard— The  KiNf:'s  Meals— An 
Aztec  Cuisine— The  Audience  Chamrek  -After-dinner  Ami  se- 
ments  The  Royal  Wardrobe— The  King  Among  his  Peoi-le— 
Mketinc!  of  Montezuma  II.  and  Cortes— the  King's  Harem- 
Revenues  of  the  Royal  Household— Policy  of  Aztec  Kings. 

In  tlio  ])rcceding  chajtter  we  liave  seen  how  tlio 
nionarclis  were  cliosen,  and  anointed,  and  crowned, 
and  feasted,  and  lectured;  now  let  us  follow  them  to 
tlu:ir  homes.  And  here  I  must  confess  I  am  some- 
what staijf^ered  l)y  the  recitals.  It  is  written  tliat  as 
soon  as  tlie  now  king  wfis  fcjrnnilly  invested  with  tlie 
right  of  sovereignty,  lie  took  possession  of  tlie  royal 
palaces  and  gardens,  and  that  these  abodes  of  royalty 
were  on  a  scale  of  magnificence  almost  unpa,  dlcled  in 
the  annals  of  nations.  How  far  we  may  rcl;  on  these 
accounts  it  is  difficult  to  say;  how  we  are  to  U'terniinc 
disunited  (questions  is  yet  more  difficult.  In  the  testi- 
mony before  us,  there  are  two  classes  of  eviaence:  one 
having  as  its  base  selfishness,  superstition,  and  ])atri- 
otisu) ;  the  other  disaffection,  jealousy,  and  hatred. 
Between  these  contending  evils,  fortunately,  we  may 

(158) 


RELIABILITY  OF  AUTHORITIES. 


159 


y 


cat  least  approximate  to  the  truth.  To  illustrate :  there 
oau  he  no  douht  that  much  eoncernino-  the  Aztec  civ- 
ilization has  been  f^reatly  exaggerated  by  the  old 
Sj)anish  writers,  and  for  obvious  reasons,  Jt  was 
nianitestly  to  the  advantage  of  some,  both  ])riests  and 
adventurers,  to  magnify  the  power  and  conse(iueiu'e  of 
the  })eople  conquered,  and  the  cities  demolished  by 
them,  knowing  full  well  that  tales  of  mighty  realms, 
with  countless  man-eaters  and  fabulous  riches,  would 
S(wncst  rouse  the  zeal  and  cupidity  of  i'ao  Spaniards, 
and  best  secure  to  them  both  hon'^'^s  laid  supplies. 
Gathered  from  the  lips  of  illitenic  soldiers  little 
jirone  to  diminish  the  glory  of  their  n,chievements 
in  the  narration,  or  from  the  manuscripts  of  native 
historians  whose  patriotic  statements  rogaixling  rival 
states  no  longer  in  existence  coidd  with  difficulty  be 
disproved,  these  accoun+s  passed  into  the  hands  of 
credulous  writers  of  tortile  imagination,  who  drank 
in  with  avidity  the  marvels  that  were  told  tliem,  and 
wrote  them  down  with  su|.erhuman  discrin»'nation — 
with  a  discrimination  which  made  every  so-cailed  fact 
tally  with  the  writings  of  the  Fathers.  Tliese  writers 
possessed  in  an  eminent  degree  the  faculty  called  by 
latter-day  scholars  the  imaginative  in  history-writing. 
Whatever  was  told  tliem  that  was  contrary  to  tradi- 
tion waj*  certainly  erroneous,  a  snare  of  tbt*  devil;  if 
any  facts  were  waiititie*  n  the  direction  pointcid  out 
hv  doctrines  or  do''inas,  it  was  tlu'ir  riLjhteous  dutv  to 
till  them  in.  Tl  us  it  was  in  certain  instances  But 
to  the  truth  of  tlie  greater  pai-t  <»f  these  relations, 
testimony  is  borne  by  the  UTianimity  of  the  authors, 
though  this  is  partly  owing  to  tli«;ir  eo[)ying  each  fi'oni 
the  writings  of  the  others,  and,  more  conclusively,  by 
the  anliitectural  remairis  which  survived  the  att;'.,cks 
of  tlu,'  iconoclastic  concpierors,  and  the  golden  and  be- 
jeweled  ornaments  of  such  ex(juisite  workmansliip  as 
toe((ual  if  not  sur})ass  anything  o>  the  kind  in  Kurope, 
whicli  ornaments  were  sent  to  Spain  as  proofs  of  tln^ 
richness  of  the  country.     At  this  distance  of  time  it 


:P: 


1^ 


THE  NAUUA  NATIONS. 


i.";  Iinp()ssil)le  t.)  draw  a  dufinito  line  l)etwpen  tlie  true 
iiud  the  false;  nor  do  1  feel  it  my  dnty  to  doyinatize 
in  these  matters,  hut  ratlier  to  tell  the  tale  aw  i  Hnd 
it,  at  the  same  time  laying"  every  shade  of  evidence 
hefore  the  reader. 


The  princijjal  palace  in  the  ^ity  of  Mexico  was 
an  irre'j;nlar  pile  of  low  ])uildin!^,  enorinons  in  <;x- 
tcnit,  constructed  of  huge  blocks  of  fcfzoiifh,  a  kind  of 
/torous  stone  common  to  that  country,  cemented 
with  mortar.  The  arrang'ement  of  the  buildings  was 
such  that  they  enclosed  three  i^reat  plazas  or  ])ul>lic 
s  [iiares,  in  one  of  wliicii  a  l)eautiful  foimtain  inces- 
s:uitly  })layed.  Twenty  great  doors  opened  on  tlie 
.s(juar<'S,  and  on  the  streets,  and  over  these  was 
scul])tur<:jd  in  stone  the  coat  of  arms  of  the  kings  of 
Afexico.  an  eagle  gripj)iiig  in  his  talons  a  jaguar.* 
In  th'  int'  rior  wtire  many  halls,  each  of  innnens(;  size, 
and  oi>e  in  particular  i  •  said  hy  a  writer  who  accom- 
|i«B»ied  fJortes,  kn*mn  as  the  Anonvmous  Concpierer, 
to  have  been  of  suflk-ient  extent  to<otir-»in  three  thou- 
sand men;  while  ujK»n  tike  teirace  tliat  formed  its  roof 
thirty  nnn  on  lw»rsebafk  t'ould  Iiaxe  grmt-  thi'ough  the 
.spear  excni— ."  In  :\n  lition  to  these  there  were  moie 
than  one      i  drtd  -  i-  n^Mii.^,  and  the  same  num- 

l»er  of  mart)h'  taths.  win-  •  ig^-ther  with  the  fountains, 
|*»iids,  rid  baiHiii»«  in  the  gardens,  were  sn])plied  ^itii 
watt!)-  iVorn  the  ncighlHiring-  hill  of  C'hapulte})ec. 
There    ■  also    -piendid    suitis  of  a})artments   re- 

t-nrie*!  ■  use  »ff  the  kiwjr*-  of  Tezcuco  and  Tlaco- 

pan.  and  x\i--r  altendahtH,  wlu-i  they  visited  Mexico, 


'  ff^rfnrft,  JB-.v  .,„„  ,  (J^c,  li  .  ili  vii..  «•»(.  is  Thotiu^h  it  is  nidit  iluiii 
ftniUuklr  nkitf  Ammiumu  mi«^m«  tUf  -^iiiif  tliiri>;.  vet  (lie  r<.,»uiU'r  in  wliicli  l;r 
••xprfKiw^  i«  lcarv««*  ««  m  m<»iii»'  lUiKlit  wkwflif-r  the  ti^'cr  riiijriit  imt  liavc  ln-i  n 
Nt;iiidiii;r  ••er  th*  ratil*'.  'Ml  »-~<  ikU  .it'  ainiu*!-.  (|uc  t'stiiii  t  jh'I  Lis  )llll'rt;l^ 
«ii-  imtmriu  y  dfattfrueu  laM'\»nii*-nu*  «»-  Muttt  riiinji,  \  las  ilc  sus  iiiiiccoson's. 
«-s  vnM  apMtU  alMrrUiu  >•  vn  ti<9r.  la>  iit)iiii»  \  \iias  inicstas  coiiki  )m<):i  lia/t .' 
^•rcMti  ■  •■''.«■'/,  }f>.i\,  (n\  HtH.  'M''t  Waju'ii  <lat  Imvcn  dc  I'oo'tr  >'i.ul,  \\:i^ 
•^^11  iUw'vW  'lit-' nji  em  <iriHi<»'n  •)»-<lrrchn'l<l<',  mcl  (iiicii  < 'liniwcii  lu'ti.  ^liIuth  i 
ttmut^kewtif .  tmmi  *\  [\  Httttt  U- ♦j.ta.-u.'    H'l  .itl  iiill.^clir  Sfii,  ifiirl   ^  'HW. 

s  UfliOi'tm"  ;!^lhi  ,*r  '•/(  V"''''  'li»''iin>  lid  Siijnor  Fcntuiulo  Corli-st,  in 
/,'(»/.<«**»>,  XtfryftUviii,  tuiil   iii.,  I«l.  WJ. 


ROYAL  PALACE  ^\T  MEXICO. 


it;i 


and  lor  thtj  ministers  and  counselors,  and  tlio  cfreat 
lords  and  their  suites,  who  constantly  resided  at  the 
capital.  Besides  these,  the  private  attendants  of  tlu^ 
kin«4' — and  their  name  was  legion — had  to  he  provided 
tor;  so  that  when  we  consider  the  other  extensive 
hiiildin^'s,  such  as  the  harem,  in  which,  according-  to 
some  authorities,  were  nearly  three  thousand  women; 
the  armory,  the  j^Tanaries,  storehouses,  mena;yeries, 
and  aviaries,  which  either  formed  part  or  were  in  the 
iuuuediate  vicinity  of  the  palace  huildinjj^s,  we  an; 
pi'epared  somewhat  to  credit  the  Anonymous  Con- 
(|Ueror  aforesaid  when  he  affirms  that,  although  he 
four  times  wandered  ahout  the  })alace  until  he  was 
tired,  with  no  other  purpose  than  to  view  its  interior. 
yet  he  never  succeeded  in  seeinij;"  the  whole  of  it.' 
The  walls  and  floors  of  halls  and  apartments  were 
many  of  them  faced  with  jiolished  slabs  of  marhle, 
j  •  ')hyry,  jasper,  ohsidlan,  and  white  tecali;*  lofty 
'•'•I  inmsof  the  same  tine  .stones  supported  marhle  bal- 
conies and  ])orticoes,  every  niche  and  corner  of  whi<'h 
w;-;  filled  with  wondrous  ornamental  carvinij',  or  held 
a  L;rimrni^"  o'i'otiS(juely  sculptui'ed  head.  The  bi-ams 
and  casinys  were  of  cedar,  cypress,  and  other  valuable 
woods,  prof'u.sely  carved  and  put  toij^ether  without 
nails.  The  roofs  of  the  palace  buildinos  fbrme<l  a 
suite  of  immense  terraces,  front  which  a  mau-nificent 
view  if  th<  >v  hole  <'ity  could  be  obtained.  Suj)erb 
iiiat>  of  niist  ex.(|uisitt;  finish  wei\'  spread  upon  the 
iiiarl»le  floors;  the  tapestry  that  di"aj»ed  the  walls  and 
the  curtains  that  hunj^-  before  the  w  indows  wei'c  made 
of  a  fabric  most  wonderful  for  its  delicate  te.xture,  ele- 
gant desi<rns  and  brilliant  (  olors;  through  the  halls  and 
corridors  a  tlutusaiid  o'oldeii  censei's,  in  which  burned 
precious  spices  and  perfiune^,  dif}"use(J   a  subtle  odor.'* 

*  '  Lc  ti'iali  paiait,  ("•frc  la  iiiorrc  traii-i'  niuti'  m  iiililalile  ii  I'lilliiUro  itii- 
1  iital,  ildut  uii  laiHait  iiii  j,'niiii(  iisi;;t'  ii  Mt  o.  ct  dnnt  Ics  nli;/if'ii\  sc  m  r- 
\ii<'iii  iiu'iiu'  piiiir  faiif  iiiic  c^ihTc  tie  vilro  n  li-iirs  ffiu'trts.  On  en  iniiiM- 
I'linin;  (Ic  (•(•  jiciiri!  dans  nliisit'iiis  fdiivcntM  dc  la  I'lichla  dc  los' .\iij,'clcs.' 
lim.sniiir  <!<■  /'xiiiilidiirii,  llisf.  .\'i(f.  ('i:\,  turii.  iv  ,  n.  M. 

^  lii.riisc-iillcrin;;  aiiiung  tlio  Mexiraiis,  and  otlifr  nations  of  .Viialnuic, 
Vol.  II.     11 


1G2 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


in 


The  palace  built  by  Nezahualcoyotl,  kini»'  of  Tez- 
cuco,  even  surpassed  tliat  of  Montezuma  in  many 
respects.  The  Tezcucan  historian,  Ixtlilxochitl,  has 
jifiven  a  full  description  of  it,  which  I  partially 
translate.  The  collection  of  buildings,  which  com- 
postid  not  only  the  royal  residence,  but  also  the 
])ul)lic  offices  and  courts  of  law,  extended  from  east 
to  west  twelve  hundred  and  thirty-four  and  a  half 
yards,  and  from  north  to  south,  nine  hundred  and  sev- 
enty-ei<j;'lit  yards.  These  were  encompassed  by  a  wall 
made  of  adobes  stronii^ly  cemented  tojjcether,  and  stand- 
m<x  on  a  foundation  of  very  hard  mortar,  six  feet  in 
Avidth  at  the  base.  On  its  southern  and  eastern  sides 
the  wall  was  three  times  a  man's  stature  in  height;  on 
the  western  side,  towards  the  lake,  and  on  the  north- 
ern side  it  rose  to  the  height  of  five  times  a  man's 
statui'e.''  For  one  third  of  the  distance  from  the  base 
to  the  top,  the  wall  grew  gradually  thinner,  while  the 
remainder  was  of  one  thickness.''  Within  this  in- 
dosure  were  the  royal  dwelling,  the  council-chambers, 
and  other  halls  and  apartments.  There  were  also  two 
large  plazas,  the  outer  one  of  which  served  as  the 
public  market-place.  The  inner  court-yard  was  sur- 
rounded by  the  various  courts  of  justice,  and  other  halls 
where  matters  relative  to  science,  art,  and  the  army 
were  judicially  and  otherwise  considered,  all  of  which 
will  be  described  in  their  place,  and  also  a  hall  where 
the  archives  of  the  kingdom  were  preserved.  In  the 
centre  of  the  court-yard,  which  was  also  used  as  a 
market-place,  was  a  tennis-court;  on  the  west  side 
were  the  apartments  of  the  king,  more  than  thi'ce 
hundred   in    number,    all    admirably    arranged;    here 

was  not  only  an  act  of  relifjion  tow.anls  their  gods,  hut  also  a  rtioco  of  civil 
rourtt'sy  to  lords  anil  atnhassadors.  <  '/(tn'i/rro,  Sforia  Aiif.  drl  jlrssim,  toiii. 
ii.,  |».  51.  ("ortcs  durin;;  his  march  to  the  capital  was  on  more  than  one  oc- 
casion met  Ip-  a  deiiiitation  of  nobles,  hearing  censers  which  they  swmifi: 
heftire  him  as  a  mark  of  courtesy. 

i'  I'rescott,  Mix.,  vol.  i.,  ]).  177,  makes  in  hoth  cases  the  'estailo'  the 
Rami'  me;isure  as  the  'vara,'  that  is  three  feet,  a  clumsy  error  certainly, 
when  translating  sn<'h  a  sentence  as  this:  '(jne  tenia  de  grueso  dos  varas,  y 
>de  alto  tres  estachis.' 

^  'A  niuiiera  de  cstriho,'  writes  Ixtlilxocliitl. 


MONTEZUMA'S  MENAGERIE. 


1G3 


wore  also  storolioiises  for  tribute,  and  splendid  suites 
of  a})artnients  reserved  for  the  use  of  the  kin<^"s  of 
Mexico  and  '.riacopan  wlien  they  visited  Tezcuct). 
These  apartments  led  into  the  royal  pleasure-jjfardens, 
wliich  were  artistically  laid  out  with  labyrintluau 
w.ilks  windin*^  tliroui^h  the  dark  foliai^e,  where  often 
the  uninitiated  would  lose  themselves;  then  there 
were  si)arkling  fountains,  and  invitiuij;  baths,  and  sha- 
dy i^roves  of  cedar  and  cypress,  and  ponds  well  stocked 
with  fish,  and  aviaries  tilled  with  birtls  of  every  hue 
and  species,  besides  extensive  menai^eries.**  The  city 
of  ^Mexico,  however,  furnished  tiie  lari>-est  collection 
of  animals,  or  at  all  events  it  is  n)ore  fully  <lescribed 
by  the  conquerors  than  others.  The  Aztec  nionarchs 
took  s})ecial  pleasure  in  maintaining  zoological  col- 
lections on  an  immense  scale,  which  fancy  was  prob- 
ably more  fully  indulged  by  Montezmua  I  [.  thaii  by 
any  other.  That  prince  caused  to  be  erected  in  tlto 
city  of  Mexico  an  immense  edifice,  surrounded  by 
extensive  ga'*dens,  whicli  was  used  for  no  othrv  pai-- 
pose  than  to  keep  and  display  all  kinds  of  birds  and 
beasts. 

One  portion  of  this  building  consisted  of  a  large 
open  court,  paved  with  stones  of  different  c(»l()rs,  and 
divided  into  several  conipartnients,  in  whicli  wore 
kc})t  wild  beasts,  birds  of  l)rey,  and  reptiles.  The 
larger  animals  were  confined  in  h)W  wooden  cages 
made  of  massive  beams.  They  were  fed  u})on  the  in- 
testines of  human  sacrifices,  a!id  upon  deer,  rabbits, 
ntul  other  animals.  The  l)irds  of  prey  wero  <^listrib- 
uted  according  to  their  s})ecies,  in  sul)terranean  cham- 
bors,  whi(;h  were  more  than  seven  feet  deej),  and  u])- 
wards  of  seventeen  feet  in  length  and  breadtli.  Malf 
of  each  chamber  was  roofed  with  slabs  of  stone,  undtjr 
which  perches  were  fixed  in  the  wall,  where  the  birds 
might  sleej>  and  be  protectee'  from  the  rain;  the  other 
half  was  coveixxl  only  with  a  wooden  grating,  whicth 

^  I.rtl/'/j-ochill,  .Y/a7.  CMc/i-..  in  KiiujslioroiKjIi's  Mix.  Anliij.,  toiii.  ix., 
1>1>.  242-3. 


104 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


juliiiittofl  air  and  suuliu-ht.  Five  luindrcd  tuikcvs 
were  daily  killtMl  for  food  for  tlieso  birds.  Allii;'ator,s 
wore  kept  in  ponds  walled  round  to  })rev(!nt  their 
escape,  and  sejpents  in  lonu^  cages  or  vessels,  larL>e 
euougli  to  allow  them  to  move  about  freely.  These 
reptiles  were  also  fed  on  liuman  hlood  and  intestines. 
Mr  Prescott  tells  us  tliat  the  whole  of  this  menaj^'ei-ie 
"was  placed  under  the  charti^e  of  nunieroU!+  kee}>ers, 
who  acfpiainted  themselves  witli  the  liahits  of  their 
prisoners,  and  provided  for  their  comfort  and  cleanli- 


noH8. 


rhomax  Gai]fe,  the  shrewd  old  Enuflish  Jieretic,  takes 
another  view.  In  his  cpiaint  thou^ii  free  and  slashinu' 
style  lie  writes:  "J3nt  what  was  wonderful  to  hehold, 
iiornd  ti)  see,  liideous  to  hear  in  this  house,  was  the 
<  )rticers'  daily  occupations  about  these  beasts,  the  Hoor 
with  blood  like  a  .i>eily,  stinkini;'  Yika  a  slauo-hter-house, 
and  the  roarinsj;"  of  the  Lions,  the  fearful  hissino-  of  fclu; 
STiakes  and  Adders,  tho  doleful  howlinn"  and  brii'lduij- 
of  the  Wolves,  the  sorrowbd  veiling-  of  the  Ownzes 
and  Ti^'i'es,  when  they  would  have  meat.  And  yet  in 
tliis  })lace,  which  in  the  ni^-ht  seasoji  seemed  a  dungeon 
of  hell,  and  a  dNVellins>'  place  for  the  Devil,  coidd  a 
heathen  Prince  pi  ay  unto  his  (»ods  and  Idols;  iur 
no;»runto  this  Hall  was  another  of  a  hundred  and  tifiy 
f  )o«  lono-  and  thiity  foot  broad,  where  Avas  a  chapjti  1 
with  a  roof  of  silver  and  i>()ld  in  leaf,  wainscotted  and 
decked  with  o-reat  store  of  ])earl  and  stone,  as  Ai;ats, 
( *i)rnerines,  Emeralds,  Ilubies,  and  divers  otlier  sorts; 
and  this  was  the  Oratory  where  Monti'zumu  prayed  in 
the  nig-ht  season,  and  in  that  cbapjiel  the  Devil  .lid 
aj)pear  unto  him,  and  gave  liim  answin-  according  to 
his  prayers,  which  as  they  were  uttered  among  so  man\ 
ui;ly  and  defoi'med  beasts,  and  with  the  noise  of  them 
which  represented  Hell  itself,  were  totted  for  a  l)evir^ 
answer.   •' 

\n  another  jiart  of  tlie  building  was  an  iinmense  liall 
which  served  as  an   aviary,  in   which  were  c<  llected 

*  0<i>j<''t  Xcir  Suriri/,  \i.  'X).     roiuoiiiiiiy  this  oialoiy,  set-  A(*«  Cwin^ 


ZOOLOOICAL  COLLKCrrON  OF  MONTEZUMA. 


Klf) 


spociiiicns  of  all  the  birds  in  tlie  einpiro,  ox('e})tiiiL;' 
those  of  prey.  Tliey  were  of  iiiHnite  variety  and 
spK'udiil  ])luiua<(e;  inatiy  s})et'iuieiis  were  so  dilfieidt 
to  ol)tain  that  their  featliers  hr()iii>ht  almost  fahidoiis 
pi'ires  ill  the  Mexican  market;  while  some  few,  either 
Iteraiise  of  their  extreme  rarity  or  their  iiiahility  to 
live  in  coiitinemeiit,  ditl  not  appear  even  in  the  royal 
aviary,  exce})t  in  imitation,  lor  we  are  told  that,  both 
in  ^^exic•o  and  Tezcuct>,  all  kinds  of  birds  and  ani- 
mals that  eoiild  not  be  obtained  alive  were  repre- 
sented in  gold  and  silver  so  skillfully  that  they  are  said 
to  liave  served  the  naturalist  Hernandez  for  models. 
1  hit  to  attain  this  honor,  a  bird  must  indeed  have  been  a 
vara  avis,  a  very  })h(enix,  for  it  is  related  by  'foicpie 
iiiada  and  manv  others,  on  the  authoritv  of  a  Spanish 
eye-witness,  that  the  Emperor  Montezuma  1 1.  hai)[ten- 
iii'4  one  day  to  see  a  sparrow-hawk  soaring-  throug-h 
the  air,  and  "takini>-  a  fancv  to  its  beaut v  and  mode 
of  flight,"  ordered  his  followers  to  catch  it  without  lU;- 
lay  and  bring  it  alive  to  his  hand;  and  such  were  the 
efforts  made  and  care:  used,  that  in  an  incrediblv  short 
space  of  time  "they  ca})tured  that  tierce  and  haughty 
liawk  as  though  it  had  been  but  a  gentle  doniestit^ 
pigeon,  and  l.rMUght  it  to  the  king."''' 


M 


u-l)le  galleries,  sup| 


H)rted 


upon    ]as])er  ])illars,  a 


Hi 


)f  one  piece,  surrounded  this  building,  and  looked  (»ut 
ipou  a  large  garden,  wherein  were  groves  of  i-are  trees, 


liolce 


Nhrubli 


rv  and  flowers,  and  fountains 


filled 


with 


fish.  But  the  ]>rominent  feature  of  the  garden  was 
ti  11  large  ])onds  for  the  ust>  of  water-fowl,  some  of  which 
Were  tilled  with  fre.sh  and  some  with  salt  water,  accord - 
iii'^'  to  the  nature  of  the  birds  that  lVe(iuented  them. 
Kaeli   p(»ml   was  .surroundeil   with    tessellated   marble 


Ifis/.  .[j^'tfi'ifUcd,  MS.,  toin.  i. 


•MP 


1.     T 


I'.H).  a«.^'rts  that  tlie  y:«>lil  and  silv..' 


>n|i|i'iii.i 
ilatr 


■la.  ^r■, 


A-7..t. 


itil    wlli.li    lite    w; 


»i|    WrJV'i-i 


mti.l, 


wciv  almost  as 


tliifk 


as  a  liiiiiiT.  anil  that   tl:i'   lii>l   inn 


i|it(:oi's  liM  imt  si'o  this  cliaiK'l  or  oratory,  liccaiisc  Montcznnia  ilwaxs  went 
til  till'  triii|ilo  to  iiiav.  atiil  jiiolialily,  as  tlic  iiativfs  tlcilari'i!,  1  nowiii;;' tin- 
rM\|i|(iu>in.ss  of  flii>  S|iaiiiaiils,  lit' |nir|iosi'lv  roiiccaliil  all  this  woaitli  I'loni 
tlii'iii;  it  isiilso  siiiil  liiat  wluMi  Mrxii'o  was  taken  tin.'  natives  dcstniyi'il  this 
«h.i|M'l.  mill  t\in>\v  its  treasurer  into  tlii'  lake. 
ill  7V""«yf(»  w4t((/)(    Mdii'trij.  Jiitf.,  toiii.  i.,  i>.  '2'M. 


i: 


I 


IfiO 


THE  NAIIUA  NATION'S. 


!  ■  ■  t 


})avcmont  and  sluulcd  by  eluinpH  of  trees.  As  often 
us  the  water  be^au  to  stai^iiate  it  was  drained  lAY  and 
I'enewed.  Monti'/cunia  is  said  to  have  passed  nuicli  of 
his  time  lune,  alone  or  witli  his  women,  seated  in  the 
«hade,  amid  the  j)hi.sliini>-  of  fountains  and  odor  of  How- 
(Ts,  ninsini>'  upon  atfairs  of  state  or  divertini^  Ins  mind 
from  sucli  eares  by  watehiui"'  the  motions  of  the  strani^e 
l)irds  upon  tlu'  water. 

No  less  than  three  hundred  persons  were  employed 
in  attendinn'  upon  the  water-fowl  and  the  birds  in  the 
aviary;  feeding-  tlieni  and  in  the  moultini^  season  care- 
fully s>at]ierln!>'  the  <»-or!i'eous  idunies,  which  served  as 
material  for  tl;e  celebrated  Aztec  feather- work.  The 
hal)its  of  the  birds  weie  closely  studied,  and  jL^'reat  caie 
was  taken  that  every  species  should  be  su})plie(l  with 
tlic  food  best  suited  to  its  taste,  whether  it  consisted 
of  worms,  insects,  or  seeds.  The  fish  with  which  the 
water-fowl  were  supj)lied  amounted  to  one  hundrtd 
and  Hfty  pounds  daily.  In  another  hall  a  collection 
of  hum.'Ui  monstrosities  was  kept.  As  we  shall  ])res- 
ently  see,  many  (jf  these  unfoi'tunate  crc^atures  were 
trained  to  j)Iay  the  part  of  jesters  at  the  royal  table. 
Yet  ant»ther  hall  contained  a  number  of  albinos,  or 
Avhite  Indians,  who  were  considered  a  j^reat  curiosity. 

In  addition  to  these  city  })alaces  the  Aztec  monarchs 
had  munerous  e(pially  splendid  countiy  resideni'es,  be- 
sides whole  tracts  of  country  set  aj)art  as  royal  huntiuLi- 
j^'i'ounds.  In  these  ])arts  timber  was  not  allowed  to  be 
cut  noi-  ijfame  disturbed,  which  rei>ulations  were  en- 
forced  with  ^reat  risj^or. 

The  })rincipal  country  villa  of  jSTontezuma  H.,  and 
tlie  oidy  one  of  which  any  sijLi^ns  are  yet  visible,  was 
situated  upon  the  hill  of  Cha])ulte])ec,  which  stood  in 
a  westerly  dii'ection  from  the  city  of  ^Fexico.  In  tlic 
days  of  the  Aztec  kings,  the  lake  of  'JV'Zcuco  washed 
the  htihQ  of  the  hill,  round  which  the  I'oyal  ;l  rounds 
stretched  for  miles  in  every  direction.  The  wardens 
Were  laid  out  in  terraces,  that  wovuid  down  tlK>  hillside 
amid  dense  groves  of  pe}>per-trees,  myrtles,  ;iiul  cy 


THE  HILL  OF  CILM'ULTEPEC. 


167 


jirosHCH,  iiuiuinemblu  fountaius  uiul  artiiicial  cascades. 
Littlu  of  the  ancient  jj;loiy  ot"  eitlier  j)alac-e  or  t^jardens 
is  now  left,  exce})t  the  natural  beauty  of  tlie  foliage 
that  clothes  the  hill,  and  the  nia^nihcent  view  to  be 
obtained  from  the  summit.  Two  statues  of  ^lon- 
tezuma  II.  and  his  father,  cut  in  bas  relief  on  the 
|)or|)hyry  rock,  were  still  to  be  seen,  Gama  tells  us,  in 
the  middle  of  the  last  century,  but  these  are  now  ,n'one, 
swcj)t  away  by  the  same  ruthless  hands  that  laid  waste 
the  han^i^inijf  ji^'ardens  and  tore  down  halls  and  monu- 
ments until  the  j.(roves  of  gigantic  cyj)resses  are  all 
that  is  left  standing  in  the  gardens  of  Chapultcpec 
that  ministered  to  the  ])leasure  of  the  ancient  owners, 
l^eter  ^lartyr,  describing  the  palace  at  Iztapalapan, 
writes,  in  the  language  of  an  early  translator:  "That 
house  also  hath  orchardes,  iinely  planted  with  diners 
trees,  and  herbes,  and  Hourisliing  ihnvers,  of  a  sweete 
smell.  There  are  also  in  the  same,  great  standing 
poolcs  of  water  with  many  kindes  of  fish,  in  the  wliich 
diners  kindes  of  all  sortes  of  waterfoule  are  swinnninge. 
To  the  b(>tti)me  of  these  lakes,  a  man  may  desci'ud  by 
marble  ste[»pes  brought  farr  of.  They  report  strange 
tliiiiges  of  a  walke  inclosed  with  nettinges  of  ('aiies, 
least  any  one  should  freely  come  within  tlie  \(iyde 
])lattes  of  grounde,  or  to  tlie  Iruiteof  tlie  trees.  Tliose 
lu'dgcs  are  made  with  a  thousande  ])leasant  deuises,  as 
it  falleth  out  in  those  delicate  i)urple  crosse  alleyis,  of 
miitle,  rosemary,  or  boxe,  al  very  delightfull  to  be- 
hold."'^ 

Nczahualcoyotl,  the  Tc/cucan  Solomon,  was  no  wit 
beliiiid  his  royal  brothi^r  of  Mexico  in  the  matter  of 
splendid  country  residences  and  gardens.  Not  i-oiitent 
willi  tlie  royal  pleasure-grounds  calh'd  lluertrcpan, 
writes  the  Chichiniec  historian,'"  this  great  king  made 
others,  such  as  the  forest  so  laninus  in  Te/cdt/.iiiran 
history,  and  those  called   Caucliiacac,  Tzinacaiiioztoe, 


II  I'rfrr  }rir/i/>\  iUt.  v.,  lib.  ii. 


'.1-; 


l.r'/i/.nir/iit/.  Hist.  Chirk.,  ill  Kinrfslj(jr(illijfi\i  Mrj:.  Aiiliij.,  Vol.  i\.,  \)\< 


I 


i 

1  ■ 


; 


I 

■   I 


1G8 


THE  NAIHA  NATIONS. 


Oozcnquaulu'o,  Cuetliicliatitlan,  or  Tlatcitoc,  and  those 
of  tlu'  lako  Acatclolco,  and  'rt.'j)et/iiico;  ho  likowiso 
marki'd  out  a  lari^o  tract,  wlici'o  lie  iiiiu'lit  jiass  liis 
leisure  luoineiits  in  luuitiiiiif.  These  Liardens  wen; 
adorned  with  fountains,  drains,  sewers,  ponds,  and 
lahyi'inths,  and  were  ])lanted  with  all  kinds  of  llowers 
and  trees,  hotli  indigenous  and  I'oreii^n. 

But  Nezahualeoyotl  was  not  one  to  overlook  utility 
in  layini^  out  his  nj-ounds.  Five  larLifc^  ])atehes  of  the 
most  fertile  lands  lyini''  neai'  the  capital  were  hi'ought 
under  cultivation  and  the  ])roducts  ajijtropriated  ex- 
clusively to  the  use  of  the  royal  household. 

Certain  towns  and  provinces  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
court  furnished  attendants  and  lahorors  for  the  palaces, 
i^ardens,  and  ])lantations.  Jn  return  for  such  service 
said  towns  and  ])rovinces  were  exempt  IVoin  taxation 
and  enjoyed  certain  ])rivilej>'es.  The  manner  of  service 
was  divided;  thus  twenty-eii*'ht  towns  su]tj)lied  thost; 
who  attended  to  the  deaidiness  and  order  of  the  royal 
huildini^s  and  waited  u])on  the  kiiii*-  and  his  suite; 
ft)urteen  of  these  towns"  did  service  during'  one  half 
of  the  year  and  the  remainder"  during-  the  other  half 
Five  towns  provided  attendants  for  the  kini^'s  cham- 
1)er,''  and  ei^-ht  provinces,^*'  with  their  dependent  towns, 
furnished,  each  in  its  turn,  foresters,  L>ar(h,'ners,  and 
aij^ricultural  lahorers  for  the  woods  and  gardens,  orna- 
mental or  otherwise. 

King  Nezahualcoyotl's  favorite  country  residence, 

•3  'i'licir  namos,  aw  ^ivoii  In-  Txtlilxorliifl,  Hiif.  CJdrh.,  in  Kiii;f.s!iorfnif//t'x 
Mix.  All//'/.,  Mil.  ix.,  p.  lT)!,  wcic:  Iliioxdtla.  ( 'uatlicliaii,  ('oalajpcc,  Clii- 
iiialliiiacaii.  ^'tzta|lal(l(•all,  'l'('|)i'tla(izt(ic,  Aciplniaii,  'rc|i('cli|iaii,  ('liiiiliiiauli- 
tlaii,  'I't  idiucaii,  Cliiaiilitla,  l'a|pal<itlaii,  Xaltoiau,  and  Clialco. 

'^  <  )tiini|iaii,  'I'l'otilinai'an,  'l'(']i(']»(l('(i,  ( 'I'liiiPdalon,  A/taiini'niccan.  Aliiia- 
t('|K'c,  Axapoclidc,  O/toticiiac,  'I'izayocan,  Tlaianajian,  Coioac,  (^luatiitlanli- 
I'an,  <i>uanlitlafca,  and  <,tiiat!atzincc'i.  Jh. 


'''  ■  I'aia  la  iccaiMara  del 


ly:  raljiidalpan.  Ma/aapan,  ^'alllla■ 


liiilican,  AliMic'ii,  and  'l'/ilinin(|iiil(i('an.   If).     \t  is  nnrcasdnaMc  tn  su|ip(is(' 
fiiat  tlu'sc  Mi-callcd  '(owns' we 
kini^diinis  proper  of  Mexico.  Ti 
oiilv  a 


lilv  more  tlian  i 


IICIC  \  llla,^l'^ 


since 


til 
md  'riaco|ian,  of  wliicli  tliey  fornietl 


tVadion,  were  all  contained  in  a  vallev  not  two  liiindrcil  ndles  in  cir 


cnniterence. 


"'  Tolantzinco,  (Jiiaulieliinanco,  Xicotejiec.  Fanliatla,  ^'anlitepec,  'l"e|iecli 


CO,  .Mmaeaiocan.  ami  C^uaiihalinae.  //).,•  see  also  'J'orqiiii/iiii/u,  .lA 


Iiid., 


tont. 


1".  107 


SIJ.MMKU  rAI.ACi;  AT  Ti:Z("()ZINCO. 


ir.9 


some 


rotiiiiins  of  M'liidi  are  still  visiUlo,  was  at  Tezc 


(»- 


/iiico,  on  a  conical  hill  lyinn"  about  two  Ica^ncs  iVoni 
Ti'/cnco.  A  liroad  road,  I'unninL;'  Ixftwccn  liii^li  IicdL^cs, 
and  ](rol)al)ly  winding-  spirally  round  the  hill,  ajipcai's 
to  have  led  up  to  the  summit, '^  which,  however,  could 
he  reached  in  a  shorter  time  hy  means  of  a  lli^ht  ol' 
steps,  many  of  which  were  cut  into  the  living;"  rock, 
and  the  remainder  made  of  ]»ii'ces  of  stone  iirndy 
cemented  together.  J)iivila  Padilhi,  who  wiote  in  the 
latter  j>art  of  the  sixteenth  ciMituiy,  says  that  he 
coimted  Hve  hundred  and  twenty  of  these  stej)s,  with- 
out reckoniuLJC  those  that  hatl  already  crund>led  U) 
pieces."*  He  furtheiMnore  adds  that  for  the  last  tweh'e 
stej»s  in  the  ascent  the  staircase  was  tunneled  thi'oun'h 
the  solid  rock,  and  became  so  narrow  that  only  one 
person  could  pass  at  a  time.  ]);ivila  l?adilla  in(piired 
the  reason  of  this  of  the  natives,  and  was  told  hy  them, 
as  they  had  heai'd  it  fi'om  their  fathei-s,  that  this  nar- 
row passaij^e  enabled  the  Tezcucan  monai'ch   to  assei't 


US  i-ank   hv 


tak 


mg  pi'ecedencc  or  Jus  royal   visitors 


when  they  went  in  a  body  to  worshij)  the  idol  that 
stood  n])on  the  sunnnit;  not  a  very  ])olite  iiroceedinii^ 
certainly.'''*  AVater  A\'as  brouoht  o\er  hill  and  d;de  to 
the  top  of  the  mountain  by  means  of  a  solid  stone 
a(pieduct.  Here  it  was  received  in  a  lar^e  basin, 
liavini;'  in  its  centre  a  great  rock,  upon  which  weie  in- 
scribed in  a  circle  the  liierogly})hics  representing  the 
yeais  that  had  elaj)sed  since Nezahualcoyotrs  birth,  with 
a  list  of  his  most  noteworthy  achievements  in  each.-" 
Within  this  circle  the  royal  coat  of  arms  was  sculptured, 


>'  i\ 


'■^  'Lii  corra  fan  prandp  <|iip  tenia  ]>ara  siiliir  li  la  (•iiinliro  dc  I'l  y  aiHJMil 
todo.'    IxtULii,   'li/f,  lli.st.  (  kii'h.,  ill  A'iiK/thiiriiii'f/i'.s  Mi  .r.  Anlin.,  \cp|.   i\ 

"^  '  I'ara  siihir  liasta  eata  otiiiibrc  sc  ]ias>iiii  iiuiniciilus  y  \cynti'  I'scaloiuv 
hIii  al.;\iiins  i|iio  ostaii  ya  (IcsIiccIims,  pDr  iiiicr  siiin  ilc  iiiciiias  siiclliis  y  imc^ 


Ins  a  maim:    niio  otnis  iiuiclins  csralciiics  ;iv,  lalinidiis  en  \;\ 


iiiiicliM  ciinnsHla 


la.l.     V. 


alio  |iiisa<lo  ids  am 


llllic  toilos,  V  I 


lirii|iiii  |ii 


vistii.'    Ihirih,  I'inlllhi,    Hist.   Fniil.  Mr 


\\ 


(iscipiiic,  ]iara  ilciiuiicr 
(ilit.      I'lVscutI,   .1/'  .■..  vol. 


|i.    1S(),  citiiii;  tlio  above  autlior,  ;;i\cs  live  Inindrcd  and  twenty  as  tin- 


vvliolc  nnnilicr  of  stcjis,  witlioiit  I'liitlici'  remark 
iieinada  also  iiicntions  tliis  staireas 


10  w 


-I3(i 


J/o 


•'/.   IikI.,  toiii.  ii.,  |i 


20 


'  lisciiiiiida  cii  ella  eii  circunfercuciu  los  afios  desde  4110  lialiia  iiaeido  el 


ON*    ifir   ^^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


I  ^  IIIIIE 

it"  li£  lllllio 


1.8 


1.25      1.4 

IIIJ& 

^ 

6"     — 

► 

Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


%i  WIST  MAIN  STMir 

WnSTIR.N.Y.  149(0 

(716)  •73-4503 


170 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


the  eliilioratc  device  of  which  it  is  almost  impossible 
to  imagine  from  the  clumsy  description  of  it  given  by 
Ixtlilxochitl.  As  nearly  as  I  can  make  it  out,  certain 
figures  rei)resenting  a  deer's  foot  adorned  with  featliers 
and  having  a  precious  stone  tied  to  it,  a  hind  suj)port- 
ing  an  arm  which  grasj):;  a  bow  and  arrows,  and  a  corse- 
leted  warrior,  wearing  a  helmet  with  its  ear-})ieces, 
formed  the  centre;  these  were  Hanked  by  two  houses, 
one  in  flames  and  falling  to  i)ieces,  the  other  whole  and 
highly  ornamented;  two  tigers  of  the  country,  vomit- 
ing fire  and  water,  served  as  supporters;  the  wliole 
was  surrounded  by  a  border  comjjosed  of  twelve  heads 
of  kings  and  great  nobles.  From  this  basin  the  water 
was  distributed  through  the  gardens  in  two  streams, 
one  of  which  meandered  down  'he  northern  side  of  tlie 
hill,  and  tlie  other  down  the  southern  side.  Diivila 
Piulilla  relates  that  there  also  stood  upon  the  sunniiit 
an  image  of  a  coyote,  hewn  from  the  living  rock,  which 
represented  a  celebrated  fasting  Indian.^'  There  were 
likewise  several  towers  or  columns  of  stone,  having 
their  capitals  made  in  the  shaj)e  of  a  pot,  from  which 
protruded  plumes  of  feathers,  which  signified  the  name 
of  the  place.  Lower  down  was  the  colossal  figure  of 
a  winged  beast,  called  by  Ixtlilxochitl  a  lion,^^  lyi"^ 
down,  with  its  face  toward  the  east,  and  bearing  in 
its  mouth  a  sculptured  portrait  of  the  king;  this  statue 
was  generally  covered  with  a  canopy  adorned  with 
gold  and  feather- work. '^ 

A  little  lower  yet  were  three  basins  of  wjiter,  em- 
l)leMiatic  of  the  great  lake,  and  on  the  borders  of  the 
middle  one  three  female  figures  were  sculi)tured  on 
the  solid  rock,  representing  the  heads  of  the  confed- 

rev  Nfzaliniilo<»iotzin,  linHtn  la  e<liul  dc  nniicl  ticni|M).'  IxtliLeorliitl,  Jlisf. 
t'/iir/i.,  ill  l\'iiiif.s/wroH;/h\s  Mrx.  Aiifii/.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  '2.VJ.  I'rescott  miivh  lliat 
tlio  liitTo^lvpliiis  represented  the  'years  of  Nczuliualcoyutrti  rei^'ii.'  Jfiu:, 
vol,  i.,  p.  181'. 

>"  ///.v/.   Friid.  .\f(.i:,  n.  G\9.     'This  fij^uie  was,  no  doulit,  the  oiiilik-iii 

of  Ni'Ziliiialcovotl  liiniHelf,  whose  name Hi<;nilied  "liunjfrv  fox."'  J'lrs- 

I'otrs  M<:i.,  vol.  i.,  ji.  183,  note  42. 

22  '  I'll  leoii  de  mas  de  dos  Itrazas  de  hirjjo  con  mis  alas  y  pliimas.'  Hint. 
C/iii-fi.,  ill  Khiifsliiiniiiif/i'n  Mix.  Aiifii/.,  vol.  ix.,  i>.  -ii'I. 

2J  The^iu  iigiu'va  were  de»truyed  by  order  of  hr  Juuu  de  Zumiirruga,  firbt 


ORNAMENTAL  GARDENS  AT  TEZCOZINCO. 


171 


ein- 
r  the 

111  oil 
litecl- 

Uist. 

Is  tliat 
J/i./'., 

Inltluni 
i'/r.v- 

llUt. 

ili'st 


crated  states  of  Mexico,  Tezcuco,  and  Tlacojmn.'^*  Up- 
on tlie  northern  side  of  the  hill  was  another  po'id ;  and 
here  upon  the  rock  was  carved  the  coat  of  arms  of  the 
city  of  Tollan,  which  was  formerly  the  chief  town  of 
the  Toltecs;  upon  the  southern  slope  of  the  hill  was 
yet  another  pond,  bearing  the  coat  of  arms  and  the 
name  of  the  city  of  Tenayuca,  which  was  formerly 
the  head  town  of  the  Chichimecs.  From  this  basin  a 
stream  of  water  flowed  continually  over  the  precipice, 
and  being  dashed  into  spray  upon  the  rocks,  was  scat- 
tered like  rain  over  a  garden  of  odorous  tropical 
plants.'"     In  the  garden  were  two  baths,  dug  out  of 

IJisliop  of  Arexieo.  Ddvila  Padilla,  Hist.  Fvud.  Mcx.,  p.  CM);  Ixtliho- 
iliitl.  Hist.  Chick.,  ill  Kiiigsboruiinlis  Mrx.  Aiitia.,  vol.  ix.,  i>.  '2.VJ.  Tlio 
iiijiiry  \vroH>jht  by  tliis  holy  iconocmst  is  iiicalciilaldc.  Hliiuioil  liy  tlie  mad 
faiiatiL'ism  ot  tiie  aye,  he  saw  a  devil  in  every  Aztec  inia;;u  and  liien»i;lyi)h; 
Ills  Iiaiiiniers  did  more  in  u  few  years  to  eUace  all  vestiijes  of  Aztec  art  and 
j^reatuess  than  time  and  decay  conld  have  done  in  as  many  centuries.  It  is 
a  few  such  men  as  this  that  tlie  world  has  to  thank  for  the  utter  extinction 
iu  a  few  short  vears  of  a  mighty  civilization.  In  a  letter  to  the  Franciscan 
(  liapter  at  Tolowi,  dated  June  1*2,  1531,  we  And  the  old  hi^ot  exultin<;  over 
his  vandalism.  'V'ery  reverend  Fathers,'  he  writes:  'he  it  known  to  you 
that  we  are  very  busy  in  the  work  of  convertiiifj;  the  heathen;  of  whom,  by 
tiie  ;;race  of  (iod,  unwards  of  one  million  have  been  ba]>tized  at  the  hands 
of  llu!  brethren  of  the  order  of  our  serajdiic  Father  Saint  Francis;  live  hun- 
dred tem|iles  have  been  leveleil  to  the  pouiul,  and  more  than  twenty  thous- 
and li;{urcs  of  the  devils  they  worshiped  have  been  broken  to  pieces  and 
liiirned.'  And  it  api>ears  that  the  worthy  zealot  had  even  succeeded  in 
briuLjin;^  the  natives  themselves  to  his  way  of  thinking;,  for  further  on  he 
wriies:  'They  watch  with^^reat  care  tosec  where  their  fathers  hide  the  idolw, 
••'.iid  then  with  jjreat  liilelity  they  brin;f  them  to  the  reIiL;ious  of  our  order 
tliat  they  may  be  tlestroved;  and  for  tiiis  many  of  them  nave  been  brutally 
mur'lered  l»v  their  parents,  or,  to  speak  more  jirojierly,  have  been  crowned 
in  ;.'lory  witli  Christ.'  DiiT.  l.'nic.,  Apii.,  toiu.  iii.,  j).  1131. 

''  'I'liere  is  a  sin^^ular  confusion  aliout  this  jtassaffe.  In  Kiiiffshoroiiy/i's 
ilA'.c.  Aiitii/.,  v(d.  ix.,  p.  'ITvl,  I\tlil.\ochitl  is  made  to  write  'In  pot{uito 
mas  abajo  (!st'iban  Ires  albercas  de  a;^ua,  y  en  la  del  medio  eMalian  eu  sus 
bordits  tres  dannis  csculpidas  y  labradas  en  la  misnia  pena,  tiue  si^^uilica- 
lian  la  ;;nui  lai^nna:  y  las  ntiiiis  las  cabezas  del  im|ierio.'  In  rirsrutt's 
M'.r.,  Ap/i.,  vol.  iii.,  pp.  430-'2,  Ixtlilxochitl's  description  of  Tezcozinco  is 
nivcu  in  full;  the  alntve-ipioted  i)assa;ie  is  exactly  the  same  here  except 
that  for  viiiits,  fro;;s,  we  read  rtunns,  branches.  FitiuM'  of  tiicsc  wonls 
would  render  the  description  iiu-omprchensibie,  and  iu  my  d<'si'ripiion  1 
have  assumed  that  they  are  both  misprints  for  itmiius.  Mr  I'rescoti,  Mtj\, 
Vol.  i.,  pp.  l>S'2-.'{,  surmounts  the  ditru'ulty  as  follows:  'On  u  lower  level 
were  three  other  re.servoirs,  in  an'h  (if  ir/iirh  stniid  <i  iiinrhli'  .slutiir  nf  a 
iroiiinii,  emblematic  of  the  three  states  of  the  empire.'  This  is  inaccurate 
as  well  as  incomplete,  imismuch  as  the  lij^ures  were  not  ftatucs,  cat  h  st-aml- 
iii;,'  in  a  basin,  but  were  all  three  cut  upon  the  face  of  ii.i>  rock-lmrler  of 
the  midtlle  basin. 

^>  I  have  no  doubt  that  this  is  the  basin  known  to  inoilern  travelers  as 
the  'Hatlis  of  Montezuma,'  of  which  Waril  says  that  it  is  neither  of 
tlic  proper  shape,  nor  larye  enuuyh  for  a  bath,  but  that  it  more  prolmbly 


172 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


<Uic  larq-e  piece  of  porphyry,'*  and  a  fli^fht  of  stej)s 
also  cut  from  the  solid  rock,  worked  and  polished  so 
smooth  that  they  looked  like  mirrors,  and  on  the  front 
of  the  stairs  were  carved  the  year,  month,  day,  and 
hour  in  which  infonnation  was  brought  to  King  Xeza- 
liualcoyotl  of  tlie  death  of  a  certain  lord  of  Huexot- 
zinco,  whom  he  esteemed  very  highly,  and  who  died 
while  the  said  staircasre  was  being  built.*^  The  garden 
is  said  to  have  been  a  ])ei'fect  little  paradise.  Tiie 
*>('  'geous  Howers  wore  all  transplanted  from  the  dis- 
tant tierra  caliente;  marble  pavilions,  supj)orted  on 
slender  columns,  with  tesselated  pavements  and  s})ark- 
ling  fountains,  nestled  among  the  shady  groves  and 
afforded  a  cool  retreat  during  the  long  sunnner  davs. 
At  tlie  end  of  the  garden,  almost  hidden  by  the  groups 
of  gigantic  cedars  and  cypresses  that  surrounded  it, 


'served  to  reeeive  the  waters  of  a  spring,  sinre  dried  up,  as  its  depth 
is  coiisideraltle,  while  tlie  edjje  on  one  side  is  formed  into  a  spout.'  J/c.c- 
iV'o,  Vol.  ii.,  ji.  '2\}7.  Of  late  yeaix  this  exeavatiou  has  been  repeatedly 
descrilH'il  liy  men  who  elaini  to  have  visited  it,  but  whose  statements  it  is 
)iard  to  reeoneilc.  Itullo.  !\  mentions  liuvin<{  seen  on  this  spot  'a  lieantifid 
l»a.<in  aljiMit  twelve  feet  lonjy  by  eij;lit  wide,  having;  u  well  about  five  feet 
by  four  tieep  in  the  eentre,  surrounded  by  a  para]K;t  or  rim  two  feet  six 
int-hes  hi<.;li.  with  a  throne  or  chair,  sueh  as  is  represente<l  in  ancient  pictures 
to  liave  bi'iMi  used  by  the  kin^s.  There  are  steps  to  descend  into  the  iiasin 
or  liatli;  the  whole  cut  out  of  tlic  )ivin<i;  |K>rpliyry  rock  with  the  most  math- 
ematical precision,  and  iitdished  in  tlie  most  Iteautifnl  nuiuner.'  Mixivn, 
vid.  ii.,  ]ip.  l2.5-(».  I.atrobe  says  there  were  'two  sin<;ular  basins,  of  per- 
haps two  f(>ct  and  a  half  in  diameter,  not  bi^  enou<;h  for  any  monarch  w^- 
^er  than  Obcroii  to  take  a  duck  in.'  litnii/i/cr,  p.  187;  Virtue's  Tnirvl.i,  v(d. 
1.,  i>.  '11.  mentions  'the  remains  ((f  a  circular  stone  bath. ..  .about  a  foot 
d<H'p  and  live  in  diameter,  with  a  snuill  Kurroinulin<;aiul  smoothed  space  cut 
out  of  the  solid  rock.'  Uraiit/  Mayer,  who  both  .saw  it  and  ;;ives  a  sketcli 
of  it,  writes:  'The  rock  is  snuMtthed  to  a  i>erfect  level  for  several  yards, 
around  wliich,  seats  and  jj;rooves  are  carvetl  from  the  adjacent  masses,  in 
tlie  centre  there  is  a  circular  sink,  abnut  a  yard  and  a  half  in  diameter,  and 
n  ya"d  in  de|>tli,  and  a  sipuire  pipe,  with  a  small  aiiertnre,  led  the  water  from 
an  auMcduct,  wliich  ap|iears  to  terminate  in  this  basin.'  Mc.r.  itn  it  Was,  \\. 
'J:U.  .'{caufoy  says  that  two-thinls  up  the  southern  side  of  the  hill  was  a 
mass  ot  line  red  porphyry,  in  which  was  an  excavation  six  feet  st|uare,  w  ilh 
stens  ici.'diii;;  down  three  feet,  having;  in  the  centre  a  circular  l»as  n  four 
and  a  hall"  feet  in  diameter  ami  live  deep,  also  with  steps.  Mi:r.  Illiistr.,  p. 
l!>.5.  'On  the  side  of  the  hill  are  two  little  circular  baths,  cut  in  the  solid 
roi'k.  The  lower  of  the  two  has  a  tlijrht  of  steps  down  to  it;  the  seal  for 
the  bather,  an*l  the  sttuie  pipe  which  briuij^ht  the  water,  are  still  ijuite 
perfect.'    Tif/ors  Aiin/iiiar,  \t.  1,V2. 

■■"■  'Tras  este  jardin  se  se}<uian  los  bafios  hechos  y  labrados  de  jiefia  viva, 
que  con  dividirse  en  dos  bafios  era  de  una  pieza.'  IxlliLvochiU,  Hist,  t'hich., 
in  Kimislniroiitjlis  Mcx.  Aittiq.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  '2o'J. 


TOLTKC  I»ALAri:s. 


173 


was  the  royal  palace,*'  so  situated  tliat  while  its  s])a- 
t'ious  halls  were  filled  with  the  sensuous  odors  of  the 
tro[)ics,  hlown  in  from  the  gardens,  it  remained  shel- 
tered fnnn  the  heat.^ 

If  the  ancient  traditions  maybe  believed,  the  Tol- 
teo  monarclis  built  as  magniKcent  palaces  as  their 
Aztec  successors.  The  sacred  palace  of  that  mysteri- 
ous Toltec  priest-king,  Quetzalcoatl,  had  four  principal 
halls,  facing  the  four  cardinal  jMMnts.  That  on  the 
east  was  called  the  Hall  of  (iold,  because  its  halls 
were  ornamented  with  f)lates  of  that  metal,  delicately 
chased  and  finished;  the  apartment  lying  toward  tiie 
west  was  named  the  Hall  of  Emeralds  and  Tunpioises, 
and  its  walls  were  profusely  adorned  with  all  kinds  of 
]>recious  stones;  the  hall  facing  the  south  was  deco- 
rated with  plates  of  silver  and  with  brilliant-colored 
sea-shells,  which  were  fitted  together  with  great  skill. 
The  walls  of  the  fourth  hall,  which  was  o!i  the  north, 
were  red  jasj)er,  covered  with  carving  anil  ornamented 
with  shells.  Another  of  these  pah'ices  or  temples,  for 
it  is  not  clear  which  they  were,  had  also  four  principal 


'"  Diivila  Padilla  says  that  some  of  tlic  gateways  of  lliis  palace  worr 
funned  of  one  piece  of  stone,  aixl  lie  si»\v  one  Ihniui  of  cedar  tli«'re  wliicli  was 
almost  ninety  teet  in  Ien;;tli  and  four  in  )>rea<ltli.  Hist.  Frml.  Mix.,  p.  (i'JO. 

■■"' Concern  ill";  the  royal  l>nildin<;s,  ;,'ardens,  iS:c.,  of  tlie  A/tecs,  compare 
l.ii.t  Ciisiis,  Hist.  A/ii)/oifelirii,  MS.,  toni.  i.,  caji.  !.;  '/'orijiniiiiK/ii,  Miniinui. 
Iiiil.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  I(i7,  '29»>-S;  I.rl/i/,riti/ii//,  lli.il.  Chirli.,  in  Kiiiiffihiiroini/i  .t 
Mi:i\  Aiifif/..  vol.  ix.,  pp.  l»43-4,  'J.')!---*;  Pdrilii  I'ik/i/Ih,  Hint,  f'nid.  Mis., 
pp.  (il'.)-"20;  liilntioDc  Jiittii  jirr  rii  i/nifir/iiii'iiiit  i/i-l  Sii/nor  Ffriniiiilo  Cnr- 
t'sr.  in  liinuii.sio,  Xiviifiitimii,  ti)ni.  iii.,  fid.  .'UM*;  Sn/int/iiii,  lli.st.  tint.,  toni. 
ii.,  iili.  viii.,  pp.  .SO'i-'.h  ('iimiirifo.  Hist.  Tfn.r.,  in  \iii(ri/fis  Amndrs  ihn 
I'll/.,  \SVA,  toin.  xcviii.,  p.  liMJ;  Aro.itfi\i  /li.sf.  S'uf.  lint.,  p.  4SI;  ('Imiifrrn, 
S'liriii  Ant.  ifrl  Mr.s.siro,  toni.  i.,  pp.  U7I-4;  Oririlo,  Hist,  (ini.,  toni.  iii.,  pp. 
.•{ti.')-7,  .")((4;  Jliriial  I)i<iz,  Jli.it.  <  imq.  M.  (iO;  Moto/iiiin,  Jli.sf.  Imlios,  in 
Iriizhiilvrtu,  Col.  df  Doc,  toin.  i.,  i»|i.  l81-.">;  (imiiiirii,  <'inii/.  Mrx.,  fol. 
107-11;  (Jrti'tffi,  in  Viiitin,  Hist.  Ant.  Mij.,  tom.  iii.,  pp.  III.')  Ill;  t'nt-lis, 
I'lirliis,  pp.  1 10-11:  Hirnrii,  Hist.  <!in.,  dec.  ii.,  lili.  vii.,  ca|>.  i\.  xi.;  Wist- 
liiili.sriii-  S/iii'//irt,  pp.  '24.")-<),  H4.'{;  (ini/i's  Xiir  Suriri/,  p|>.  '.•7-'.t;  I'rti  r  Mur- 
Ifir,  dec.  v.,  lib.  iii.,  iv.,  x.;  t'hrrnlin;  Mrjiinir,  pp.  'M>-'2;  I'lrsm/t's  .Mi.i-., 
vol,  i.,  pp.  177-.S4,  vol.  ii.,  pjt.  (J.">,  ll."-'21;  nrn.s.srnr  itr  I'limr/ionrif,  lli.st. 
S'lil.  Cir.,  toin.  iv.,  pp.  8-11;  I'immlrl,  linzii  Iniliijriiii,  p.  'u\  Tii/iin,  Hi- 
/■irinn,  ill  Ii'ozhnlrrtii  Col.  ilf  hoc,  toin,  ii.,  pp.  .").si-.'l.  Oilier  works  of  no 
iiri;.'iiial  value,  which  touch  on  this  suhject.  are:  Kli'nini,  Cnltnr-(ii  srhirhii , 
tiilll.  v.,  pp.  1."),  244,  t>.V-(»,  '2;<4-7;  linntinif's  Hist.  Jir.sriirr/ns,  p[>,  .'{17  ""I; 
Hii.s.iirrri',  Vl'liapitr  Mrxii'uiti,  pp.  1M>-4,  l(M>;  Murifirrfor's  I'riii/rr.tsi;/'  A  nur- 
i'li,  p,  '22;  Hilirorth's  Conq.  Mcx.,  pp.  GO,  70;  Went  und  (Jut  ludischer  Lu.sl- 
ijirt,  j>t  i,,  p.  1;^. 


174 


THE  XAIH'A  NATIONS. 


halls  decorated  entirely  with  feather-work  tapestiy. 
In  the  eastern  division  tlie  feathers  were  yellow;  in 
the  western  they  were  hhie,  taken  from  a  hird  called 
Xiuhtototl;  in  the  southern  hall  the  feathers  were 
white,  and  in  that  on  the  north  they  were  red.* 

The  number  of  attendants  attached  to  the  royal 
houses  was  very  great.  Every  day  from  sunrise  until 
sunset  the  antechand>ers  of  Montezuma's  palace  in 
Mexico  were  occupied  hy  six  hundred  noblemen  and 
jj^entlemen,  who  passed  the  time  lounginj^  about  and 
discussinj^  the  gossip  of  the  day  in  low  tones,  for  it 
was  considered  disrespectful  to  speak  loudly  or  make 
any  noise  within  the  palace  limits.  They  were  j)ro- 
vided  with  apartments  in  the  palace,"'*  and  took  their 
meals  from  what  remained  of  the  superabundance  of 
the  rt)yal  table,  as  did,  after  them,  their  own  servants, 
of  whom  each  person  of  quality  was  entitled  to  from 
one  to  thirty,  according  to  his  rank.  These  retainers, 
numbering  two  or  three  thousand,  filled  several  outer 
courts  during  the  day. 

The  king  took  his  meals  alone,  in  one  of  the  largest 
halls  of  the  palace.  If  the  weather  was  cold,  a  tire 
was  kindled  with  a  kind  of  charcoal  mfide  of  the  bark 
of  trees,  which  emitted  no  smoke,  but  threw  out  a  de- 
licious j)erfume;  and  that  his  majesty  might  suffer  no 
inconvenience  from  the  heat,  a  screen  ornamented  with 
gold  and  carved  with  figures  of  the  idols^*  was  placed 
between  his  person  and  the  fire.  He  was  seated  ujton 
a  low  leather  cushion,  upon  which  were  thrown  Vfiri- 
ous  soft  skins,  and  his  table  was  of  a  similar  descri})- 
tion,  except  that  it  was  larger  and  rather  higher,  and 
was  covered  with  white  cotton  cloths  of  the  finest 
texture.  The  dinner-service  was  of  the  finest  ware  of 
Cholula,  and  many  of  the  goblets  were  of  gold  and 

30  Safiiiffiin,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  iii.,  liK  x.,  pp.  107-S. 

3'  ("li)se  to  the  greut  uudionco  hall  waw  u  vtTv  larj;o  oourt-yanl,  'on  nun 
avift  \ncnt  aiM)Hcnt<»8  de  vcynte  ^  i;'\i\v»  {\  tre\  nta  jtius  <le  laryo  ca<hi  Hint  sobre 
hi  on  tnrno  w  dichu  patio,  i  alii  cHtalxin  Iom  Hc-noreB  prin<;ipaleH  a]M)HHontados, 
oonid  piardas  del  pala^io  ordinariaH.'  Oriedo,  Hint.  Grn.,  torn,  lii.,  i).  Tidl. 

5*  'ViMi  c<tnio  tahin  labrmlu  con  oro,  y  otrus  liguran  de  idolos.  Lcritul 
Diaz,  Hist.  Cotuj.,  fol.  68. 


MONTEZUMA  AT  TABLE. 


175 


silver,  or  fusliioned  of  l)cautiful  sliolls.  He  is  said  to 
have  possessed  a  complete  service  of  solid  j^old,  luit  as 
it  was  considered  below  a  kiiiji^'s  diupiity  to  use  aiiy- 
tliiiiLf  at  table  twice,  Moiitezuina  with  all  his  extrava- 
ifaiice,  was  oblij^ed  to  keej)  this  costly  dinner-set  in 
the  temple.  The  bill  of  fare  comprised  everything; 
edible  of  fish,  flesh,  and  fowl,  that  could  be  procured 
in  tlu!  empire  or  im])orted  from  beyond  it,  Kelays  of 
(•(•iiriers  were  employed  in  brini,nn«if  delicacies  I'rom 
alar,  and  as  the  royal  table  was  every  day  su])j)lied 
with  fresh  fish  brouoht,  without  the  modern  aid*  of 
ice  and  air-tight  packing,  from  a  sea-ct)ast  more  than 
two  hundred  miles  distant,  by  a  road  passing  chiefly 
through  a  tropical  climate,  we  can  form  some  i(I(>a  of 
the  speed  with  which  these  couriers  traveled.  There 
were  cunning  cooks  among  the  Aztecs,  and  at  these 
cxtravaijcant  nieals  there  was  almost  as  much  var!  'v 
in  the  c<K)king  as  in  the  matter  cooked.  Sahagun"" 
gives  a  most  formidable  list  of  roast,  stewed,  and  boiled 
dishes  of  meat,  fish,  and  jioultry,  seasoned  with  many 
kinds  of  herbs,  of  which,  however,  the  most  l"re»ji;ontly 
mentioned  is  chile.""  He  further  describes  many  kinds 
of  bread,  all  bearing  a  more  or  less  close  i'\SL'nd)lance 
to  the  modern  Mexican  tortilla,"'"''  and  all  most  tre- 
mendously named;  imagine,  for  instance,  when  one 
wished  for  a  piece  of  bread,  having  to  ask  one's  neigh- 
bor to  be  good  enough  to  i)ass  the  totanciuitlaxcallit- 
hujuelpacholli ;  then  there  were  tamales  of  all  kinds,'"' 

'T  Hist.  Gf».,  toni.  ii.,  lil».  viii.,  j.p.  '207-.1O2. 

''*  This  |uiii<!;(Mit  t'oniliiiitMit  is  at  tlif  |ii'('st'iit  <1ay  as  oiniii])r<>s(<iit  in  S|iaii- 
\A\  Aiiicricaii  (lislies  as  it  was  at  tlii'  tunc  of  tlic  ('iiiii|iii'st ;  iiiiil  I  am  sci'i- 
oii^ly  inforiut>(l  by  a  Spaiiisli  ^'<>iitlciiiaii  who  roidi'il  for  many  yt'ars  in  Mcx- 
iiii.  imkI  was  an  ollicor  in  Maximilian's  army,  that  whiU"  tlu?  woIncs  wonUl 
fi'cil  upon  the  (U>ad  IhkUcs  of  th<>  Frcncli  that  hiy  all  wv^hx  upon  the  hattle 
liiltl,  they  never  toiu'iieil  tlie  Inidies  of  the  Mexieans,  liecause  ihi'  lle-h  of 
the  latter  was  eoinpletely  impregnated  with  cliile.  Whieii,  if  true,  may  he 
thou;rlit  to  show  that  wolves  do  not  ohjeet  to  a  «liet  seasom-d  \\\\\\  j.'arlic. 

^''  DeserilK'd  t«M»  frequently  in  V(d.  i.,  of  this  series,  to  need  repetition. 

">  The  tnniale  is  unothr  very  favorite  modern  Mexiean  «lish.  Tin;  na- 
tives ;renerally  make  tlijm  with  iK)rk;  tlic  Iwrties  are  ernshed  almost  to 
]Hi\v(ler;  the  meat  is  eut  up  in  snudl  ])ieees,  and  the  wliole  washed;  a  snuitl 
tpiautity  of  mai/c  ]Miste,  seasoned  with  einnanion,  Hatl'ron,  eloves,  pimento, 
ioMiatoes,  eoarst!  j)en|K'r,  salt,  red  eolorin);  nuitter,  and  Home  lard  added  to 
it,  is  plavtfd  uii  the  urc  iu  u  pan;  a»  houu  aa  it  hats  aci^uirud  the  cuuaiHteney 


176 


THE  NAIIIA  NATIONS. 


aiid  many  othor  curious  nienses,  such  as  fr<)<>-spawn, 
uud  stowed  ants  cooked  with  chile,  hut  more  loath- 
some to  us  than  even  such  as  these,  and  stran«,'est 
of  all  the  strange  compounds  that  went  to  make  uj> 
the  royal  carte,  was  one  highly  seasoned,  and  prohahly 
savory-smelling  dish,  so  exquisitely  prepared  that  its 
principal  ingredient  was  completely  disguised,  yet  that 
ingredient  was  nothing  else  than  human  tiesh.'"  Eacli 
dish  was  kept  warm  hy  a  chafing-dish  placed  under  it. 
Writers  do  not  agree  as  to  the  exact  quantity  of  food 
.served  up  at  each  meal,  hut  it  must  have  heen  iuj- 
mense,  since  the  lowest  nund)er  of  dishes  given  is 
three  hundred,"'^  and  the  highest  three  thousand.'-' 
They  were  hrought  into  the  hall  hy  four  hundred 
juiges  of  nohle  birth,  who  placed  their  hurdens  ujvoii 
the  matted  floor  and  retired  noiselessly.  The  king 
then  pointed  out  such  viands  as  he  wished  to  partake 
of,  or  left  tlie  selection  to  his  steward,  who  dt)ul)tless 
took  pains  to  study  the  likes  and  dislikes  of  the  royal 
})alate.  This  steward  was  a  functionary  of  the  highest 
rank  and  imjjortance;  he  alone  was  privileged  to  place 
the  designated  delicacies  before  the  king  upon  the 

of  !i  thick  pjiiol  it  is  rcniovpd,  mixed  with  tlie  meat,  some  more  liird  ami 
salt  added,  and  the  mass  i<iiea<ied  for  a  few  moments;  it  is  then  di\  iiied  inln 
small  ]iortioiis,  whieli  arc  enveloped  in  a  thin  paste  of  maixe.  'J'he  taniales 
thns  ])it'pare<l  arc;  eovered  with  a  haiiana-Ieaf  or  a  eorn-liiisk,  and  iilaced  in 
a  pot  or  pan  over  whieh  lar^e  leaver  are  laid.  'I'hey  ace  allowed  to  lioil  from 
one  hour  and  a  half  to  two  hours,  (lame,  p»)ultry,  vegetables,  or  sweet- 
meats arc  often  used  instead  of  iiork. 

3'  Tori[uemada,  M'^narq.  Inn.,  tom.  i.,  p.  229,  regrets  tliat  certain  per- 
sons, out  of  the  ill-w'l  they  hore  the  Ale.xieans,  liave  falsely  im|iute(l  to 
Monte/uma  the  erimc  of  eatin<;  human  tlesh  without  its  hein;;  well  seasoned, 
Itut  he  admits  that  when  ]iroperIy  eooked  and  dis<ruised,  the  tlesh  of  those 
saerilieed  to  the  {^ods  api)eareil  at  the  royal  lioanl.  Some  modern  writers 
seem  to  douht  even  this;  it  is,  however,  certain  that  eannihalism  existed 
amiMi;;  the  j)Cople,  not  as  a  means  of  allaying  amietitc,  but  from  partly  re- 
ligious motives,  an<l  there  seems  no  rea.son  to  «loubt  that  the  king  shared 
the  8U|>erstitiuns  of  the  i>co]de.  I  do  not,  however,  base  the  opinion  upon 
Ovietlo's  assertion,  whieh  smacks  ftrongly  of  the  'giant  stories' e.f  the  nur- 
sery, that  certain  'dishes  of  tender  children'  graced  the  monareh's  table. 
Jhnt.  Gen.,  tom.  iii.,  p.  I»01  Hermtl  Diaz,  Jfist.  Cum/.,  fol.  (iS,  also  cannot 
withstand  the  temptation  1 1  d'lal  in  the  nutrvelous,  an<l  mentions  'carnesde 
muchaehos  de  poeaedad;'  though  it  is  true  the  soldier-like  bluiitness  the 
veteran  so  ])rided  himscli  upon,  eonies  to  his  aid,  and  he  udmitH  that  i>er- 
ha])s  after  all  Montezuiia  was  not  an  ogre. 

^s  Uniitil  Diaz,  Hit.  C'un</.,  fol.  GH. 

3»  Onalo,  Hint.  U:n.,  tom.  iii.,  p.  501. 


MONTEZUMA'S  TABLE. 


177 


ta1>lo;  he  appears  to  have  done  duty  lK)th  as  royal 
tiirver  aiitl  cuphearer,  and,  according  to  Tonpieniada, 
to  luive  done  it  barefooted  and  on  his  knees.*"  Every- 
thinj^  ht'injif  in  readiness,  a  number  of  tlie  most  beauti- 
ful of  the  kin«^'s  women"  entered,  bearin«(  water  in 
n)und  vessels  called  xicales,  for  tlie  kin«(  to  wash  his 
hands  in,  and  towels  that  he  mi«rht  dry  them,  other 
vessels  bein<^  placed  upon  the  ground  to  catch  the  drip- 
jtiiijjfs.  Two  other  women  at  the  same  time  brou«j;ht 
liim  some  small  loaves  of  a  very  delicate  kind  of  i)read 
made  of  the  finest  maize-Hour,  beaten  up  with  e«j^}rs. 
This  done,  a  wotnlen  screen,  carved  and  ^ilt,  was 
placed  l)efore  him,  that  no  one  mijj^ht  see  liim  while 
catino-.*'  There  were  always  present  five  or  six  a«,a'd 
lords,  who  stood  near  the  royal  chair  barefooted,  and 
with  bowed  heads.  To  these,  as  a  special  niark  of 
favor,  the  kinu^  occasionally  sent  a  choice  morsel  from 
liis  own  plate.  During  the  meal  the  monarch  some- 
times annised  himself  by  watchinijr  tlie  performances 
of  his  juj*'olers  and  tumblers,  whose  marvelous  feats 
of  stren;;th  and  dexterity  1  shall  describe  in  anotiier 
place;  at  other  times  there  was  dancin<j^,  accompanied 
l»y  sinjj^in**-  and  nuisic;  there  were  also  present  dwarfs, 
and  professional  jesters,  who  were  allowed  to  speak, 
a  privilejj^e  denied  all  others  under  penalty  of  death, 
and,  after  the  manner  of  their  kind,  to  tell  sharp 
truths  in  the  shape  of  jests.  The  more  solid  fotnl 
was  followed  by  pastry,  sweetmeats,  and  a  ma«'nificent 
(lessei't  of  fruit.  The  only  beveraj^e  drank  at  the  nieal 
was  chocolate,"  of  which  about  fifty  jars  were  i)ro- 

<"  Mnuarfi.  Tiifl,  torn.  i..  p.  229. 

"  lit^iiial  |)i;i/.,  Ilist.  Coin/.,  fcil.  ('>8,  ssiiys  tln-rc  were  foiirof  tlieso  witinoi; 
Tiii'c|iiciiiailii,  Moimri/.  linf.,  tcmi.  i.,  p.  'J'i'.t,  siiys  tlicrc  witc  twenty. 

''-  'K  va  <|iif  t'Diiu'iivHiia  li  comer,  eeluiiiaiile  ilelaiite  vna  coino  ]iiierta  litt 
niiiilera  iiiiiy  piiitada  deont,  ponpie  no  le  viessen  conxT.'  Itrniti/  hinz,  Hist. 
'''iiii/.,  fol.  (JS.  'Lneijoque  so  sentaba  a  la  .Mesa,  i.-erralia  el  .Maestre-Saia 
vna  Varanda  ile  Mauera,  (|ue  tliviiiia  la  Sala,  para  i|iie  la  NoUleva  de  lo.s 
<  alialleroH,  i/nr  (ini(/ia  (i  rrrlr  roiiifi;  no  eiMlianii,'a.<e  la  Me.sji.'  Tori/iiriiiiii/n, 
MriiKin/.  liiif.,  toni.  i.,  i>.  221(.  'Tosto  die  il  Ue  si  nietteva  a  tavola,  cliiiide- 
\a  Id  Sealeo  la  porta  ilella  Sala,  aeeioeelie  nesHiino  (le<;li  altri  N'cdiili  lt> 
M'liesse  niaii;;iare.'  I'lnrhjiro,  S/oria  Aiit.  i/rf  Mr.i.s-iro,  toni.  i.,  p.  270. 

*'  'A  |Mitation  of  dioeolate,  flavored  with  vanilla  and  other  spices,  and 
»>  jircitared  as  to  lu;  reduced  to  u  froth  of  the  cousiutcucy  of  houcy,  wliich 
Vol.  II.    IJ 


178 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


vidtfd;**  it  was  taken  with  a  s|)(Mm,  finely  \vr<)u«'lit  of 
gold  or  shell,  from  a  t,'ohlet  of  the  same  niaterial. 
Havinjjf  finished  iiis  dinner,  the  kinjjf  aufain  washed 
his  liands  in  water  hronj^ht  to  him,  as  hefore,  hy 
the  women.  After  this,  several  ])ainted  and  j,^ilt 
pipes  were  hrout^ht,  from  which  he  inhaled,  throu«^h 
his  nuuith  or  nose,  as  suited  him  best,  the  smoke 
of  a  mi.xture  of  li<juid-amher,  and  an  herb  called 
tobacco. *•"'  His  siesta  over,  he  devoted  hiniself  to 
business,  and  ])roceeded  to  <(ive  audience  to  forei<j;^n 
ambassadors,  deputations  from  cities  in  the  empire, 
and  t»)  such  of  his  lords  and  ministers  as  had  business 
to  transact  with  him.  Before  entering  the  presence- 
cluunber,  all,  no  matter  what  their  rank  might  be, 
unless  they  were  of  the  bhxKl-royal,  were  obliged  to 
leave  their  sandals  at  the  door,  to  cover  their  ricli 
dresses  with  a  large  coarse  mantle,  and  to  a})proa(li 
the  monarch  baref(K)ted  and  with  downcast  eyes,  I'or 
it  was  death  to  the  subject  who  should  dare  to  look 
his  sovereign  in  the  face.*"  The  king  usually  answered 
through  his  secretaries,"  or  when  he  deigned  to  s})eak 

grniliially  dissolved  in  the  mouth.'  Prrsrnff's  Mr.r.,  vol.  ii.,  p.  VlTy.  'Tiiis 
was  Muinctliini;  like  (Mir  chocolate,  and  prepared  in  the  Nuiiie  way,  hut  with 
this  (litt'ereiiee,  that  it  was  mixed  with  the  hoiled  dou<;h  of  maise,  and  was 
drunk  cold.'  lirnidl  Dinz,  Uixt.  Ctnn/.,  [Loekhart's  translation  Loud., 
1844,  vol.  i.,  note,  p.  3!)3].  'l^a  Indiidii  es  a;,'ua  mezdada  con  cierta  hariniv 
do  Unas  almen<lras  que  llunuin  ranio.  Ksta  es  de  mucha  sustancia,  nniy 
fresca,  y  sahrosa  y  agrudable,  y  no  einhriu^^a.'  Lan  t'asun,  Hint.  Apoloijftiin, 
AfS.,  cap.  ecxi. 

«  'Kntoiu-es  no  mirnunnuts  en  ello;  nuis  lo  (|uo  yo  vi,  que  traiau  .sol>re 
cincmMita  jarros  {rrundes  hechos  de  huen  cacao  con  su  cspuma,  y  de  lo  (jiio 
Iwhia.'  lin-nal  hinz,  Hist.  Voiiq.,  fol.  (!S.  Ovie(h),  as  usual,  is  content  with 
no  lunnher  less  than  three  thousand:  'E  lue<?o  venian  tres  mill  j-irnto.i  (ciiii- 
taros  o  linforas)  de  hrcvaxc'  Jfist.  (icn.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  .5(M.  I.,as  Casas  niakc-s 
it  three  hundred:  'A  su  tiempo,  en  medio  i>  en  tin  dc  los  manjares  sc<ruu  la 
costnnihre  (|ue  tenian,  cntravan  otros  trescientos  pajes,  cada  uno  con  iiu 
vaso  -.frande  (pic  cahia  medio  aziimhre,  (ahout  a  (luart),  y  aun  tres  (|uartilll>^ 
de  la  hei>ida  en  el  misnut,  y  servia  el  un  va-so  al  rey  el  nuiestresala,  de  ijue 
behia  hxpie  le  a<^radava.'  Lun  Ca.ias,  Hl.st.  A/iofoffrtirn,  MS.,  cap.  ce.xi. 

*i  '  Vnas  ycrvas  (pie  se  dize  tahaco.'  Itrninl  Pin:,  Hist.  Com/.,  fol.  (!S. 

**  Only  hve  |>ersons  enjoyed  the  privileffo  of  looking  Montezuma  II.  in 
the  face:  the  kings  of  Tezcuco  and  TIacopan,  and  the  lords  of  Quaulititian, 
('oyouacan,  and  Azcapuzalco.  Lns  Cnsas,  Hint.  Apo/offt'tirn,  ^fS.,  v.a\h  ccxi. 
Bcriuil  Diaz  say^s  that  all  who  a]>proailied  the  royal  seat  made  three  rev- 
erences, saying  in  succession,  'Locd,'  'my  lord,'  'sublime  lord.'  Jlint.  Coik/., 
fol.  (i8. 

*T  This  custom  of  speaking  through  a  secretary  was  adopted  hy  the  other 
Aztec  monurchs  us  well  aa  Montezuuiu,  uud  wua  ulau  imitutcd  by  many  uf 


THE  UOYAL  WAUDU()I5K. 


179 


(ilroctly  to  tlie  ])erH<m  wlio  addivssod  liim,  it  was  in 
sui'li  a  low  tone  as  scarcely  to  ho  hoanl;*'*  at  the  saiiio 
tiino  ho  listoiit'd  very  attentively  to  all  that  was  coiii- 
municated  to  him,  and  encouraj^ed  those  who,  tVoni 
cMiharnussnient,  found  tlitticulty  in  speakinij^.  Each 
applicant,  when  dismissed,  retired  backward,  keoi)in«if 
liis  face  always  toward  the  royal  seat.  The  time  set 
apart  for  business  havinj^  elapsed,  he  apiin  jjfave  him- 
self up  to  pleasure,  and  usually  jiassed  the  time  in 
familiar  badinage  with  his  jesters,  or  in  listeninjjf  to 
ballad-singers  who  sang  of  war  and  the  glorious  detnls 
of  his  ancestors,  or  he  amused  himself  by  looking  on 
at  the  feats  of  strength  and  legerdemain  of  his  jug- 
glers and  acrobats;  or,  sometimes,  at  tiiis  hour,  ho 
would  retire  to  the  softer  j)leasures  of  the  harem. 
1  le  changed  Mh  dress  four  times  each  day,  and  a  dress 
once  worn  could  never  be  used  again.  Concerning 
tliis  custom,  Peter  Martyr,  translated  into  tiie  (|uaint- 
cst  of  English,  writes:  "Arising  from  his  bed,  he  is 
doathed  after  one  nuiner,  as  he  commeth  forth  to  bee 
scene,  and  returning  backo  into  his  chamber  after  he 
liath  dined,  he  changeth  his  garments:  and  when  he 
commeth  forthe  againe  to  supper,  hee  taketh  another, 
and  returning  backe  againe  the  fourtli  which  he  wear- 
oth  vntill  he  goe  to  bed.  But  concerning  ,'}.  garments, 
which  he  changeth  euery  day,  many  of  them  that  re- 
turned haue  reported  the  same  vnto  me,  with  their 
t)wne  mouth:  but  howsoeuer  it  be,  all  agree  in  the 
chansjfino- of  (rarmentes,  that  beinjj  once  taken  into  the 
wardrope,  they  are  there  piled  vj)  on  heaj»s,  not  likely 
to  see  the  face  of  Muteczuma  any  more:  but  what 
manner  of  garmentes  they  be,  we  will  elswhere  de- 
clare, for  they  are  very  light.     These  things  being 

tlie  jrrcat  tributary  lords  and  governors  of  provinros  who  wislicd  to  niako  as 
imu'li  display  of  their  ranli  and  di;;nity  as  possilile.  See  AJolofiniii,  Hist. 
Iiiiliiis,  in  Irazlxilirta,  Vol.  de  Dor.,  toin.  i.,  p.  ISt;  I.ft.'i  ('11.111.1,  lli.si.  A/iofo- 
ijrtint,  MS.,  caj).  eexi. ;  Toniiiriuaiiti,  }foiiari/.  Iiiif.,  toni.  i.,  ]>.  'JO.'). 

*'^  'Lo  que  Ids  senores  huidahan  y  lu  paiahra  que  mas  ordinarianientc  de- 
eian  al  tin  de  las  pliitieas  y  nejjoeios  que  se  les  eoniunicalian,  eran  tleeir  eon 
nuiy  l>aja  voz  tfun,  <iue  «iuiere  deoir  "si,  o  hien,  hien.'"  Mololinia,  hist.  In- 
divs,  in  Icazbidccta,  Cot.  de  Doc,  toni.  i.,  p.  184. 


180 


THE  NAHIA  NATIONS. 


obseruod,  it  wil  not  he  wrKlrod  at,  that  wo  inacK;  inou- 
tioii  hefore  ronconiiii*';'  so  many  garments  prosentt'd. 
For  an'oiiiitinjij^  the  yoaros,  and  the  tlayes  of  t\n:  yeaivs, 
isj>t'<ially,  wljorein  Mutcczunia  hath  iiut)yt'd  puacu  k 
liowo  oltcii  hi!  c'haii^^t'th  his  ^anuents  cuery  dayo,  all 
admiration  will  coast'.  But  the  roadois  will  domand, 
why  ho  hoajioth  \\>  ho  i,n'oat  a  |)ilo  of  u;armonts,  k  that 
iustly.  Lot  thom  know*;  that  Mutoozuma  vsod  to 
^iuo  a  certoino  portion  of  «^armonts  to  his  familiar 
friends,  or  well  dosoruinjjf  soldiers,  in  steed  of  a  honeu- 
oleneo,  or  stij)end,  when  thoy  j^o  to  the  wars,  or  re- 
turne  from  y"  victory,  as  Au^mstus  (  a'sar  lord  of  the 
world,  a  mi;L^htier  ]'rince  than  Muteczuma,  commadid 
oidy  a  poore  reward  of  broad  to  he  i>iueji  ouer  &  aliouc 
to  such  as  jterformed  any  notable  ixployt,  while  bciiii;- 
by  Mai'o  admonished,  that  so  smal  a  lar»;eH  of  bread 
was  an  ar<J!"umet  y*  he  was  a  bakers  son:  then  al 
thoui^h  it  bo  recorded  in  writlij^  that  (.'a-sar  liketl  y" 
mery  cfu'eit,  yet  it  is  to  bo  beleued  y*  he  blushed  at 
that  diuinatio,  because  he  promised  \'iri;il  to  alter 
his  dispositio  &  that  hereal'ter  he  would  bestow  gifts 
worthy  a  ^roat  kinjj^,  k  not  a  bakers  son."** 

The  kin«^  did  not  often  a|)i>ear  anionic  their  peo- 
ple,'* thoujjfh  we  are  told  that  they  would  sometimes 
i;()  forth  in  disj^uise  to  i  e  that  no  part  of  the  roli<^ious 
feasts  and  ceremonies  was  omitted,  to  make  sure  that 
the  laws  wore  observed,  and  probably,  as  is  usual  in 
such  cases,  to  ascertain  the  true  state  of  i>ublic  opinion 
with  roi'-ard  to  themselves."^  Whenever  they  did  ap- 
pear abroad,  however,  it  was  with  a  parade  that  cor- 
resj)onded  with  their  other  observances.  U|)on  these 
oc(;asions  the  kin«jf  was  seated  in  a  majj;nificent  litter, 
overshadowed  by  a  cano[)y  of  feather-work,  the  whoU; 
being  adorned  with  gold  and  precious  stones,  and  car- 
ried upon  the  shoulders  of  four  noblemen.     He  was 

<"'  Prtrr  Afrirti/r,  tlov.  v.,  lil>.  iv. 

'"' 'r«>r(iueiiiiula  writow  of  Mmitoziinia  11.:  'Su  trato  con  Ioh  Suios,  cm 
pui'o:  rums  vci'i's  hl'  dejiiha  vcr,  y  ostalMi^H!  eiicorrado  iiiiiclio  tieiiipo,  puii- 
s;inilo  on  el  (lovieriio  <lt>  su  Itoiiio.'  Mitnarq.  liid.,  toin.  i.,  p.  205. 

■>'  Tui'i/uciiuu/ii,  Mo/iai-i/.  Iial.,  torn,  i.,  p.  205. 


Tin:  Kixc  oiT  OF  i)()oi:s. 


181 


attoiijcd  l>y  a  vast  iimltitiulo  of  courtiers  of  all  ranks, 
who  walked  withotit  spuakinj,',  and  with  their  eves 
heiit  upon  the  jLfround.  The  proi-ession  was  headed 
l»v  an  ortieial  (•.•irryini'  three  wands,  whose  <lutv  it  was 
til  ^'ivo  wa -nini  of  the  kin;^''s  approach,  and  hy  others 
who  fioaicii  thv*  road  of  all  (thstruetions/*^  All  who 
thanced  to  meet  the  royal  piirty,  instantly  stopped, 
and  reuiaint.'d  in()tit>nless  with  heads  hent  down,  like 
friars  ehantin*'-  the  (Jloria  Patri,  savs  Father  Motoli 
nia,  untu  the  jiroeession  had  passe«l.  When  the  inoii 
arch  aliufhted,  a  carju't  was  sjtread  ti].'  m  tlit^  <jcn»iind 
for  him  to  stej)  on.  The  meetinLif  of  M*:  tezumu  II. 
and  Cortes,  as  described  hy  Jiernal  ]^ia/,  will  show 
the  manner  in  which  the  Aztec  ki  i  s  wcic  att'  aded 
when  out  of  doors: 

"  'V^hen  we  arrived  at  a  sjuit  where  nnttlior  narrow 
causeway  led  towards  Cuyoacan,  we  were  met  l>y  a 
niunher  of  cacicpies  and  distin<j^ui.she<l  personaiji'es,  all 
splendidlv  dressed.  They  had  heen  .sent  hy  Moutf- 
zunia  to  meet  us  an<l  welcome  u.s  in  his  name;  and  as 
a  sii,ni  of  })oaco  each  touched  the  earth  with  his  hand 
and  then  kissed  it.*"  While  wo  were  thus  detained, 
the  lords  of  Tezcuco,  Tztapalapa,  'I'acuha,  and  ( 'uyoa- 
can,  advanced  to  meet  the  mii>hty  Montezuma,  wht> 
was  approaching  seated  on  a  splendid  litter,  and  es- 
corted hy  a  number  of  j)owerfid  nohles.  Wlu'ii  W(( 
arriveii  at  a  place  not  far  from  the  capital,  where  wern 
certain  fortifications,  ^^ontezuma,  descending;'  fr(»m  his 
litter,  came  forward  leaning'  on  the  arms  of  some  of 
the  attendant  lords,  while  others  hehl  over  him  a  can- 
opy of  rich  feather-wofk  ornamented  with  silver  and 
;;"old,  havinuf  .an  emhroidered  horder  from  which  hun.;' 
pearls  and  chahhihuis  stones.'**  ^[ontezuma  was  very 
suni[>tuously  dressed,   according  to   his   custom,   and 

•^"  Pii-kiiijj  np  straws,  says  T.as  Casas:  'K  iliaii  c-^tos  oficialcs  ilclan'.t^ 
•iuitaiiilii  las  pajas  del  siu'lo  jtor  Unas  (;ac  fufsen.'  J/i.it.  A/io/tHjiiim,  MS., 
(Mil.  ci'xi. 

'"'  This  was  the  .\ztco  ninnner  of  salutation,  and  is  douUtlcss  what  ]U-r- 
ital  Diaz  jnrans  where  Ik;  writes:  'Y  en  senal  <le  ]ia  ■  locauan  con  la  main* 
til  el  siielo,  y  hesanan  la  tierrn  eon  la  inesma  inano.'  l/i.s-f.  ('iiin/.,  t'ol.  (iu. 

^*  LJrcuu  stones,  more  valued  than  any  other  uiuung  the  Aztees. 


182 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


had  on  his  feet  a  kind  of  sandals,  with  soles  of  gold, 
the  upper  pait  being  studded  with  precious  stones. 
The  four  grandees'"  who  supj)orted  him  were  also  very 
richly  attired,  and  it  seemed  to  us  that  the  clothes 
tliey  now  wore  nuist  have  been  held  in  readiness  for 
them  somewhere  upon  the  road,  for  they  were  not 
thus  dressed  when  they  first  came  out  to  meet  us. 
And  besides  these  great  lords  there  were  many  others, 
.some  of  whom  held  the  canopy  over  the  king's  head, 
Avhile  others  went  in  advance,  sweeping  the  ground 
over  which  he  was  to  walk,  and  spreading  down  cotton 
cloths  that  his  feet  mijjht  not  touch  the  earth.  Ex- 
(•opting  only  the  four  nobles  upon  whose  arms  he 
leaned,  and  who  were  his  near  relatives,  none  of  all 
his  followers  presumed  to  look  in  the  king's  face,  but 
all  kept  their  eyes  lowered  to  the  ground  in  token  of 
respect."*' 

Besides  the  host  of  retainers  already  mentioned 
there  were  innmnerable  other  officers  attached  to  the 
royal  household,  such  as  butlers,  stewards,  and  cooks 
of  all  grades,  treasurers,  secretaries,  scribes,  military 
officers,  superintendents  of  the  royal  granaries  and  ar- 
senals, and  those  employed  under  them.  A  great  num- 
ber of  artisans  were  constantly  kept  busy  repairing  old 
liuildings  and  erecting  new  ones,  and  a  little  army  of 
jewelers  and  workers  in  precious  metals  resided  per- 
manently at  the  palace  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  the 
king  and  court  with  the  costly  ornaments  that  were 
eventually  such  a  windfall  for  the  conquerors,  and  over 
the  description  of  which  they  one  and  all  so  lovingly 
linger.  Nor  was  the  softer  sex  unrei)resented  at  court. 
The  Aztec  sovereiyfus  were  notorious  for  their  uxori- 
ousness.  Montezuma  II.  had  in  his  harem  at  least 
one  thousand  women,  and  this  nimiber  is  increased  bv 
most  of  the  historians  to  three  thousand,  including 
the  female  attendants  and  slaves.     Of  these  we  are 

^^  Cortds  hiinsi'lf  says  tliat  the  kin;^  was  supporteil  by  twK^^niiitU'esoiilv; 
Olio  of  wliom  was  lusiu'pliew,  the  kintjof  Tozcuco,  ami  tlit' other  his  brotlier, 
tlie  loril  of  l/tapalupa.   Ctirtas,  j>.  8.">. 

^  Jienial  Diaz,  11  int.  Vonq.,  fol.  G5. 


THE  KOYAL  HAREM. 


183 


5» 


told  on  good  authority  that  he  had  one  hundred  and 
til'ty  pregnant  at  one  time,  all  of  whom  killed  their 
offspring  in  the  womb;"  yet  notwithstanding  this 
wholesale  aboi-tion,  he  had  more  than  fifty  sons  and 
daughters.  His  father  had  one  hundred  and  fifty 
children,  of  whom  Montezuma  II.  killed  all  his  bro- 
thers and  forced  his  sisters  to  marry  whom  he  pleased ; 
— at  least  such  is  the  import  of  Oviedo's  statement. ''' 
Nezahualpilli,  of  Tezeuco,  had  between  seventy  and  one 
hundred  children.®*  Camargo  tells  us  that  Xicotencatl, 
one  of  the  chiefs  of  Tlascala  had  a  great  number  of  sons 
by  more  than  fifty  wives  or  concubines.^  These  women 
were  the  daughters  of  the  nobles,  who  thought  them- 
selves honored  by  having  a  child  in  the  royal  harem. 
Occasionally  the  monarch  presented  one  of  his  concu- 
l)ines  to  some  great  lord  or  renowned  warrior,  a  mark  of 
favor  which  thenceforth  distinguished  the  recij)ient  as 
a  man  whom  the  king  delighted  to  honor.  The  ser- 
aglio was  presided  over  by  a  number  of  noble  matrons, 
who  kept  close  watch  and  ward  over  the  conduct  of 
their  charges  and  made  daily  reports  to  the  king,  who 
invariably  caused  the  slightest  indiscretion  to  be  se- 
verely punished.  Whether  eunuchs  were  employed 
iu  tlie  Aztec  harems  is  uncertain;  this,  however,  we 
read  in  Motolinia:  "  Moteuczomatzin  had  in  his  palace 
dwarfs  and  little  huncubacks,  who  when  children  were 
with  great  ingenuity  made  crook-backed,  ruptured,®* 
and  disjointed,  because  the  lords  in  this  country  made 
the  same  use  of  them  as  at  the  present  day  the  Grand 
Turk  does  of  eunuchs.""'' 


^'  Torqiici/iniln,  Monarq.  Iiid.,  toin.  i.,  p.  230;  (lomnrn,  Conq.  M<\r.,  fol. 
107;  /Icnrni,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  vii.,  cap.  i.\. ;  Ih  riiul  l)inz,  Hist.  ( 'miq., 
fol.  (17;  West- f nil isrhe  Spirghcl,  p.  24().  ('liivij,'cro  dislu'lievcs  t!  c  report 
tliat  .Moiitc/iiiua  had  one  huiidred  and  lifty  women  pre;iiiaiit  at  (iiicu.  Sto- 
rin  Ant.  (id  Missiro,  torn,  i.,  j).  'JOS.  Ovicdo  makes  the  number  u£  wumun 
futir  tlionsaiid.  Hint.  Gen.,  iom.  iii.,  p.  r)(ir>. 

^■f  Orirdo,  Hi.sf.  Gail.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  .")((">, 

*'J  Turqiifititi'/a,  Moiinrq.  Iiu/.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  435. 

''"  l{i.if.  Ttiu.,  in  Xoii relics  A II ltd /r.i  f/cs  Voij.,  1843,  torn,  xcviii..  p.  1G9. 

•■'  '<i>iicbraltan.'  which  probably  here  inean.s  'castrated.' 

'■'^  'Tenia  Motenczotnat/in  en  sii  |ialaeio  enanos  y  corcobadillos,  t|nc  do 
iniliistria  siendo  ninos  los  hacian  jibosos,  y  los  (|uebral>aii  y  descoyuiitalian, 
imriue  de  estos  se  Servian  los  senores  en  esta  tierracoinoahora  hace  el  Grun 


184 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


The  enormous  expenditure  incurred  in  tlie  mainte- 
nance of  such  a  household  as  this,  was  defrayed  l)y  the 
people,  who,  as  we  shall  see  in  a  future  cha}>ter,  were 
sorely  oppressed  by  over-taxation.  The  management 
of  the  whole  was  entrusted  to  a  head  steward  or  major- 
domo,  who,  with  the  help  of  his  secretaries,  kejtt 
minute  hieroglyphic  accounts  of  tlie  royal  revenue. 
Bernal  Diaz  tells  us  that  a  whole  apartment  was  filled 
with  these  account-books."*  In  Tezcuco,  writes  Ixtlil- 
xochitl,  the  food  consumed  by  the  court  was  sui)plied 
by  certain  districts  of  the  kingdom,  in  each  of  which 
was  a  gatherer  of  taxes,  who  besides  collecting  the 
regular  tributes,  was  obliged  to  furnish  the  royal 
household,  in  his  turn,  with  a  certain  quantity  of  spe- 
cified articles,  for  a  greater  or  less  number  of  days, 
according  to  the  wealth  and  extent  of  his  department. 
The  daily  supply  amounted  to  thirty-one  and  a  quarter 
bushels  of  grain;  nearly  three  bushels  and  thiee  quar- 
ters of  beans;"*  four  hundred  thousand  ready-made 
tortillas;  four  Xiquipiles""  of  cocoa,  making  in  all 
thirty-two  thousand  cocoa-beans;""  one  hundred  cocks 
of  the  country;"^  twenty  loaves  of  salt;  twenty  great 
baskets  of  large  chiles,  and  twenty  of  small  chiles;  ten 
baskets  of  tomatoes;  and  ten  of  seed."^  All  this  was 
furnished  daily  for  seventy  days  by  the  city  of  Tezcu- 
co and  its  suburbs,  and  bv  tlie  districts  of  Atenco,  and 
Tcpepulco;  for  sixty-five  days  l)y  the  district  of  Qua- 
uhtlatzinco;  and  for  forty-five  days  by  the  districts  of 
Azapocho  and  Ahuatepec."® 

Such,  as  full  in  detail  as  it  is  handed  down  to  us,  was 


Turro  do  oiimiros.'  Hifif.  Tndios,  in  Irazhafrrfn,  f'nj.  ih\  Dor.,  torn,  i.,  pp. 
18l-.">.  Ti>i(|iiemiuliv,  Moimrn.  IiuL,  ttuii.  i.,  p. '2!)8,  uhos  iieiuly  t lie  .saint' 
words. 

•i'  '(ttitis  tros  Tlacopintlix  de  frisidcs.'  Tl.o  Tliiropiiitlix  was  one  'fanc- 
ga,'  and  tliire  'alniudt-s,'  or,  oiio  IhihIioI  and  a  quarter. 

C'  '.Xiipiipilli,  I'ostal,  talo^ra,  alforia,  »)  ltol«a.'  .]fii/iiiri,  Vornhiiliwln. 

**  'Trt'inta  y  dos  mil  cacao!*,'  possil)!y  cucua-jtod.s  iuNleail  of  cocoa-beans. 

C7  '( 'it'll  ;jailos.'     I'roltahly  turkeys. 

ci  I'roltalily  piiuiiikin  or  iiicioii  seed. 

•^'J  IxtlilxinhiU,  Hist.  C/iivh.,  in  Kingshnrouffh's  Mrx.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix., 
p.  '1A\.. 


AZTEC  KINGS  AND  THEIR  SUBJECTS. 


185 


the  manner  in  which  the  Aztec  monarclis  lived.  Tlie 
j)()hcy  tliey  pursued  toward  their  sul»jects  was  to  en- 
force ohedience  and  suhniis.sion  by  enactiun"  hiws  tlsat 
were  calculated  rather  to  excite  awe  and  dreid  than  t) 
inspire  love  and  reverence.  To  this  end  thoy  kei)t  thu 
jteople  at  a  distance  by  surrounding  themselves  witli 
an  impassal)le  harrier  of  pomp  and  courtly  etitpiette, 
and  enforced  ohedience  hy  enacting  laws  that  made 
death  the  penalty  of  the  most  trivial  offenses.  There 
was  little  ill  conmion  between  kiiif' and  pe()}>le;  as  is 
ever  the  case  between  a  despot  and  his  subjects.  Tlic 
good  that  the  kings  did  by  their  lilierality  and  love  of 
justice,  and  the  success  they  nearly  all  achieved  by 
their  courage  and  generalship,  merited  the  admiration 
of  their  subjects.  (.)n  the  other  hand,  the  ojtpression 
which  they  made  their  vassals  feel,  the  heavy  burdens 
they  imposed  upon  them,  their  t>wn  pride  and  an-o- 
gance,  and  their  excessive  severity  in  punishments, 
engendered  what  we  should  now  call  a  debasing  fear, 
hut  which  is  none  the  less  an  essential  element  of 
progress  at  certain  stages.'^" 


"">  Conrcrnini'  the  king's  manner  of  living  nn<l  the  (".omestic  orononiy  of 
the  royal  li<iuseliohl,  see:  Cortes,  Cartas,  j>|).  84-.">,  l(l!t-i;{;  Jlrriml  hiiK, 
Hist.  CiiiK/.,  fol.  0(5-8;  S(fh(i;/i(ii,  Hist.  Ucii.,  U>m.  ii.,  lili.  viiL,  ]i|i.  '-'SO  ',V2-; 
Las  Cii.fiis,  Ifi'.it.  A/ii)ff)i/r/irii,  MS.,  ciij).  ecxi.;  Tur'/iiriiifii/d,  Mmntri.  [int., 
toni.  i.,  i»it.  1()7-S,  '-'(>.'Mi,  '228-:n,  2S»8,  toni.  ii.,  p.  4:VJ;  Mutoliiiiii,  Hist,  /in/ios, 
ill  Iciizli'dirfd,  t'l/l.  dr  Dor.,  toiii.  i.,  ])|i.  184-");  J'lfrr  Mnrfi/r,  dec.  v.,  lilt,  iii., 
iv.;  Iliiiiinni,  t'oii'i.  Mix.,  fol.  1(>,'1~4,  l()7-8;  Ariistii,  lli.if.  ilf  Ins  Yiiil.,  \\.  .")(>7; 
Uriri/i),  Hist,  (irii.,  toin.  iii.,  pp.  807,  r»(ll,  5').");  Llin-ifirro,  Stnrln  Aiit.  i/i I 
.^fr.s.iicii,  toiii.  i.,  jti).  'iti8-71;  Hirref<i,  Hist.  (Irn.,  dec.  ii.,  lil».  vii  ,  cap.  v., 
vii.,  ix.,  xii-xiii.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  ii.,  cap.  xiv.;  ]'ri/tifi.  Hist.  Ant.  .^'j.,  turn. 
iii.,  lip.  IHSMH;  Ortcijn,  in  /(/.,  jip.  ;n(»-17;  H'rst-Iin/isr/ir  Siiiiy/,,/,  p.'24(»; 
(liif/r'.t  Xfir  Siirrri/,  ])p.  97,  KM)  1;  /inis.sriir  i/r  lliiiirlinin  if,  lllst.  \iit.  ''/''., 
tinii.  i.,  p.  '284,  toni.  iv.,  ))p.  '.(-13;  I'ir.irott's  .^fl^.l■.,  toni.  ii.,  )ip.  I2l-!t;  Zimzn, 
I'lirtii,  ill  Iriizhalrrtn,  Co!,  tie  J)iir.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  ',H'>'2;  Citrli,  Cnr/os.  pt  i.,  p|i. 
117-IH.  Other  works  of  more  or  less  value  hearing  on  tiiis  ^.lll>|ect  arc: 
Titnnni.  Hist.  Gen.,  tom.  iii.,  iip.  '2."i-'{8,  ,S."m-7,  H.'i'.i;  I'mssiirn',  L'Ktii/iire 
Mix.,  pp.  10!),  ll!»-22,  2."»4-.");  Jlinil,  Midijw;  \>\>.  201-7;  /'';/'//.  Uisiimr, 
foiil.  i.,  Jip.  l.%-7;  Jiroinir/rs  liid.  Hmrs,  pit.  8,'l,  '.tl!-.');  li'nii/.iiii/'s  Hist. 
l{:iciirrhrs,  jip.  31.')-l(!,  321-3,  342-7,  3.")0;  Snihn,  Sjiniiiir  iii  I'n-u,  p.  I.'JO; 
('iirl)iiji(l  IC.t/tiiio.iti,  Hist.  M(\c.,  tttiii.  i.,  pji.  582-4;  Ln/niiil,  ]'iii/iii/rs,  torn, 
i.,  pp.  l04-r>;  Voii/iir's  Jfist.  X.Ami'r.,  p|».  112-13;  Diln-nrtli's  Cnini.  Mr.i\, 
pp.  ti."i-(»,  70-1;  Huirks,  ill  HtikliijiVs  Voi/.,  vid.  iii.,  ji.  4<)!»;  Minii/Zinr,  lir- 
siiiiK^,  pp.  1!(,  82-3;  /iiriifr.iits  and  Skrtrhe.s,  \t.  (W;  K/niiin,  Ciiltnr-Hr.srhivlitr, 
toni.  v.,  pp.  «;{-(!,  2()!4-l  I.  234,  242;  Dillon,  Hi  J.  Mix.,  p.  .'52;  West  and  Ust 
Jndisf/icr  Lmtgurt,  pp.  123-5, 


CHAPTER  V. 


THE    PRIVILEGED   CLASSES   AMONG    THE    NAIIUAS. 

Titles  of  tiik  Norii-ity  and  Okxtrv— The  Power  of  the  Noni,Es— 
The  Akistockacy  of  Tezctco— The  Policy  of  Ki.N<i  Techotl.vl- 
ArziN--l*i{ivii,E(;Es  ok  the  Noiu.es  — Montezuma's  Poi.hy-Hi- 

VALKY  IIETWEEN  NOIILES  AND  COMMONS— TllE  KNIGHTLY  OUUEU  OK 
TKnilTI.I  — (,'ElfEMONY   OK    INITIATION— ORIGIN    OF    THE    OlMUvR  - 

The  Nahi'A  Puiesthooi)— The  Priestsof  Mexico— Dkdilation  ok 
Cuii-nuEN— Priestesses— Priesthooo  ok  Miztecatan  -  The  Pon- 
tiff of  V(»i'aa— Tradition  ok  Wixii'ecoiha- The  Caveok  Yopaa 
—The  ZAi'itTEc  IMhests— Toltec  Priests- Totonac  Priests- 
Priests  OK  MiCHOAt'AX,  PUEBLA,  AND  TLASCALA. 

Descending  in  due  order  the  social  scale  of  the  Az- 
tecs, we  now  come  to  the  nobility,  or,  more  properly 
speakiiii^,  the  jn'ivileged  classes.  The  nol)les  of  Mex- 
ico, and  of  the  other  Nahua  nations,  were  divided  into 
several  classes,  each  having  its  own  peculiar  privileges 
.'uid  hadges  of  rank.  The  distinctions  that  existed  be- 
tween the  various  grades,  and  their  titles,  are  not, 
liowever,  clearly  defined.  The  title  of  Tlatoani  was 
the  highest  and  most  respected;  it  signified  an  abso- 
lute and  sovereign  power,  an  hereditary  and  divine 
right  to  govern.  The  kings,  and  the  great  feudatory 
lords  who  were  governors  of  provinces,  and  could 
prove  their  princely  descent  and  the  ancient  independ- 
ence of  their  families,  belonged  to  this  order.  The 
title  of  Tlatopilzintli  was  given  to  the  eldest  son  of 
the  king,  and  that  of  Tlatoque  to  all  the  princes  iii 

(180) 


THE  AZTEC  ARISTOCRACY. 


187 


jroneral. 


Tlacahu«a  sif^nifiod  a  lord  without  sovor- 
oii^iity,  but  who  had  vassals  under  his  orders,  juid  was, 
to  a  certain  extent,  master  of  his  people.  The  appel- 
lation of  Pilli  was  j^iven  to  all  who  were  noble,  with- 
out ret^ard  to  rank.  Axcahua,  was  a  rich  man,  a 
proprietor  of  wealth  in  general,  and  Tlaquihua,  a 
landed  proprietor,  or  almost  the  same  thing  as  an 
English  country  gentleman. 

The  title  of  Tlatoani  was  invariably  hereditaiy,  but 
many  of  the  others  were  conferred  only  for  life,  as  a 
reward  for  important  military  or  other  services  to  the 
state.  Of  the  tenure  by  which  they  held  their  lands 
J  shall  have  occasion  to  speak  hereafter. 

The  j)ower  of  the  nobles,  as  a  body,  was  very  great; 
according  to  some  accounts  there  were,  in  ^lontezu- 
nia's  realms,  thirty  great  lords  who  eacli  controlled 
one  hundred  thousand  vassals,  and  three  tliousand 
otlicr  lords  also  very  powerful.  A  number  of  nobles 
possessing  such  formidable  jjower  as  this,  would,  if 
jterniitted  to  live  on  their  estates,  some  of  wliich  were 
a  long  distance  from  the  capital,  have  been  a  con- 
stiUitly  threatening  source  of  danger  to  the  ciown;  at 
iiiiy  moment  an  Aztec  Runnimede  might  have  been 
expiH-ted.  To  guard  against  any  such  catastroj)he, 
tlie  more  powerful  nobles  were  reipiired  to  reside  in 
the  capital,  at  least  during  the  greater  ]»art  of  each 
ye.ir;  and  permission  to  return  to  their  liomes  for  a 
.'liort  time,  could  only  be  obtained  on  condition  that 
thov  left  a  son  or  brother  as  a  uuarantfc  of  good  faith 
(hiring  their  absence.^ 

In  tlie  kin<jfdom  of  Tezcuco  were  twentv-six  <>reat 
licfs,"  each  independent  of  tlie  rest  and  having  several 
tiels  of  less  importance  subjected  to  it.  The  greater 
l»art  of  these  great  chi«3fs  bore  the  sovereign  title  of 
Tlatoani,  or  a  similar  one.  They  rect)gnized  no  j>re- 
rogative  of  the   king  except  his  right  to  preside   at 

'  Tiin/iirinn(l<f,  Monnrq.  Iiiil.,  torn,  i.,  j).  '231;  Ifrnrni,  Ifi.sf.  <ln\.,  ilec. 
ii.,  lili.  vii.,  cjiii.  xii.;  On'nfo,  I/isf.  (irii.,  titiii.  iii..  j).  r»l>2. 

'^  Tori/iirnini/ii,  MoiKiri/.  Iiid.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  8S;  \  eytia,  Hist.  Aiil.  Mi'j., 
toni.  ii.,  p.  IS-,  mukcs  iho  number  twenty -seven. 


188 


THE  XAIIIA  NATIONS. 


tlieir  i^rand  assomblies,  to  receive  their  homaj^c  upoti 
liis  accession  to  the  throne,  to  levy  certain  trilnites  in 
tlieir  provinces,  and  to  call  upon  them  to  ap])ear  in 
the  field  with  a  continofent  of  troops  in  case  of  war. 
For  the  rest,  each  Tlatoani  was  perfectly  independent 
in  hi.s  own  domain,  which  he  jjoverned  with  the  same 
onmipotence  as  the  kino^  of  I'ezcuco  himself  Not- 
withstanding the  precautions  taken,  it  frecpiuntly  hap- 
pened that  one  of  these  gre.'it  feudatories  would  fed 
himself  stron<;  enouufh  to  set  the  authority  of  the  kinir 
at  defiance,  but  as  their  private  feuds  generally  j)iv- 
vented  any  number  of  the  Tlatoanis  from  uniting  tlieir 
forces  against  the  crown,  the  rebels  were  in  most  in- 
stances speedily  reduced  to  subjection;  in  which  event 
the  leaders  either  suffered  death  or  were  degraded 
from  their  rank. 

Thev  were  an  unruly  f^imilv,  these  overofrown  vas- 
sals,  and  the  Aztec  monarchs  were  often  at  their  wit's 
end  in  endeavors  to  conciliate  and  keep  them  within 
bounds.  Tonpiemada  tells  us  that  Techotlalatzin, 
king  of  Tezcuco,  Wiis  sorely  harrassed  by  the  powerful 
nobles  of  his  realm.  He  accordinufly  set  about  reme- 
dying  the  evil  with  great  prudence  and  perseverance. 
His  first  step  was  to  unite,  by  strong  bonds  of  interest, 
the  less  important  nobles  to  the  crown.  To  this  end 
he  heaped  favors  upon  all.  The  vanity  of  some  he 
fiattered  by  conferring  the  dignity  and  title  of  Tlato- 
ani upon  them,  to  others  he  gave  wealth  and  lands. 
By  this  me.ans  he  weakened  the  individual  power  of 
the  grciat  vassals  by  increasing  their  numl)er,  a  j)olicy 
the  efiii'iency  of  which  has  been  frequently  proved  in 
the  oUl  world  as  well  as  in  the  new.  Techotlalatzin 
next  proceeded  to  summon  them  one  after  another  to 
court,  and  then  under  pretense  of  being  in  constant 
need  of  their  advice,  he  formed  twentv-six  of  tlieir 
number  into  a  council  of  state,  obliging  them  by  this 
means  to  reside  constantly  in  the  capital.  With  this 
council  he  conferred  upon  all  gr.ave  and  difificult  (pies- 
tions,  whatever  "\ight  be  their  nature.     It  was  the 


OUDEns  OF  NOniLITY. 


18a 


<luty  of  its  members  to  draw  up  and  issue  ordinances, 
hoth  for  the  general  government  and  for  the  ad- 
ministration of  affairs  in  partieuhir  provinces;  and  to 
iiuu't  Uiws  for  enforcing  good  order  in  towns  and 
viiluijes,  as  well  as  those  relating  to  aijfriculture, 
scionce  and  art,  military  discipline,  and  the  tribunals 
of  justice. 

At  the  tame  time  Techotlalatzin  created  a  larije 
number  <jf  new  offices  and  honorary  trusts,  which  were 
dependent  on  the  crown.  Four  of  the  most  powerful 
iiol>les  were  invested  witli  the  hiirhest  diirnities.  The 
first,  witli  the  title  Tetlahto,  was  made  connnander-in- 
chief  of  the  army,  and  [)rt>sident  of  the  military  coun- 
cil. The  second  was  entitled  Yobpii;  his  office  was 
that  of  ffrand  master  of  ceremonies;  it  was  his  dutv 
t  >  receive  and  introduce  tlie  ambassadors  and  minis- 
ters of  foreign  princes,  to  conduct  them  to  court,  to 
li»dge  them  and  provide  for  their  comfort,  and  to  offer 
them  the  presents  appointed  by  the  king.  The  third 
lord  received  the  title  of  Tlami  or  Cal])ixcontli ;  he 
w;is  master  of  the  royal  household,  and  minister  of 
tinance,  and  was  assisted  in  his  functions  bv  a  council 
of  other  nobles.  It  was  the  duty  of  this  body  to  keep 
strict  account  of  all  taxes  paid  by  the  peoj^le;  its 
inombers  were  retjuired  to  be  well  informed  as  to 
the  exact  condition  of  each  town  and  province,  with 
the  nature  of  its  produce,  and  the  fertility  of  its  soil ; 
tliey  had  also  to  distribute  the  taxes  with  e(|uality 
and  justice,  and  in  proportion  to  the  I'esources  of  the 
people.  The  care  and  management  of  the  interior  of 
thi'  palace  was  also  intrusted  to  them,  antl  it  was  their 
jilacc;  to  })rovide  all  the  food  for  the  consum])tion  of 
the  royal  household.  The  fourth  ii^reat  officer  was 
styled  Amechichi ;  he  acted  as  grand  chamberlain, 
and  attended  to  the  king's  private  a})artments.  Like 
t'.ie  Tlami,  he  was  assisted  by  other  nobles.  A  fifth 
otficer  was  afterward  appointed,  who  bore  the  title  of 
( '.»huatl,  and  superintended  the  workers  in  ])recious 
nietals,  jewels,  and  feathers,  who  were  employed  by 


100 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


the  court.  At  first  sight  it  may  appear  that  sucli 
duties  as  these  would  be  behjw  the  dignity  of  a 
liauglity  Aztec  grandee,  yet  we  find  the  no})les  of 
Europe  during  the  middle  ages  not  only  filling  the 
same  positions,  but  jealous  of  their  right  to  do  so, 
and  complaining  loudly  if  deprived  of  them.  8is- 
mondi  tells  us  that  the  count  of  Anjou,  under  Louis 
VI.,  claimed  the  oflfice  of  grand  seneschal  of  Franco; 
that  is,  to  carry  dishes  to  the  king's  table  on  state 
days.  The  court  of  Charlemagne  was  crowded  with 
officers  of  every  rank,  some  of  the  most  eminent  of 
Avhom  exercised  functions  about  the  royal  person 
which  would  have  been  thought  fit  only  for  slaves  in 
the  palace  of  Augustus  or  Antonine.  The  free-born 
Franks  saw  nothing  menial  in  the  titles  of  cup-bearer, 
steward,  marshal,  and  master  of  the  horse,  which  are 
still  borne  by  some  of  the  noblest  families  in  many 
parts  of  Europe. 

As  soon  as  habits  of  submission  and  an  appreciation 
of  the  honors  showered  upon  them  had  taken  root 
among  his  great  vassals,  Techotlalatzin  subdivided 
the  twenty-six  provinces  of  his  kingdom  into  sixty-five 
departments.  The  ancient  lords  were  not  by  tliis 
measure  despoiled  of  all  their  authority,  nor  of  those 
estates  which  were  their  private  property;  but  the 
jurisdiction  they  exercised  in  person  or  throujrh  their 
officials  was  greatly  diminished  by  the  nomination  of 
tliirty-five  new  governors,  chosen  by  the  king,  and  of 
whose  fidelity  he  was  well  assured.  This  was  a  mortal 
blow  to  the  great  aristocrats,  and  a  preliminary  step 
toward  the  total  abolition  of  feudal  power.  But  the 
master-stroke  was  yet  to  come.  The  inha,bitants  of 
each  province  were  carefully  counted  and  divided  into 
sections.  They  were  then  changed  about  from  place 
to  place,  in  numbers  proportioned  to  the  size  and  i)op- 
ulation  of  the  territory.  For  example,  from  a  division 
containing  six  thousand  people,  two  thousand  were 
taken  and  transported  into  the  territory  of  another 
lord,  from  the  number  of  whose  vassals  two  thousand 


PRIVILEGES  OF  THE  NOBLES. 


191 


this 
,  those 
it  the 
their 
Ion  of 
ocl  of 
iiortal 
step 
\t  the 
its  of 
into 
iphice 
pop- 
nsiou 
were 
lother 
isuikI 


were  also  taken  and  placed  upon  the  vacated  land  in 
the  Hrst  lord's  possessions;  each  nohle,  however,  re- 
tained his  authority  over  that  portion  of  his  vassals 
which  had  heen  removed.  By  this  means,  althouifh 
the  numher  of  each  lord's  suhjects  remained  the  same, 
yet  as  a  larsj^e  portion  of  each  territory  was  occupied 
hy  the  vassals  of  another,  a  revolt  would  he  ditiicult. 
Nor  could  two  nohles  unite  their  forces  ag-ainst  the 
crown,  as  care  was  taken  that  the  interchange  of  de- 
pendents should  not  be  effected  between  two  estates 
adjoining  each  other. 

Tliese  measures,  despotic  as  they  were,  were  never- 
theless executed  without  opposition  from  either  nobles 
or  ])eople, — such  was  the  awe  in  Avhich  the  sovereijj^n 
was  held  and  his  complete  ascendancy  over  his  sub- 
jects.=* 

The  privileo^es  of  the  nobles  were  numerous.  They 
alone  were  allowed  to  wear  ornaments  of  i^'old  and 
y^ems  upon  their  clothes,  and,  indeed,  in  their  entire 
dress,  as  we  shall  presently  see,  they  were  distin- 
ij^uished  from  the  lower  classes.  The  exact  limits  of 
the  ])ower  they  possessed  over  their  vassals  is  not 
known,  but  it  was  doubtless  nearly  absolute.  Fuen- 
leal,  bishop  of  Santo  Domini^o,  writes  to  C.'harles  V. 
of  tlie  lower  orders,  that  "they  were,  and  still  are,  so 
submissive  that  they  allow  themselves  to  be  killed  or 
sold  into  slavery  without  complainincr,"*  In  Mexico 
tlieir  ])ower  and  privilej^es  were  jjcreatly  aui^mented  by 
Montezuma  1 1.,  who  we  are  told  ousted  every  plebeian 
tliat  held  a  position  of  hii,di  rank,  and  would  allow 
none  who  were  not  of  noble  birth  to  be  employed  in 
his  palace  or  about  his  person.  At  the  time  of  this 
monarch's  accession  there  were  many  mend)ers  of  the 
royal  council  who  were  men  of  low  extraction;  all 

5  Tnrnuemnda,  Monnrq.  Tnd.,  torn,  i.,  p.  8S,  etsrq.:  sec  also  Vcyfln,  Hist. 
Ant.  Mrj.,  tdin.  ii.,  p.  182,  ft  srq.;  JSnisficiir  (/c  liourlmiirff,  Hist.  N  't.  Civ., 
tiim.  ii.,  pp.  4'28,  et  srq.;  Ixtlil.vorhitl,  Rdarionefi,  in  Kiiiffshoroitijl  's  Mex. 
AiUiij.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  35.%  etseq.;  Ooicdo,  Hist.  Gen.,  toiii.  iii.,  ^i.  .'502;  jloTcrUf 
dec.  li.,  lil>.  vii.,  cap.  xii. 

*  Lcltrc,  in  Ternaux-Compam,  Voy.,  s^rie  i,,  torn,  x.,  p.  251. 


192 


THR  NAIITA  NATIONS, 


those   ho   (lismi.ssed  and   Huppliod    their  places  with 
creatures  of  liis  own. 

It  is  rehited  that  an  old  man  who  had  formerly  heen 
his  j,>uardian  or  tutor  had  the  holdness  to  remonstrate 
with  him  a;i^ainst  such  a  course;  tellinjj  hiin  with  firm- 
ness that  he  acted  contrary  to  his  own  interests,  and 
advisin«r  him  to  weijjfh  well  the  (lonsequences  of  tlie 
measures  he  was  adoptiiijuf.  To  banish  the  ]>lel>eians 
from  the  palace,  added  tlie  old  man,  was  to  estran^^e 
them  forever  from  the  kin**";  and  the  time  would  come 
when  the  common  people  would  no  lonjjrer  either  wisli 
or  (hire  to  look  ';pon  him.  Montezuma  haui^litily 
made  answer,  that  this  was  precisely  what  he  wished; 
it  was  a  hurninj^  shame,  he  said,  that  the  low  and 
conmion  j)eople  should  be  allowed  to  mix  with  the 
nobles  in  the  royal  service;  he  was  astonished  and  in- 
di^-nant  that  his  royal  predecessors  had  so  long  suf- 
fered such  a  state  of  thinjjfs  to  be." 

By  these  measures  the  services  of  many  brave  sol- 
diers, promoted,  as  a  reward  for  their  irallantry,  from 
tile  ranks  of  the  i)e()])le,  were  lost  to  the  crown ;  nor 
wei'  •  such  men  likely  to  be  slow  to  show  their  discon- 
tent. The  new  i)olicy,  incited  by  a  proud  aristocracy, 
struck  exactly  those  men  who  had  the  best  ri<)[ht  to  u 
share  in  the  jjjovernment.  It  was  the  officers  pro- 
moted for  their  merits  from  the  ranks  who  had  con- 
tributed most  to  the  success  of  the  Mexican  arms; 
it  was  the  great  merchants  who,  by  their  extended 
connuorce,  had  made  the  wealth  of  the  country.  A 
spiiit  of  rivalry  had  long  existed  between  the  poor 
well-born  nobles,  and  the  wealthy  base-born  mer- 
chants. During  many  successive  reigns  the  import- 
ance of  the  latter  class  had  been  steadily  increasing, 
owing  to  the  valuable  services  they  had  rendered  tlie 
state.  From  the  earliest  times  they  were  permitted  ;i 
certain  degree  of  familiarity  with  the  kings,  who  tool; 
great  delight  in  hearing  them  recount  the  wonderful 
adventures  they  had  met  with  while  on  their  long 

i  Tor(j[uoinailu,  Monarq.  I  ml.,  toiu.  i.,  p.  190. 


CLASS  CONFLICTS. 


l'J3 


expeditions  into  Htmnjife  purts.  Dtmhtle.ss  tlie  royal 
efir  (lid  not  always  meet  the  truth  unenihellished,  any 
more  than  did  that  of  Haroun  Alraschid  upon  Himilar 
occasions,  hut  prohahly  the  nionarcliH  learned  many 
little  secrets  in  this  way  that  they  could  never  know 
hy  other  means.  Afterward  these  merchants  were 
admitted  to  the  royal  councils,  and  durinjLf  the  latter 
years  of  the  rei<(n  of  Ahuitzotl  we  find  them  enjoying" 
many  of  the  exclusive  j)rivileges  hitherto  reserved  to 
tlie  warrior  aristocracy. 

The  n»erchants  aj)pear  to  have  partly  brought  upon 
themselves  the  misfortunes  which  suhsecjuently  over- 
took them,  hy  agt^ravatin*,'  the  envious  feelings  with 
which  they  were  already  reij^arded.  Not  content  with 
\)L'\u*f  admitted  to  equal  |)rivile«^es  with  the  iH)l>les, 
and  vexed  at  not  heinjjf  ahle  to  vie  with  them  in  hril- 
liant  titles  and  lon<^  lines  of  illustrious  ancestry,  they 
(lid  their  utmost  to  sur}»ass  them  in  the  ma<fniticence  of 
their  houses,  and  in  the  jiomp  which  they  displayed  up- 
on every  occasion.  At  the  public  feasts  and  ceremonies 
these  parve.  is  outshone  the  proudest  nobles  by  the 
profuseness  of  their  expenditure;  they  strove  f»»r  and 
obtained  lionors  and  exalted  positions  which  the  aris- 
tocracy could  not  accept  for  lack  of  wealth;  they  wei'e 
sparing'  of  money  in  no  place  where  it  could  be  used 
for  their  own  advancement.  It  is  easy  to  conceive 
the  effect  such  a  state  of  things  had  on  the  j)roud  and 
overbeai'ing  nobles  of  Mexico.  On  several  occasions 
they  conn)lained  to  their  kings  that  their  order  was  los- 
ing its  prestige  by  being  obliged  to  mix  on  ecpnd  terms 
with  tlio  plebeians;  but  the  services  that  the  great 
commercial  body  rendered  every  day  to  the  crown 
were  too  material  to  allow  the  kings  to  listen  patiently 
to  such  complaints.  During  the  reign  of  Ahuitzotl, 
the  pride  of  the  merchants  had  reached  its  zenith ; 
it  is  not  therefore  surprising  that  the  leaders  of  the 
aristocratic  party,  when  that  monarch  was  dead,  elect- 
ed as  his  successor  Montezuma  II.,  a  ])rince  well 
known  for  his  partiality  for  the  higher  classes.     His 


?ul.  11.    13 


104 


THE  NAHIJA  NATIONS. 


jMilicy,  an  oventw  ])n)ve(l,  wjih  a  far  ]v»n  wise  one  tlian 
that  i)f  Tochotlalatzin  of  Tozeuco,  of  wliirh  wo  hav«? 
alri'ady  Hj)okon,  By  not  ruHtraininu^  his  overweonint,' 
j>ri(lt!  ho  |)rtn)are(l  tho  way  for  diHatfection  and  rovoh ; 
lio  furnished  liis  cnoniios  with  weapons  wliich  tliiy 
wore  not  slow  to  use;  ho  ahonated  tho  atibctions  of 
his  snl)jo('ts,  so  that  when  aid  was  most  needed  tlierc 
was  none  to  help  him,  and  when,  fettered  and  a  ])ris- 
oner  in  tlio  liand  of  the  Spaniards,  lie  eaUed  upon  liis 
peopU',  tho  oidy  rophes  were  hoots  and  missiles. 

Tho  Lfenerals  of  the  army  and  military  ottioors  of 
the  hiifher  ranks,  nuist  of  course  he  included  amont^^ 
tho  privilej^ed  classes;  usually,  indeed,  they  were 
nohlo  hy  hirth  as  well  as  influential  hy  iK)sition,  an<l 
in  Mexico,  from  the  time  of  Montezuma's  innovations 
tiiis  was  always  the  case.  There  were  several  mili- 
tary orders  and  titles  which  wore  hestowed  upon  dis- 
tinj^uishod  soldiers  for  services  in  tho  Held  or  tho  coun- 
cil. ( )f  those  which  wore  purely  the  reward  of  merit, 
and  such  as  could  he  attained  hy  a  pleheian,  I  shall 
speak  in  a  future  chapter.  There  was  one,  however, 
the  momhership  of  which  was  confined  to  tho  nohilitv; 
this  was  tho  celebrated  and  knightly  order  of  the  Te- 
cuhtli. 

To  obtain  this  rank  it  was  necessary  to  be  of  noble 
birth,  to  have  given  proof  in  aovoral  battles  of  the 
utmost  coura<xe,  to  have  arrived  at  a  certain  a*jfo,  and 
to  have  sufficient  wealth  to  sujjport  tho  enormous  ex- 
penses inc  rred  by  members  of  tho  order. 

For  thn  >  years  before  he  was  admitted,  tho  candi- 
date and  ■}  parents  busied  themselves  about  making 
ready  for  I  )  grand  ceremony,  and  collecting  rich  gar- 
ments, Jew  J,  and  golden  ornaments,  for  presents  to 
tho  guests.  When  the  time  ajiproachod,  tho  auguries 
were  consv  bed,  and  a  lucky  day  having  boon  fixed 
upon,  tho  relations  and  friends  of  tho  candidate,  as 
well  as  all  the  great  nobles  and  Tecuhtlis  that  could 
be  brought  together,  wore  invited  to  a  sumptuous 
bancjuot.     On  the  morning  of  the  all- important  day 


rKKKMOXY  OF  INITIATINCJ  A  TKCCIITLI. 


11)5 


tlio  roinpany  Hot  out  in  a  Ixxly  fur  tlio  temple  of  f'u- 
maxtli,*  followed  hy  a  inultitude  r>f  eurious  sjtectators, 
rhieHy  of  the  lower  orders,  intent  upon  seeinj^'all  there 
is  to  nee.  Arrived  at  the  Huuunit  of  the  pyramid  conse- 
crated to  Camaxtli,  the  asj)irant  to  knii,ditly  honors 
hows  down  reverently  before  the  altar  of  the  j;»k1.  The 
liii^h-priest  now  approaches  him,  and  with  a  pointed 
tiirer's  Inme  or  an  eayrle's  claw  perforates  the  cartila<r«5 
i>\'  his  nose  in  two  places,  insertinjj  into  the  holes  thus 
made  small  pieces  of  jet  or  obsidian,^  which  remain 
there  until  the  year  of  j)rol)atit)n  is  passed,  when  they 
are  exchanged  for  heatls  of  gold  and  i)recious  stones. 
This  piercing  the  nose  with  an  eagle's  claw  or  a  tiger's 
hone,  signifies,  says  Torquenuula,  that  he  who  aspires 
to  the  dignity  of  Tecuhtli  must  he  as  swift  to  over- 
take an  enemy  as  the  eagle,  as  strong  in  fight  as  the 
tiger.  The  high-priest,  speaking  in  a  loud  voice,  now 
licgins  to  heap  insults  and  injurious  epitliets  uj)on 
the  man  standin;^  meekly  before  him.  His  voice 
grows  louder  ancl  louder;  ho  brandishes  his  arms 
aloft,  he  waxes  furious.  The  assistant  j)riests  are 
catcb.ing  his  mood;  they  gather  closer  about  the  ob- 
ject of  the  pontitf's  wrath;  they  jostle  him,  they 
l>:)int  their  fingers  sneeringly  at  him,  and  call  him 
coward.  For  a  moment  the  dark  eyes  of  the  victim 
gloani  savagely,  his  hands  close  involuntarily,  he 
seems  about  to  spring  upon  his  tormentors;  then  with 
an  effort  he  calms  himself  and  is  passive  as  ever. 
That  look  made  the  taunters  draw  back,  but  it  was 
only  for  a  moment;  they  are  upon  him  again;  they 
know  now  that  he  is  strong  to  endure,  and  they  will 
j>rove  him  to  the  uttermost.  Screaming  insults  in  his 
ears,  they  tear  his  garments  piece  l)y  piece  from  his 
body  until  nothing  but  the  maxtli  is  left,  and  the  man 


*  faniaxtli  was  the  Tlasoaltcc  pod  of  war,  corresponding  with  and  proh- 
ahly  the  sanjc  as  the  Mexican  Huitzilopochtli  The  onlerof  Teculitli  Iwing 
lield  in  hii;hcr  esteem  in  Thiscala  than  elsewhere,  tlie  ceremony  of  initiation 
is  jjenerally  dea(!rilKHl  as  it  took  place  in  that  Htate. 

'  Tna-s  pjedraa  clavjuitas  de  i)iedra  nej^ra,  y  creo  eran  de  hv  piedra  de 
que  hucen  la«  navajas.'  Las  Caswi,  hint.  Apologitiat,  M^.,  cap.  Ixvii. 


1% 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


stands  bruised  and  naked  in  their  midst.  But  all  is 
useless,  tlieir  victim  is  immovable,  so  at  lenj^th  they 
leave  him  in  peace.  He  has  passed  safely  through 
one  of  the  severest  ordeals  of  the  day,  but  that  fierce 
look  a  while  ago  was  a  narrow  escai)e;  had  he  lifted  a 
Hnger  in  resistance,  he  must  have  gone  down  from  the 
temple  to  l)e  scorned  and  jeered  at  by  the  crowd  below 
as  one  who  had  asj)ired  to  the  dignity  of  Tecuhtli,  yet 
who  could  restrain  his  temper  no  better  than  a  woman. 
The  long  months  of  careful  preparation  would  have 
l»een  all  in  vain,  his  parents  would  have  si)at  upon 
him  for  vexation  and  shame,  perchance  he  would  have 
been  punished  for  sacrilege.  But  he  is  by  no  meaufs 
a  member  of  the  coveted  order  yet.  He  is  next  con- 
ducted to  another  hall  of  the  temjde,^  where  he  coni- 
Miences  his  noviciate,  which  is  to  last  from  one  to  two 
years,  by  four  day.s  of  penance,  prayer,  and  fasting. 
As  soon  as  he  is  conducted  to  this  hall  the  banquet 
wliich  has  been  prepared  for  the  guests  commences, 
and  after  a  few  hours  of  conviviality  each  returns  to 
liis  home. 

During  these  first  four  days  the  candidate's  powers  of 
(;ndurance  are  sorely  taxed.  The  only  articles  of  furni- 
ture allowed  him  are  a  coarse  mat  and  a  low  stool;  his 
garments  are  of  the  coarsest  description.  When  night 
comes,  the  priests  bring  him  a  black  i)reparation  with 
which  to  besmear  his  face,  some  spines  of  the  maguey- 
])lant  to  draw  blood  from  his  body  with,  a  censer  aiul 
some  incense.  His  only  companions  are  three  veteran 
warriors,  who  instruct  him  in  his  duties  and  keep  him 
awake,  for  during  the  foiu*  days  he  is  only  allowed  to 
sleep  for  a  few  minutes  at  a  time,  and  then  it  nuist  ''c 
sitting  upon  his  stool.  If,  overcome  by  drowsiness,  ho 
exceed  this  time,   his  guardians  thrust  the  maijuev- 


*  'So  ihn  11  vna  do  las  Salas,  h  AjMwcntos  do  los  Miiiistros  quo  son  inn 
al  DoiiioTiio,  <iuc  kg  llaina1>a  T!ainanizt;al('(».'  Torqiiriiim/a,  Moiiarq.  luii, 
torn,  ii.,  i>.  S02.  It  sooiiis  iiiilikoly,  lii>wovor,  that  the  oandiilate  would  l>o 
takon  to  auotlicr  tonii)lc  at  tins  juueturc.  llraHsour  oxjilaiiis  the  name  of 
'III'  liall  to  which  he  was  taken  as  Me  laeu  lies'  habitations  de»  MiniiritieM, 
lfictiv»de  (."auia.\tli."  Hint.  2\'ut.  L'ic,  tuiit.  iii.,  i>.  587. 


FINAL  CEREMONIES. 


197 


tliorns  into  his  flesh,  crying:  Awake,  awake!  learn  to 
be  vigilant  and  watchful ;  keep  your  eyes  oi)en  that 
you  may  look  to  the  interests  of"  your  vassals.  At 
midnight  he  goes  to  burn  incense  before  the  idol,  and 
to  draw  blood  from  different  parts  of  his  body  as  a 
isiicrifice.  He  then  walks  round  the  tcniide,  and  as  he 
goes  he  burns  paper  and  copal  in  four  holes  in  tlie 
ground,  v»^hich  he  makes  at  the  four  sides  of  the  build- 
ing, facing  the  cardinal  j)oints;  upon  each  of  these 
fires  he  lets  fall  a  few  drops  of  blood  drawn  from  his 
body.  These  ceremonies  he  repeats  at  dawn  and  sun- 
set. He  breaks  his  fast  only  once  in  twenty-four 
hours,  at  midnight :  and  then  his  repast  consists  merely 
of  four  little  dumplings  of  maize-meal,  each  about  the 
size  of  a  nut,  and  a  small  quantity  of  water;  but  even 
this  he  leaves  untastcd  if  he  wishes  to  evince  extraor- 
dinary powers  of  endurance.  The  four  days  having 
cla})sed,  lie  obtains  permission  from  the  high-j)riest  to 
eoniidete  his  time  of  probation  in  some  temple  of  his 
own  district  or  parish;  but  he  is  not  allowed  to  gt» 
lionie,  nor,  if  married,  to  see  his  wife  during  this 
jieriod. 

For  two  or  three  months  preceding  his  formal  ad- 
mission into  the  order,  the  home  of  the  postulant  is 
in  a  bustle  of  pre])aration  for  the  coming  ceremony. 
A  grand  disjday  is  made  of  rich  stuffs  and  dresses,  and 
costly  jewels,  for  the  use  of  the  new  knight  when  lie 
shall  cast  oft*  Jiis  present  chrysalis-husk  of  coarse 
nequen  and  emerge  a  full-blown  Tccuhtli.  A  great 
number  of  presents  are  provided  for  the  guests;  a 
sumptuous  banquet  is  pre})ared,  and  the  whole  house 
is  decorated  for  the  occasion.  The  oracles  are  aj^ain 
consulted,  and  upon  the  lucky  day  a})})ointed  tlie  com- 
l)aiiv  assemble  once  more  at  the  house  of  the  candi- 
date,  in  the  same  manner  as  at  the  connnencenient  of 
his  noviciate.  In  the  morning  the  new  knight  is  con- 
ducted to  a  bath,  and  after  having  undergone  a  good 
scrubbiniif,  he  is  a<>ain  carried,  in  the  midst  of  music 
and  dancing,  to  the  temple  of  Camaxtli.     Accompa- 


108 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


nied  by  liis  brother  Tccuhtlis  he  ascends  the  steps  of 
the  teocalH.  After  he  has  respectfully  saluted  the 
idol,  the  mean  tjannents  he  has  worn  so  loivj;  are  taken 
off,  and  his  hair  is  bound  up  iu  a  knot  on  the  top  of 
his  head  with  a  red  cord,  from  the  ends  of  which  lian<( 
some  fine  feathers;  he  is  next  clad  in  garments  of  rich 
and  fine  materials,  the  princii)al  of  which  is  a  kind  of 
tunic,  ornamented  with  a  delicately  embroidered  de- 
vice, which  is  the  insignia  of  his  new  rank;  in  his 
riijht  hand  he  receives  some  arrows  and  in  his  left  a 
bow.  The  high-priest  completes  the  ceremony  with  a 
discourse,  in  which  he  instructs  the  new  knight  in  his 
duties,  tells  him  the  names  which  he  is  to  add  to  his 
own,  as  a  member  of  the  order;  describes  to  him  the 
signs  and  devices  which  he  must  emblazon  on  his 
escutcheon,  and  im})resses  upon  his  memory  the  ad- 
vantages of  being  liberal  and  just,  of  loving  his  coun- 
try and  his  gods.  As  soon  as  the  newly  made 
Tecuhtli  has  descended  into  the  court  of  the  temple, 
the  music  and  dancing  recommence,  and  are  kept  up 
until  it  is  time  to  begin  the  banquet.  This  is  served 
with  great  magnificence  and  liberality,  and,  to  the 
guests  at  least,  is  probably  the  most  interesting  feature 
of  the  day.  In  front  of  each  person  at  table  are 
l)laced  the  presents  intended  for  him,  consisting  of 
costly  stuffs  and  ornaments  in  such  quantity  that  each 
bundle  was  carried  with  difficiilty  by  two  slaves;  each 
guest  is  also  given  a  new  garment,  which  he  wears  at 
table. 

The  value  of  the  gifts  was  proportioned  to  the  rank 
of  the  receiver,  and  such  distinctions  nmst  be  made 
with  great  care,  for  the  Aztec  nobility  were  very  jeal- 
ous of  their  rights  of  precedence.  The  places  of  such 
nobles  as  had  been  invited  to  the  feast  but  were  from 
illness  or  other  cause  unable  to  attend  were  left  vacant, 
and  their  share  of  presents  and  food  was  placed  upon 
the  table  exactly  as  if  they  had  been  present;  Tor- 
(juenijula  tells  us,  moreover,  that  the  same  courtesy 
was   extended   to   the  empty  seat  as  to  the  actual 


ORIGIN  OF  THE  ORDER. 


199 


puost."  Upon  these  occasions  the  absent  noble  gen- 
erally sent  a  substitute,  whose  seat  was  placed  next  to 
tiiat  of  the  person  he  represented.  On  the  following 
day  the  servants  and  followers  of  the  guests  were 
feasted  and  presented  with  gifts,  according  to  the 
means  and  liberality  of  the  donor. 

The  privileges  of  the  Tecuhtlis  were  important  and 
numerous.  In  council  they  took  the  first  j)laLes,  and 
their  votes  outweighed  all  others ;  in  the  same  man- 
ner at  all  feasts  and  ceremonies,  in  peace  or  in  war, 
they  were  always  granted  preeminence.  As  before 
remarked,  the  vast  expenses  entailed  upon  a  Tecuhtli 
debarred  the  honor  from  uif.ny  who  w^ere  really  worthy 
of  it.  In  some  instances,  however,  when  a  noble  had 
greatly  distinguished  himself  in  war,  but  was  too  poor 
to  bear  the  expen»es  of  initiation,  these  were  defrayed 
by  the  governor  of  his  province,  or  by  the  other  Te- 
cuhtlis.*'" 

The  orijrin  of  the  order  of  Tecuhtli  is  not  known. 
Both  the  Toltecs  and  the  Tlascaltecs  claim  to  have 
established  it.  Veytia,  however,  asserts  that  this  was 
not  the  case,  but  that  it  was  first  instituted  by  Xolotl, 
king  of  the  Chichiniecs."  M.  I'Abbe  Brasseur  do 
Bourbourg  infers  from  ancient  Toltec  history  that  the 
ceremony  of  initiation  and  the  probation  of  the  can- 
didate derive  their  origin  from  the  mysterious  rites  of 
whicli  traces  are  still  found  among  the  nations  of 
]\Iexit'o  and  Central  America.  The  traditions  relating 
to  Votan  and  Quetzalcoatl,  or  Gucumatz,  evidently 
alliidu  to  it.  The  birth  of  Ceacatl-Quetzalcoatl  is  cele- 
hrated  by  his  father,  Mixcohua-Camaxtli,  at  Culhua- 
can,  with  great  rejoicings  and  the  creation  of  a  great 

'  '  V  a  las  SilliiH  solas  que  re]»rcseiita1)iui  las  Porsniiiis  ansctitcs,  liaciau 
taiitu  I'orti'sia,  vie  eaptahaii  IJenevoleiieia,  coiiio  si  ivulineiite  t'slnvieiaii 
|iicsi"ii(os  los  Sefiures  (£ue  faltubaii.'  Torqucmuda,  Muitanj.   IikL,  toiii.  ii., 

p.  :m. 

'"  Coiicerniiij;  the  ceremony  of  initiation  see:  TorqiiriiKiiln,  Mnnnri/. 
I'lil.,  torn,  ii.,  |i)t.  3t»l-(»;  Lus  Ctisd.s;  Hist.  A/Kifoift^/int,  MS.,  cai).  Iwii.; 
(fi)iniirit,  ('(Hill  Mr.r.,  fol.  3(Hi-8;  (7(iri;firn,  S/orid.  Ant.  (hi  Mr.s.sini,  toni. 
ii-,  pp.  rjl»-l;  t'(iiii(ir;/(i,  IIM.  Tliu\,  \\\  Nuin'cllcn  Aunalcs  dcs  Voy.,  1813, 
turn,  xcviii.,  ])p.   147-'.t. 

"  Wijtia,  Hint.  Ant.  McJ.,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  58-00. 


200 


THE  NAUUA  NATIONS. 


number  of  knights;  it  is  these  same  kniglits  who  are 
afterwards  sent  to  avenge  his  death  upon  his  assassins 
at  Cuitlahuae,  a  town  which  appears,  since  tliat  time, 
to  have  been  always  the  principal  place  of  residence  of 
the  order.  After  the  separation  of  Cholula  from  the 
rest  of  the  Toltec  empire  by  Ceacatl-QuetzalcDatI,  that 
town,  together  with  Huexotzinco  and  Tlascala,  a])pears 
to  have  had  special  privileges  in  this  particular.  It  is 
in  these  phices  that  after  the  conquest  of  the  Aztec 
j>lateau  by  the  Teo-Chichimecs,  we  find  most  of  tlieir 
chiefs  bearing  the  title  of  Tecuhtli;  it  may  be  that  the 
priests  were  forced  into  confirming  their  warlike  con- 
(juerors  in  the  honor,  or  it  may  be  that  they  did  ho 
voluntarily,  hoping  by  this  means  to  submit  the  war- 
riors to  their  spiritual  power.  This,  however,  is  cer- 
tain, that  the  rank,  of  Tecuhtii  remained  to  the  last 
the  highest  honor  that  a  prince  or  soldier  could  accjuirt? 
in  the  states  of  Tlascala,  Cholula,  and  Huexotzinco.'^ 

The  priesthood  filled  a  very  important  place  among 
the  privileged  classes,  but  as  a  succeeding  volume  has 
been  set  apart  for  all  matters  relating  to  religion,  I 
will  confine  myself  here  to  such  an  outline  of  the 
sacerdotal  system  as  is  necessary  to  make  our  view  of 
Aztec  social  distinctions  complete.  The  learned  Abbe, 
M.  Brasseur  de  Bourbourg,  gives  us  a  very  correct 
and  concise  account  of  the  Mexican  priesthood,  a  par- 
tial translation  of  which  will  answer  the  present  pur- 
I)ose. 

Among  the  nations  of  Mexico  and  Central  America, 
whose  civilization  is  identical,  the  priesthood  always 
t)ccupied  a  high  rank  in  the  state,  and  uj)  to  the  last 
moment  its  :iend)ers  continued  to  exercise  a  ])owcrful 
influence  in  both  public  and  ])rivate  affairs.  In  Ana- 
huac  the  jiriestly  offices  do  not  appear  to  have  been 
api)ropriated  exclusively  by  an  hereditary  caste;  all 
had  an  equal  right  to  fill  them,  with  the  excej^tion  of 
the  offices  about  the  tem]>le  of  Huitzilopochtli,  at 
Mexico,  which  were  granted  to  some  families  dwelling 

1*  llnisscuv  lie  Buurbourg,  Hist.  Nat.  Cir.,  toiu.  iii.,  i».  oSG. 


THE  MEXICAN  PRIESTHOOD. 


201 


in  certain  quarters  of  that  city."  Tlie  ministers  of 
the  various  temples,  to  be  fitted  for  an  ecch'siastieal 
career,  must  be  graduates  of  the  Cahnecac,  eoUeijes  or 
seminaries  to  wliicli  they  had  been  sent  by  their 
parents  in  their  iiiftincy.  The  dignities  of  their  orck'r 
were  conferred  by  vote;  but  it  is  evident  that  the 
priests  of  noble  birth  obtained  almost  invariably  tlie 
liighest  honors.  The  quarrels  between  the  ])riest  and 
warrior  classes,  which,  in  former  times,  had  brought 
F  )  much  harm  to  the  Mexican  nation,  had  taught  the 
kings  to  do  their  best  to  effect  a  balance  of  jiower  be- 
tween the  rival  bodies;  to  this  end  they  appropriated 
to  tliemselves  the  privilege  of  electing  priests,  and 
j)laced  at  the  head  of  the  clergy  a  priest  or  a  warrioi- 
of  higli  rank,  as  they  saw  fit;  this  could  be  all  the 
more  easily  done,  as  both  classes  received  the  same 
education  in  the  same  schools. 

Tlie  august  title  of  Topiltzin,  which  in  ancient  times 
expressed  the  supremo  military  and  priestly  power, 
came  to  mean,  in  after  years,  a  j)urely  ecclesiastical 
authority.  In  Tezcuco  and  Tlacopan,  where  the  crown 
was  inherited  in  a  direct  line  by  one  of  the  sons  of 
the  deceased  monarch,  the  supreme  ])ontiff  was  usually 
selected  from  among  the  members  of  the  royal  family ; 
but  in  Mexico,  where  it  involved,  almost  always,  tlie 
duties  of  Tlacochcalcatl,  or  commandcr-Iii-chief  of  the 
army,  and,  eventually,  succession  to  tlie  throne,  the 
otKce  of  high-priest,  like  that  of  king,  was  elective. 
The  election  of  the  spiritual  kino,  for  so  we  may  '"all 
him,  generally  followed  ch)se  u]  on  tliat  of  the  tem- 
])(»ral  monarch,  and  such  was  tiu  honor  in  wliicli  tlie 
former  was  held,  that  he  w.is  consecrated  with  the 
same  sacred  unafuent  with  which  the  kiuLT  was  anointed. 
In  this  manner  Axayacatl,  Montezuma  11.,  and  Qua- 
uliteiiioc,  were  each  made  pontiff  befoie.  the  loyal 
crown  was  placed  upon  their  head.  The  title  of  him 
who  held  this  dignity  was  ^Mexicatl-Teojmatzin,  that 
is  to  say,  the    'Mexican   lord  of  sacred    things;'   he 

''  Ilirnm,  Hint.  Gen.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  ii.,  cap.  xv. 


202 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


\J 


aS'!! 


added  also,  l)osides  o  great  number  of  other  titles,  that 
of  Teoteeuhtli,  or  'divine  master,'  and  he  was,  by 
rij^ht,  hijjfh-priest  of  Huitzilopochtli ;  he  was  the  'head 
of  the  church,'  and  of  all  its  branches,  not  only  at 
Mexico,  but  in  all  the  provinces  of  the  Mexican  em- 
pire; he  had  absolute  authority  over  all  priests,  of 
whatever  rank,  and  the  colleges  and  monasteries  of 
every  class  were  under  his  control.  He  was  elected 
by  the  two  dignitaries  ranking  next  to  himself  in  the 
aboriginal  hierarchy.  The  Mexicatl-Teohuatzin  was 
looked  upon  as  the  right  arm  of  the  king,  particularly 
in  all  matters  of  war  and  religion,  and  it  rarely  haj)- 
pened  that  any  important  enterj)rise  was  set  on  foot 
without  his  advice.  At  the  same  time  it  is  evident 
that  the  liigh-])riest  was,  after  all,  on''  the  vicar  and 
lieutenant  of  the  king,  for  on  certain  solenui  occasions 
the  monarch  himself  performed  the  functions  of  grand 
sacrificer. 

The  Quetzalcoatl,  that  is,  the  high-priest  of  the  god 
of  that  name,  was  almost  equal  in  rank  to  the  Mexi- 
catl-Teohuatzin;  but  his  political  influence  was  far 
inferior.  The  ordinary  title  of  the  priests  was  Teo- 
pixqui,  or  'sacred  guardian;'  those  who  were  clothed 
with  a  higher  dignity  were  called  Huey-Teopixqui,  or 
'great  sacred  guardian.'  The  Huitznahuac-Te<j- 
huatzin  and  the  Tepan-Teohuatzin  followed,  in  })riestly 
rank,  the  high-priest  of  Huitzilo])ochtli;  they  were 
his  vicars,  and  superintended  the  colleges  and  monas- 
teries in  every  part  of  his  kingdom.  The  Thuiuinii- 
lol-Teculitli,  or  'grand  master  of  relics,'"  tt)ok  cliarge 
of  the  ornaments,  furniture,  and  other  articles  specially 
relating  to  worship.  The  Tlillancalcatl,  or  'chief  of 
the  house  of  Tlillan,'  exercised  the  functions  of  j)rin- 
cipal  sacristan ;  he  took  care  of  the  robes  and  utensils 
used  by  the  high-priest.  The  choristers  were  under 
the  orders  of  the  Ometochtli,  the  liigh-priest  of  the 
god  so  named,  who  had,  as  director  of  the  singing- 

'<  The  Tliuiuiinilloli,  from  wljciicc  the  title  is  (k'riveil,  was  a  sacrid 
package  ur  biiudlu,  cuutaiiiiiig  rt>lic»  uf  guilti  uiiil  heruusi. 


SACERDOTAL  OFFICES. 


203 


schools,  an  assistant  stylod  Tla})itzcatzin ;  it  was  this 
latter  officer's  duty  to  instruct  his  pupils  in  the  hymns 
which  were  chanted  at  the  principal  solemnities.  Tiie 
Tlamacazcatlotl,  or  'divine  minister'  overlooked  the 
studies  in  the  schools;  another  priest  discharged  the 
duties  of  grand  master  of  the  pontifical  ceremonies; 
another  was  archdeacon  and  judge  of  the  ecclesias- 
tical courts;  the  latter  had  power  to  employ  and  dis- 
charge the  attendants  in  the  temj)les;  besides  these 
there  was  a  crowd  of  other  dignitaries,  following  each 
other  rank  below  rank  in  ])erfect  order. 

In  Mexico  and  the  other  towns  of  the  empire,  there 
were  as  many  comjjlete  sets  of  })riests  as  there  were 
temples.  Besides  the  seventy  eight  sanctuaries  ded- 
icated to  Huitzilopochtli,  which  were  in  ])art  directed 
by  the  priests  we  have  already  enumerated,  tlie  capi- 
tal contained  many  others.  Eacli  had  jurisdiction 
in  its  own  section,  which  corresponded  to  our  parish ; 
the  priests  and  their  pupils  dwelling  in  a  school  or  col- 
lege which  adjoined  the  temple. 

It  was  the  province  of  the  i)riests  to  attend  to  all 
matters  relating  to  religion  and  the  instruction  of 
vouth.  Some  took  charire  of  the  sacrifices,  others 
were  skilled  in  tlie  art  of  divination;  certain  of  them 
were  entrusted  with  the  arrangement  of  the  festivals 
and  the  care  of  the  temple  and  sacred  vessels,  others 
applied  themselves  to  the  composition  of  hynms  and 
attended  to  the  singing  and  music.  Tlie  priests  who 
were  learned  in  science  suj)erintended  the  schools  and 
colleges,  made  the  calculations  for  the  annual  calendar, 
and  fixed  the  feast-days;  those  who  possessed  literary 
talent  compiled  the  historical  works,  and  collected  ma- 
terial for  the  libraries.  To  each  temple  was  attached 
a  monastery,  or  we  might  call  it  a  chapter,  the  mem- 
bers of  which  enjoyed  privileges  similar  to  those  of 


our  canons, 


The  Tlamacazqui,  'deacons'  or  'ministers'  niid  the 
Quaijuacuiltin,  'herb-eaters,'  were  those  who  dedi- 
cated themselves  to  the  service  of  the  Liods  for  life. 


204 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


They  lo(l  a  very  ascetic  life;  continence  was  strictly 
imposed  upon  tlieni,  and  they  niortitied  the  flesh  hy 
deeds  of  j)enance  in  imitation  of  Quetzalcoatl,  who 
was  tlieir  patron  deity.  The  name  of  Tlaniacazcayotl, 
signifying  'government  of  the  religious,'  wjis  given 
to  these  orders,  and  they  had  monasteries  for  the  recej)- 
tion  of  both  sexes.  The  high-priest  of  the  god  Quet- 
zalcoatl was  their  supreme  lord;  he  was  a  man  of 
great  authority,  and  never  deigned  to  put  his  foot  out 
of  d(Kjrs  unless  it  was  to  confer  with  the  king.  AVhen 
a  father  of  a  family  wished  to  dedicate  one  of  his  chil- 
dren to  the  service  of  Quetzalcoatl,  he  with  great 
humility  advised  the  high-priest  of  his  intention. 
That  dignitary  deputed  a  Tlamacazqui  to  represent 
liim  at  the  feast  which  was  given  in  his  honor,  and  to 
bring  away  the  child.  If  at  this  time  the  infant 
was  under  four  years  of  age,  p  slight  incision  was 
made  on  his  chest,  and  a  few  drops  of  blood  were 
drawn  as  a  token  of  liis  future  position.  Four  years 
Avas  the  age  ^'equisite  for  admission  into  the  monastery. 
Some  remained  there  until  they  were  of  an  age  to 
enter  the  world,  some  dedicated  their  whole  lives  to 
the  service  of  the  gods;  others  vowed  themselves 
to  perpetual  continence.  All  were  poorly  clothed, 
wore  their  hair  long,  lived  upon  coarse  and  scanty 
fare,  and  did  ail  kinds  of  work.  At  midnight  they 
arose  and  went  to  the  bath;  after  washing,  they  drew 
blood  from  their  bodies  with  spines  of  the  maguey- 
plant;  then  they  watched  and  chanted  praises  of  tlie 
gods  until  two  in  the  morning.  Notwithstandinii:  this 
austerity,  however,  these  monks  could  betake  them- 
selves alone  to  the  woods,  or  wander  through  the 
mountains  and  deserts,  there  in  solitude  to  spend  tlie 
time  in  holy  contemplation. 

Females  were  consecrated  to  the  service  of  the  gods 
in  several  ways.  When  a  girl  was  forty  days  old,  the 
father  carried  her  to  the  neighboring  temple;  he 
})laced  in  her  little  hands  a  broom  and  a  censer,  and 
thus  presented  her  to  the  Teopixqui,  or  priest;  who  by 


MEXICAN  pitii:sTEssi:s. 


205 


accoptin;:^  these  symbols  of  his  future  state,  bound  him- 
sulf  to  porfonu  his  part  of  tlio  engagement.  As  soon 
us  tlie  httle  one  was  able  to  do  so  in  person,  she  carried 
a  broom  and  a  censer  to  the  tem})le,  witli  some  i)res- 
ciits  R)r  the  j)riest;  at  the  recjuired  age  slie  entered 
tlic  monastery.  Some  of  the  girls  took  an  oatli  of 
perpetual  continence;  others,  on  account  of  some  vow 
wliiih  they  had  made  during  sickness,  or  that  the 
gods  might  send  them  a  good  husband,  entered  the 
monastery  for  one,  two,  tliree,  or  four  years.  They 
wcie  called  Cihuatlamacas<|ue,  'deaconesses,'  orCihua- 
(|ua(iuilli,  'eaters  of  vegetables.'  They  were  under 
the  surveillance  of  a  number  of  staid  matrons  of  good 
iliaracter;  upon  entering  tlie  monastery  eacli  girl  had 
her  liair  cut  short. ^^  They  all  slept  in  one  dormitory, 
and  were  not  Jillowed  to  disrobe  before  retiring  to  rest, 
ill  order  that  they  miglit  always  be  ready  when  tlie 
signal  was  given  to  rise.  They  occupied  themselves 
witli  the  usual  labors  of  their  sex;  weaving  and  em- 
l)roi(lering  tlie  tapestry  and  ornamental  work  for  the 
tt'm])le.  Tliree  times  during  the  night  they  rose  to 
leiiew  the  incense  in  the  braziers,  at  ten  o'clock,  at 
niiihiight,  and  at  dawn.*"  On  these  occasions  a  matron 
led  the  procession ;  with  eyes  modestly  bent  upon  the 
ground,  and  without  daring  to  cast  a  glance  to  one 
side  or  the  other,  the  maidens  filed  up  one  side  of  the 
temple,  while  the  priests  did  the  same  on  the  other, 
so  that  all  met  before  the  altar.  In  returning  to  the 
dormitory  the  same  order  was  observed.  They  spent 
j)art  of  the  morning  in  preparing  bread  and  confec- 
tionery, which  tliey  placed,  while  warm,  in  the  tem- 
ple, where  the  priests  partook  of  it  after  sacritice." 


''  riavijrcrn  asserts  that  the  hair  of  such  only  as  entered  the  service  on 
uci'oimt  of  some  i)rivato  vow,  was  cut. 

"<  ('i;ivij{ero  says  that  only  a  jiart  of  thcni  rose  upon  oa<'h  occasion. 
'S'iilzavano  aicune  due  ore  iiuirca  innaii/.i  ulla  niezzanotle,  altre  alia  niczza 
iMittc,  cd  aitre  alio  spuntar  del  ill  per  attiz/ar,  e  nianteiier  vivo  il  fuoco,  e 
Jut  incciisare  <j;ridoli.'  Storia  Ant.  drl  Mi'sftirn,  toni.  ii.,  j).  42. 

"  'Miles  passaient  une  partie  do  la  matinee  fi  preparer  Ic  jiain  en  fraletto 
ot  Ics  i)ati>seri('s  (|u'elles  prcsentaicnt,  toutcs  chaudes,  dans  le  tcnijilc,  oil 
K'.-<  iiiitiL's  allaicut  Ics  prendre  ainlia  I'oblatiou.'  Brusscur  dc  Bourboimj, 


200 


Tin:  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


The  younLf  women,  for  their  part,  fuHtod  strictly;  tliey 
first  broke  their  fast  at  noon,  aiul  with  the  exception 
of  a  scanty  meal  in  the  evening,  this  was  all  they  ate 
duriniuf  the  twenty-four  hours.  On  feast-days  they 
were  i)ermitted  to  taste  meat,  but  at  all  other  times 
their  diet  was  extremely  mea<»'re.  While  sweepini,' 
the  temple  they  took  «^reat  care  never  to  turn  their 
back  to  the  idol,  lest  the  god  should  be  insulted. 

If  one  of  these  young  women  unhapi)ily  violated 
her  vows  of  chastity  she  redoubled  her  fasting  and 
severitv,  in  the  fear  that  her  flesh  would  rot,  and  in 
order  to  appease  the  gods  and  induce  them  to  conceal 
lier  crime,  for  death  was  the  punishment  inflicted  on 
the  Mexican  vestal  who  was  convicted  of  such  a  tres- 
j)ass.  The  maiden  who  entered  the  service  of  the 
gods  ior  a  certain  period  only,  and  not  for  life,  did  not 
usually  leave  the  monastery  until  she  was  about  to  be 
married.  At  that  time  the  parents,  having  chosen  a 
husl)a!id  for  the  girl,  and  gotten  everything  in  readi- 
ness, repaired  to  the  monastery,  taking  care  flrst  to 
])rovi(le  themselves  with  quails,  copal,  hollow  canes 
flUed  with  perfume,  which  Torquemada  says  they 
called  poiiuietl,  a  brasier  for  incense,  and  some  flowers. 
The  girl  was  then  clothed  in  a  new  dress,  and  the 
party  went  up  to  the  temple;  the  altar  was  covered 
with  a  cloth,  upon  which  were  placed  the  presents 
tliey  had  brought  with  them,  accompanied  by  sundry 
d' .liCS  of  meats  and  pastry.  A  complimentary  speecli 
was  next  made  by  the  parents  to  the  Tequaquilli,  or 
chief  priest  of  the  temple,  and  when  this  was  con- 
cluded tlie  girl  was  taken  away  to  her  father's  house. 
But  of  those  young  men  and  maidens  who  stayed  in 
the  temple-schools  for  a  time  only,  and  received  a 
regular  course  of  instruction  at  the  hands  of  the 
priests,  it  is  my  intention  to  speak  further  when  treat- 
ing of  the  education  of  the  Mexican   youth.     The 

Hist.  Naf.  Ctv.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  556.  Clavigero  says  tliey  prepared  the  offcr- 
in<^  of  provisions  wliicli  was  presented  to  tiie  iclols:  'Tutte  Ic  niattine  ])ra- 
paravaiio  I'obblazioni  di  conimestibili  da  prcsentarsi  agridoli.'  Storia  Ant. 
del  Mcsnico,  torn,  ii.,  p.  42. 


DRESS  OF  THE  MEXICAN  PRIESTS. 


207 


oriL»iniil  acroimts  aro  ratlier  confuscil  on  tliis  ])<)int,  so 
that  it  is  (lilKcult  to  separate  witli  an-uracy  those  wlio 
iMitered  witli  the  intention  of  heeoniinjjf  jiernuineiit 
priests  tVoin  tliose  wlio  were  merely  temporary  sdiolars. 

The  ordinary  dress  of  tlie  Mexican  priests  dillered 
little  from  tiiat  of  other  citizens;  the  only  distinctive 
feature  beinsjf  a  black  cotton  mantle,  which  thev  wore 
in  the  manner  of  a  veil  thrown  back  upon  the  head. 
Those,  however,  who  professed  a  more  austere  life, 
such  as  the  Quaquacjuiltin  and  Tlamacaz(|ui  before 
mentioned,  wore  lonj^  black  robes;  many  amon<i^  tiiem 
never  cut  their  hair,  but  allowed  it  to  ^row  as  lonjjf  as 
it  would;  it  was  twisted  with  thick  cotton  cords,  and 
bedaubed  with  unctuous  matter,  the  whole  f»)rminii^  a 
weiu^hty  mass,  as  inconvenient  to  carry  as  it  was  dis- 
Lfustiuijf  to  look  at.  The  lii«^h-})riest  usually  wore,  as 
a  badi^e  of  his  rank,  a  kind  of  frinjj^e  which  hung 
down  over  his  breast,  called  Xicolli;  on  feast-days  he 
was  clothed  in  a  long  robe,  over  which  he  wore  a  sort 
of  cliasuble  or  cope,  which  varied  in  color,  sliaj)e,  and 
ornamentation,  accordinjjf  to  the  sacrifices  he  made  and 
the  divinitv  to  which  he  offered  them."* 

Among  the  Miztecs  and  Zapotecs  the  priests  had  as 
much  or  even  more  influence  than  among  tlie  Mexi- 
cans. In  briefly  reviewing  the  sacerdotal  system  of 
these  nations,  let  us  once  more  take  ISI.  Brasseur  de 
Bourbourg  for  our  guide. 

Tlie  kingdom  of  Tilantongo,  which  comprised  u])per 
Miztecapan,  was  spiritually  governed  by  tlie  high- 
]»riest  of  Achiuhtla;  he  had  the  title  of  Taysacaa,^" 

'"  Clavijjoro  writes:  'L'iiisegna  de'  Soriimi  Sacerdoti  di  Mt'ssico  era  iiii 
fidccii,  ()  iiaiiiia  di  cotoiie  peiidi'iite  dal  lU'tto,  c  urUv  iVstc  inincipali  vcsti- 
vaiisi  aliiti  sfar/iisi,  iie' cjuali  vcdevaiisi  ti;;urate  le  iiist';iiii!  di  mud  Dio,  la 
vm  festa  coKdiravaiio.'  ,S(oria  Ant.  del  Messiro,  torn,  ii.,  \>.  IW.  Tiic  most 
iiiilioitaiit  worlds  that  can  lie  consulted  concernin;^  the  Mexican  ])riesth(io(i 
are:  llntsiivur  <',.  Ilourhoiirff,  Hist.  A^at.  Ch:,  tiini.  iii.,  jip.  r)4!l-.">!t;  fmni 
winch  I  liavc  ))rinei|ially  taken  my  account;  TorqiiriiKK/a,  Moiiarq.  Intl., 
titin.  ii.,  pp.  I('i3-.'),  17">-91;  Las  dasns.  Hist.  A/w/offcfini.  caps.  exx.\iii., 
cxxxix.,  cxl.;  .SV^/nm/Hw,  Hist.  Gen.,  toni.  i.,  lib.  ii.,  p;..  ll"2etse<i.,  218- 
'2S,  iil).  iii.,  ]!]).  270-7;  Humara,  Conq.  Mex.,  f o  .  323-.'>;  Acosta,  Hist,  dc  lus 
Yiid.,  pp.  3;r)-42;  Herrrrn,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec  iii.,  lib.  ii.,  cap.  xv-xvii. ; 
Clurir/iro,  Sliiria  Ant.  ilcl  Mcs,<iiro,  toni.  ii.,  p.  3G  et  scq. 

1*  This  is  the  title  giveu  by  the  Spiiuish  authors;  it  is  probably  derived 


90S 


Tin:  NAIIIA  NATIONS. 


aiul  Ills  power  eniuillccl,  if  it  did  not  Hurpass,  tluit  of 
the  sovxTciufii.  This  ottico,  it  u|)pojirs,  was  icsciVL'd 
tor  the  royal  family,  and  was  transiiiitti-d  from  malt; 
to  male;  a  momher  of  any  froo  family  could,  howuviT, 
Itccomo  a  sacaa,  or  simple  priest.  All,  oven  to  tlit; 
suect'ssiM'  of  the  Taysaeaa,  had  to  submit  to  a  vijji'or- 
ous  noviciate  of  one  year's  duration,  and  to  this  rule 
no  exce|>tions  were  made.  Up  to  the  time  of  com- 
mencin<if  his  noviciate,  and  for  four  years  after  it  was 
ended,  the  candidate  for  the  priesthood  was  supjtosctl 
to  have  led  a  perfectly  chaste  life,  otherwise  hu  was 
judged  unworthy  to  he  admitted  into  the  order.  His 
only  food  durin<^  the  year  of  probation  was  h<  ihs, 
wild  honey,  and  roasted  maize;  his  life  was  passed  in 
Hilence  and  retirement,  and  the  monotony  of  his  exist 
ence  was  only  relieved  by  waitinj^  on  the  }>riests,  tak- 
ing' care  of  the  altars,  sweeping,'  the  temple,  and 
j;athering  wood  for  the  tires. 

When  four  years  after  his  admission  to  the  priest- 
hood had  elapsed,  durinjj^  which  time  he  seems  to  have 
served  a  sort  of  ap[)renticeship,  he  was  j)ermitted  to 
marry  if  he  saw  tit,  and  at  the  same  time  to  j)erforin 
his  priestly  functions.  If  he  did  not  marry  he  entered 
one  of  the  monasteries  wliicli  were  dependent  on  tin; 
teniples,  and  while  performin<»'  his  re<:fular  tluties,  in- 
creased the  austerity  of  his  life.  Those  priests  who 
were  entrusted  with  the  hij,dier  and  more  important 
ortices,  such  as  the  instruction  of  youth  or  a  seat  in 
tlio  royal  council,  were  selected  from  the  latter  class. 
The  king,  or  the  no  ties,  each  in  his  own  state,  pro- 
vided for  their  wii  is,  and  certain  women,  sworn  to 
chastity,  preparcJ.  their  food.  They  never  left  tlu; 
monastery  except  on  special  occasions,  to  assist  at 
some  feast,  to  play  at  ball  in  the  court  of  their  sov- 
ereiiii-n  lord,  to  o<>  on  a  pilf^rimage  for  the  accomj)lisli- 
ment  of  Ji  vow  made  by  the  king  or  by  themselves,  or 
to  take  their  place  at  the  head  of  the  army,  which,  on 

from  tatj,  a  nitin,  ami  finraa,  a  priest.      Vocabiil.  en  laif/ua  MUiern,  r/r., 
ttccoidiiiy  to  Uranntur  tie  liourbounj,  Uibt.  Nat.  Cic,  torn,  iii.,  p.  17,  «i<Jtf- 


THE  PONTIFF  OF  YOPAA. 


209 


certain  occasions,  thoy  connnanilecl.  If  one  of  tlioso 
monks  fell  sick,  he  was  well  caretl  for  in  the  monas- 
tery; if  he  died  he  was  interred  in  the  court  of  the 
huildin<,^  If  one  of  them  violated  his  vow  of  chastity, 
he  was  hastinadoed  to  death. 

In  Zapotecapan  the  supreme  pontiff  was  called  the 
Wiyatao;'^  his  residence  was  in  the  city  of  Yoj)aa,'''"i 
a;i(f  there  he  was  from  time  immemorial  spiritual  and 
temporal  lord,  thouji^h,  indeed,  he  made  his  temporal 
power  felt  more  or  less  throughout  the  whole  king- 
dom; and  he  appears  in  the  earliest  history  oi'  this 
country  as  master  and  lord  of  both  the  princes  and  the 
people  of  those  nations  who  acknowledged  him  as  the 
supreme  head  of  their  religion.  The  origin  of  the 
city  of  Yopaa  is  not  known ;  it  was  situated  on  the 
sloj)e  of  Mount  Teutitlan,**  wliicli  in  this  place  formed 
ji  valley,  sliut  in  by  overshadowing  rocks,  and  watered 
by  a  stream  which  lower  down  Howed  into  the  river 
Xalatlaco.  The  original  inhabitants  of  this  region 
were  the  disciples  and  followers  of  a  mysterious, 
white-skinned  personage  named  Wixipecocha.  What 
race  he  belonged  to,  or  from  what  land  he  came  wlien 
lie  presented  himself  to  the  Zapotecs,  is  not  known ; 
a  certain  vague  tradition  relates  that  he  came  by  sea 
IVom  the  south,  bearing  a  cross  in  his  hand,  and  de- 
l)arked  in  the  neighborhood  «jf  Tehuantepec ;  ^^  a 
statue  representing  him  is  still  to  be  seen,  t)n  a  high 
rock  near  the  village  of  Magdalena.  He  is  described 
as  a  man  of  a  venerable  aspect,  having  a  bushy, 
white  beard,  dressed  in  a  long  robe  and  a  cloak,  and 
wearing  a  covering  upon  his  head  resembling  a  monk's 

'"  Wiyatao,  Bur^joa  writes /n///V/^oo,  nnd  tr.nnslatt'h,  '^reat  watchman;' 
tilt'  Za|)oti'u  vocalmlary  translates  it  hy  the  wmd  jxipa,  or  priest. 

5'  \(ti)aa,  Ihiryoa  also  writes  Lyohaa  and  \'i)l)iui;  it  sif^nifies  the  Phiee  of 
Tonilis,  from  Vo,  iilaee,  or  grouiul,  and  jhki,  tonih,  in  the  Zapotec  tonj,'ue, 
'tlu!  eentre  of  rest.' 

''^  Teutitlan  was  its  name  in  the  Nahnatl  languaj;e.  Its  Zapoteean  name 
Mas  Xa([niya. 

'^  ]i(is(/os  y  senates  de  la  jmmera  predieneion  en  el    Nuevo-Minirfo, 
Ms.  ije  l)on    Isidro  (iondra;  Carriedo,   Esludius  his/dricos  y  f.<fadis/ir/ts 
(III  Entndo  (hi.rdquciio,  Mrxieo,  1850,  torn,  i.,  cap.  i.;  quoted  \i\  Brasseur 
df  BuurOuiiri/,  Hist.  Nut.  Cic,  toiu.  iii.,  p.  9. 
Vol.  II.    U 


21U 


THE  NAHL'A  NATIONS. 


23 


cowl.  The  statue  represents  him  seated  in  a  pensive 
attitude,  apparently  occupied  in  hearinjj^  the  conlessiun 
of  a  woman  who  kneels  by  his  side.^*  His  voice,  to 
accord  with  his  appearance,  must  have  been  of  remark- 
able sweetness.  Wixipecocha  taught  his  disciples  to 
deny  themselves  the  vanities  of  this  world,  to  mortify 
the  flesh  with  penance  and  fasting,  and  to  abstain 
from  all  sensual  pleasures.  Adding  example  to  pre- 
cept, he  utterly  abjured  female  society,  and  suffered 
no  woman  to  approach  him  except  in  the  act  of  auri- 
cular confession,  which  formed  part  of  his  doctrine 
This  extraordinary  conduct  caused  him  to  be  nuich 
respected;  especially  as  it  was  an  unheard-of  tliin;^^ 
among  these  people  for  a  man  to  devote  his  life  to 
celibacy.  Nevertheless,  he  was  frequently  persecuted 
by  those  whose  vices  and  superstitions  he  attacked. 
Passing  through  one  province  after  another  he  at 
length  arrived  in  the  Zapotec  valley,  a  large  portion 
of  which  was  at  that  time  occupied  by  a  lake  named 
Hualo.  Afterwards,  being  entered  into  the  country 
of  the  Miztecs,  to  lc*bor  for  their  conversion,  the  jieo- 
ple  sought  to  take  his  life.  Those  who  were  sent  to 
take  him  prisoner,  overtook  him  at  the  foot  of  Cemjio- 
altepec,  the  most  lofty  peak  in  the  country;  but  at 
the  moment  they  thought  to  lay  hands  upon  him,  he 
disappeared  suddenly  from  their  sight,  and  soon  after- 
wr-rds,  adds  the  tradition,  his  figure  was  seen  standing 
on  the  summit  of  the  highest  })eak  of  the  mountain. 
Filled  with  astonishment,  his  persecutors  hastened  to 
scale  the  rocky  height.  When  after  grent  labor  they 
arrived  at  the  point  where  they  had  seen  the  figure, 
Wixipecocha  appeared  to  them  again  for  a  few  in- 
stants, then  as  suddenly  vanished,  leaving  no  tnues 
of  his  j)resence  save  the  imprints  of  his  feet  dee})ly 
impressed  upon  the  rock  where  he  had  stood. '^     Since 


**  Burcfoa,  Geoff.  Dcscrip.,  torn,  ii.,  pt  ii.,  cap.  Ixxii. 

2-'  Jid.sffdH  y  xcnalcs  de  la  priinrra  pralirucion  en  el  Nuevo-Mun<i<i, 
MS.  <Ie  l)<tii  iHich'o  Gondra ;  quoted  in  Bvasseur  dc  Buurbourg,  Hist. 
.Nat.  Civ.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  10. 

^^  Burgoa,  Geoff.  Descrip.,  tora.  ii.,  pt  ii.,  cap.  Ixxii. 


THE  CAVE  OF  YOPAA. 


211 


tlien  we  do  not  know  that  Wixipecoclia  reappeared  in 
the  ordinary  world,  though  tradition  rehites  that  ho 
afterwards  showed  himself  in  the  enchanted  island  of 
Monapostiac,  near  Tehuantepec,  whither  he  probably 
went  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  new  proselytes.  In 
spite  of  the  silence  which  history  maintains  concern- 
ing the  time  of  his  advent  and  the  disciples  which  he 
left  behind  him,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  priests 
of  Yopaa  did  not  continue  to  promulgate  his  doctrines, 
or  that  the  Wiyatao,  the  supreme  pontift*  in  Zapoteca- 
})an,  was  not  there  as  the  vicar  and  successor  of  the 
j)ro})het  of  Monapostiac.  Like  the  ancient  Brahmans 
of  Hindustan,  the  first  disciples  of  Wixipecoclia  cele- 
brated the  rites  of  their  religion  in  a  deep  cave,  which 
M.  de  Bourbourg  thinks  was  most  probably  hollowed 
out  in  the  side  of  the  mountain  by  the  waters  of  the 
flood.  This  was  afterwards  used  as  a  place  of  wor- 
ship by  the  Wiyataos,  who,  as  the  number  of  their 
proselytes  increased,  brought  art  to  the  aid  of  nature, 
and  under  the  hands  of  able  architects  the  cave  of 
Yopaa  was  soon  turned  into  a  temple,  having  halls, 
galleries,  and  numerous  apartments  all  cut  in  the 
solid  rock.  It  was  into  the  gloomy  recesses  of  tliis 
teniplo  that  the  priests  descended  on  solemn  feast- 
days  to  assist  at  those  mysterious  sacrifices  which 
were  sacred  from  the  profane  gaze  of  the  vulgar,  oi* 
to  take  part  in  the  burial  rites  at  the  death  of  a  king.'^ 
The  classes  of  roligiou.s  men  wero  as  numerous  and 
tlioir  names  and  duties  as  varied  aniong  the  Za})otecs 
as  elsewhere.  A  certain  order  of  pri«.;sts  who  made 
the  inter})reting  of  dreams  their  ypecial  province  were 
called  Colanii  Cobee  Pecala.  Each  form  of  divina- 
tion was  made  a  special  study.  Some  professed  to 
foretell  the  future  by  the  aid  of  stars,  earth,  wind,  fire, 
or  water;  others,  by  the  flight  of  birds,  the  entrails  of 
-^  vi^-rificial  victims,  or  by  iiagic  signs  and  circles. 
Among  other  divinities  a  species  of  ])arrofpiet,  with 


*'  Burgoa,  (Jeog.  Descrip.,  torn,  ii.,  pt  ii.,  lap.  liii. 


212 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


flamiuf^  plumage,  called  the  ara,''^  was  worshiped  in 
some  districts.  In  this  bird  a  god  was  incarnate,  who 
was  said  to  have  descended  from  the  sky  like  a  meteor. 
There  were  among  the  Zapotecs  hermits  or  fakirs, 
wno  passed  their  entire  lives  in  religious  extasy  and 
meditation,  shut  up  in  dark  caves,  or  rude  huts,  witli 
IK)  other  companion  but  an  ara,  which  they  fed  respect- 
fully upon  a  species  of  altar;  in  honor  of  the  bird 
they  lacerated  their  flesh  and  drew  blood  from  their 
l)odies ;  upon  their  knees  they  kissed  it  morning  and 
evening,  and  offered  it  with  their  prayers  sacrifices  of 
fl!owers  and  copal. 

Priests  of  a  lower  order  were  styled  Wiyana  and 
Wizaechi,  and  the  monks  Copapitas.  The  inttueiKv; 
which  they  were  supposed  to  have  with  the  gods,  and 
the  care  which  they  took  to  keep  their  nund^er  c(jii- 
stantly  recruited  with  scions  of  the  most  illustrious 
families,  gained  them  great  authority  among  the  peo- 
j)le.  No  noble  was  so  great  but  he  would  be  honored 
by  having  a  son  in  the  temple.  They  added,  also,  to 
tlie  credit  of  their  profession  by  the  strict  prcjprietj' 
of  their  manners,  and  the  excessive  rigor  with  wliich 
tliey  guarded  their  chastity.  Parents  who  wished  to 
consecrate  one  of  their  children  to  the  service  of  the 
gods,  lee"  him,  while  still  an  infant,  to  the  chief  priest 
f  the  district,  who  after  carefully  catechizing  the  lit- 
tle one,  delivered  him  over  to  the  charge  of  the  master 
of  the  novices.  Besides  the  care  of  the  sanctuary, 
which  fell  to  their  lot,  these  children  were  tauglit 
sijiging,  the  history  of  their  country,  and  such  sciences 
as  were  within  their  comprehension. 

These  religious  bodies  were  looked  upon  with  mucli 
respect.  Their  members  were  taught  to  bear  tlieni- 
selves  properly  at  home  and  in  the  street,  and  to  pre- 
serve a  modest  and  humble  demeanor.  The  least 
infraction  of  the  rules  was  sevei  jly  punished;  a  glance 
or  a  sign  wliich  might  be  construed  mto  a  carnal  dc- 


o 


^s  So  culled  from  the  cry  of  ara,  am,  which  it  coiiatuntly  repeata. 


ZAPOTEC  PRIESTS. 


S18 


slro,  was  punished  as  criminal,  and  those  who  showed 
by  their  actions  a  strong  disposition  to  violate  their 
vow  of  chastity  were  relentlessly  castrated. 

Tlie  Wiyanas  were  divided  into  several  orders,  but 
all  were  ruled  in  the  most  absolute  manner  by  the 
pontiff  of  Yopaa.  I  have  already  spoken  of  the  ven- 
eration in  which  this  spiritual  monarch  was  held,  and 
of  the  manner  in  which  he  surmounted  the  difficulty 
of  ] laving  children  to  inherit  the  pontifical  chair,  when 
continence  was  strictly  imposed  upon  him.™ 

The  ordinary  dress  of  the  Zapotec  priests  was  a  full 
white  robe,  with  openings  to  pass  the  arms  through, 
but  no  sleeves;  this  was  girt  at  the  waist  with  a  col- 
ored cord.  During  the  ceremony  of  sacrifice,  and  on 
feast-days,  the  Wiyatao  wore,  over  all,  a  kind  t>f 
tunic,  with  full  sleeves,  adorned  with  tassels  and  em- 
broidered in  various  colors  with  representations  of 
l)irds  and  animals.  On  his  head  he  wore  a  mitre  of 
feather-work,  ornamented  with  a  very  rich  crown  of 
gold;  his  neck,  arms,  and  wrists  were  laden  with 
costly  necklaces  and  bracelets;  upon  his  feet  were 
golden  sandals,  bound  to  his  legs  with  cords  of  gold 
and  bright-colored  thread.* 

The  Toltec  sacerdotal  system  so  closely  resembled 
the  Mexican  already  described  that  it  needs  no  further 
description  in  this  volume.     Their  priests  wore  a  long 


2"  See  this  vol.,  pp.  142-3. 

*"  linrijiKi,  ffi'oif.  M'.vrr///.,  torn  ii.,  cap.  liii.  Of  the  Miztec  lu'^li-i)riost  Tor- 
i|'ifi  iMilv  write  ■  'Se  v-.'stia,  para  colobrar  sus  Fiestas,  dc  I'liiitilicai,  dc  csta 

iiiii"  I.  Unas  luantas  nuii  variadas  de  ooiores,  iiiatii,'adas,  y  piiitadas  do 
nlj.fiirias  acaet'idas  a  aljjii'ios  de  siis  Dioses:  ])oniase  viias  '.•oiiio  Caiiiisas,  it 
KiH^iH'tes,  sill  iuaii;^as  (a  difereiiria  di;  los  .Mexicaims)  ((tie  ii('j.'al>aii  mas 
aliijit  lie  la  rodilla,  y  ci»  las  pieriias  viias  eoiiiit  aiitiparas,  ([iie  le  eiiliriaii  la 
]i;iiiti>rrilla;  y  era  esto  easi  eoiimii  a  todns  los  Saeenlotes  Siimos,  y  ealeado, 
tM;i  i(iie  adiiniahau  las  Kstatuas  de  los  Dioses;  yen  el  liraeo  izcpiierdo,  vn 
iK'ihii'K  de  niaiita  lalirada,  a  nianera  de  listoii,  coino  sneleii  atarse  al;;unos 
al  Unieo,  (piando  salen  ii  Fiestas,  d  ('anas,  eon  viia  liorla  asida  de  ella,  (jiie 
pareiia  maiiipulo.  Vestiaeneiiiia  de  todo  vna  ('a]»ii,  eoiiio  la  iiiiestra  de 
Cirn,  eon  vna  liorla  eol^ando  a  las  espaldas,  y  vna  ^raii  Mitrii  en  la  laliecu, 
lii'ilia  de  pliiinas  verdes,  eon  ninelio  artilieio,  y  toda  seniWrada,  y  lalirada 
'le  iiM  mas  )iriiieii)ales  Dioses,  <|ne  tenian.  (jnando  bailahan,  en  otras  oea- 
si'iues,  y  patios  de   los  Teinplos  ((pie  era  (d  iiiodo  onlinario  de  eaiilar  siis 

lioi.is,  y  reear  sn  Olieio)  se  vestian  de  ropa  lilanea  pintada,  y  vnas  ropetas, 
C(  HID  eaniiso'as  dc  (ja'eote.'  Mviiitrq.  JiuL,  toiii.  li.,  p.  217. 


214 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


l)lack  robe  reaching"  to  the  ground;  their  lieads  were 
covered  with  a  liood,  and  their  hair  fell  down  over  their 
shoulders  and  was  braided.  They  rarely  put  sandals 
on  their  feet,  except  when  about  to  start  on  a  loiv^ 
journey.'*  Among-  the  Totonacs  six  great  ecclesiastics 
were  elected,  one  as  high-priest,  one  next  to  him 
in  rank,  and  so  on  with  the  other  four.  When 
the  high-priest  died,  the  second  priest  succeeded  him. 
He  was  anointed  and  consecrated  with  great  cere- 
mony; the  unction  used  upon  the  occasion  was  a 
mixt'ue  of  a  fliiid  called  in  the  Totonac  tongue  olc, 
and  ;  i  "  drawn  at  the  circumcision  of  children.''^ 
There  e  jd  also  among  these  i)eople  an  order  of 
monks  devuted  to  their  goddess  Centeotl.  They  lived 
a  very  austere  and  retired  life,  and  their  character, 
according  to  the  Totonac  standard,  was  irreproachable. 
None  but  men  above  sixty  years  of  age,  who  were 
widowers  of  virtuous  life  and  estranged  from  the  so- 
ciety of  women,  were  admitted  into  this  order.  Their 
number  was  fixed,  and  when  one  of  them  died  another 
was  received  in  his  stead.  They  were  so  much  re- 
spected that  they  were  not  only  consulted  by  the 
conunon  jieople,  but  likewise  by  the  great  nobles  and 
the  high-}>riest.  They  listened  to  those  who  consulted 
them,  sitting  upon  their  heels,  with  their  eyes  fixed 
upon  the  ground,  and  their  answers  were  received  as 
oracles  even  by  the  kings  of  Mexico.  They  were  em- 
ployed in  making  historical  paintings,  which  they  gave 
to  the  high-priest  that  he  might  exhibit  them  to  the 
people.  The  common  Totonac  priests  wore  long  black 
cotton  robes  with  hoods;  their  hair  was  braided  like 
the  other  common  priests  of  Mexico,  and  anointid 
Avith  the  bloo*^'  of  human  sacrifices,  but  those  who 
served  the  goddess  Centeotl  were  always  dressed  in 
the  skins  of  foxes  or  coyotes.'^      At  Izacapu,  in  !Mi- 


327 


31  IxtlUxorhitl,  Rclaeioncs,  in  KingsborougKs  Mcx,  Aiitiq.,  torn,  ix.,  \\ 

■'2  Laa  Ciisax,  Ifisl.  Afioloffr/irn,  MS.,  cap.  oxxxiii. 

33  Las  Lams,  Hist.  Apolo<jiticH,  MS.,  cap.  cxxi.;  Tonjucmaiht,  Muiiuv'i. 


PRIESTS  OF  MIC  HO  AC  AN. 


215 


dioacan,  there  was  a  pontiff  named  Curinacancry,  who 
was  looked  ui)on  with  such  deep  veneration  that  the 
kinuf  himself  visited  him  once  a  year  to  offer  him  the 
first-fruits  of  the  season,  which  he  did  upon  his  knees, 
having  first  respectfully  kissed  his  hand.  The  com- 
mon priests  of  Michoacan  wore  their  hair  loose  and 
disheveled ;  a  leathern  band  encircled  their  foreheads ; 
their  robes  were  white,  embroidered  with  black,  and 
in  their  hands  they  carried  feather  fans.^  In  l*uebla 
they  also  wore  white  robes,  with  sleeves,  and  fringed 
on  the  edges.^  The  papas,  or  sacrificing  priests  of 
Tlascala,  allowed  their  hair  to  grow  long  and  anointed 
it  with  the  bijod  of  their  victims.^"  Much  more  mii>ht 
be  written  concerning  the  priests  of  these  countries, 
but  as  it  does  not  strictly  come  within  the  province  of 
this  volume,  it  is  omitted  liere.^ 


Iiid.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  181;  Clttvigfro,  Storia  Ant.  del  Messtco,  torn,  ii.,  p.  44; 
Jlirirni,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  v.,  cap.  xiv. 

31  Bi.iiumoiif,  Urdu.  Mcc.houcan,  MS.,  i)p.  52-3;  Hcrrera  savs  of  the 
jtrii'st.s  of  Mcf'lioacaii,  'traliiau  los  cahellos  lar;;os,  y  coroiia.s  ahicrtas  en  la 
cabeya,  coiiio  Ids  ile  la  Yfjlesia  Catoliea,  y  gulriialdas  de  liuecos  eolorados.' 
Hint.  (Ifii.,  Dec.  iii.,  lib.  iii.,  caj).  x. 

35  TorqnoiKufn,  MoiKirq.  Intl.,  torn,  i.,  p.  438. 

^''  Cditiiifffo,  Hint.  Tlax.,  in  Nouvellcs  Annalcs  des  Voy.,  1843,  toni. 
xcviii.,  p.  nil. 

37  Less  important,  or  more  modern,  anthoiities  that  treat  of  the  priv- 
ileged classes  aniou}^  the  Aztecs,  are:  I'iiiirntcl,  Mem.  svire  la  litiza  Iii- 
t/iifc/Ki,  pp.  l()-2iJ;  Carhiijul  Espiiiosn,  Hint.  Mex.,  toin.  i.,  pj).  4',t.")-r)()4; 
'''(/•//,  C((rla,%  pt  i.,  pp.  114-15;  Ctirbajid,  Di-iciir-w,  ])p.  108-14;  C/uire.i, 
Ji'iji/)orf,  in  Tenifi iix-Com/inii.%  Voi/.,  serie  ii.,  toni.  v.,  j)]*.  303-(>,  3;17; 
Hihntrtli'n  ('oiiij.  Mr.c,  p.  3(J;  Afoiif/liirr,  RrsKiiif,  pp.  14-19,  32  .">;  J/xziirf, 
Kiirhcn-Gr.irhiehte,  toni,  ii.,  pp.  .5()3-.5;  Afoiitaiiii.i,  Xiciii'r  Wn-rrld,  ])p. 
74,  •J.S.l-G,  204-5;  IFc.s<  und  Usl  I)uli.ieh:r  Liinfffurt,  pt  i.,  ]>p.  73-7,  98- 
100;  Cortes,  Aeetitiiras,  pref.,  p.  (5;  Hard,  Mrxiqiir,  pp.  201-2;  Klritim, 
('idtiir-Crfschiehte,  torn,  v.,  pp.  59-70,  88-98,  2m)-10;  iSw/<«,  Sjutiiier  ia 
I'i'ru,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  12-13,  19;  Chevalier,  Mex,  Ancien  ct  Mod.,  pp.  IIG- 
120. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


PLEBEIANS,  SLAVES,  TENURE  OF  LANDS,  AND  TAXATION. 

Influexce  of  the  Commoners  — Oppression  by  Nobles— DnrmvED 
OF  Office  by  Montezuma  II.— Classes  of  Slaves — Penal  Slaves 
-  Voluntary  Slavery— Slave  Market  at  Azcapuzalco— Pun- 
ishment and  Privileges  of  Slaves— Division  of  Lands— Crown 
Lands— Lands  of  the  Nobles— Municipal  Property— Property 
of  the  Temples— Tenure  of  Lands  in  Zapotecapan,  Mizteca- 
pan,  Michoacan,  Tlascala,  Cholula,  and  Huexotzinco— Simi- 
larity TO  Feudal  System  of  Europe  — System  of  Taxation- 
Municipal  Taxes  — Lice  Tribute  — Tribute  from  Conquered 
Provinces— Revenue  Officers— Injustice  of  Montezuma  II. 


No  writer  seems  to  have  thought  it  worth  while  to 
define  the  exact  condition  of  the  lower  orders  of  free 
citizens  among  the  Aztecs.  In  Mexico,  under  the 
earlier  kings,  they  appear  to  have  enjoyed  considerable 
privileges.  They  were  represented  in  the  royal  coun- 
cils, they  held  high  offices  at  court  and  about  the 
king's  person,  their  wishes  were  consulted  in  all  affairs 
of  moment,  and  they  were  generally  recognized  as  an 
important  part  of  the  community.  Gradually,  how- 
ever, their  power  lessened  as  that  of  the  nobles 
increased,  until,  in  the  time  of  Montezuma  1 1.,  they 
were,  as  we  have  seen,  deprived  of  all  offices  that  were 
not  absolutely  menial,  and  driven  from  the  j)alace. 
Still,  there  is  no  doubt  that  from  the  earliest  times 
tlie  plebeians  were  always  much  oppressed  by  the 
nobles,   or   that,   as  the   Bishop  of  Santo  Domingo, 

(818) 


^^ 


PLEBEIANS  AND  SLAVES. 


217 


before  quoted,*  remarks,  ''they  were,  and  still  are,  so 
submissive  that  they  allow  themselves  to  be  killed  or 
sold  into  slavery  without  complaining-."  Father  Aeosta, 
also,  writes  that  "so  great  is  the  authority  which  the 
caciques  have  assumed  over  their  vassals  that  these 
latter  dare  not  o[)en  their  lips  to  complain  of  any  order 
giv^en  them,  no  matter  how  difficult  or  disagreeaV)le  it 
may  be  to  fulfill ;  indeed,  they  would  rather  die  and 
perish  than  incur  the  wrath  of  their  lord ;  for  this  rea- 
son the  nobles  frequently  abuse  their  power,  and  are 
often  guilty  of  extortion,  robbery,  and  violence  towards 
their  vassals."''  Caraargo  tells  us  that  the  plebeians 
were  content  to  work  without  pay  for  the  nobles,  if 
they  could  only  insure  their  protection  by  so  doing. ^ 
Of  those  who  stood  below  the  macehuales,  as  the 
plebeians  were  called,  and  lowest  of  all  in  the  social 
scale,  the  slaves,  we  have  more  definite  information. 
Slavery  was  enforced  and  recognized  by  law  and  usage 
throughout  the  entire  country  inhabited  by  the  Nahua 
nations.  There  were  in  ancient  Mexico  three  classes 
of  slaves;  namely,  prisoners  of  war,  persons  con- 
demned for  crime  to  lose  their  freedom,  and  those  who 
sold  themselves,  or  children  sold  by  their  parents. 
The  captor  of  a  prisoner  of  war  had  an  undisputed 
right  to  doom  his  jirize  to  be  sacrificed  to  the  gods; 
this  power  he  almost  invariably  exerted,  and  it  was 
held  a  punishable  crime  for  another  to  deprive  him  of 
it  by  rescuing  the  prisoner  or  setting  him  free.*  Sa- 
liagun  tells  us  that  the  captor  could,  if  he  chose, 
either  sell  or  hold  his  prisoners  as  slaves;  and  if 
among  them  any  man  or  woman  showed  unusual 
ability  in  music,  embroidering,  weaving,  or  other  do- 
mestic occupation,  he  or  she  was  fre({uently  purchased 
by  the  king  or  some  noble  or  wealthy  man,  and  em- 


'  Sec  page  191  of  this  volume. 

2  Afosfa,  De  procuranda  indorum  salute;  quoted  in  Puncntcl,  Man. 
sobic  III  liazn  Indtt/cnn,  p.  81. 

^  ffist.  Tlnx.,  m  Noiivcllen  Annnles  des  Voy.,  1843,  toni.  xiix.,  p.  l.W. 

*  (.'/iii'iffrro,  Sforiit  Aiit.  (hi  3fr.mco,  torn,  ii.,  ])p.  1.34-ti;  Curies,  Carta 
hied.,  iu  icuzOulceta,  Col.  de  Due.,  torn,  i.,  p.  474. 


218 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


ployed  111  his  liousc,  and  thus  saved  from  the  sacrifice." 
Tiie  offences  wliicli  the  Aztecs  jmnished  with  shivery 
were  tlie  following:  firstly,  failure  on  the  part  of  any 
relation  of  a  person  convicted  of  hij^h  treason,  to  give 
timely  information  of  the  plot  to  the  proper  authori- 
ties, provided  he  or  she  had  knowledge  of  it,  the 
wives  and  children  of  the  traitor  being  also  enslaved; 
secondly,  the  unauthorized  sale  of  a  free  man  or 
woman  or  of  a  free  child  kidna})ped  or  found  astray, 
the  kidnapper  fraudulently  asserting  such  person  to 
be  a  slave,  or  such  child  to  be  his  own;  thirdly,  the 
sale  or  disposal,  by  a  tenant  or  depositary,  of  another's 
property,  without  the  permission  of  the  owner  or  his 
representative,  or  of  a  proper  legal  authority;  fourthly, 
hindering  a  collared  slave  from  reaching  the  asylum 
of  the  sovereign's  palace,  provided  it  was  the  act  of 
one  who  was  not  the  owner  or  the  owner's  son ;  fiftldy, 
stealing  things  of  value,  or  being  an  inveterate  thief; 
sixthly,  stealing  from  a  field  a  certain  number  of  ears 
of  corn  or  of  useful  plants,  exception  being  made  to 
this  law  when  the  act  was  committed  by  a  child  under 
ten  years  of  age,  or  when  the  stolen  property  was 
paid  for;  sev^enthly,  the  impregnating,  by  a  free  man, 
of  another's  female  slave,  if  the  woman  died  during 
her  pregnancy,  or  in  consequence  of  it.  This  latter 
statement  is  contradicted  by  Torquemada,  upon  the 
strength  of  information  given  him,  as  he  alleges,  by 
Aztecs  well  acquainted  with  the  laws  of  their  country." 


5  lllst.  Gen.,  torn,  i.,  lib.  1.,  pp.  32-3;  sec  also,  toin.  ii.,  lib.  vii.,  iip. 
253-9,  lib.  ix.,  jip.  353,  370.  The  Anouyinous  Coiunieror  agrees  with  .Siili.i- 
{;un:  'Tutti  iiufi  che  si  pigliauano  iiella  guerra,  6  eiaiio  inagiati  <la  loro,  o 
cniiio  teuuti  j»er  seliiaiii.'  Relatione  fatta  per  vn  (lentiVlmomo  <lvl  Siipmr 
Fernando  Cortcsc,  in  Ilaniusio,  Naiuffationi,  toiii.  lii.,  fol.  304.  Motoliiiia, 
liowever,  asserts  that  all  prisoners  of  war  were  sacriliced:  'por  one  niiiji'uii 
esL'lavo  se  baoian  en  ellas,  ni  rescataban  ningiino  ile  los  que  en  las  giien.is 
])reiuliiin,  mas  todos  los  guardavan  para  sacrifiear.'  Carta  al  Jun/nnoldr 
Ctirlos  v.,  Jan.  2,  1555,  in  Icazbnlccta,  Vol.  de.  Dor,.,  torn,  i.,  j).  272.  (in- 
luaraalso  confirms  this  with  a  grim  joke:  'Los  catiuos  en  guerra  no  siruiiui 
de  csclanos,  sino  de  sa<'riti('ados:  v  no  hazian  ntas  de  comer  para  ser  coiiii- 
dos.'  Conq.  Mcx.,  fol.  320-1;  see  also  fol.  30!). 

6  'Algnnos  tiuisieron  decir,  que  si  vn  libre  tenia  acceso  h  algniia  Km- 
clava,  ytinedaba  prefiada  de  la  co|tnla,  era  Esclavo  el  Varon  que  t'oiiictiJi 
ttcto  con  Esiclava,  y  servia  ul  JSeuyr  de  la  Eacluva;  pero  eato  uo  fuc  asi, 


Pi:XALANDVOLLNTAIiysj.AVERy. 


canic  the  ,,ro,,erty  «rhL  ^.;  •f™,'"'' ''»*'''«-■  1«' 
"»"■"«  that  it  >L  «,sto„  IL  ,  '^v  T<"-<l"'--"ada 
l«yrno„t  of  his  clain,  to  t  "  J  '  i  '  *"  '""^  f"' 
""J  tlioro  was,  but  „o  .nemCrfVr''',T '''-''*'''''.  'f 
v.a.s  awarded  tohi,„  to  c«|,e  d,  T.^'l""''"  ^'""'^y 
''''l'l«"«d  that  persons  too  ,«?.  '^''''  "  »ometi>ui 
^>-'V  put  up  for 'sale,  but  U^is'nln  '''"^  *'"^"'  ^'"'<-'« 
<|uci-o,i  provinces.     Penal  ^l.vj'';  '"'''■"'•'■'-■''  "'  «-n- 

sold  to  jirivate  nertoi,.,  „  •  '  ''"*  were  publiclv 
;vIh™  th'ey  had  i^jur^S''  Z  T?"''^  ,*"  *''«  I™'  - 
to  he  slaves,  or  tl/eir  pin LTnTe  ff  '"'■'!  ,<'fl"'"I'='-s  lield 
eon.n.enced  until  they  had  t"?  V  ""?,''''''-«l  to  have 
tlie  hew  owner.  ^         '*"'"  fwmally  delivered  to 

fro^^iit:siIe;:ti::^btTc;e^  'T"'"^^  "-"• 

l<y  extreme  poverty  to  ,1  '  7      ^  ^""''  »'» wre  driven 

^>'>"W  not  trist  to  «,en-  own  °'  ""T  **"  ""•»'«"'  wl"" 

S"".pste.s,  oo  obtain  ZweSr'r  f"  -^  '^■^■'"'-''. 

•Ksion  for  saniblino.,.  ai?d  InZ  '  '"'•"''^  ""''''• 

tor  c  asses  were  not  oblted  fa,  !  '^'l  ^ ''«  '»"  '"t- 
aftcrti,ee.Kpiratio„ofaySarf,  ",^?  in  o  serviee  until 
tlie  consideration  for  whM  t  ."S  ",»««'' fooeivin!.' 

,.  Slaves  were  contiUa  v  off  ^/"J''  them.,elve.s.  " 
'-  ."arket-plaee  of  evify  Wn  t  ft  "'  '''"  I'"'- 
»  »ve-mart  in  the  Mexican  „,nn"'  "'  *'"^  I"'"''!'"' 
lie  town  of  AEcapuziko  wh  1  '™'"".  '"  ''"^'•^  I'oen 
t"-"  leagues  from  tie  cUrofif  •"'*' •'''""''-■<'  "''""t 
»"-:  of  the  ancient  ca&,,fH"'"'i;  "  «""l'ied  the 
«-l"<h  was  destroyed  bv  K L    \t  "  ,^«P'"'ec  kinifd    „ 

™-     Great  nuSbe;7  rf  l..^!t"''T'' '''  'T-' 
A^eapu.aleo  from  all  the  prott:;  St tlffi'th:: 


m 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


tlic  merchants  who  traded  in  them  had  to  adopt  <Tfreat 
j)recaiiti(Mi.s  to  prevent  tlieir  property  from  huin<^  stolta 
or  rescued  on  the  journey.  Witli  a  view  to  advan- 
ta<^eous  sales  the  slaves  thus  exposed  in  the  })ul)lic 
markets  were  kept  well  clothed  and  fed,  and  were 
forced  to  dance  and  look  cheerful. 

Parents  could  pawn  or  sell  a  son  as  a  slave,  hut 
were  allowed  to  take  him  hack  on  surrenderini^  another 
son  to  servo  in  his  stead;  on  such  occasions  the  mas- 
ter was  wont  to  show  his  generosity  by  allowing  an 
extra  comj)ensation  for  the  new  servant.  There  was 
yet  another  kind  of  slavery,  called  by  the  Mexicans 
huehuetJatlacoUi,  meaning  'ancient  servitude.'  When 
one  or  more  families  were  entirely  destitute  and  fam- 
ine-stricken, they  sold  a  son  to  some  noble,  and  bound 
themselves  to  always  'keep  that  slave  alive,'  that  is 
to  say,  to  supply  another  to  fill  his  place  if  he  died  oi- 
became  incapacitated.  This  obligation  was  binding 
u{)on  each  member  of  the  families  making  the  con- 
tract, but  was  null  and  void  if  the  man  who  was 
actually  serving  died  in  his  master's  house,  or  if  liis 
employer  took  from  him  anything  that  he  had  law- 
fully acquired;  therefore,  to  prevent  this  forfeiture  of 
ownership,  the  master  neither  took  from  his  slave  any- 
tliing  but  personal  service,  nor  allowed  him  to  dwell 
in  his  house.  It  frequently  happened  that  as  many 
as  four  or  five  fimiilies  were  bound  in  this  manner  to 
supply  a  noble  and  his  heirs  with  a  slave.  But  in 
1505  or  150(),  a  year  of  famine  in  the  country,  Neza- 
hualpilli  of  Tez'.'uco,  foreseeing  the  evils  tliat  this  sys- 
tem of  perpetual  contract  would  entail  upon  liis 
subjects  if  tlie  scarcity  of  food  continued  long,  repealed  ' 
tlie  law,  and  declared  all  families  exempt  from  its  ob- 
ligations; it  is  recorded  that  Montezuma  II.  soon 
after  followed  his  example.^" 

Slavery  in  Mexico  was,  according  to  all  accounts, 

'0  Torijurmmln,  Mmiarq.  Turf.,  toin.  ii.,  pp.  .'•04-5;  Safinfjiiii,  Hist.  Gni., 
titiii.  ii.,  lil>.  viii.,  ]).  S((3.  Iirass(Mir  do  Hourlxmrg  assortH  timt  tlicise  I'oii- 
tiai'ts  rt'iiiaiiii'd  in  fon'c  down  to  the  time  of  the  Spanish  concjuest.  Hist. 
Nat.  Cic,  toiii.  iii.,  p.  GU. 


CONDITION  AND  TKKATMENT  OF  SLAVKS. 


221 


ii  moderate  .  ulyection,  consistin*^  merely  of  an  oMij^^a- 
tioii  to  render  personal  service,  nor  could  that  1)0 
(.xacted  without  alK)win«^  the  slave  a  certain  amount 
of  time  to  labor  for  his  own  advantage.  Slaves  were 
Iviiully  treated  and  were  allowed  far  greater  ])rivileges 
than  any  in  the  old  world;  they  could  marry  and 
hiing  up  families,  hold  property,  including  other  slaves 
to  serve  tliem,  and  their  children  were  invariai)ly  horn 
free.  There  is,  however,  some  obscurity  on  this  point, 
as  Sahagun  tells  us  that  in  the  year  Ce  Tochtli,  which 
came  round  every  fifty-two  years,  there  was  generally 
a  great  famine  in  the  land,  and  at  that  time  many 
persons,  driven  to  it  by  hunger,  sold  not  only  them- 
selves as  slaves,  but  also  their  children  and  descend- 
ants tor  countless  generations."  Very  young  or  poor 
sliiNes  lived  at  the  home  of  their  master,  and  were 
treated  almost  as  members  of  the  familv:  the  other 
slaves  lived  independently,  either  on  their  owner's 
laiid,  or  upon  their  own.  It  fre(piently  haj)pened  that 
a  master  succumbed  to  the  charms  of  one  of  his  female 
slaves  and  made  her  his  wife,  or  that  a  comely  bond- 
man found  favor  in  the  sight  of  his  mistress,  and 
liecame  her  lord;  nor  was  this  so  strange  as  it  may 
at  lirst  appear,  there  being  no  difterence  of  race  or 
color  to  make  such  alliances  repugnant  t)r  shameful. 
Feelings  of  affection  and  respect  existed,  as  a  rule, 
hetween  master  and  servant.  A  slave  who  had  served 
long  and  faithfully  was  often  entrusted  with  the  stew- 
ardsliip  of  his  owner's  household  and  property,  and, 
on  the  other  hand,  if  the  master  through  misfortune 
sliould  become  poor,  his  bondmen  would  cheerfully 
lal)or  for  his  support.     No  well-behaved  slav    -•(  uld 


"  'V  cuaiulo  iicoiitecia  ladiiha  liainbre,  cntonces  sovcmlian  por  csclavo.s 
niiuluw  ]>iil)res  hoiiibres  y  imij^oros,  y  i-(iiii|iral>aiil<)s  los  ricos  <iue  tciiiaii 
imii'liiis  provisioiies  nlle<;a(las,  y  no  solaiDeiite  Ids  diclios  iioltrcs  so  vondiaii 
a  si  iiiisiuiis,  siiio  que  tainbieii  vcu<liaii  il  siis  liijos,  y  a  siis  (Icsccinlifiitcs,  y 
ii  todo  sii  linajc,  y  asi  eran  esclavos  iierpetuaiiieiiti',  poniue  docian  <|iu'  csta 
sorviduiubrc  (juc  se  cobraba  cii  tal  tieiiipo,  no  tenia  reinedio  para  acabarso 
I'll  al;,'iin  tit'nipo,  porquo  siis  padres  se  habian  vendido  jwr  oscapar  do  la 
iiiiii'iic,  6  por  libiar  sii  vida  de  hi  liltiuiu  necesidad.'  Uist.  Gcu.,  toni.  ii., 
lib.  vii.,  pp.  U58-y. 


999 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


1)0  sold  without  liin  consent  unless  his  owner  coiwd 
prove  that  poverty  or  debt  made  such  sale  uiiavoida- 
l)le ;  nor  could  such  faults  as  laziness,  disobedience,  or 
runninijf  away,  be  punished  without  due  warninj,^, 
which  the  master  for  his  own  justification  usually  ^ave 
in  the  presence  of  respectable  witnesses.  If  after  this 
had  occurred  two  or  three  times  the  slave  continued 
lefiactory,  a  wooden  collar  was  placed  on  his  neck,  and 
then  his  nuisterwas  authorized  to  transfer  him  a<j;'ain.st 
his  will.  Purchasers  of  a  collared  slave  always  in- 
(piired  how  many  times  he  had  been  so  disposed  of 
before,  and  if  alter  two  or  three  such  sales  ho 
continued  hicorrigible,  he  could  be  sold  for  the  sac- 
rifice. But  even  yet  he  has  one  chance  left;  if  he 
can  escape  from  his  master's  premises  and  gain  tlio 
courtyard  of  the  royal  palace,  he  not  only  avoids 
l)unishment,  but  he  is  from  that  day  forth  a  free 
man;  moreover,  no  person,  save  his  owner  or  his 
owner's  sons,  is  allowed  in  any  manner  to  prevent  him 
fr<Hn  reaching  the  asylum,  under  penalty  of  ig 
made  tJie  slave  of  him  whom  he  attempts  to  u.^  -»o 
of  his  chance  for  freedom. 

The  sale  of  a  slave  was  conducted  with  much 
formality,  and  must  be  made  in  the  presence  of  at 
least  four  respectable  witnesses;  in  cases  of  self-sale 
the  witnesses  acted  as  conscientious  arbitrators  to 
secure  the  highest  price  and  most  favorable  conditions 
for  him  who  sold  himself  The  usual  price  for  an 
average  slave  was  twenty  mantles,  equivalent  to  one 
load  of  cotton  cloth;  some  were  worth  less,  while 
others  brought  as  many  as  forty  mantles. 

Slavery  among  the  Nahua  nations  appears,  then,  to 
liave  boon  only  a  partial  deprivation  of  a  freeman's 
rights.  As  a  slave  was  permitted  to  possess  property 
and  even  other  slaves  of  his  own,  and  as  his  children 
were  born  free  and  he  had  complete  control  of  his  own 
family,  we  can  scarcely  say  he  lost  his  citizenship, 
although  it  is  true  he  was  not  eligible  for  public  office. 
It  was  a  common  practice  for  a  master  during  his 


TKNrUE  OF  LANDS. 


lifi'tirnc,  or  on  his  (leath-lted,  to  cninnr  ipnto  liis  sluvos, 
l)nt  if  no  Hiich  [)rovi.sion  wuro  made  tluv  went  to  tliu 
lioir.s  witli  tlio  rest  of  tlie  i)ro|ti.'rty.  Miink-r  of  n 
slave,  even  I)y  liis  master,  was  a  capital  oH'ence. 

Yet  in  spite  of  all  this  testimony  in  favor  of  the 
mildness  of  slavery  amon«^  the  Nahua  nations,  tlu  ve 
is  still  room  for  some  reasonahle  doubt  concerninLr  the 
j)atriar('hal  eharaeter  of  the  systeni;  inasnnieh  as  wo 
arc  told  that  many  slaves,  not  mentioned  as  l>ein«^ 
jirisoncrs  of  war  or  criminals,  as  well  as  servants, 
dwarfs,  or  deformed  persons,  and  })nr('hased  children, 
were  ])ut  to  death  at  religious  feasts  and  royal 
I'unerals." 

The  hands  were  divided  hetween  the  crown,  the 
iiohility,  the  various  trihes  or  chins  of  the  pe<)})le,  and 
the  temples.  The  division,  howe\  'r,  was  hy  no  means 
oiiual,  hy  far  the  greater  portion  being  appropriated 


"  '  Vfiidiiin  nifios  rcoion  nacidos,  y  de  dos  afins,  pnra  niniitlir  stis  ]iri»- 
incsas,  y  ofrecer  cii  los  tfin|il(iM,  ooiiio  iiosotros  las  caiiilolas,  y  Hacrilicarlos 
])ara  ali-aiivar  siis  prottMirtimios,'  Ilrnrni,  Ilist.  Ucn.,  dec.  ii.,  lilt,  vi.,  can. 
.\vi.  '  I'onjue  conio  aiidal>aii  todos  los  UciiioH,  (."(in  >iis  merraiicias,  trahiii  do 
tndos  cllos  iniurhoH  csi'lavos,  lo.s  tpiales,  si  no  craii  todos,  a  loinciios,  los  mas, 
sacrilicaliaii.'  Turtfiiriii'iifti,  Moiiurq.  Iiiil.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  127-.  'I'onjiii'  ca^i 
tddos  los  ([ue  sacriticaban  a  los  idolos  eraii  los  (jiio  prciidian  on  las  j;iu'rra.H 

niiii  pot|iiitos  oraii  los  otros  que  saoriKcavau.'  Motolinin,  Ciir/ti  itt  Km- 

jirnti/iir  Carlos  V.,  Jan.  "2,  l.").").'),  in  Iruzba/ccfa,  Col.  <lr  Dor.,  torn,  i.,  pp. 
•-'(11,  '272.  'Lnc>^o  projionian  iiii  parlaniento  A  los  esolavos,  cnanos  y  corco- 
liudos,  ilii'icndo:  liijos  niios,  id  li  la  bitena  ventnracon  vnestrosufior  .Axayari* 
fi  la  otra  vida. . .  .Luof^o  le  ahrieron  el  pecho,  tcniendolo  sois  o  siett'  saccr- 
(li)tes,  y  el  mayoral  Ic  saoalia  el  corazon,  y  todo  el  dia  y  toda  la  noclieardia 
el  fiicrpo  del  rey,  con  los  cora/ones  de  los  niiserahles  esclal>os  (pie  moriau 
sin  culpa.'  Ti'zozmor,  Crdnini  Mrx.,  in  Kiiir/shoroiKfli's  Mr.r.  Aiitiq.,  vid. 
ix.,  ]>p.  ".to,  14'2.  '.Saorilicando  en  sua  honras  dosciontos  esilavos,  y  eieii 
csilavas.'  Ixtlilxorhitl,  Ilist.  Chichi iiicca,  in  I<1.,  lip.  -S2,  'J.")(>.  H^uando 
moiia  al;,'un  principal,  matavan  juntaniente  con  61  iin  esclavo,  y  entcrra- 
Viiii  con  el  para  que  le  fucse  ti  servir.'  Cmlrx  Trllvridiiii-Hiiitinsis,  in  Id., 
Viil.  v.,  p.  130.  'Avec  lui,  de  jeuncs  (illes,  des  esrlaves  ct  dcs  l>ossiis.' 
Vnmiirr/o,  Hint.  Tlux.,  in  Nouvdlcs  Annuhs  ilea  Vol/.,  1HH5,  torn,  xcviii., 
]).  202.  'Se  queniaha  junto  con  sus  cuerpos  y  con  los  corazoues  de  los  cau- 
tivos  y  e.sdavos  que  matal)an.'  Leon  »i  Gama,  Dos  I'icilrns,  p.  .'{");  lir<(ssnir 
ilj'_  liiiitrhoiirg,  Ilist.  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  lii.,  pp.  4.')3,  573-4;   ]'i  >/fi(i,  Hist.  Ant. 


M'J.,  toin.  iii.,  pp.  6,  8;  Pimcntcl,  Man.  sobrc  la  Razn  Indiijcnti,   p.  fi.") 
Aiiionj;  those  who  in  later  times  have  trcp.tcd  of  slavery  amon<;  the  Nalun 


Uil 


nations  are  the  following:  Montaniis,  Nicnwe  Weerdtl,  p.  201;  iJa/i/icr.  Sciic, 
Wilt,  p.  294;  Cheralii'r,  Mix.,  Ancien  ct  Mod.,\>.  (S2;  Ihissicnr,  L'lJm/iire 
Mcx.,  pp.  1.55-6;  Miillrr,  A nu'riknnische  Urnligionen,  p.  541;  Klcniin,  Cut- 
tnr-drsf-hirhte,  j)p.  69-70;  Soclen,  Spanier  in  Peru,  tom.  ii.,  pp.  14-15;  Simon's 
Ten  Tribal,  p.  273. 


224 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


))y  the  kiiij:^  and  tlie  aristocrary."  All  landed  prop- 
erty w;vs  duly  surveyed,  and  each  estate  was  accurately 
marked  out  on  maps,  or  paintinj»'s,  kept  on  file  by  a 
competent  officer  in  the  district  where  they  were  sit- 
uated. The  crown  lands  were  painted  in  puri)le, 
those  of  the  nobility  in  scarlet,  and  those  of  the  cal- 
pnUis,  or  wards,  in  light  yellow.  Certain  portions 
of  the  crown  property  called  feepaiitlalli,  or  'lands 
of  the  palace,'  were  granted  to  nobles  of  the  rank  of 
of  Tecuhtli,  who  were  called  tccjjaiiponJKjiie  or  tec- 
paiitlaca,  'people  of  the  palace.'  They  had  the  free 
use  and  enjoyment  of  such  lands,  and  in  return  cer- 
tain services  were  expected  of  them.  It  was  their 
duty  to  attend  to  the  repairs  and  proper  airangement 
of  the  royal  residences,  and  to  cultivate  and  keep  in 
oivkr  the  royal  gurdens,  for  all  of  which  they  had  to 
l)rovide  the  necessary  number  of  workmen;  besides 
this  they  were  obliged  to  wait  on  the  king  and  accom- 
pany him  whenever  he  appeared  iii  public.  Althougli 
in  consideration  of  these  services  t'te  'people  of  the 
j)alace'  paid  no  rent,  yet  the  eminent  domain  of  their 
lands  was  vested  in  the  sovereign.  When  one  of  them 
died  his  eldest  son  inherited  his  privileges,  subject  to 
the  same  oblioations,  but  if  he  chani^'ed  his  residence 
to  another  part  of  the  country,  or  died  without  male 
issue,  the  usufruct  was  forfeited  and  tlie  land  reverted 
to  the  sovereign,  who  transferred  it  to  another  usufruc- 
tuary, or  left  the  choice  of  one  to  tlie  connnunity  in 
whose  district  the  property  was  situated."  The  jiro- 
liuce  of  other  lands  belonging  to  the  crown  was  set 
apart  for  the  support  of  the  royal  household,  and  for 
1  )enevolent  purposes. 

In  coiKiuered  provinces,  the  habits  ,ind  customs  and 
established  form  of  government  of  the  vanquished 
were  usually  res})ected.  The  sovereigns  of  Antlhuac 
retained  the  native  princes  in  power,  and  allowed  the 

'^  Toi'ibio  and  Olarfe,  ill  Tcrnaux-Compnus,  Vo)/.,  werie  i.,  toin.  \., 
|).  40.5. 

'1  Toi'f/iiriiiinfn,  Moiiorq.  Iirf.,  toiii,  ii.,  pp.  545-G;  Clavi(jcro,  S/oric 
Anl.  del  Mc^ako,  toiu,  ii.,.  p.  \i2. 


O 


Jf^ 


LANDED  PROPERTY  OF  THE  NOBLES. 


Of) 


liJ 


people  to  keep  their  property;  but  they  iuvtirialjly 
set  apart  a  certain  })art  of  the  territory,  pro[)orti()ned 
U>  the  coiKjuest,  vv^liich  became  the  propert}'  of  the 
cu.Kjuerini^  monarch.  Tliese  hinds,  called  i/iiot/d/ll, 
which  means  'war  lands,'  were  cultivated  by  the  con- 
(jiiercd  pec )] tie  for  the  benefit  of  their  con<|Ueror.  If 
tlicy  belong'ed  to  Mexico  their  name  was  mcrica-  . 
flal/i;  if  to  Acolhuacan,  acolhua-tlalli,  and  so  on." 

The  lands  of  the  nobility  wei'e  called  jtUJalli,  and 
were  either  ancient  possessions  of  the  nobles  trans- 
mitted by  inheritance  from  father  to  son,  or  were 
rewards  of  valor  granted  by  the  king.  They  \vere 
held  hy  various  tenures;  some  of  them  could  he  aHen- 
ated  at  the  will  of  the  owner,  sul)ject  only  to  the 
restriction  that  they  should  not  pass  into  the  hands  of 
a  [>leheian;  others  were  entailed  u])on  the  tildest  male 
issue  and  could  not  be  otherwise  disposed  of.  ^lany 
of  the  Aztec  estates  were  of  very  ancient  origin. 
After  the  Cliichimecs  obtained  undisputed  j)ossessiou 
of  the  valley  of  Mexico,  their  chief  or  sovereign 
Xolotl  made  grants  of  land  to  his  own  people,  and  to 
othci's  who  acknowledged  him  as  their  supreme  lordj 
under  the  coiidition  that  the  grantees  should  render 
service  to  the  crown  with  their  ])ersons,  vassals,  and 
estates,  whenever  lie  should  require  it  of  them,  and 
tlie  same  j)olii-y  was  adopted  by  his  successors.'"  Sons 
y'l'iu'ially  inherited  their  father's  estates  by  right  of 
jtrimogeniture,  but  if  the  eldest  son  was  judgc;d  inca- 
nahle  t)f  taking  pro})er  care  of  the  pro])erty,  the  lather 
left  it  to  whichever  son  he  j)leased,  stipulating,  how- 
ever, that  the  heir  should  insure  a  competency  to  him 
lie    had    suj)planted."     In    the    republic    of    Tlascala 

^''  Ziirtld,  Riipport,  in  Tcrnaux-Cnnijuiii.t,  J'ni/.,  st'rio  ii.,  toiu.  i..  ]>.  (iT; 
Ih'iissi  HI  (If  Hintrhtiiirij,  llisf.  Xitt.  ''ir.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  (iUlt;  Ciir'j.ijii/,  /'/.s- 
'■'irsii.  |i,  (11;  Tizozomur,  Cr6ni':a  Mr.i'.,  in  Kiitijshuruinjh's  Mi\i:.  Aiili'j., 
I'lm.  ix.,  jt.  4(». 

'''  Hii/iiriiii,  hii'd,  p.  1(5');  Ix'lihnriilii,  Hisi.  Cliirli.,  ill  I\'iiii/.s/iiiriiiiii!i'.'i 
M'r.    Aiili/.,   vol.   ix..   i)p.  l>(tS,  •_M(;,  '2_M-."),   iMl;  Id.,  Ilrliiri„i'i>s,   ill    /./., 

Pp.  :i:{;t  w,  .'Uii,  '.\y,\,  ;{S(i-7,  ;w."),  4.")i,  ^y.\\  il'miin  //  Stu-miinhi.  Sn-nnhi, 

NJS.,    |i|i.   ."»I-2;    I'fiffiit,     Jl/'s/.    Ant.   MiJ.,    toiil.    iii.,     \).    I8;t;    Vihtnn-rt, 
T'lt/rii.  Mr.i.,  |it  ii.,  pp.    J3-14. 

1'  llcrn'ia,    /f/.sf.    Lien.,   due.  ii.,   lib.   vi.,  cap.  xvii.,  suv,i  i'lat  brutlicra 
Vol.  a.    15 


226 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


(laughters  could  not  inherit  an  estate,  the  ohject  heiriL: 
to  j)revent  landed  property  from  going  into  tlie  hands 
of  strangers.  In  the  kingdoms  of  Mexico,  Tezcuco, 
and  Tlacopan  it  is  prohable  that  the  law  was  the  same 
in  this  respect,  hut  the  authorities  give  us  no  informa- 
tion concerning  the  matter. ^^  These  feudatories  jiaid 
no  rent  for  their  lands,  but  were  hound  to  assist  tlieii- 
suzerain,  the  king,  with  their  persons,  vassals,  and 
fortunes  in  all  cases  of  foreign  or  civil  war,  Eacli 
king,  on  his  accession,  confirmed  the  investitu  -e  of 
estates  derived  from  the  crown.*"  The  lands  o;'  tin- 
people  were  called  calpnUi,  and  every  city  was  divided 
into  as  many  of  these  as  there  were  wards  in  it,  and 
the  whole  number  of  calpulli  being  collectively  named 
alfcpaflafU.  The  calpulli,  as  well  as  the  tl<(.vic(i//i,  or 
streets,  were  all  measured  out  and  their  boundaries 
marked,  so  that  the  ihhal)itants  of  one  ward  or  stieet 
could  not  invade  the  possessions  of  another.  Eacli  of 
these  divisions  beU)nged  to  its  respective  comnumity, 
and  was  of  greater  or  less  extent  and  importance 
according  to  the  partition  whicli  had  been  made  by  the 
first  settlers  in  Anahuac.  The  owners  of  a  calpulli 
were  all  mend)ers  of  the  same  clan  or  tribe,  and  their 
district  bore  their  name.  The  right  of  tenure  Mas 
])erpetual  and  inalienable,  .and  was  the  common  prop- 
erty of  the  conmiunity  .and  not  of  individuals.  Any 
member  of  the  community  not  ]K)ssessed  of  any  land, 
had  the  right  to  ask  for  a  portion  suitable  to  his  ]>osi- 
tion  and  requirements,  which  was  granted  him.  This 
portion  he  was  entitled  to  hold  as  long  as  he  culti- 
vated and  improved  it,  and  he  could  transmit  it  to  his 

itiliiM-iti'il  estates  and  not  sous;  but  this  assertion  is  not  lionie  nut  liy 
any  other  autiiority. 

'■■'  Tiiri/iii'mHi/i(,  Miniimi.  Iii<(.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  348;  t'l(iri;/(ro,  S/oriii  Aiil. 
dvl  Missico,  toni.  ii.,  p.  V2\\. 

'■'  i'linilcid,  Lcf/ir,  in  T<'nifni.r-('oiii/>ivis,  Voi/.,  serie  i.,  toin.  x.,  p]'.  -">-• 
4;  Ciir/v.i,  Vartiix,  p.  (IS;  l\'iff,  l,i//rr,  in  Trrtun..  ''iiin/nnin,  I'c//.,  si'iic 
ii.,  tinu.  v.,  p.  '287;  L'arhdjnl,  lUsmrno,  p.  (i.S;  (h-iiiln,  Hist.  Ilni.,  tiiiii. 
Hi.,  p.  5;}.");  'lorqiirniiiilii,  Mmiiiri.  Iiitf.,  toni.  i.,  p.  •2'A\;  Znrilit,  J,''i/i/ii,rl, 
in  j'rni(ni.i'-<'i)iii/)(iii.i,  !'«//.,  serie  ii..  toni.  i.,  ](p.  4S-<t,  (1.");  I'Iih-kiich, 
Stnria.  Ant.  dd  .l/c.v.v/Vo,  toni.  ii.,  j)p.  l±2-4;  Guiiiiiid,  Cuii'j.  Mr.i:,  fol.  ;i(M; 
Vduiiccrt,  Tcatro,  Mcx.,  pt  ii.,  pp.  53-4. 


INHERITANCE  OF  ESTATES. 


2ii7 


LIC(», 
fllW' 

•ma- 
puid 
:,heir 

Eacli 
'0   ot" 
-  tin- 
vuU'd 
,  and 
tamed 
(///,  or 
xlaries 
street 

A\c\\  oi' 

\uiuty, 

(vtaiu-t.' 

\)y  tlu' 

all>^^^^^ 
\  tlioir 

prop- 
Any 

,-  land, 
lis  p»)si- 
Tbis 
i  cuUi- 
to  bis 

[(.  out  ^'y 

[iric  '!"'• 

..  rv'  -^-• 
I'..'/.,  S>'1'1^' 

i:<'ir"''- 


heirs;  he  had  no  autliority  to  sell  his  portion,  but  lie 

could  let  it  to  another  for  a  nundier  of  years.      If  he 

nu^'leeted  to  cultivate   it  for  two  years  the  head  niati 

of  the  ealpulli  remonstrated  with  liim;  if  he  })aid  no 

lieed  to  this  warnin'jf  he  was  ousted  the  followiuLif  year 

in  favor  of  some  otlier  j)erson;  a  reasonable  excuse  for 

such  nei^lect  was,  however,  always  acce})ted.      If  thi; 

land  assigned  to  anyone  i)roved  unfruitful  and  liarren, 

he  was  at  liberty  to  al)andon  it  and  another  portion 

was  granted  him.     Under  no  })retext  whatever  could 

any  ])erson  settle  upon  the  land  lawfully  occupied  by 

another,  nor  could  the  authorities  of  the  ealpulli  dc- 

])rive  the    latter  of  his  right.      If  a  land-owner  died 

without  heirs,  his  portion  was  considered  vacant  and 

assigned  to  the  first  applicant  for  it.    If  a  ealpulli  was 

in  great  need  the  authorities  were  allowed  to  lease  its 

lands,  but  under  no  circumstances  were  the  inhabitants 

permitted  to  work  on  the  lands  of  another  district.    The 

elders  of  the  tribe  formed  the  council  of  the  cal}>ulli; 

this  body  elected  a  principal,  called  vdlpuUcc,  whose 

dutv  is  was  to  watch  over  the  hiterests  of  the  com- 

numity;  he  acted  only  with  the  advice  and  consent  of 

the  council.     Each  city  set  apart  a  piece  of  land  in 

the  suburbs   wherefrom  to  sup})ly  the  needs   of  th  ; 

army  in  time  of  war.     These    portions  were    called 

inilcliiimtlli,    or   cacalomilli,   according   to    the    kind 

of  grain  they  j)roduced,   and  were  cultivated  jointly 

i»y  all  the  calpullis.      It  was  not  unusual  for  the  kings 

to  make  a  life-grant  of  a  portion  of  the  ])eople's  i»roj>- 

erty  to  svniie  favorite   noble,   for  though  there  is  no 

doubt  that  the  ealpulli  lands  of  I'iglit  belonged  to  the 

people,  yet  in  this  respect  as  in  othei's,  the  kings  were 

wt)nt  to  usurp  a  power  not  their  own.'"     Every  tem- 

5"  To  nVst.  pas  qn'ils  oiisscnt  ros  torrrs  on  propro;  car,  ocinitiio  los 
s('i;,'iiours  oxorvaii'iit  111!  pitiiviiir  tyramiiiiiio,  ils  (lis|M>siiiont  ilos  terrain-*  »r 
ill's  \;is  iiix  siiivaiit  lour  lion  plaisir.  Los  indioiis  n'ctaiont  done,  |)rip|ii(- 
iMi'iit  (lit.  iii  propriotairos  ni  niaitros  do  oos  villaj;os;  ils  n'otaioiit  i|uc  Ion 
laliiiiirours  (111  Jos  aiiKidiateiirs  dos  soi).'iiours  lorriors,  do  telle  fa<,'iiii  (pie  I'mi 
piiiiriait  dire  (pi('  tmit  le  lorritdiro,  suit  des  plaiiies.  suit  dcs  iiiiintaunos.  di''- 
lii'iiiiait  (ill  caprice  des  sei^tiiours  et  (pTil  lour  aiiparteiiait.  piiisiprils  y 
ixi  T' aient  uii  pousoir  tyrauiii(|ue,   et  (pic  les  Imlieiis  visaieiU  an  jour  lo 


228 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


pie,  groat  and  insignificant,  had  its  own  lands  and 
country  estates,  tlie  produce  of  which  was  appHed  to 
the  support  of  the  priests  and  of  puhhc  worship;  tlio 
tenants  wiio  occupied  tliesc  lands  were  looked  upon  as 
vassals  of  the  tenijjles.  The  chief  ])riests,  who,  on 
the  temple  lands,  exercised  a  jMnver  similar  to  that  of 
the  royal  governors,  fretpiently  visited  these  estates 
to  inspect  their  condition  and  to  administer  justice  to 
their  tenants.  Tiie  temple  of  Huitzilopochtli  was 
considered  the  wealthiest  in  Mexico.  Torqueniada 
says  that  in  Tezcuco  fifteen  large  cities  furnished  the 
temples  of  that  kingdom  with  wood,  provisions,  and 
other  necessaries.^*  Clavigero  makes  the  number  (jf 
towns  twenty-nine.'^ 

Throughout  Zapotecapan  and  Miztecapan  landed 
pro[)erty  was  invariably  transmitted  from  male  to 
male,  females  being  excluded  from  the  succession.  No 
one  had  the  right  to  sell  his  land  in  per})etuity;  tlie 
law  forbade  its  transfer  out  of  a  family  either  by  mai- 
riage  or  otherwise;  and  if  a  ])ro|)rietor  was  com])el]etl 
by  tlie  force  of  necessity  to  dispose  of  his  real  estate, 
it  returned  after  the  lapse  of  some  years  to  his  sou 
or  his  nearest  relative,  who  paid  to  the  holder  tlie 
consideration  for  whicli  it  had  been  pledged  or  its 
equivalent.^^  In  IVtiztecapan  the  first-born  son,  before 
taking  possession  of  his  inheritance,  had  to  do  pen- 
ance for  a  year;  he  was  confined  in  a  religious  house, 
clothed  in  rags,  daubed  with  India-rubber  juice,  and 

jiiiir;  los  soi}];neiirR  partappaiit  cntrc  oiix  tons  Iciirs  ])ro(luits.'  Siinrnirn>i,  Df 
rtfn/m/r  Siirir.ssioii,  in  'J'iriiin(jr-('i)jiij)iiii.i,  Vo/f.,  Kcric  i.,  toiii.  x.,  pii. '_*'JI  .">; 
Ziiriht,  Jid/tjiorf,  in  /</.,  sc'rie  ii.,  toni.  i.,  ](]>.  r>l-7;  Fiiciilrtd,  Lithr,  in 
/'/.,  toni.  v.,  p.  'J'Jl;  lir't.i.siiir  (Ic,  liitiirhintrii.  Hint.  Nut.  Cn\,  toni  iii.,  \i\'. 
(il)S-7;  Carliiijdf  Esniiii>s(t,  Ifisf.  Mc.r.,  t(»ni.  i.,  j).  .')!)();  Vunc(/(i(lrs  Cii\. 
tiini.  i.,  ])]).  ir)S-lt;  I'ininitrl,  Mnti.  nobrc  la  Ituui  Iiidiijctni,  [ip.  35-0;  lius- 
airi'ir,  l/Liii/iiir  .M<\r.,  ])p.  15;}  5. 

2'  Motion/.  IikL,  toni.  ii.,  p.  1(14. 

2''  Cl<irii/ero,  S/nrin  Ant.  ilii  Mi:im'ro,  titni.  ii.,  ]).  .%.  Sec  fiirtlier:  /."••>' 
<V/.sv/.v,   Ili.st.  A/tii/iiifctirii,    MS.,  ca]).    141;    lini.^.'<r/ir  (/>•  lUiiirlKiiivij,   Ills'. 


Nut.   Civ.,   t(»in.   iii.,  pp.  558-'.t;  Curliajdl,  Jtisnir.so,  y.'M'i;  Soiliii,  SjniHii  r 

I,  Hist.  J[rx.,  p.  4.'J;  C/nrulicr,   Mi'x.  Aiifiin 
et  Moil.,   pp.  II 7-1 S. 


»■/  /'»'/'«,  torn,  ii.,  p    i;{;  IHIIuti, 


*■'  llurifiKi,  (lioff.   Drurrip.,  toin.  i.,   jit  ii.,   fol.    188;  llrnascur  dc  Ikmr- 
boiirij,  Iltxt.  Nat.  Vii\,  ton».  iii.,  pp.  3'J  40. 


ESTATES  IN  MICIIOACAN. 


229 


;tatc, 
IS  sou 
the 
)Y  its 
)etbrc 
pen- 
muse, 
•e,  and 


Lltn;  ill 
I  iii.,  I'i'- 

Mi;  /.'"•-- 


hcv.  /."•< 
|,,,,  Ills!. 
I   S/iinici' 


liis  fiico  and  body  rubbed  with  fetid  lierbs;  durini^  that 
time  he  had  to  draw  blood  repeatedly  iroiii  his  body 
and  limbs,  and  was  subjected  to  hard  labor  and  pri- 
vation. At  the  expiration  of  the  year  he  was  washed 
with  odorous  water  by  four  j^irls,  and  then  conducted 
by  friends  to  his  house  with  great  pomp  and  fes- 
tivity.'* 

Early  writers  say  nothing  about  the  tenure  of  lands 
among  the  Tarascos  of  Michoacan,  but  merely  state 
in  general  terms  that  the  sovereign's  power  over  the 
lives  and  property  of  his  subjects  was  unlimited.^ 

The  tenure  of  lands  in  the  republic  of  Tlascala 
had  its  origin  in  the  division  made  at  the  time  when 
the  country  was  first  settled;  which  was  as  follows: 
Any  Tecuhtli  who  established  an  entail,  called  tecca/li, 
or  pilcaUi,  took  for  his  own  use  the  best  and  largest 
part  of  the  lands  that  fell  to  his  lot  or  were  awarded 
to  him  in  the  partition,  including  woods,  springs, 
rivers,  and  lakes;  of  the  remainder  a  fair  division  was 
made  among  his  servitors  and  vassals,  or,  in  other 
words,  his  soldiers,  friends,  and  kinsmen.  All  were 
bound  to  keep  the  manor-house  in  repair  and  to  sup- 
ply their  lord  with  game,  flowers,  and  other  comforts, 
and  he  in  his  turn,  was  expected  to  entertain,  protect, 
and  feed  them  in  his  house.  To  these  kinsmen, 
friends,  and  servitors,  was  given  the  name  of  tc'ix- 
hni/utaii,  meaniuij  the  *i>Tand-children  of  the  manor- 
house.'  In  this  manner  all  the  nobles  divided  their 
land.  All  were  greatly  respected  by  their  vassals. 
They  derived  their  income  from  the  taxes  that  their 
tenants  paid  them  out  of  what  they  obtained  from 
the  chase,  from  the  soil,  and  by  raising  domestic  ani- 
mals.-''' 

No  information  has  reached  us  respecting  the  pro- 
visions under  which  land   was  held  in  Cholula  and 

2<  Claviffcro,  Slorin  Aut.  del  MciHiro,  torn,  ii.,  p.  54;  Klcinm,  Cullur- 
(ic.sr/iir/ifc,  toin.  v.,  ])[).  JKVO. 

>!'  Ikiininont,  <'i-(i,i .  Mrrhofimn,  MS.  n.  H2. 

*>  ('(iniarifo,  Hist.  TIkx.,  "l  A'oiircllt.i  Aiuicdr.;  (fr.f  Vaii.,  1843,  toilJ. 
xcviii.,  p.  170;  Torqitciuai.la,  Monarq.  IniL,  torn,  i.,  pp.  270-7. 


2:50 


THE  NAIIIA  NATIONS. 


Huoxotzinco,  or  among  the  Totonaes.  Tn  tlio  proviiieo 
of  Ptinuco,  the  eldest  sou  was  tlie  sole  inheritor  (»f 
land  and,  therefore,  the  only  one  that  paid  tribute;  tlie 
otlier  sons  had  to  rent  land  i'roui  those  who  were  in 
])ossession  of  it.'^' 

There  can  he  no  doubt  that  in  all  this  there  is,  as 
so  many  writers  have  observed,  a  strong-  resend)lan(e 
to  the  feudal  systems  of  Europe.  The  obligation  of 
military  service,  and  other  relations  of  lord  and  vas- 
sal smack  strongly  of  the  institutions  of  the  Middle 
Ages,  but,  as  Mr  Prescott  says,  the  minor  })oints 
of  resemblance  "fall  far  short  of  that  harmonious 
system  of  reciprocal  service  and  protection,  which 
embraced,  in  nice  gradation,  every  order  of  a  feudal 
monarchy.  The  ]<i'  gdoms  of  Anahuac  were,  in  their 
nature,  despotic,  attended,  indeed,  with  inany  mitigat- 
ing circumstances,  unknown  to  the  despotisms  of  the 
East;  but  it  is  chimerical  to  look  for  nuicli  in  com- 
mon— beyond  a  few  accidental  forms  and  ceremonies  - 
with  those  aristocratic  institutions  of  the  IVIiddle 
Ages,  which  made  the  court  of  every  petty  baron  the 
precise  image  in  miniature  of  that  of  his  sovereign." 
I  have  no  inclination  to  draw  analogies,  believing 
them,  at  least  in  a  work  of  this  kind,  to  be  futile;  and 
were  I  disposed  to  do  so,  s})ace  would  not  permit  it. 
Natiims  in  their  infancy  are  almost  as  much  alike  as 
an?  human  beings  in  their  earlier  years,  and  in  study- 
ing these  people  I  am  struck  at  every  turn  by  the 
similarity  l)etween  certain  of  their  customs  and  insti- 
tutions and  tliose  of  other  nations;  c()m})aris()ns  migiit 
be  happily  drawn  between  the  division  of  lands  in 
Anilhuac  and  that  made  by  Lyc^urgus  and  Numa  in 
jjaconia  and  Home,  or  between  the  relations  of  Aztec 
?iiaster  and  slave  and  those  of  Koman  patron  and 
(rhent,  for  the  former  were  nearly  as  mild  as  the  latter; 
but  the  list  of  such  comparisons  would  never  be  com- 
plete, and  I  am  fain  to  leave  them  to  the  reader. 


'"  H'tt(,  Lvttic,  in  Tcrnaujc-Cuinpaim,  Voy.,  stirio  ii.,  toiii.  v.,  j).  "289. 


SYSTEM  OF  TAXATION'. 


2;u 


of 


Tlio  po()|)lo  of  Aniiliuac  and  of  the  isurroundin«»- 
coiiiitrics  paid  taxes  to  the  crown  and  to  the  teni- 
|(les,  either  with  personal  service  or  with  the  produtr- 
tions  or  results  of  their  labor;  in  short,  with  every- 
thinu"  useful.  We  have  seen  that  in  the  kinyrdoni  of 
Tezi  lU'o  twenty-nnie  cities  were  appointed  to  pro- 
vide the  kind's  household  with  everything  requisite  of 
food,  furniture,  and  so  forth,  and  were,  consequently, 
exempt  from  all  other  taxes.  Fourteen  of  these  cities 
served  in  this  manner  duriuijf  one  half  of  the  year,  and 
tifteen  durinu;'  the  other  half  They  likewise  furnished 
the  workingmen  and  laborers,  such  as  water-carriers, 
s\vee})ers,  tillers  of  the  palace  lands,  and  gardeners. 
l)oys  who  were  too  young  to  do  men's  work  were  re- 
(|Mired  to  provide  amuially  four  hundred  armfuls  of 
wood  ibr  the  fires  which  were  kept  up  day  and  night  in 
the  principal  rooms  of  the  ])alace.  The  young  men  of 
loHantzinco,  either  themselves  or  through  their  ser- 
vants supplied  fine  rushes  for  mats,  stools,  or  seats, 
culled  icpalli,  pine-wood  splinters  for  lighting  tires, 
other  wood  for  torches,  acmji'tl,  or  {)ipes  with  tobacco, 
various  kinds  of  dyes,  litpiid  and)er  both  in  cakes  an<l 
in  vessels,  copal  incense  in  their  golden  cylinders,  and 
a  large  (piantity  of  other  articles,  which  it  is  lumeces- 
siuy  to  sitecify.-"  jNIanufacturers  paid  theii"  taxes  with 
the  ol>jects  })roduced  by  their  industry.  Journeymen 
mechanics,  such  as  car})enters,  masons,  workers  in 
feathers  and  j)recious  metals,  and  nmsicians,  were, 
acconling  to  ()viedo,  exempt  from  such  tax,  and  in 
lieu  tliereof  rendered  i)ersonal  service  to  the  sovereign 
without  remuneration.-^  Merchants  ]>aid  their  taxes 
with  siu'h  articles  as  they  traded  in.  Tiie  last  class  of 
tribute-})ayers  were  the  thoiiaitl,  tenants  attached  to  a 
nobleman's  land,  who  tilled  ^he  same  for  tiieir  own 
l>enefit.  Thoy  were  obliged  to  do  a  ci-rtain  amount  of 
work  every  year  for  the  landlord,  and  to  render  mili- 


'^'^  I.vtlil.ritrhitl,  Hist.  C/iir/i.,  ill  KinifsfioroiKjh'n  Mix.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix.,  p. 
'"  Hint.  Urn.,  torn,  iii.,  pp.  535,  305-6. 


232 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


tary  service  when  it  was  required  of  them  hy  the 
soverciL*'!!.  Brasseur  says  tliat  tliese  tenants  paid  im 
tribute  to  the  kinuc,  ^*^*t,  his  statement  is  contradicted 
hy  Clavii^'ero.*'  Taxes  paid  in  fruit  and  ijcrain  were 
collected  innnediately  alter  harvest;  »)ther  tributes 
were  collected  at  ditl'erent  times  throu<di  the  year.  In 
each  town  there  was  a  magazine  for  storiusj;'  the  rev- 
enues, from  which  supplies  were  drawn  as  recpiiretl. 
In  the  vicinity  of  Mexico  it  was  customary  to  convey 
the  aji'ricultural  produce  into  the  capital,  in  order  tliat 
the  inhabitants,  who,  being  surrounded  with  the  waters 
of  the  lake,  had  no  laud  of  their  own  to  cultivate, 
mii^ht  be  regularly  su})})lied  with  food.  Thei'e  was  no 
uniform  system  of  collectin<jf  taxes  from  the  merchants 
and  manufacturers.  Payments  were  made  by  them  in 
accordance  wdth  their  circumstances  and  the  nature  of 
the  articles  they  contributed.  There  were  about  three 
Innidred  and  seventy  tributary  towns  in  the  iVIexican 
emj)ire,  some  of  whicli  paid  their  taxes  every  twenty 
days,  and  some  every  four  days,  while  others  only  did 
so  once  in  six  months,  or  even  only  once  a  year.  Tlie 
people  of  Tlatelulco,  says  Purchas,"^  "  were  charged  foi' 
tribute,  alwayes  to  repaire  the  Church  called  Huizna- 
luiac.  Item,  fortie  great  Baskets  (of  the  bignesse  of 
half  a  Bushell)  of  cacao  ground,  with  the  Meale  of 
Maiz  (which  they  called  C/n'anpiitoli,)  and  euery  Bas- 
ket had  sixteene  hundred  Almonds  of  Cacao.  Item, 
other  fortie  Baskets  of  Chianpinoli.  Item,  eight  hun 
dred  burthens  of  great  Mantels.  Item,  eightie  pieces 
of  Armour,  of  slight  Feathers,  and  as  many  Targets 
of  the  same  Feathers,  of  the  deuices  &  colours  as 
they  are  jjictured.  All  the  which  tribute,  except  the 
said  armes  and  targets  they  gaue  euery  24.  daycs 
and  tlie  said  armes  and  targets  they  gaue  for  tribute 


32 


30  'No  i  Viisalli  do' Feudatari  crano  cscnti  <la'  trilmti,  clie  pa^avano  iil 
Re  <,'li  altri  Vassalli  della  Corona.'  Clavirjcro,  Sforia  Aiil.  ilcl  Mcssico,  toin. 
ii.,  iM     lJ.'-7. 

3'  His  Pllqrimcn,  vol.  iv.,  p.  lOSO. 

3*  III  the  L'odrx  Mciidozn,  in  Kiii(fshorou;ffi\s  Mcx.  Antiq.,  vol.  v.,  p.  54, 
we  read  tliat  it  was  paid  every  eigiity  days. 


TAXES  PAID  DV  CITIES. 

'•!'t  onco  in  the  whole  veero      TJ         • ,  ^ 

^"•^.''S^inn.n.  si^ee  tiio  time  of  On'  m'^  ^'"'''"^^^  ''^"' 
•l""'„.x,  whicli  were  Lord"  <> '  T^  I"  '^''"^'''"^  ^""'  ^^f- 
f  ^^foxieo,  wind,  h'rst  onfovll  ^''  •''^'*'-  ^'''^^  ^-nls 
^"  P'-'y  tribute,  and  to  Smv,.        T  "^  '''''•  ^ilu loo, 

^^•"l<s  or  individuals  did  not  ,,^"T  '■'""'" ''^^'''^''''^''ts' 
;-^l^-'i;n-  .•i.sse.s.ment  orVjttj''^  ^^T'  ^''^''^  ^^^  tho 

;-t  ^'"I  -  --ordin;  to    Wo"  nnn  "'"'''  ^''^'^^  ^'^'-'' 
t^'t"  reveiu.e  officers  ^  '"^'^».i,'-enient  nmdo  with 

»l-"a  t,y  „f  the   province     ,,  J  ,""■  '""■^  '"^  «"'o  « 
tlw  I'ai-lfic  cast  n.,irl  ■•'""'"*''«■  t'Hvns  on 

t"<.  n„,<|,.„,l  ,,^„,.,    ,.  ,"'J.  '''J '"  V''-«  "f  .livc-s  col,,,-., 

1';;m.  Atla..uo,.l,al,ua„„,    h!  -,?  ''""""•     ^-'^'^ola- 

iill';l  with  n-oid'  ciiist     t:^  ;    '^^■**'''-'  "'  •■*  Nxu'l  sizo 

;"^'"'.«.p.-.n,  Mich,    «  anSi  .!r,'  ""^"'^'■•"''    ^'"  «" 
^f-xi.-",  .c.,i,los  cotton  "a^c  t    '''■'■"  ""  ,"'''  '<"l''  <"■ 

;,"?""«  qualities  and  c^'  '  "'''"'.f  ^'  '"'""^^'»  "•' 
«^l"''l.  were  of  the  finest  0^1^  J'if  "^■•'";  '"•'  "'' 
"";ii<-^r  .le»cn,,tion,  twentv  e^r  ,  ■  ,"'"'  "'  "'«  «""- 

""';''■'■■''  lH>t»  of  liouid  ;,!.i,      ''"  '     '•y*'-''  <'"K  on,. 

"'■■"■'■•■'I"",  Acatzinco  and  oE',       '  *^"*-^;:''"l"'-.  'J'"oa- 
'  """"ly.  eacli  contril,  ,t :    f   '"*'""  "'  "'"*  '■•■■"ion 


2.34 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


aromatic  suhstaneoH.  Mallnaltopcc,  TlalcozaulitltUui, 
<  )linallaM,  Jchcatlaii,  Qualac,  and  other  southorii  towns 
situated  in  the  warm  region,  paid  each  six  huiidnMl 
measures  of  lioney,  forty  hirs^e  jars  of  yellow  oelui' 
for  })aint,  one  hundred  and  sixty  copj)er  shields,  foity 
lound  ])lates  of  gold  of  fixed  dimensions,  ten  small 
measures  of  tine  tunjuoises,  and  one  load  of  smalh;)- 
tunpioises.  Quauhnahuac,  Panchimalco,  Atlaeholo- 
ayan,  Xiuhtepec,  Huitzilae,  and  other  towns  of  tin; 
Tlahuicas,  paid  each  sixteen  thousand  lari^e  leaves 
of  i)aper,  and  four  thousand  xiailll,  or  gourds,  of  dif- 
ferent sizes.  Quauhtitlan,  Tehuilloyoean,  and  other 
iieiuflihoriniif  towns,  each  j^'ave  eiLflit  thousand  mats 
and  eight  thousand  ici>al/i,  or  stools.  Some  cities  ]).ii(l 
their  taxes  with  tire- wood,  stone,  and  beams  for  build 
ing;  others  with  (;opal-gum;  others  sent  to  the  royal 
houses  and  forests  a  certain  number  of  birds  and 
animals,  such  as  Xilotepec,  Michmaloyan,  and  other 
cities  of  the  Otonn's,  which  were  each  compelled  to 
furnish  yearly  forty  live  eagles  to  the  king.  After 
the  j\[atlaltzincas  were  made  subject  to  the  INIexicaii 
crown  by  King  Axayacatl,  they  were  required  not  onlv 
to  pay  a  heavy  tax  in  kind,  but  also  to  keep  untler 
cultivation  a  tield  of  seven  hundred  toes<^s^^''^  by  three 
hundred  and  fifty,  for  the  benefit  of  the  army.  As 
the  Saxon  king  imposed  a  tax  of  wolves'  heads  u])()ii 
his  subjects  for  the  jmrpose  of  ridding  his  kingdom  of 
those  ravenous  animals,  so  did  the  Mexican  monarclis 
exact  from  those  who  were  too  poor  to  pay  the  regulai' 
taxes  a  certain  quantity  of  snakes,  scorpions,  centi- 
j>edes  and  other  obnoxious  creatures.  Lice,  especially, 
were  contributed  in  large  nund)ers  in  Mexico.^  It  is 
related  that  soon  after  Cortes  arrived  in  the  city  of 
jVIexico,  certain   cavjiliers  of  his  force,  among  whom 


^'  Tlio  toesa  is  the  same  tliin>;f  as  the  Freiiih  toise,  which  is  0.3915  Vavj,- 
lish  feet,  or  seven  ("astilian  feet. 

^^  Trzozonioc,  Cronicu  Mr.r.,  in  Kui<f.sh(trou<ih''n  Mrx.  Anfiq.,  toiii.  i\., 
I>p.  17-18;  Torque mai/n,  Monarq.  Ind.,  toni.  i.,  ]».  'IWv,  Vlariijcro,  Stori'i 
Ant.  del  Mcssico,  toni.  i.,  p.  "275;  Zikizo,  Ciirld,  in  Icazbaketa,  Vol.  (A' 
Doc,  torn,  i.,  p.  366;  Cortts,  Hist.  X.  Efijitnlo,  p.  173. 


TAXKS  PAID  IN  VEIIMIX 


23S 


:,  onlv 

lUuU  r 

til  ret; 

As 

U]H)M 

om  of 
uarclis 
•cu'uliir 

centi- 
)ciiillv, 
It  Is 

•ity  ot" 

whom 


om.  IN.. 

V,  Stori'i 
Col.  <!'• 


welt'  Alonso  do  Ojeda  .aiul  Aloiiso  do  Muta,  wci'O 
roainiii;.;'  tlir()u<:;li  tlio  royal  palaco,  admiriuu^  its  yivat 
cxtoMt  and  all  its  woiidors,  doiilitloss  with  uii  oyo 
t  )  |>liuidi'r,  whon  thoy  caiiio  across  hoiuo  hai,^s,  tillod 
with  soiuo  soft,  Hno,  and  woi^rhty  matorial;  novor 
douhtiiii''  hut  that  it  must  ho  valuahlo,  thoy  hastonod 
t.i  initio  tho  mouth  of  orio  of  tho  sacks,  wliou  to  thoir 
disgust  and  disa})poiiitmont  thoy  found  its  ooiitoiits  to 
consist  of  nothiuLf  hut  lioo,  which,  as  thov  aftorwards 
iistcrtaiuod,  had  hoon  paid  as  trihuto  hy  tho  poor.''"'* 
Dutios  were  loviod  upon  })ro[)erty,  manufacturos,  and 
Mitirlos  ox})osod  for  sale  in  tho  markot-j)lacos,  in  ])ro- 
pnrtion  to  tho  wealth  of  tho  person  ta.voil  or  tho  value 
of  the  mercliandizo  sold.  J^roduce  and  merchandize 
of  every  description,  carried  into  tho  city  of  Mexico, 
was  suhject  to  toll  duties,  which  wore  paid  into  the 
roval  treasurv. 

The  proj)orti()n  in  which  taxes  were  paid  is  stated 
at  from  thirty  to  thirty-thi'oo  per  cent.,  or  ahout  one 
third  of  everytliin_<»"  made  and  |)roduced.  ( )viedo  alhrnis 
that  each  taxpayer,  in  addition  to  one  third  of  his 
property,  delivered  one  out  of  every  three  of  his  chil- 
dren, or  in  lieu  thereof  a  slave,  for  tho  sacritico;  if  he 
liiilcil  to  do  this  ho  forfeited  his  own  life.'"' 

riie  <>overnmont  had  in  the  head  town  of  each 
j)ro\ince  lar^o  warehouses  for  tho  storage  of  hread- 
stulls  and  merchandize  received  hy  the  tax-<»'atherers ; 

■•''  Torqncmaila  adds;  'Ai  'iiiieii  iliira,  quo  iiooraii  Piojos,  Hinotiiisaiiillo.s; 
jicni  .Mciii.so  (1(!  Ojeda  en  siis  Mt'iiiDriales,  lo  ccililR'a  <le  vi.sta,  y  Id  iiiisiiiii 
.\lni:.;iMlc  .\fata.'  Momtrtj.  [ml.,  torn,  i.,  p.  4(il. 

" 'UaliaTilc  siis  vassallos  t'li  tiilMito  oi'diiiario  dc  tics  hijiis  mio,  y  cI 
<|'ic  Mil  tenia  liijos  avia  iln  dar  uii  iiidio  o  iiidia  jtara  sacrilirar  a  siis  dioscs,  (i 
M  iiii  111  dnliaii,  avian  tie  sarriticarle  a  ol.'  ()n'ii/,i.  Hist,  dm.,  titiii.  iii.,  |i. 
.'^.112.  Now lit'ie  else  do  1  lind  niciitioii  of  such  a  ciistoni,  altliouuli  in  Mi- 
I  iiM.icaii  tiic  dcsjiotie  jiower  of  the  kin;;,  and  hi.>  tyrannous  ahiisc  of  it,  led 
t  I  ahiiost  the  .same  n;sults.  In  Michoacan:  ''I'riliutauan  al  Itcy  (|uanti» 
li'iiian  y  A  queria,  liasta  las  niu;^(!res  y  liijos,  si  los  (|neija;  de  niancia  que 
•■ran  mas  (jue  esclauos,  y  viuiau  cu  terrilile  seriiidiiinltre.'  I/rrn  rii.  Hist. 
'•'  II.,  dec.  iii.,  Iil».  Iii.,  ea]>.  x.,  dee.  ii.,  lih.  vii.,  caj*.  .xiii.  '  Si  liieii  todas  las 
ii'eiiiMinu's  deilicadas  ii  los  decorosos  inii^'eriles  ]irivile;,'ios  destniiaii  la  sii- 
jci'ina  del  triliuto  li  siis  Monarcas,  sirvieiidolos  en  la  ce>;iie(lad  de  ofrecerle^ 
iiK  ^oli)  la  hacienda,  y  la  vida,  sinoasns  pnqirias  imi^^eres,  en  easo  de  disciir- 
lir  are|)tai(le  el  ver-^oiizuso  obsequio.'  ^(ditr.ar  y  (Jlaiic,  Hist.  Cviiq.  Mvx., 
tuiii.  ii.,  pii.  C'J-70. 


23G 


Tin:  NAIMA  NATIONS. 


also  ,'uuHtinjif  officos  to  wliicli  the  <'t(f/)i,r(jnes,  or  stew- 
ards of  tlio  ruvoimc,  woro  ru(iuiri,il  to  render  a  verv 
strict  an('ount  of  tluMr  colluctions,  and  such  as  wiic 
convicted  of  embezzlement,  were  immediately  |»iit  to 
(U'atli  and  their  property  confiscated."'^  In  the  royal 
treasniy  were  paintini^s  hy  which  were  recorded  the 
tril)utary  towns,  and  the  <juaiitity  and  kind  ».f  trihiitc 
paid  hy  each.  In  the  Codex  ISfendoza  may  he  scoii 
thirty-six  such  paintinjj^s,  each  one  of  which  rejnesciits 
the  principal  towns  of  one  or  of  several  provinces  of 
the  emj)ire,  to<jfether  witli  the  (piantity  and  ijuality  of 
the  taxes  and  the  time  when  they  were  i)aid.'" 

Tile  personal  and  ordinary  service  consisted  in  pro- 
vidinijf  every  day  the  water  and  wood  needed  at  the 
chiefs'  houses;  this  was  distributed  from  day  to  day 
amonijf  the  towns  or  wards,  and  thus  each  indivi(hial 
was  occupied  in  rendering  such  service  once  or  twice 
in  the  year  at  the  utmost,  llesidents  in  tlie  vicinity 
were  the  only  ones  so  subjected,  and  then,  in  considera- 
tion of  such  service,  wi"o  exempted  I'rom  i)ayinL;'  a 
portion  of  the  imposts.  i)ther  labor  was  mostly  dun- 
by  slaves,  of  whom  there  were  lar^'c  numbers. 
Forei;^!!  provinces  subjected  by  the  em})irc  without 
haviuijf  made  any  resistance,  were  not  required  to  jiay 
a  fixed  tribute,  but  sent  several  times  in  the  yeai- 
whatever  they  thought  proper,  as  a  present  tt)  the 
kiuLT,  who  showed  himself  more  or  less  m-acious  accord- 
ing  to  the  value  of  tlie  presents.  No  calpixques  or 
tax-gatherers  were  placed  in  such  provinces  by  the 
Mexican  sovereign,  but  they  continued  under  the  rule 
of  their  own  chiefs.  Such  countries  as  were  reduced 
by  war,  had  to  submit  to  tlie  rigorous  c<  iditi  ini 
posed  by  the  conqueror,  and  bore  tb'  nrmie  of  trijnitiu 
tlacofl,  which  means  'paying  tribi:  v  slaves.'    '  *ver 

them  were  stationed  stewards  and  lixipK-^,  who  nad 
authority  even  over  the  lords  of  the  >  jiW  y,  and  who 

^T  Snharfiin,  Hist.  Grn.,  tern,  ii.,  lib,  viii.,  p.  307. 

^^  Votlr.r  Me.iidozn,  in  I'lirrhtis  hi.t  I'ilorintrs,  vol.  iv.,  pp.  1080-1101; 
Id.,  in  KuiffshnroufjICs  Mr.v.  Aiifi>/.,  vol.  v.,  |))t.  54-,S!),  vol.  i.,  plates  .\ix- 
Iviij  Corlds,  Jlist.  N.  Espuiut,  p.  170;  Coricn,  Curiun,  p.  110. 


TAXATION  UNDi:U  MONTKZUMA  II. 


237 


liosi(l(!S  rccovoriiii^  tlio  tributes  forced  men  to  cultivjito 
land,  ami  women  to  spin,  weave,  and  embroider  for 
their  private  benefit;  indeed,  so  jjfieat  was  their 
tyranny,  tliat  whatever  tiiey  eoveted  tliey  were  sure 
to  ohtain  l)y  fair  means  oi  f«)id.  The  kinos  of  Tezeuco 
and  Thu'opan,  and  other  sovereign  lords,  aUies  of  the 
kin^'  of  ATexieo,  shared  these  tributes  if  they  aided  in 
the  (O  Kpiest.^" 

The  sovereii,nis  selected  the  calpixques  from  anionic 
the  Aztec  /'////,  or  nobles  of  inferior  rank.  They  \\vr^ 
under  the  supervision  of  the  chief  treasurers  or  Iikci/- 
c(('j)l,rilit('s,  wiio  resided  at  the  several  capitals,  and 
it  was  ^heir  duty  to  <»athcr  the  tributes  or  taxes,  and 
to  s(;e  that  the  lands  belonijj'inn'  to  the  numicipalities  or 
to  jirivate  persons  were  kejjt  under  cultivation.  The 
duties  of  these  ealpixcpies  were  not  very  arduous  at 
first,  as  the  ])eo[)le  j(>;'enerally  hastened  to  j>ay  their 
taxes  before  l)einj4' called  uj)on;  but  during  the  reii^ii 
of  Mo!itezunui  n.  tlie  taxes  increased  so  enormously, 
owin^f  to  the  j^reat  extrava<^anceof  the  court,  that  this 
conunendable  zeal  cooled  down  very  considerably.  The 
hulk  of  the  immense  wealth  which  the  conquerors  saw 
with  so  much  admiration  at  AEontezuma's  court  wah 
the  result  of  this  excessive  taxation,  and  it  was  ono 
of  tlie  main  causes  of  that  alienation  of  the  jieoplo 
from  their  sovereign  which  rendered  the  con(juest  a 
possible  achievement.  Notwithstanding  the  easy  dis- 
position of  the  taxpayers,  they  could  not  submit 
patiently  to  a  yoke  so  onerous.  The  merchants, 
wliose  trading  expeditions  had  been  so  useful  to  the 
state  in  former  times,  were  no  less  overwhelmed  by 
the  taxes  than  the  inhabitants  of  con(|uered  prov- 
inci's  by  the  tributes.  It  was  among  that  powerful 
class  that  the  first  symptoms  of  defection  were  noticed. 
To  the  main  grievance  was  added  the  tyranny  and 
harslniess  exhibited  by  the  revenue  officers  in  ((tllect- 
ing  the  taxes.     They  carried  a  small  rod  in  one  hand 


^'  Tupi(t,  Hclaciou,  in  Icazbalccla,  Col.  dc  Doc,  toiu.  ii.,  p.  592. 


238 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


and  a  feather  fan  in  the  other,  and,  accompanied  by  a 
Liri^e  retinue  of  understrappers,  went  through  cities 
and  fields,  unmercifully  maltreating  the  unfortunate 
beings  who  could  not  promptly  comply  with  their 
demands,  and  even  selling  them  into  slavery;  at  least 
it  is  certain  that  such  sales  occurred  in  conquered 
provinces. 

From  the  first  years  of  his  reign  Montezuma  II. 
began  to  oppress  the  merchants  with  heavy  taxation, 
even  upon  the  most  trifling  things.  The  greatest  suf- 
ferers were  the  retail  dealers,  who  had  to  pay  excess- 
ive duties  upon  the  merchandise  they  introduced  into 
the  principal  tianguez,  or  market-place,  from  whicji 
such  merchandise  was  taken  to  the  lesser  market-places. 
But  the  king  and  his  creatures  finding  that  this  did 
not  directly  injure  the  wholesale  traders,  among  wJioni 
were  the  judges  of  the  mercantile  court, — that  is  to 
say,  the  consuls  and  syndics,  so  to  name  them,  of  tlio 
company  of  Tlatelulco, — witnesses  were  soon  found  to 
trump  up  charges  of  high  treason  against  them,  wiiieh 
ended  in  their  being  put  to  death,  and  their  goods 
and  chattels  confiscated  and  distributed  among  the 
]»eople  of  the  royal  household.  A  very  large  jior- 
tion  of  the  taxes  and  tributes  was  expended  in  sup- 
jiorting  the  army,  the  public  employees,  the  poor  and 
destitute,  such  as  widows,  orphans,  and  the  aged,  and 
also  in  providing  food  for  the  people  in  times  of  gieat 
scarcity,  but  almost  as  large  a  portion  was  appio})ri- 
ated  by  the  king  to  his  own  uses.*"     It  was  by  sucli 


<"  Torqurmnda,  Monarq.  hid.,  tcm.  i.,  pp.  147,  206,  231,  401,  tom.ii.,  pp. 
.'54.")-7,  mH);  (r'inara,  Conq.  Mex.,io\.  111-13;  Lns  L'usas,  Hist.  Ajw/oi/r/ira, 
MS.,  cap.  cxli.;  Toribio  and  Olarfe,  in  Tcrranx-ComjHuis,  Voi/.,  .scrio  i., 
loin.  X.,  pp.  401-8;  Fuciilral,  in  Id.,  pp.  244-.54;  Chaves,  Jiiipiiort,  in  Id., 
seiic  ii.,  toiii.  v.,  p.  301;  Sinimirn.s;  in  Id.,  serie  i.,  toni.  x.,  pp.  '221K11;  di- 
vianfo,  Hist.  Tlitx.,  in  Nouvetlcs  Aniiales  des  Voy.,  1843,  toiii.  xcviij., 
l)p.  180,  I!»8-0;  Witt,  Lettre  in  Tcrnaux-Compaxs,  Voi/.,  soiic  ii.,  tnin. 
v.,  pp.  284-93;  /.rnsta.  Hist,  dc  las  Yiid.,  jip.  491-2;  licnird  Diaz,  lli-l. 
Conq.,  fol.  f)8;  Vriffia,  Hist.  Ant.  Mrj.,  toin.  iii.,  pp.  189-«l(),  liKKS; 
I'rf.sroff's  Mcx.,  vol.  i.,  pp.  38-40;  Solis,  Hist.  Conq.  Mrx.,  torn,  i.,  iip. 
417-19;  Pimrntd,  Mem.  svbre  la  Razn  ludigena,  p]i.  3fi-7;  Carlmjul  K-yi- 
iios-a.  Hist.  Mex.,  Unn.  i.,  \>\\  99.  101,  437,  495,  .')89-9.3,  (iSI,  toi.i.  ii.,  p. 
2():(;  Laet,  Nnrus  Orhis,  j).  240;  Diee.  Unii\,  toni.  x.,  p.  (>.37;  lir(i.'<sn;ril<' 
hourbutirg.  Hist,  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  pp.  ()(X)-9;  Curbujal,  Jjisvuiso,  pn 


SELFISHNESS  OF  MONTEZUMA  II. 


239 


acts  as  these  that  Montezuma  IT.  und'd  the  work  of 
liis  father.s,  and  spoiled  the  harmony  of  his  realm  by 
carin<^  only  for  his  own  glory  and  that  of  his  court, 

Sfi,  4r)-G.  58;  Dillon,  Hist.  Mcx.,  pp.  42-5;  Kkmm,  Cultur-Grsrhirhtc  pp. 
r).'>,  n:»,  ()8-72,  211;  liaril,  Mcxique,  pp.  200-8;  liusKierre,  L'Jimjiire  Mtx., 
(ij).  l').'}- S;  Sodcn,  Spauicr  in  Peru,  tarn,  i'l.,  p.  13;  Luik/s  I\Jyiicsinn  Nat., 
],  ft!>;  liro-.cHcirs  Ind.  Races,  p.  83;  TouroH,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  iii.,  p;».  25-9, 
38;  MoHjlave,  Bisumi,  pp.  23,  65. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

EDUCATION,     MARRIAGE,     CONCUBINAGE,     CHILDBIRTH,     AND 

BAPTISM. 

Education  of  the  Nahua  Youth— Manner  of  Punishment— Mar- 
io ack  PUKLIMINAUIKS— NUI'TIAL  CEREMONY— OUSKUVANCE  AITKIl 
MAKl{IA(iE  -MAZATEC,  OTOMf,  ClIICHIMEC,  ANDToi.TEt*  MAIUilAtWCS 
— DiVOKCE— CONI  TIlINACiE— CeUHMONIES    PrELIMINAKY   TO    ClI  11.11- 

niRTH— Treatment  ok  Pregnant  ^V'omen— Proieedinos  ok  Mid- 

AVIFE — Sri'ERSTlTIOXS   WITH    REGARD    TO    WOMEN     WHO     DlKI)     IN 

Chiediieu- -AuoRTiox — Baptism— Si'EECHES  ok  Miu\y)ke— Namini^ 

OK    (MllEDREN     -IJAPTISM    AMONG   THE   TLA.Sf  ALTEC'S.    MlZTECS,    AND 

Zatotecs- Circumcision  and  Scarification  ok  Infants. 

In  examining'  the  domestic  customs  of  the  Naliiui 
nations  it  will  be  as  well  to  first  inquire  how  their 
children  were  reared  and  instructed.  The  education 
of  a  child  was  commenced  by  its  parents  as  soon  as  it 
was  able  to  walk,  and  was  finished  by  the  })riests. 
Aside  from  tlie  superstitious  and  idolatrous  flavor  with 
whicli  evervthino"  Aztec  was  more  or  less  tainted,  tlie 
care  taken  to  mold  aright  the  minds  of  the  youth  of 
both  sexes  is  worthy  of  admiration.  Both  ])arents 
and  [triests  strenuously  endeavored  to  insiiire  their 
jHipils  with  a  horror  of  vice  and  a  love  of  truth.  Ke- 
spect  for  tlieir  elders  and  modesty  in  their  atttions  was 
one  of  their  first  lessons,  and  lying  was  sevei'ely  pun- 
ished. 

In  a  series  of  ancient  Aztec  paintings,  which  give 
a  hieroglvjtliical  history  of  the  Aztecs,  are  represented 

"  (2*0) 


EDUCATION  OF  YOUTH. 


241 


the  manner  in  which  children  were  brought  up,  the 
portion,  of  tbod  allowed  them,  the  laborn  they  were 
employed  in,  and  the  punishments  resorted  to  by 
parents  for  purposes  of  correction.  Purchas  relates 
that  the  book  containing  this  picture-history  with  in- 
teipretations  made  by  natives,  was  obtained  by  the 
Spanish  governor,  who  intended  it  for  a  present  to  the' 
emperor  Charles  V.  The  ship  on  wlych  it  was  carried 
was  captured  by  a  French  man-of-war,  and  the  book 
fell  into  the  lifvuds  of  the  French  king's  geographer, 
Andrew  Thevet.  At  his  death  it  was  purchased  for 
twenty  French  crowns  by  Richard  Hakluyt,  then 
chaplain  to  the  English  ambassador  at  the  Frencli 
court,  and  was  left  by  him  in  his  last  will  and  testa- 
ment to  Samuel  Purchas,  who  had  woodcut  copies 
made  from  the  original  and  published  them,  with 
explanatory  text,  for  the  benefit  of  science  and 
learning.  In  that  part  of  the  work  which  relates 
to  the  bringing  up  and  education  of  children, — a 
•specimen  page  of  which  is  given  in  the  chapter  of 
this  volume  which  treats  of  hieroglyphics, — a  boy 
and  girl  with  their  father  and  mother  are  depict- 
ed; three  small  circles,  each  of  w^iich  represents  one 
year,  show  that  the  children  are  three  years  of  age, 
while  the  good  counsel  they  are  receiving  issues  vis- 
i!)ly  from  the  father's  lips;  half  an  oval  divided  in 
its  breadth  shows  that  at  this  age  they  were  allowed 
half  a  cake  of  bread  at  each  meal.  During  their 
fourth  and  fifth  years  the  boys  are  accustomed  to  light 
hodily  labor,  such  as  carrying  light  burdens,  while  the 
,i>iil  is  shown  a  distaff  by  her  mother,  and  instructed 
ill  its  use.  At  this  ajjfe  their  ration  of  bread  is  a 
whole  cake.  During  their  sixth  and  seventh  years  the 
j)ietures  show  how  the  parents  begin  to  make  theii* 
children  useful.  The  boy  f()lh)ws  his  father  to  the 
market-place,  carrying  a  light  load,  and  while  there 
occupies  himself  in  gathering  up  grains  of  corn  or 
other  trifles  that  happen  to  be  spilt  about  the  stalls. 
The  girl  is  represented  as  spinning,  under  the  close 

Vol.  II.    16 


242 


THE  NAilUA  NATIONS. 


surveillance  of  her  mother,  who  lectures  and  directs 
her  at  the  same  time.  The  allowance  of  bread  is  now 
a  cake  and  a  half,  and  continues  to  be  so  until  tlie 
children  have  reached  their  thirteenth  year.  Wc 
are  next  shown  the  various  modes  of  punishing  un- 
ruly children.  When  eight  years  old  they  are  merely 
shown  the  instruments  of  punishment  as  a  warning. 
At  ten,  boys  who  were  disobedient  or  rebellious  wero 
bound  liand  and  foot  and  pricked  in  different  parts  of 
the  body  with  thorns  of  the  maguey;  girls  were  only 
pricked  in  the  hands  and  wrists ;  if  this  did  not  suffice 
they  were  beaten  with  sticks.  If  they  were  uiu'uly 
when  eleven  years  old  they  were  held  over  a  pile  of 
burning  chile,  and  forced  to  inhale  the  smoke,  which 
caused  great  pain.^  At  twelve  years  of  age  a  bad 
boy  was  bound  hand  and  foot  and  exposed  naked  in  a 
damp  place  during  an  entire  day;  the  naughty  girl  of 
the  same  age  was  obliged  to  rise  in  the  night  and 
sweep  the  whole  house.*  From  the  age  of  thirteen 
years  the  allowance  of  bread  was  increased  to  two 
cakes.  Between  the  ages  of  thirteen  and  fifteen  the 
boys  were  employed  in  bringing  wood  from  the  mount- 
ains by  land  or  in  canoes,  or  in  catching  fish;  the  girls 
spent  tiieir  time  in  grinding  corn,  cooking,  and  weav- 
ing. At  fifteen,  the  boys  were  delivered  to  the  priests 
to  receive  religious  instruction,  or  were  educated  as 
soldiors  by  an  officer  called  Achcauhtli.^ 

The  schools  and  seminaries  were  annexed  to  the 
temples,   and  the  instruction  of  the   young  of  both 


1  Clavigcro  writes:  'Nella  dipintura  ciiu|naiitcsiniasccoiifla  si  rapproson- 
tano  due  rajfazzi  d'lindici  aniii,  ai  iiiiali  per  iioii  eissersi  eiiu'inlati  con  aitii 
gastif^hi,  faiino  i  lor  I'adri  rieevero  ncl  iiuso  il  fiinio  d(,'l  Chilli,  o  sia  pi'vc- 
rone.'  Clarigrro,  Storia  Ant.  ihl  Mrssiro,  torn,  ii.,  p.  103.  IJut  tlii.s  is  a 
inistalve;  in  tliis  picture  we  see  a  {jirl  hcing  punished  i)y  lier  niotiier  in  the 
manner  (U^serihed,  and  a  hoy  by  liis  father. 

» (;iavi<j;ero  mentions  this  girl  as  'una  putta. . .  .cui  fa  sua  Madre  spazzar 
la  notte  tutta  la  casa,  e  parte  dellu  straila.'  S/oria  Ant.  del  Mcsnico,  toni. 
ii.,  p.  103. 

••  For  these  picture-writings  and  the  interpretations  of  them,  see:  P'ir- 
chan  hin  Pil{irinie,<i,  vol.  iv.,  pp.  1103-7;  Cmlrr  Jiotllrinn,  in  Kin<jshoro<njlii 
Mcx.  Anfiq.,  vol.  i.,  plates  .'>!)-G2;  Coilr.r,  Mrndozu,  in  IiL,  vol.  i.,  and  vol.  v., 
pp.  92-7;  Carhnjnl  Espinom,  Hist.  3fr.v.,  torn,  i.,  pp.  500-575;  Cluvigero, 
iiloria  Ant.  del  Measico,  tou».  ii.,  i»p.  102-3. 


SCHOOLS  FOR  YOUTHS. 


243 


sexes  was  a  monopoly  in  the  hands  of  the  priests.  In 
general  boys  were  sent  to  the  colleges  between  the 
ages  of  six  and  nine  years;  they  were  dressed  in 
black,  their  hair  was  left  uncut,*  and  they  were  placed 
under  the  charge  of  priests  specially  appointed  for 
that  purpose,  who  instructed  them  in  the  branches 
most  suitable  to  their  future  calling.  All  were  in- 
structed in  religion  and  particular  attention  was  given 
to  good  behavior  and  morals.  No  women  were  per- 
mitted to  enter  the  college,  nor  could  the  youths  on 
any  account  have  communication  with  the  other  sex. 
At  certain  seasons  they  were  required  to  abstain  from 
various  kinds  of  food. 

The  schools,  or  colleges,  were  of  two  distinct  classes. 
Those  attended  by  the  common  people  were  called 
ielpochcaUi,  or  'houses  of  the  youths;'  there  was  one 
ot  Luose  in  each  quarter  of  the  city,  after  the  manner 
of  our  public  schools,  and  the  parents  of  the  district 
were  required  to  enter  their  children  at  the  age  of  four 
or  five  years.  The  telpochtlato,  or  'chief  of  youth,' 
instructed  them  how  to  sweep  the  sanctuary,  to  replen- 
ish the  fire  in  the  sacred  censers,  to  clean  the  school- 
house,  to  do  penance,  more  or  less  severe  according  to 
their  age,  and  to  go  in  parties  to  the  forest  to  gather 
wood  for  the  temple.  Each  pupil  took  his  meals  at 
tlie  liouse  of  his  parents,  but  all  were  obliged  to  sleep 
ill  the  seminary.  At  nightfall  all  assembled  in  the 
cuicacalco,  or  'house  of  song,'  and  were  there  taught 
the  arts  of  singing  and  dancing,  wliich  formed  ])art  of 
a  Mexican  education;  they  were  also  exercised  here 


<  'Tenian  cstas  pentes  tambien  por  ley  que  todos  los  ninos  llc^ailos  h 
ln;<  scis  afio.s  hanta  loa  iiiieve  liabian  de  enviar  los  jiadres  .\  Iks  T('in[>los  para 
SIT  iiistruidos  en  la  doctrina  y  noticia  de  sus  leycs  la«  ciiak's  coiitenian  cji-si 
fiMliifi  las  virtudc'sesplicadas la  eii  ley  natural.'  Las  Ckshh,  Hist.  Apoloi/ctirn, 
Ms  ,  cai).  clxxv.,  ccxv.     'Todos  estos  ruligiosos  visten  de  ne;,'ro  y  nunca 

('(irtaii  el  cabello y  todoa  los  liijos  de  las  personas  prineipales,  asi  senores 

coiiii)  ciudadanos  lionrados,  estan  en  aqucllas  iclijfioncs  y  liabito  dcsde  edad 
ill'  siete  u  oolio  afios  fasta  que  los  sacan  para  los  casar.'  Cortis,  Cartas,  p. 
ill.').  'Cuando  el  uifio  lle;,'alia  d  diez  6  doee  afios,  nietiaiile  en  la  casa  oe 
oihii^acioii  o  Cahncrar..^  Sahaifuii,  Ifi.sf.  Gen.,  tonj.  ii.,  lib.  viii.,  j).  WHS; 
Orirdo,  Hist,  Gen.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  302;  Torquemaila,  Monarq.  Iiul.,  torn,  ii., 
p.  1S7. 


244 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


in  the  use  of  arms."  At  the  age  of  fifteen  or  sixteen, 
or  sometimes  earlier,  it  was  customary  for  the  parents 
to  withdraw  their  children  from  the  tel[)ochcalli  that 
they  might  follow  a  trade  or  profession,  but  this  was 
never  done  without  first  making  a  present  to  the  tel- 
pochtlato.  The  schools  at  which  the  sons  of  the 
nobility  and  those  destined  to  be  priests  were  educated, 
were  called  calnwcac,  which  means  a  college,  or  mon- 
astery. The  jmpils  did  not  do  as  much  manual  labor 
as  those  educated  in  the  telpochcalli,  nor  did  they 
take  their  meals  at  home,  but  in  the  building.  They 
were  under  the  supervision  of  priests  of  the  Tlania- 
cazqui  order,  who  instructed  them  in  all  that  the  ple- 
beians learned,  besides  many  of  the  arts  and  sciences, 
such  as  the  study  of  heroic  songs  and  sacred  hymns, 
which  they  had  to  learn  by  heart,  history,  religion, 
philosophy,  law,  astronomy,  astrology',  and  the  writing 
and  interpreting  of  hieroglyphics.  If  not  quick  and 
tliligent,  they  were  given  less  food  and  more  work; 
they  were  admonished  to  be  virtuous  and  chaste,  and 
were  not  allowed  to  leave  the  temple,  until  with  their 
father's  permission  they  went  out  from  it  to  be  mar- 
ried, or,  in  the  case  of  a  youth  of  strength  and  courage, 
ti)  go  to  the  wars;  those  who  showed  qualities  fitted 
for  a  military  life  were  exercised  in  gynmastics  and 
trained  to  the  use  of  weapons,  to  shoot  with  the  bow, 
manage  the  shield,  and  to  cast  darts  at  a  mark.  Their 
courage,  strength,  and  endurance  underwent  severe 
tests;  they  were  early  afforded  opportunities  of  real- 
izing the  hardships  of  camp  life,  and,  while  boys,  were 
sent  to  carry  provisions  to  the  soldiers,  upon  wliiili 
occasions  their  behavior  was  closely  watched,  and  a 
display  of  courage  met  with  suitable  promotion  and 
reward." 

•^  A  native  author  asserts  that  this  'house  of  song'  was  frequently  llic 
scene  of  debauch  and  liucntiouitiiess.  lirwisnir  t/e  liourbmirg.  Hist,  \iil- 
i'iv.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  .553. 

8  'Los  hijos  de  los  nohles  no  .se  librahan  tanipoeo  do  faonas  eori)oralis, 
pues  haeian  zaujas,  construian  parech'sy  (h'seniiM-naUan  otnis  trahajossciiu- 
j4iilus,  ttuu(^uc  taiubiua  »u  lus  uuscfiubu  u  Uublur  bicu,  suludur,  hucer  rover- 


FEMALE  SEMINARIES. 


245 


irents 
L  that 
s  was 
le  tel- 
)f  the 
icatcil, 
•  iiuni- 
.  lal)()r 
I  tliev 
They 

rhiiiui- 

.'ieiicos, 
hynms, 

wvitin,!;' 
ick  aiul 
3  work; 
sto,  and 
th  their 
)c  luar- 
ouva.!4e, 
>s  titteil 
ics  and 
le  how, 
Their 
severe 
)t'  real- 
rs,  were 
whieh 
and  a 
Ion  and 


lipntly  the 
liist.  A'"'- 

lijosM'iiii'- 
Vol-  icvir- 


Annexed  to  the  temples  were  hirge  buildings  used 
as  setninaries  for  girls.  Tiie  maidens  who  were  edu- 
( atetl  in  them  were  i)rinci[)ally  the  daughters  of  lords 
and  princes.  They  were  jiresided  over  by  matrons  or 
vestal  priestesses,  brought  up  in  the  tem[)le,  who 
watched  over  those  committed  to  their  care  with 
<;ieat  vigilance.  Day  and  night  the  exterior  of  the 
building  was  strictly  guarded  by  old  men,  to  prevent 
any  intercourse  between  the  sexes  from  taking  })lace; 
the  maidens  could  not  even  leave  their  apartments 
without  a  guard;  if  any  one  broke  this  rule  and  went 
out  alone,  her  feet  were  pricked  with  thorns  till  the 
blood  flowed.  When  they  went  out,  it  was  together 
and  accompanied  by  the  matrons ;  upon  such  occasions 
tliey  were  not  allowed  to  raise  their  eyes,  or  in  any 
way  take  notice  of  anyone;  any  infringement  of  these 
rules  was  visited  w'ith  severe  punishment.  The  maid- 
ens had  to  sweep  those  i)recincts  of  the  temide  occu- 
pied by' them,  and  attend  to  the  sacred  fire;  they  were 
taught  the  tenets  of  their  religion  and  shown  how  to 
draw  blood  from  their  bodies  when  oflerini;  sacrifice 
to  the  gods.  They  also  learned  1k)W  to  make  feather- 
work,  and  to  spin,  and  weave  mantles;  particular  at- 
tention was  given  to  their  i)ersonal  cleanliness;  they 
were  obliged  to  bathe  frequently,  and  to  be  skil- 
ful and  diligent  in  all  household  aftairs.  They  were 
taught  to  s})eak  with  reverence,  and  to  luunble  them- 
selves in  the  presence  of  their  elders,  and  to  observe 
a  modest  and  bashful  demeanor  at  all  times.  Thoy 
rose  at  day-break,  and  whenever  they  showed  them- 
selves idle  or  rude,  punishment  was  inflicted.  At 
night  the  |)upils  slept  in  large  rooms  in  sight  of  the 
matrons,  who  watched  them  closely.  The  daughters 
of  nobles,  wdio  entered  the  seminai'ies  at  an  early  age, 
remained  there  until  taken  away  by  their  parents  to 
lie  married.' 

ciicias  y,  lo  que  es  mas  importantc,  aprcniliiin  In  astroiiniiiin,  la  Iiistoria  y 
ili'iiia-*  (■(iiiociinicntos  ([iu>  aiiiiellas  jjciitt's  alcanzalian.'  I'iiiirnfrf,  Mcin.  mbrr. 
lit  It'i-ji  IiiiliijfiKi,  |t.  (i(i;  Ac'istii,  Hist,  di'  /lis  Viif/.,  ])]).  444-(). 

"  ■  Ibua  tail  huiic^jta^  tj^ue  uo  al/aljuu  los  ojos  del  suclo,  y  si  so  desciiiJa- 


in 


SM6 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


Children  brought  up  in  tlie  house  of  their  parents 
were  taught  the  worship)  of  the  gods,  and  were  fre- 
quently conducted  to  the  temple  in  order  that  thoy 
might  witness  the  religious  performances.  Military 
men  instructed  their  sons  in  the  use  of  weapons  and 
the  art  of  war,  and  lost  no  opportunity  of  inurinn- 
them  to  danger,  always  endeavoring  to  inspire  cour- 
age and  daring.  Laborers  and  artizans  usually  taught 
their  children  their  own  trade.  The  sons  of  the 
nobles  who  were  placed  in  the  seminaries  were  never 
j)ermitted  to  go  out  unless  accompanied  by  one  of 
the  superiors  of  the  temple;  their  food  was  brougjit 
to  them  by  their  parents.  The  punishments  inflicted 
were  excessively  severe.  Liars  had  thorns  thrust  into 
their  lips;  and  sometimes,  if  the  fault  was  frequent, 
their  lips  were  slightly  split.  Those  who  were  negli- 
gent or  disobedient  were  bound  hand  and  foot,  and 
pricked  with  thorns  or  badly  pinched.  A  girl  wlio 
was  detected  looking  at  or  speaking  to  a  man  was 
severely  punished;  and  if  addicted  to  walking  the 
streets,  her  feet  were  tied  together,  and  pricked 
with  sharp  thorns.® 

There  was  in  Tezcuco,  durinnf  the  reiofn  of  Ncza- 
hualcoyotl,  a  large  seminary,  built  upon  the  west  side 
of  the  temple,  which  consisted  of  several  spacious 
halls  and  rooms,  with  a  courtyard,  and  was  called 
the  tlacotco.  Here  the  king's  sons  were  brought  uj) 
and  instructed.  The  guardians  and  tutors  who  had 
charge  of  them  took  much  pains  to  instruct  them  in 


ban,  luego  les  haoian  soiinl  que  recoj^icscn  la  vista. . .  .las  niiijcres  cstaban 
T)()r  si  en  piezas  apartailas,  no  salian  las  donccllas  de  hus  aposciitos  a  la 
luicria  o  verji'lcs  sin  ir  acouipanadas  con  .sus  j,'iiardas. . .  .Siendo  las  nifuis  flu 
ciiii'o  auos  las  eomenzaban  il  ensenar  il  hilar,  tejer  y  labrar,  y  no  las  di-jabaii 
audar  oi-iosas,  y  a  la  »iucso  Icvantalta  do  labor  hiera  do  tienipo,  aUiimiili-  Ins 
jjit's,  jionjuo  asontase  y  ostuvioso  qiicda.'  MeiKh'i'td,  Hist.  Erics.,  ]>]).  121--'. 
8  Soc  further,  for  information  on  the  education  of  the  Mexicans:  So- 
li'.f,  Hist.  Coiiq.  Mcx.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  421-3;  Voridjul,  Disrurso,  jiii.  17-KS; 
Jinissciir  <((•  Bonrboiir;/,  Illst.  Sat.  Cir.,  toni.  lii.,  pp.  r)()3-4;  Ilii-'i.\iinr, 
L'Eiii/iire  Mix.,  pp.  144-5;  Hcrrcra,  Hist.  (Irii.,  dec.  lii.,  lib.  ii.,  cap.  xix.; 


Minituiius,  Nintwc   Wccfclil,   \m.  2(>7-8;   Fwulcul,  in   Trr/iatu--Cuiii/ii(ii 
toni.  X.,  p.  2r>i;  Peter  Marli/r,  doc.  v., 


u^rii 


lib.  iv. ;  Laet,  S'onis 


Vol/.,  8(irie  1. 

Orliis,  J).  231);  A7(7«//i,  Cult ur-Gesc/uchtc,  torn,  y.,  pp.  3S— 17;  Chcculiii; 

Mix.  Ancien  et  Mod.,  pp.  119-20. 


A  PAUENT'S  DISCOURSE  TO  HIS  SONS. 


247 


overytliin*:^  becoming  their  liigli  estate.  Besides  the 
use  of  anus,  they  were  taught  all  the  arts  and  sciences 
a.s  far  as  then  known,  and  were  uiade  fully  acquainted 
with  the  practical  working  of  precious  metals  and 
stones.  Separate  rooms  were  devoted  to  the  use  of 
the  king's  daughters,  where  they  were  given  an  edu- 
cation fitting  their  station.  In  accordance  with  a  law 
of  the  realm,  the  king,  his  children  and  relatives,  with 
their  guardians  and  masters,  and  the  grandees  of  the 
kingdom,  came  together  every  eighty  days,  in  a  large 
hall  of  the  tlacoteo;  all  were  seated  according  to 
rank;  the  males  on  one  side,  and  the  females  on  the 
other.  All  the  men,  even  those  of  royal  blood,  were 
dressed  in  coarse  garments  o^  neqaen,  or  maguey-fibre. 
An  orator  ascended  a  sort  of  pul})it  and  connnenced 
a  discourse,  in  which  he  censured  those  who  had  done 
l)ad]y  during  the  last  eighty  days,  and  jiraised  those 
who  had  done  well;  this  he  did  without  favor,  not 
even  hesitatiuf;  to  blame  the  kin^jf  if  he  saw  fit.  The 
discourse  was  delivered  with  such  eloquence  and  feel- 
ing as  generally  to  move  the  audience  to  tears." 

Sahagun,  Motolinia,  Mendieta,  and  other  early  wri- 
ters, who  were  well  acquainted  with  the  Mexican 
language,  give  us  specimens  of  the  exhortations  deliv- 
ered by  parents  to  their  children.  I  select  one  from 
the  first-mentioned  author,  as  an  example:  "Give  ear 
unto  mo  and  hearken,  O  my  sons,"  says  the  Mexican 
parent,  "because  I  am  your  father;  and  I,  though 
unworthy,  am  chosen  by  the  gods  to  rule  and  govern 
this  city.  Thou  who  art  my  first-born  and  the  eldest 
of  til}''  brothers;  and  thou  the  second,  and  thou  the 
third,  and  thou  the  last  and  least — know  that  I  am 
anxious  and  concerned,  lest  some  of  you  shoidd  prove 
worthless  in  after  life;  lest,  perad venture,  not  one 
among  you  should  prove  worthy  to  bear  my  dignities 
and  honors  after  me;  perha[)s  it  is  the  will  of  the  gods 
that  the  house  which  I  have  with  so  great  labor  built 

^  I ffh'Ix.ochitl,  Hist.  Chich.,  in  KinashorouglCs  Mcx.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  ix., 
pp.  244-5. 


218 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


up,  HJiall  fall  to  the  ground  and  remain  a  ruin  ai.d  a 
dung-hill;  that  my  name  shall  be  no  more  remenihend 
among  men;  that  after  my  death  no  man  nhall  Kpcak 
well  of  me.  Hear  now  the  words  that  I  sluill  spcak 
unto  you,  that  you  may  learn  how  to  be  of  use  in  tlif 
world,  and  how  to  draw  near  unto  the  gods  that  tlav 
may  sliow  favor  to  you;  for  this  I  say  unto  you,  tliat 
those  who  weej:)  and  are  grieved;  those  who  sigli,  j)ray 
and  ponder;  those  who  are  watchful  at  night,  and 
wakeful  in  the  morning;  those  who  diligently  k(>(  p 
the  temples  cleanly  and  in  order;  those  who  are  rev- 
erent and  prayerful — all  these  find  favor  with  the 
gods;  to  all  such  the  gods  give  riches,  honor,  and 
})rosperity,  even  as  they  give  them  to  those  wlio  arc 
strong  in  battle.  It  is  by  such  deeds  the  gods  know 
their  friends,  and  to  such  they  give  high  rank  and 
military  distinctions;  success  in  battle,  and  an  hon- 
orable place  in  the  hall  of  justice;  making  them  par- 
ents of  the  sun,  that  they  may  give  meat  and  drink 
not  only  to  the  gods  of  heaven,  but  also  to  the  gods 
of  hell;  and  such  as  are  thus  honored  are  revei'cd  liy 
all  brave  men  and  warriors:  all  men  look  on  them  as 
their  parents,  because  the  gods  have  shown  tlieni  fa- 
vor; and  have  rendered  them  tit  to  liold  high  offices  and 
dignities  and  to  govern  with  justice;  they  are  i)la('t'd 
near  the  cfod  of  fire,  the  father  of  all  tlie  <>()ds,  whoso 
dwelling  is  in  the  water  surrounded  by  turreted  walls 
of  flowers,  and  who  is  called  Ayamictlan  and  Xiiili- 
tecutli;  or  they  are  made  lords  of  the  rank  of  Tla- 
catecutli  or  Tlacochtecutli,  or  they  are  given  sonic 
lower  i)ost  of  honor.  Perchance  they  are  given  some 
such  office  as  I  now  hold,  not  through  any  merit  of  my 
own,  but  because  the  gods  know  not  my  unworthiness. 
I  am  not  what  1  am  by  my  own  asking;  never  did  I  say, 
1  Avish  to  be  so  and  so,  I  desire  this  or  that  lionor;  the 
gods  have  done  me  this  honor  of  their  own  will,  for 
surely  all  is  theirs,  and  all  that  is  given  comes  i'roni 
their  Iiand;  nor  shall  any  one  say,  I  desire  tliis  or  that 
honor,  for  the  gods  give  as  they  please  and  to  whom 


A  FATHER'S  ADVICE  TO  HIS  SONS. 


tlioy  please,  and  stand  in  need  of  counsel  from  none. 
l[arken,  niy  sons,  to  another  sorrow  that  alHicts  nie 
when  I  arise  at  niidniL,'ht  to  l)ray  and  do  pcnanre. 
Then  I  })onder  many  tilings,  and  my  heart  rises  and 
sinks  even  as  one  who  goes  up  and  down  mountains, 
for  I  am  satisfied  with  no  one  of  you.  Thou,  my  eld- 
est son,  dost  not  give  any  sign  of  im})rovement,  I  see 
ill  thee  notliing  manly,  thou  remainest  ever  a  hoy,  thy 
conduct  does  not  become  an  elder  brother.  And  thou, 
my  second  son,  and  thou,  my  third,  J  see  in  you  no 
discretion  or  manliness;  perad venture  it  is  because 
yuu  are  second  and  third  that  you  have  become  care- 
less. What  will  become  of  you  in  the  world?  Lo, 
now,  are  you  m^t  the  children  of  noble  parents?  Your 
j)ai'ents  are  not  tillers  of  the  soil  or  woodcutters. 
What,  I  say  again,  will  become  of  you?  Do  you 
wish  to  bo  nothing  but  merchants,  to  <  .irry  a  staff 
ill  your  hands  and  a  load  on  your  backs?  AVill 
you  become  laborers  and  work  Avith  your  hands? 
Harken,  my  sons,  and  give  heed  unto  my  words,  and 
I  will  point  out  to  you  those  things  which  you  shall 
do.  See  to  the  proper  observance  of  the  dances,  and 
the  nuisic,  and  the  singing,  for  thus  will  you  please 
liotli  the  people  and  the  gods;  for  with  music  and 
singing  are  favors  and  riches  gained.  Endeavor  to 
li'arn  some  honorable  trade  or  profession,  such  as  work- 
ing in  feathers  or  precious  metals;  for  by  such  means 
hread  can  be  obtained  in  time  of  necessit}'.  Pay  atten- 
tion to  every  branch  of  agriculture,  for  the  eartli  dosii-es 
not  food  or  drink,  but  only  to  bring  forth  and  pioduce. 
Your  fathers  sought  to  understand  these  thin<js,  for 
tboiigh  they  were  gentlemen  and  noblos  they  took 
care  that  their  estate  should  be  properly  cultivated. 
l\'  you  think  only  of  your  high  rank  and  are  unmind- 
ful of  these  things,  how  will  you  support  your  family, 
in  no  part  of  the  world  does  anyone  support  himself  by 
his  gentility  only.  But  above  all  study  well  to  pro- 
vide all  those  things  which  are  necessary  for  the  sus- 
tenance of  the  body,  for  these  are  the  very  foundation 


aso 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


i 


of  our  l)oin!^',  and  rij^^litly  uro  tlioy  called  foiKicdiiitlfu- 
inio,  that  is  to  say  our  tlusli  ami  hones,  bei'ause  it  is 
by  tlieni  that  wo  work,  live,  and  are  strouif,  There 
ia  no  man  in  the  world  hut  what  eats,  for  each  one  has 
a  stoniat'h  and  intestines.  The  "greatest  lords  need 
food,  the  most  valiant  warrior  must  carry  a  haL,^  oi' 
victuals.  Jiy  the  sustenance  of  the  body  life  is  up- 
held, hy  it  the  world  is  peopled.  See,  therefore,  my 
Hons,  that  you  be  careful  to  })lant  the  C(jrn  and  the 
lua^'ueys,  for  do  we  not  know  that  I'ruit  is  the  ddinlit 
of  children ;  truly  it  cools  and  <|uenches  the  thiist  of 
the  little  ones.  And  you,  boys,  do  you  not  like  IVuit? 
But  how  will  you  <,^et  it  if  you  do  not  plant  and  i;ro\v 
it.  Give  heed,  my  sons,  to  the  conclusion  of  my  dis- 
course, and  let  it  be  written  upon  your  hearts.  Many 
more  thinsj^s  could  1  say,  but  my  task  would  never  ho 
ended.  A  few  more  words  only  will  I  add  that  have 
been  handed  down  to  us  from  our  forefathers. 
Firstly,  1  counsel  you  to  propitiate  the  gods,  who  are 
invisible  and  im})alpable,  i^ivin<^  them  your  whole  sotil 
and  body.  Look  to  it  that  you  are  not  puft'ed  u[>  with 
pride,  that  you  are  neither  obstinate,  nor  of  a  weak, 
vacillatin»>'  mind,  but  take  heed  to  be  meek  and  hum- 
ble and  to  put  your  trust  in  the  yods,  lest  they  visit 
your  transiji'ressions  upon  you,  for  from  them  iiotliiiiL;' 
can  be  hidden,  they  punish  how  and  whom  they 
please.  Secondly,  my  sons,  endeavor  to  live  at  peace 
with  your  fellow-men.  Treat  all  with  deference  and 
resi)ect;  if  any  speak  ill  of  you  answer  them  not 
ai^ain;  be  kind  and  aftabie  to  all,  yet  converse  not  too 
freely  with  any;  slander  no  man;  be  patient,  return- 
in^''  i^'ood  lor  evil,  and  the  gods  will  amply  avenge  your 
wrongs.  Lastly,  my  children,  be  not  wasteful  of 
your  goods  nor  of  your  time,  for  both  are  precious;  at 
all  seasons  pray  to  the  gods  and  take  counsel  with 
them;  be  diligent  about  those  things  which  are  useful. 
I  have  spoken  enough,  my  duty  is  done.  Peradveii- 
ture  you  will  forget  or  take  no  heed  of  my  words.    An 


»rAnnrA(iK. 


to 


7!^"  ^vfll.      T  have  ,l.,no  ,ny  dutv  U  1  •  ''' 

f..tl,c.,lc«..»  wi,o»  ,,  .,,  ,  "'"';'  '"Wilt  not  |„ 
>;.»  ox,,«,.te,l  to  al,iclo  I  '  'f ,'  "  ™  "'  J'"*  "»"-  I'"* 
»"»,'-'>l    to   cl„Je   ,„•     ,",'.:■""''•'""'  I'"  «l,o  pro. 


'-•'"H.sc  i.i,  'o;,;;;;;;':"'"' """ ':« «i.o  ,„o. 

}';;■'-'    "l>"r.    ■■«   u,,.n,,t,.'',l     i?;',..!''',''''"™.   ""-1    w,..s 

111 


•^'^'»^'  parts   tho  hi.-h   ,;.,/"'''    '"'^    apostate. 

7'"^  throt,o.h  life,  u  uf  do    ,^  ' '7r    ^'  ''•"''•^'"  '-^^"t''- 

•VP^;.'\t  a,ul  desire  to      a.-'n    T.     ^^^'•^"  ''  ^^^  '^'-t-^nvurd 
^"^fnends  and  publidv      ?'         f'"  ^"'•^l^''^^'^i  ''J  all 

'-^•S  a.,d  unable  to  la^ep  "  '  L  V  ,  ' '^'^^  ^^^'  ^^'•'"■ 
J'^'  ''ad  voluntarily  h.Zl  hi,.  .'^  '^'^''^^'y  t"  uliich 
^1'-;  aMo  woman  after  ^.j?!^^  ^^  ^'""'^^  ^^"3^  ^•- 
J"  1  aseala,  if  any  one' "vi;     ^   //""  ''l'^  ^^  ^^"'^''^'"I. 

1>'-^  '>y  without  t4in^a^-rtd    -r^  *'"  ^^'"^  *- 

o         ifc,  oi  decuhno-  upon  a  Jife 


'  i 


II 


252 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


of  cliastity,  his  hair  was  cut  short  and  lie  was  driven 
out  from  the  company  of  the  youths  with  whom  he 
'-/ai!  educated. 

Cuttint,^  the  hair  formed  a  part  of  the  marriage  cer- 
etnonv,  l)ut  the  mode  of  cuttinijf  was  different  from 
tli.it  of  tlie  penalty. ^^  When  the  time  came  for  the 
parents  to  choose  a  wife  for  their  son,  all  the  relations 
were  called  together  and  informed  by  the  father  that 
the  youtli  had  now  reached  an  age  when  he  should  be 
j)rovided  with  a  wife;  for  that  he  was  now  a  man,  and 
must  learn  how  to  perform  the  duties  of  a  man,  and 
refrain  from  boyish  tricks  and  promiscuous  intercourse 
with  women.  The  youtli  was  then  summoned  before 
his  parents,  and  his  father  addressed  him,  saying: 
"My  son,  thou  art  now  a  man,  and  it  seems  to  us 
proper  to  search  among  the  maidens  for  a  wife  for 
thee.  Ask  thy  tutors  for  permission  to  separate  thy- 
self from  thy  friends,  the  youths  with  wl.om  thou 
hast  been  educated.  Make  known  our  wishes  to 
those  called  Telpuchtlatocpie,  who  have  the  charge 
of  thee."  The  youth  in  answer  expressed  his  willing- 
ness and  desire  to  enter  into  their  plans.  The  parents 
then  set  a1)out  preparing  a  quantity  of  food,  such  as 
tamales,  chocolate,  and  other  dishes;  and  also  provided 
a  sm.ill  axe,  which  was  to  bear  a  part  in  the  next  })ro- 
ceeding.  The  repast  being  prepared,  an  invitation 
was  sent  to  the  priests  who  were  instructors  of  the 
youth,  accorap;>nie(i  with  presents  of  food  and  jtipcs 
of  tobacco;  all  the  relations  were  also  invited.  AVhcn 
tlie  meal  was  finished,  the  relations,  'tnd  guardians  of 
the  ward  in  v'hich  the  parents  of  the  pair  lived,  seated 
themselves.  Then  one  of  the  youth's  relatit>ns,  ad- 
dressing   the    priestly  instructc  rs  of  the  youth  said  ; 

13  '1'or  otro  rpsppcto  no  ora  pona  tr.isquil  ir  los  talos  niniicclKx.  siim  cci-c- 
iiioniii  (Ic  sns  ciisamicntos:  cslo  era,  ]M)r  (jih  'ejai'do  la  calit'lliTa  sij^iiilicalm 
(li'jar  la  lo/aiiia  y  liviaiidail  dc  manccho;  y  asi  coiiio  de.sdi'  adflaiitc  lial)i:i 
ilo  criar  iiucva  ftirina  d(!  calu'llos,  tnvipsi'  iituna  seso  y  cordura  para  ri^^^r  sii 
)iniij;i'r  ■'  casa.  Hieii  crco  (|iu'  d('l)ia  dv  liahcr  al<;una  difcrciiciu  en  eston 
tras'iuilados  <Miaii<li)  se  tras(jiiilal)an  juir  ('creiiuitiia  6  por  pena."  J.rrs'  Casus, 
Hist.  A polijyctica,  MS.,  cap.  c.x.wi.x.;  Varba.jid  Espiitvsa,  Hist.  Mvx.,  loin. 
i.  p.  577. 


PRELIMINARIES  TO  MARRIAGE  CEREMONY. 


253 


"  Here,  ill  the  prcsoiice  of  all,  we  beg  of  you  not  to  be 
troubled  because  this  lad,  our  sou,  desires  to  witlidraw 
from  your  company,  and  to  take  a  wife;  behold  this 
axe,  it  is  a  sign  that  he  is  anxious  to  separate  from 
vou;  according  to  our  Mexican  custom,  take  it,  and  leave 
us  the  youth,"  Then  the  priest  answered:  "J,  and 
the  young  men  with  whom  your  son  has  been  educated 
have  heard  how  that  you  have  determined  to  marry 
him  ai)d  that  from  henceforward,  forever,  he  will  be 
jtarted  from  us;  let  everytliing  be  done  as  you  wish." 
The  tutor  of  the  youth  nexJ  addressed  him,  entreat- 
ing him  to  persevere  in  the  paths  of  virtue,  not  to  for- 
get the  teachings  he  h »«  received,  and  to  continue  to 
be  a  zealous  servant  of  the  gods;  he  advised  him  that 
as  he  was  now  about  to  take  a  wife  he  must  be  carefid 
to  provide  for  her  support,  and  to  Ining  uj^  and  instruct 
his  children  in  the  s.ime  manner  as  he  had  been  edu- 
cated. He  adjured  him  to  Ix;  courageous  in  battle,  to 
honor  and  obey  his  parents,  to  show  respect  to  his 
s.iiiors  and  all  nged  persons;  ar.^  so  the  speaker  am- 
bled morally  along  at  some  K^ngch,  but  I  spare  the 
reader  the  remainder  of  the  discourse."  The  ]>riests 
then  took  their  leave,  bearing  the  axe  with  them,  and 
the  young  man  remained  in  liis  father's  house. 

Soon  after  tliis  the  ])arents  called  the  relatiouM 
together  once  more  to  consult  u[)on  the  selection  of  a 
maiden  sui  d)ie  to  l»e  the  wife  of  their  son.  Their 
lirst  a<'t,  and  one*  that  was  of  paramount  im|tofrMiv'e, 
was  (u  ascertain  the  day  and  sign  of  his  but  I.,  if 
they  were  unable  to  remember  or  cah-ulate  the  ;^ign 
thiy  called  in  the  aid  of  astiologer-.  or  so'<t,]is;.yer.s, 
w  ho  by  certain  reck(^niiigs  and  ceremonies*  Mttt  r}»rett;d 
all  they  sought  to  know.  'J'lie  birthday  at»d  sign  of 
the  damsel  wi're  in  like  manner  ascertained..  If  (be 
li()foscoj)e  of  botli  was  favorable,  the  astrologers  j)re- 
(licted  a  hapj)y  union  with  prosperity  and  good  fortune 
to  both,  but  if  the  signs  did  not  agree  tluw  foretold 

'<  .s'"A«.'(/ ',    Hi.'it.    (It'll.,  toni.   ii.,    lilt,    vi.,  jip.    I."i'2-.i;  .Vfi  ni//t/ii.   Hint 
Erics.,  ji.  12.");  Las  Casu.s,  Hist.  Ajiulo'jffird,  MS  ,  ca]!.  i'\x\ix. 


1^^^ 


Ki*  'tl 


254 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


II* 


adversity  and  evil  fortune,  and  it  became  necessary  to 
choose  another  maiden.  Once  assured  of  a  favoral)le 
conihiuation  accordini^  to  the  auguries,  steps  were 
taken  to  obtain  the  consent  of  tlie  girl's  parents.  For 
this  ])urpose  the  parents  and  relatives  of  the  youth 
coniniissioued  two  old  women,  chosen  from  among  the 
most  discreet  and  .ijtuous  of  the  district,  who  were 
to  act  as  negotiators  in  the  affair;  these  were  called 
ci/ndifhuKjue.  They  went  on  the  part  of  the  bi-ide- 
groom  and  conveyed  the  message  to  the  parents  or 
nearest  I'elatives  of  the  young  girl.  Their  first  visit 
was  made  shortly  after  midnight  or  upon  tlie  follow - 
in<if  morning-,  upon  wdiich  occasion  tliev  took  with  them 
some  j>resents  to  offer  to  the  girl's  parents.  T'poii 
their  arrival  they  commenced  a  suitable  address,  in 
M'hich  they  formally  solicited  the  hand  of  the  girl  in 
marriage.  The  firwt  overture  was  invariably  rejected 
and  some  frivolous  excu»«  given,  even  tliough  the 
girl's  relatives  might  Ix-  more  desirous  of  the  niat<li 
than  V:i<»*e  who  soli<itt<l  it.  The  embassy  was  told 
that  thf  girl  was  not  yet  i»f  an  age  to  marry,  or  that 
she  was  not  worthy  c*f  the  honor  offered  her.  After 
s<»ni(!  few  tt»ore  such  compliments  had  been  paid,  tlie 
/natrons  returned  to  those  who  had  sent  theui.  A 
ii'W  da\  -  •  .i'  -ng  ela])sed,  the  old  women  were  sent 
i»wk  beaiiii.  lore  presents,  and  with  instructions  to 
again  solicit  the  alliance,  and  to  detine  clearly  the 
positii'41  of  th>i  suitor,  his  (pialilications  and  riches. 
npo-M  this  n*'<  tnd  interview  the  negotiations  assumed 
a  moTf  business-like  aspect;  the  convei'sation  turned 
"'•«>ii  the  jiffTtum  that  <^ach  would  bring  to  the  other, 
inally  the  r'-  :  >  of  the  girl  consented  to  con- 

tlie  al^ir;  yet  they  Htill  maintained  a  semblance 
♦4  relnetaij'".  iiisi.-tinu:  that  the  mil  was  not  worth v 
to  b("'>n;f  rl  wij'e  »»f  so  estimable  a  young  man;  hut 
ad',  iig  tli;!t,  as  the  matter  was  urgetl  with  so  nuuh 
im[M>rtu!  ity,  tl»*^y  would  on  tlie  ii.i»rro\v  axwemble  all 
tke  relatMms  (»f  tiie  young  w-uian,  that  the'  might 
con.sult    Ur^tlmr   about  the  affair     fhey  then  closed 


MARRIAGE  CEREMONIES. 


255 


the  conference  by  invitinijc  tlioir  visitors  to  be  present 
(*)i  that  occasion  and  receive  tlieir  Hnal  drcision. 

The  next  day  the  j)arents  of  the  ^irl  ciilKd  a  nu'etiiiL*" 
of  all  her  relatives,  at  which  the  pi-oj)osed  alliance  was 
discussed  with  due  deliberation;  and  the  </\r\  bciiiir 
called  before  them,  nuich  n-(K)d  advice  was  yiven  her; 
her  (hities  as  a  wife  were  detined,  she  was  charged  to 
sci'vu  and  ])l<'ase  her  husband,  and  not  brin^'  disgrace 
upon  lier  par<.'nts.  Information  of  their  decision  was 
then  sent  to  the  ])arents  of  the  younij;'  man.  and  prcj)- 
arations  for  a  fitting-  celebration  of  the  wedding'  com- 
nienced.  The  augurs  were  consulted  and  ivcjuested 
to  name  a  lucky  day  f;.*  the  ceremony;  the  signs 
Acdtl,  ()zom<OJl,  Ci/xh'fh',  (jKtni/ifli,  or  Ca/li,  a\(Mv 
(Iceuied  most  favorable,  and  one  or  other  of  them  was 
generally  selected  for  the  celebration  of  the  nuptials. 
Several  ensuing  days  were  spent  by  both  families  in 
])re|);iring  for  the  marriage  celebration,  and  in  issuing 
invitatio!is  to  friends  and  relations.  The  ceremony 
was  always  performed  at  the  liouse  of  the  bride- 
groomV  j)arents,  where  the  best  room  was  put  in 
order  for  the  occasion;  the  roof  and  walls  were  fes- 
tooned with  green  branches  and  gailands  of  tlowei's, 
(lisposi'd  with  great  taste,  and  the  Hoor  was  sti'ewn 
with  the  same.  In  the  centre  stood  a  brazier  con- 
taining fire.  When  all  the  arrangements  were  com- 
I''"te(i,  certain  of  the  bridegroom's  friends  and  1'i'lative.s 
u'ut  to  the  house  of  his  intendtid  to  conduct  her  to 
the  room.  If  the  distance  was  great,  or  thi'  bride 
the  daughter  of  a  lord  or  great  personage,  she  was 
horne  u|»on  a  litter,  otherwise  she  was  cai'ried  on  the 
liack  of  the  bride's-woman,  or  sponsor,  accom]>anie<l  by 
a  larL^e  concourse  of  ])eopIe,  dis])osed  in  two  rows  and 
hi  ariug  torches.  The  b/ide  occupied  the  centre  of 
the  j)rocession,  and  inunediately  about  her  walked  her 
nearest  relatives.  As  the  [)rocession  passed,  many  of 
the  lookers-on  ])rof"'ed  l)y  the  occasion,  to  point  her 
out  to  their  own  daughteis  as  an  e.\am[)le  worthy  of 
emulation. 


^11 


25C 


THE  NAIirA  NATIONS. 


The  l)ridofjroom  mot  his  betrothed  at  the  entrance 
of  his  house,  preceded  by  four  women  bearing  lighted 
torches;  in  liis  liands  he  carried  a  censer  with  burning 
incense,  and  another  was  given  to  the  bride;  with 
tlicse  they  at  once  perfumed  eadi  other,  and  tlic 
groom,  taking  lier  by  tJie  liand,  led  lier  into  the  room 
prepared  for  the  ceremony.  They  were  then  seated 
upon  an  ornamented  and  painted  mat  spread  close  to 
the  fireplace,  the  woman  being  placed  on  the  left  of 
the  man.'"'  Tlie  bridegroom's  mother  then  came  for- 
ward with  presents  for  her  daughter-in-law,  and 
(h'essed  her  in  a  liuipU,  or  short  chemise,  at  the  sanie 
time  laying  at  her  feet  a  cuat/i,  or  skii-t,  richly  em- 
broidered and  worked.  Next  the  l)ride's  mother  gave 
presents  to  the  bridegroom;  she  covered  him  with  a 
mantle,  which  she  fastened  at  the  shoulder,  and  placed 
a  maxtli  or  breech-clout  at  his  feet.  The  most  im- 
portant part  in  the  ceremony  was  next  performed  by 
the  priest,  Avho  made  a  long  address  to  the  betrothed 
couple,  in  which  he  defined  the  duties  of  the  married 
state,  and  pointed  out  to  them  the  obedience  a  wife 
should  observe  towards  her  husband,  and  the  care  and 
attention  the  latter  should  give  to  her,  how  that  ho 
was  bound  to  maintain  and  sui)port  her,  and  the  chil- 
dren they  might  have.  He  Avas  enjoined  to  bring  nj) 
and  educate  his  children  near  him,  teaching  all  accord- 
ing to  their  abilities,  to  make  them  useful  mend)ers  of 
society,  and  to  instruct  them  in  hahits  of  industry. 
A  wife's  duties,  lie  said,  were  to  labor  and  aid  her 
husband    in    obtainiiiiif   sustenance    for   their   familv. 

'■^  'Veiiiaii  los  de  la  casa  del  niozo  li  llevar  a  la  nioza  de  parte  ilc  iidcIic: 
lleviiliauia  roii  <,'raii  Holeiiiiiidad  nriirstns  de  una  iiiatroiia,  y  con  niuclias 
Iiachas  do  teas  encendidas  en  doH  reneie.s  delante  de  eila.'  Stiluniini,  llisf. 
Veil.,  tdin.  i.,  lil).  ii.,  pp.  8:2,  l.")7.  'I'roniilm,  iiwnwx  A hkiiiIishiii  mh'mI'mhI, 
sponsani  tei';j;o  jr,'stans,  ([uatiuir  f(nininis  eoniitantilius  ([ua-  jmicis  tu'di^. 
pradncereni,  iilani  jiost.  Solis  oeeasuni,  ad  linien  doiiiiiN  in  i|na  iiarciilis 
8|M)nsi  nianeliant,  si.stt;l)at.'  Liirt,  Nariis  Orhis,  ]>.  2.S!).  '  l.a  <'elctiniciiin  ciu 
(|ue  la  desposada  la  Ilevalta  li  ciiestas  li  jn-iiiia  nofli(>  una  amiinteca.  niic  i  •* 
nu'diea,  e  iiilian  eon  ellas  euatro  niujeies  con  sns  acluiH  de  iiino  resinadd  i  n- 
cendidas,  con  <|ne  la  liihan  alnnihrundo,  y  lleffada  a  casa  »lel  dcsposado,  Ins 
padres  del  dt^sposado  la  salian  it  n'ciliir  al  patio  de  la  casa.  y  la  niefian  (ii 
una  sala  donile  el  ilesposado  la  cslyva  a;,'uardaudo.'  Coik.c  Miialuzn,  ia 
Kiiiijs/.K>roii(/h'ii  Mcx.  Antiq.,  vol,  v.,  p  'J'J, 


MARRIAGE  CEREMONIES. 


257 


J)()t]i  were  exhorted  to  be  faithful  to  one  another,  to 
niaiiit;uii  peace  and  liarniony  between  themselves,  to 
oveilook  each  other's  failings,  and  to  helj)  one  another, 
L'ver  Ijearinj^  in  mind  that  they  were  united  for  life  l)y 
a  tie  Avhieli  only  death  could  sever.  The  rites  of 
marriage  were  always  conducted  with  much  solem- 
nity, and  during  the  ceremony  nothing  was  said  or 
done  contrary  to  the  rules  of  modesty  and  decoruns. 
At  the  conclusion  of  the  address  the  couple  stood  uj), 
and  the  priest  tied  the  end  of  the  man's  mantle  to  tlie 
di-ess  of  the  woman;  they  then  walked  seven  times 
round  the  tire,  casting  therein  copal  and  incense,  and 
giving  ])resents  to  each  other,  while  their  friends  and 
relatives  thi'ew  chains  of  tlowers  alxiut  their  ne<ks 
and  crowned  them  with  garland;-:.'*"'  The  mother-in- 
law  of  the  bride  now  brought  some  food,  and  gave 
tour  mouthfuls  to  the  bride  to  eat  and  afterwards  gave 
the  same  quantity  to  the  bridegioom.  They  then 
received  the  congratulations  of  their  friends,  while  at 
the  same  time  a  dance  was  perfoiined  to  the  sound  of 
musical  instruments.  Accompanied  l)y  the  dajicers 
and  nuisicians,  the  newly  wedded  i»air  was  conducted 
to  the  temple,  at  the  door  of  which  the  tlamaca\.(pies, 
or  priests,  appeared  to  receive  them.  While  the  com- 
jtany  renuiined  below,  the  wedded  cou{)le  with  theij' 
sj)onsors  and  })arents  ascended  the  ste})s  «)f  the  iem|)le. 
The  })riest  wore  his  robes  of  ceremony,  and  carried  in 
his  liand  an  incensory  tilled  with  incense,  with  which 

"'■  'Vn  sai'onloto  atiil)a  una  pumii  del  hnrip/fh,  u  caiiiisa  de  la  iloiici'llu, 
Kiliotlil  del  tlliiiiltli,  (>  capa  uel  juM'll."  V^irtmjul  KsjiiiKi.m,  Hint.  Mcx., 
Iiiin.  i.,  ]i.  ■").")7.  '  Al  tii'm|i»t  i|ir'  Ios  nnvios  so  a\  iaii  do  acostar  o  dnniiir  cu 
iiiiii,  tdiaaliaii  la  luilda  dolaiitera  dc  la  caiiiisa  di'  la  novia,  ('atahanlua  la 
iiiiiiila  dc  al;,f<)d()ii  (|ue  toiiia  I'liliierta  A  mtvin.'  (>n'(<hi.  Hist,  (irn.,  tdiii.  iii., 
ji.  .■>4S,  'I'lias  viejas  ijia'  se  llaiuaii  fltiri,  ataliaii  lu  i'si|iiiiia  de  la  inaiita  did 
iiKi/o.  ('(Ill  la  falda  did  vipil  <li'  la  iiioza."  Sii/uiiiuii,  lli.st.  (jin.,  toiii.  i.,  lili. 
ii..  11.  s;}.  'Hi'chds  los  tratados,  conipan'i'iaii  aiiilms  contrayeiitcs  en  id 
t('ni|ili»,  y  ii'io  do  los  saocrdoti'^  cxiilniiialia  mi  Mdiiiitail  fnii  ]iii';,'iiiilas 
ritiialcs;  V  dospues  toinalia  ion  una  ninin)  id  \(d(i  dc  la  niii;^('r.  ytnn  otia  id 
iiKintd  <lrl  niarnlo,  y  los  anndalia  ]icpr  his  cxti'onios,  siLrnirnandd  id  vinculu 
interior  di-  las  i  los  volnntadcs.  ('on  estc  ;;;«''ncr(i  dc  yu^o  nnpcial  vohiaii  i 
sii  I  as*,  en  roinpania  did  niisino  saccrdoti':  dondi'.  .  .  cntraKan  a  visitar  id 
liii'i-x*  (lonirsticii,  iini"  a  sn  ])aieci'r,  nii'dialian  rn  la  ]ia/.  di'  los  casados,  y 
liiiHin  sicto  viudtas  a  lil  siguioudo  al  saucidote.'  SolU,  Hint.  L'uinf  Mu., 
t««m.  i  ,  ifk  4Sl?-.H. 

Vol..  11.    17 


:!'ll 


u  ■■ 


If- 


i 


258 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


1    - 


ho  jiropcedcd  to  perfume  them.  He  then  phiced  lilni- 
self  between  the  two,  with  tlie  man  on  liis  rioht  and 
the  woman  on  his  left,  and  takinjj^  them  by  the  liniids 
led  them  to  the  altar  of  the  idol,  nuittering-  prayers 
as  he  went.  The  altar  reached,  he  placed  upon  each 
of  the  ])arties  a  very  line  and  showy  shawl  woven  and 
vai'ieLfated  with  many  colors,  in  the  centre  of  wliich 
Avas  ])ainted  a  skeleton,  as  a  synd)ol  that  death  oidy 
could  now  separate  them  from  each  other.  He  tlii'ii 
perfumed  them  a<^ain  with  the  incensory,  and  led  them 
back  to  the  door  of  the  tem})le,  where  they  were  re- 
ceived by  the  assemblage  and  acconi})anied  to  their 
home  with  dancin^^  and  nnisic.  The  marria^'e  cere- 
monies beins^  finished,  the  relatives  and  friends  partook 
of  a  banquet,  and  amidst  much  rejoicing  congratulated 
each  other  on  the  new  relations  they  had  ac(iuii'ed. 
In  the  feasting,  drinking,  and  dancing  th«3  bridal  }>air 
to(dv  no  }>art;  they  had  now  to  enter  upon  a  season  of 
fasting  and  penance,  which  lasted  four  days,  in  tlio 
strict  retirement  of  their  room,  where  they  were 
closely  guarded  by  old  women;  on  no  account  were 
they  permitted  to  leave  their  room  except  for  the 
n(^c(!ssary  calls  of  nature,  or  to  offer  sacrifice  to  tlie 
gods;  the  time  wa,;!  to  be  passed  in  ]>rayer,  and  on  no 
account  were  they  to  allow  their  passions  to  get  the 
better  of  them  or  Indulge  in  carnal  intercoui'se.  Such 
weakness  on  their  part  would,  they  believed,  bring 
discord  or  death  or  some  other  dire  misfortune  Ivt  \vei>n 
tliem.  The  close  corifinenient,  tlie  watchful  guard  and 
imposed  ])enances  were  iutended  to  calm  tlieir  passions 
and  purify  their  mmds,  whereby  they  would  be  nK>i\! 
fitted  to  undertake  the  duties  before  them,  and  not  bo 
led  astray  by  unruly  desires.  What  small  supply  of 
sustenaTice  they  received  in  the  four  days  t>i  tlieir 
retirement  was  carried  to  them  by  the  old  women  who 
had  charge  of  them,  and  during  tliis  time  they  neitlur 
washed  nor  bathed  themselves;  they  were  dressed  in 
new  garments  and  wore  i-ertain  charms  and  regali.i 
pertaining  to  tlieir  ])atron  idol.      .Vt  mitlnight  tlieV 


r 


CON'SL'MMATION  OF  MAURIAGE. 


259 


came  forth  to  ofTer  sacrifice  and  burn  incense  on  the 
altar  in  tlioir  house,  in  front  of  which  they  also  left 
food  offcrin^-s  for  their  god;  this  they  did  during  the 
four  days  of  abstinence,  Avhile  their  friends  and  rela- 
tives continued  their  rejoicings,  festivities,  and  danc- 
Upon  the  fourth  night,  when  the  marriage  was 


nig, 


17 


to  be  consummated,  two  priests  of  the  temple  pre- 
pared a  couch  of  two  mats,  between  which  were  placed 
some  feathers  and  a  stone  somewhat  the  color  of  an 
emerald,  called  chalcJuuite;  underneath  tliey  put  a 
piece  of  tiger-skin,  and  on  top  of  all  they  spread  some 
cotton  cloths.  At  the  four  corners  of  the  bed  were 
])laced  green  reeds  perfumed,  and  thorns  of  the  ma- 
guey with  which  the  ]»air  were  to  draw  blood  from  tlieir 
tongues  and  ears  when  they  sacrificed  to  the  gods.^** 
The  following  morning  the  bridal  pair  took  the  bed 
on  which  they  had  lain,  with  the  cloths,  reeds,  and 
food  they  had  ofifered  to  their  god  during  the  four  days 
of  penance,  to  the  temple  and  left  tliem  as  a  thanks- 
giving offering.^"     If  any  charcoal  or  ashes  were  found 


'7  'CJuodiindo  los  csposos  on  aquellii  cstnuria  durante  Ins  puatro  dias 
sifjiiieiiti's,  sill  salir  do  ellii,  siiiod  iiiodia  iioi'lie  jiara  iiii-i'iisar  a  los  idolos  y 
liai'i'rli's  ()l)!aL'i()iies  tie  diviTsas, ','s]K'cit's  <k>  iiiaiijarcs.'  Ciir/xijdl  Ksjiiiinait, 
Ilist.  }fi\r.,  tDiii.  i.,  p.  ">57.  'A  li'  media  ikicIic  y  al  medio  dia  salian  de  sii 
aii'isento  a  poiier  eiicienso  sobre  uii  altar  (pie  en  sii  casa  teiiiaii.'  Mrin/irtti, 
ihsl.  Effcu.,  )).  r28.  'Los  ])adrinos  llevalian  ii  los  novios  a  ofra  piezu  sejia- 
raila,  donde  los  dejalian  solos,  ciiccrraiidolos  por  la  parte  de  afuera,  liasta  la 
laafiaiia  si;,'uiente,  ((uc  veniau  ii  al)rirles,  y  todo  el  eoncurso  v^petia  las  enlio- 
ralpiii'iias,  siipoiiiendo  ya  ronsiimado  el  mutrimoiiio.'  Vii/tia,  lli.st.  Anf. 
Mi'j.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  '2(>. 

i'*  Tile  ]tositioii  of  the  tijj;er-skin  is  doiil)tfiiI:  'Poiiiaii  tamliien  vn  pe(la(,'<) 
do  cuen.  do  'i'i.'re,  deliajo  de  las  esteras.'   1  tirijiifiiiinlii,  .]fiiiiiiri/.  fin/.,  toui. 

p.  415.     'I'oniaiMiu   peda/.o  de  enero  de  ti;,'re  eiicima  tie  las  esteras.' 

'  La  estera  solire  ipie  lialiian  doniiido,  (]uo 
iicilio  del  patio,  v  alii  la  sacndiaii  eon  eicrta 


Mi'iiiliitn,  Hist.  Krlcx.,  p    Vis. 
si>  llaiiiaha  yj<'/(»'/,  la  saialtan  a 


louerla  en  el   luu 


•uioma,  y  despnes  tornaoan  a  ponerla  en  el   luirar  ( 
,    S.ikoiimi,  Hist,  (till.,  toni.  li.,  lil).  vi.,  ]).   ].")«. 


donde  lialiian  de  dor- 


cereuioma, 

iiiir,    .s'.»*'<7/^«,  /Itsf.  iiiii.,  toni.  ii.,  Ill),  vi.,  ji 

"  'Otra  eeremoiiia,  easi  eonm  esta,  vsaliaii  los  del  Piielilo  de  Israbl,  aeerea 
del  a<S)star  los  Novios,  la  primera  no(die  de  sus  liodas,  ijiu'  les  poniaii  vna 
satiana,  o  lieii(;(),  para  (pie  en  id  se  estampase  el  testiiiioiiio  de  la  \  ir'iiiiidad, 
([uo  eia  la  sanjjre,  (pic  de!  primer  acto  se  vertia,  la  ipiiil  se  (piitalia  de  la 
cama  delante  de  testiiros.  (pie  pudie'^en  alirniar  liavcrla  xisto,  eon  lasenaldu 
';i  s!iii;,'re,  (pie  eoiniinilialia  la  eorriipcion  de  la  Doneella  y  emliiiidla,  (i  do- 
1>!  da,  la  ponian  en  cierto  ln;j;ar,  dii)utado  pa-a  e-to,  donde  ijiiedMlia  jjiiar- 
(lada.  en  iiieinoria  de  la  limpie(;a,  y  pnridail,  i-ci  ([ue  la  diidia  [(oiieella  \eiiiii 
;i  pudcr  de  su  Marido.  Seria  posildc,  (pie  (piir-iese  si;,'iiilicar  entn"  eslos  lii- 
d.iis  lo  niisino,  este  cnidado  de  los  vii;jos,  de  traer  niaiita,  ('i  saliaiia,  y  teii- 
durla  sobrc  la  cuiua  de  lus  de»pu::}udu!i,  puru  loy  priiueros  uutus  mutriiiiutiiule:;; 


11!  i 


i''  'i" 


2G0 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


in  tlio  l)ricl;il  cliiinibor  tlicy  considered  it  an  evil  oino!i, 
hut  if,  on  tlic  other  liand,  a  omin  of  corn  or  otlii;r 
seed  was  found,  they  considered  it  a  f;i<^n  of  a  lon^'  and 
prosperous  life  and  a  ha})}»y  union.  A  l)a[»tisin;il 
ccivnioiiy  was  next  j)erfonned,  the  wedded  pair  huiii^ 
placed  on  ^reen  reed  mats,  while  the  ju'iests  })oure(l 
water  over  them.  Nohles  received  four  ahlutions  with 
water  in  honor  of  Chalc/uhtiith'ciic,  the  o-oddess  of 
waters,  and  four  of  wine,  in  reverence  to  T<-.c<it:.oiic(itl, 
the  j^'od  of  wine.  After  the  hath  they  were  dressed 
in  new  vestments,  the  hride's  head  was  adorned  with 
white  feathers  and  her  hands  and  feet  with  red.  To 
her  liushand  was  oiven  a  tlmrihle,  filled  with  incense 
wherewith  to  pei'fume  his  household  <>-ods.  At  thr 
conclusion  of  these  ceremonies  a  fuither  disti'ihutioii 
of  di'esscs  and  presents  was  made,  and  the  company 
partook  of  food  and  wine,  while  the  scene  was  enliv- 
ened with  sonu's  and  dances.  Some  more  ifood  ad\ice, 
of  which  the  Aztecs  seem  to  have  had  a  nevei'-failiii^' 
stor(?,  was  then  j^'iven  to  the  wedded  ])air  hy  the 
mothers-in-law  or  nearest  relativi's,  and  thus  ended 
the  nu[)tial  ceremonies,  whi(;Ii  weie  conducted  in 
accordance  with  the  means  of  the  princi[)al  jiarties 
concerned.^  In  some  places,  proof  of  the  maiden's 
vir;j;'inity  was  required  on  the  mornino'  followin*^-  the 
consummation  of  the  marriage.  In  such  case  the 
sj)onsors  entered  the  room  where  the  wedded  j)air  had 
]iassed  the  nijrht  and  demanded  the  bride's  chemise; 
if  they  found  it  stained  with  blood  they  brought  it 
out,  placed  it  on  a  stick,  and  exhibited  it  to  all  })resent 
as  an  evidence  that  the  bride  was  a  virgin;  then  a 
dance  was  formed  and  the  procession  went  through  all 
the  place,  carrving  the  chemise  on  a  stick,  dancin!>'  and 

y  CM  ('roil)Ic,  one  spriii  pste  ol  intoiito,  piics  la  ropa,  y  ostoras,  que  sir\  iomii 
en  esti'  8a<'rilii'iii,  se  Uevabaii  al  Teiiiiilo,  y  iiii  sciviaii  mas  en  casa,  coiim  iii 
mas,  ui  iiKMitis  la  ceroniiiiiia  anti;iiia  (k-  j;iiar<lar  i.i  aliana,  con  .saii;;re,  I'litiv 
lo.s  llclnx'ds,  I'll  liigar  particular,  y  .seguni.'  Tuvqacmada,  Munarq.  bid.. 
toni.  ii.,  J).  410). 

io  Mciidicln,  Hist.  Erlrs.,  pi).  llf)-2(»,  1'27-S;  Torqiirwifdii,  Mo)i<in/. 
Jill/.,  torn,  ii.,  ]).  41();  ()n'ii/i>,  ilisf.  dni.,  (oiii.  iii.,  ])]).  .548-!);  Salniijiiii, 
Hist.  Ucn.,  toui.  ii.,  lib.  \i.,  pp.   1j8-(JU;  VarOaJal,  JJiicumo,  p.  ID. 


DAXCIXCi  THE  CIIEMISK. 


2G1 


(.'XjircssiiiL;'  tlicir  joy,  and  tliis  wiis  c.-illc'd  '(InTu-ini,'  t.lic 
chemise.'  It'  it  happened  that  tlie  clu'iuisi!  was  un- 
stained, tears  and  lamentations  took  tht;  jihice  o['  re- 
jdicinn',  ahuse  and  insults  were  lieaj)ed  upon  the  hridc, 
and  her  hushand  was  at  liberty  to  repudiate  her.'-'  In 
the  kiiiLii'dom  t)f  Miztecajtan,  heioi'e  the  ceivmony  of 
tyiuL;"  their  mantles  together  wtis  performed  it  was 
customary  to  cut  a  lock  of  hair  from  the  hridegronms 
head  and  from  the  hride's,  after  whicli  they  took  each 
otlier  l»y  the  hand  and  their  dresses  were  tied  hy  the 
tiids.     The  man  then  took  the  yirl  (»n  his  hack  ami 


(11 


t  dist 


ance ;  \v 


hieh 


pr 


oeeet 


linu-  t 


ermi- 


i-ari'ied  lier  a  snor 
nated  the  miptial.'- 

In  Ixcatlan,  he  who  desired  to  get  mari'ied  })ie- 
sented  himself  before  the  [»riests,  and  they  took  liini 
to  the  temple,  where  in  presence  of  the  idols  he  wor- 
shiped they  cut  otf  some  o\'  his  hail',  and  showing  it 
to  the  peo})le,  shouted  "This  man  wishes  to  get  mai'- 
lied.  "  From  thence  he  was  ohliged  to  descend  and 
take  tlie  first  lumiarried  woman  he  met,  in  the  belief 
that  she  was  especially  destined  for  him  by  the  gods. 
Tliey  were  then  married  according  to  the  customaiy 
^lexican  rites.  The  JNIazatec  bridegroom  abstained 
Cor  the  first  tifteen  days  of  his  wedded  life  from  ivirnal 
knowledge  of  his  wife,  and  both  spent  the  tin»e  in 
fasting  and  penance.  Among  the  ( )tonn's  it  was 
not  considered  an  offence  for  an  unmarried  man  to  dt  - 
iioiu"  a  single  woman.  The  husband  was  ])e;'m!tte(l 
to  ri'i)udiate  the  woman  the  dav  followiuL!-  his  mar- 
riage  if  she  did  not  phase  him;  but  if  he  remained 
satisfied  upon  that  occasion  he  was  not  afterwards 
allowed  to  send  her  away.  They  had  then  to  uiulrrgo 
a  period  of  penance  and  abstinence  and  remain  se- 
cluded for  twenty  or  thirty  days,  during  wliich  time 
tlay  were  to  abstain  from  all  sexual  interi'ourse,  to 
(haw  blood  from  themselves  as  a  sacritice,  and  to  bathe 
fiV(|Uently.  The  Chichimecs,  although  they  contracted 
marriage  at  a  very  early  age,  could  not  have  legitimate 

'■^'  Viijliii,  lli.-it.  Ant.  Mij.,  torn,  ii.,  jip.  ".'ti-?. 


■j11 


if 

■«■ 

w 


f  : 


2C2 


Tin;  NAIITA  NATIONS. 


connection  witli  tlu'if  wives  until  tlie  woman  was  foi-tv 
years  old.  After  their  intercourse  with  the  Toltecs 
this  custom  l»ei,''an  to  be  aholished,  althoui;li  the 
j)i'inces  and  nohles  observed  it  rigorously  ibr  soiue 
time  loM_ii;er.  ^^arriaL,'e  with  near  relatives  was  never 
permitted  among  them,  und  polygamy  was  strictly 
prohibited." 

Amonijf  the  Mexicans  divorce  was  pernntted,  but  as 
a  t'l'eneral  rule  was  discouraged.  In  the  event  of  ^\\s- 
cord  arisiuL;"  between  man  and  wife  so  that  they  could 
not  live  toi^ether  j)eacefull\',  or  where  one  or  (jther  of 
the  parties  had  just  cause  of  comj)laint,  they  applied 
to  a  judn'e  for  [iermissi(»n  to  se])arate.  Such  ]>erniis- 
sion  was  not  ijci'anted  unless  <j;-ood  and  sufficient  cause 
was  shown  in  su})port  of  the  application.  The  jnd;;e 
investiijated  the  case  with  nuu-h  care  and  attention, 
closely  examinin<jf  the  i)arties  in  refeivnce  to  theii' 
marital  relations;  whether  they  had  been  married  with 
the  consent  of  their  parents,  and  if  all  the  ceremonies 
of  marriaLj'e  had  been  fully  observed.  If  the  answei's 
proved  that  the  parties  had  not  been  married  accordiiin' 
to  the  usual  rites  and  ceremonies,  or  if  they  had  breu 
livinix  toijether  in  a  state  of  fornication,  the  iudLio 
refused  to  interfere  between  them;  but  if  he  found 
they  had  properly  complied  with  the  regulations  gov- 
erning' marriage,  he  used  his  best  efforts  to  reconcile 
them;  he  reminded  them  of  the  solemn   obligations 

2'2  l-'or  fiutlicr  iiiforiimtidii  rclatiii;,' to  iii,iniii;,'o  ci'iciiKiiiics  and  cn^tniiis 
see  MnidiitK,  Hi.sl.  Kr/(S.,  ))|).  12.")-S;  1'i)r(/tiniiiii/(i,  Moiirir'/.  liid.,  liilil. 
ii.,  pp.  J>;J,  I8(),  41l'--J(),  4".Ni-7;  Sii/iii(/iiii,  Hist.  Geii.,  torn,  i,,  lili.  ii.,  pp.  M  'A, 
tiiiii.  ii.,  Ill),  vi.,  pp.  I'vJ  (J-J,  toiii.  iii.,  lil).  x.,  jip.  lUJ-lT;  J'ri//i(i,  Hist. 
All/,  MrJ.,  toill.  il.,  pp.  "i.'i-T,  178;  f.'is  Cusns,  Hist.  A/)it/ii(ir/irii,  MS., 
cap.  c.xxxi.x,  cl.wv;  l.itlll.iiirliill,  lli.sf.  C/u'r/i.,  in  Kiinislnirniiiili's  Mi.i. 
Aiitiq.,  vol.  i.\.,  p.  1214;  /'/.,  Jirfurionrs,  in  I(/.,  y]>.  :V27,  ;«■'),' .'yO,  IIHI; 
Ai'ostd,  Ifisf,  dr.  /(I.I  YikL,  pp.  374-">;  Jirnssriir  (/<'  noiir/innri/,  llitil.  Sut. 
Civ.,  toni.  ii.,  ]).  IS!*,  toni.  lii.,  pp.  70,  r)(i.')-7;  Khnim,  Viiltiif-dfsrhirhlc, 
toiii.  v.,  pp.  .'?3-r);  (iiijiiKrc,  Cdiiq.  Mr.r.,  fid.  'J'.tS,  .SU-Ki;  llrnrrn,  lUxl- 
<i>'ii.,  dec.  ii.,  lil>.  vi.,  cap.  .\vi.,  dec.  iii.,  lilt,  ii.,  ca]).  xvii;  t'/idirs,  Ituji- 
jmrl,  \\i  Trnifiii.r.Coiii/iKii.f,  I  <i>/.,  scrie  ii.,  toin.  v..  pp.  3()H-0;  MinitKnii'i, 
XiiKii'f  Wnrclil,  p.  "Jf).");  (Irnic/fi  C'inrri,  in  C/iiirc/ti/r.-i  Cnl.  ]'iii/tiifr.s;  \iil. 
iv.,  p.  481;  A/ii/ir,  llisf.  Com/i.  </r  J':ii(y,  toni.  i.,  p.  27!';  Varhcjid  A'v- 
p>ii(i.^-fi,  Ifisf,  Xfr.r.,  tiini.  i.,  pp.  r).")."!-',),  577;  H'lrif.  }ri.iii/iir,  pp.  ■JO.'-.'!; 
Tniiron,  llisf.  (rill.,  toni.  iii.,  pp.  1I-P2;  Smiiiii'.i  Tin  Ti'ihis,  ])p.  271-"'; 
Jliis.iirrrr,  fj' Km  pi  re  Mi.r.,  jip.  14.")  7;  Cur/in/ii/,  J)i.srnr.su,  pp.  li't-liO; 
L'lurijiru,  iSturiii  Ant.  ihl  Mcssiro,  toni.  ii.,  pp.y',l-'.i;i,  111. 


DIVOKCE  AND  DIVISION  «)K  I'UOPDUTV, 


203 


a|»!>t!rtiiiiilii.!4'  to  tlio  iiiiin'IiiL''o  contriict,  jiiul  warned 
tlaia  not  to  lniii,n'  (lisi^racc  upon  tlitiiistilvus  and  their 
jiari.'iits  l)y  l)i'».'akiii_<4'  tlie  hoiids  hy  which  they  were 
united,  therehy  ereatiiii;"  a  tseandal  in  the  eoniminiity. 
It"  his  endeavors  to  ell'eet  a  rei'uneiliation  were  of  no 
avail,  and  he  I'ouiul  tliat  one  or  other  of  the  })arties 
had  Just  cause  of  eonijihiint,  a  license  to  separate  could 
he  issued,   hut  more  fre(|uently  the  judL;u   refused   to 


iiiterfeie  iu  the   niattei',  ai 


id  d 


isnnssei 


I   tl 


leni   with  a 


th 


htei'ii  reproval.  Marria^^'o  was  looked  upon  as  a  sol- 
emn and  l)inding  tie  only  to  he  dissolved  hy  tleath, 
and  any  attempt  or  desire  to  annul  the  contract  was 
deemed  a  disgrace  and  a  had  example.  Under  these 
circumstances  divorce  was  always  disi-oura^ed  hoth  hy 
the  magistrates  and  the  community.  A  jud;4e  was 
oenerally  unwillinj^  to  sanction  with  the  authority  of 
the  law  the  annulment  of  so  hlndiiiL;'  an  enn'a.u'ement; 
tliei'efore  only  a  tacit  consent  was  ^iven  l»y  the  court, 
hy  which  the  whole  onus  of  the  tlis^race  atteiulinn'  a 
Si'paration  was  tlirt)wn  u\ion  the  parties  themselves. 
When  a  dissolution  took  place  between  man  and  wife, 
tlicy  could  not  again  under  any  circumstances  be 
uniti'd.;  the  divorce  once  ett'ected,  no  subsecpient  con- 
donation could  authorize  their  livin*>"  toi>ether.-'' 

We  have  no  information  how  or  on  what  terms  a 
division  of  pro})erty  was  made  in  tlie  event  of  a  dis- 
solution of  marriage,  or  to  which  of  the  j)arties  the 
iiistody  of  the  children  belonj^ed.  The  ancient  his- 
turians  throw  no  light  vn)on  the  subject.     As  much 

2^  •Nunra  sciit(Mi('ia1)im  cii  disfavor  del  Matriinmiid,  iii  cDiisciitiaii,  rnic 
]iiir  aiildiidad  ili,'  .Jiistit'i.i,  idlos  sc  apaitasi'ii;  |m)1i|iu'  ilciiaii  >fv  iioa  ilicita, 
V  lie  iiiiuluM'scaiidalo  ])ani  el  I'ludilo,  laMiriccr,  cum  aiilinidad  |>iil)lira,  insa 
(uiiiraria  a  la  ra(,'(iii;  piro  ellits  fsc  ajiaitaliaii  de  lu'clm,  y  csli'  ticclio  si-  lole- 
nili.i,  auiii|iH'  11(1  (Ml  todos,  si'jfuii  (d  mas,  o  iiiciuis  I'scaiidalo,  i|iii'  si'  t'ii;;i'ii- 
ilratiM  cii  el  I'ludilo.  Dtros  diccii,  (|iU'  |iiir  Si'iitcmia  diliiiiliva,  sc  liaci.i 
(•>li'  l!i'|mdii(,  y  Divorcio.  .  .  .los  .1  iicci's  si'iitt'iiiialiaii  (si  acaso  I'ldiccdciiins, 
i|Uc  lia\  ia  sciiti'iiiia)  i[\K)  sc  apai'tasi'ii,  y  i|iifda>iii  lilircs,  y  sin  ((lili;:aciiiii 
li  viio,  al  iitni;  iicro  no  dc  la  nuniiiuiacioii  del  I'lii'Mo,  (nic  luudlo  coiitia 
t'lius,  dcciaii  s('i(li;;nos  dc  j,'iaiidisiiiia  |it'iia,  [lor  iiavcr  niadiiado  la  I'i'  i; 
iiiti'uiidail  did  Madinionio,  y  liaverdado  tan  uial  cxcMiido  ii  la  la'|)uiiliia.' 
Tur'/iiiinaild,  Moiiar'/.  Intl.,  toni.  ii.,  ji.  442;  ('(irlidjul,  hisi'iirsn,  ]i|).  'JO  1 ; 
M'l.illkivc,  llcHHinc,  \i.  'i\;  Vlucitjcro,  Slorin  Ant.  ikl  Mv.s.siru,  toni.   ii.,  ji. 


'.    U 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


::  m  112.0 


1.8 


U    11.6 


I 


V 


V] 


W 


°%  ^,>^ 


r^' 


Hiotographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


'i:^  WCS^  MAiN  STRUT 

WEBSTM.N.Y.  14SI0 

(716)  872-4503 


^ 


264 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


deference  and  respect  was  shown  to  old  age,  it  is 
probable  that  the  decision  of  such  matters  was  left  to 
the  influence  and  wisdom  of  the  friends  and  relatives, 
and  that  through  their  intervention  equitable  arrange- 
ments were  made. 

Concubinage,  of  which  there  were  three  classes,  was 
permitted  throughout  the  Mexican  empire.  The  first 
class  was  the  union  of  young  men  with  unmarried 
women,  before  they  arrived  at  the  age  when  they  were 
expected  to  marry.  All  young  men,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  those  who  were  consecrated  to  a  perpetual 
chastity,  were  allowed  to  have  concubines.  The  youth 
usually  asked  his  parents  to  select  a  girl  for  him,  and 
the  one  upon  whom  their  choice  fell  cohabited  with 
him.  Such  women  were  calhid  tlacacavili  No  con- 
tract was  made  nor  any  ceremony  performed;  the 
connection  was  a  simple  private  arrangement  of  the 
relatives  on  both  sides.  When  a  girl  lived  with  an 
unmarried  man  as  his  concubine  without  the  consent 
of  her  parents  she  was  called  temcrauh,  which  had  a 
more  general  signification.  It  does  not  appear,  how- 
ever, that  concubinage  among  the  unmarried  men  was 
common ;  on  the  contrary,  the  manner  in  which  parents 
are  reputed  to  have  brought  up  their  children,  and  tlie 
care  taken  by  the  priests  in  their  education  would 
seem  to  show  that  such  a  practice  was  discouraged, 
or  rather  tolerated  than  allowed,  and  it  is  probable 
the  custom  was  chiefly  confined  to  the  sons  of  nt)l)les 
and  wealthy  men.  When  a  young  man  arrived  at  tlie 
age  when  he  should  marry,  he  was  expected  to  dis- 
pense with  his  concubine  that  he  might  marry  the  girl 
selected  by  his  parents  to  be  his  lawful  wife.  He 
could,  however,  legitimatize  the  connection  between 
his  concubine  and  himself  by  notifying  his  parents  of 
his  wishes  and  having  the  usual  marriaare  ceremonies 
performed;  she  then  became  his  lawful  wife  and  was 
called  ciuathtntU.  If  while  they  bved  together  in 
concubinage  the  woman  had  a  child,  her  parents  then 
required  that  he  should  at  once  restore  her  to  them, 


CONCUBINES  IN  MEXICO. 


2G5 


or  make  her  his  wife,  as  they  considered  it  proper  that 
having  a  child  she  should  also  have  a  husband  as  a 
legal  protector.  Young  women  were  not  dishonored 
hy  living  in  a  state  of  concubinage,  nor  were  their 
chances  of  contracting  advantageous  marriages  in  any 
degree  lessened. 

The  second  order  of  concubines  miifht  rather  be 
termed,  perhaps,  the  less  legitimate  wives  of  married 
men;  with  them  the  tying  of  garments  constituted 
tlie  entire  marriage  ceremony;  the  husband  could  not 
repudiate  them  without  just  cause  and  the  sanction 
of  the  courts,  but  neither  they  nor  their  children  coultl 
inherit  property;  in  this  respect  they  were  treated  as 
concul)ines,  but  nevertheless  they  were  called  Ciiia- 
(laiifU,  which  corresponds  with  the  latin  word  uxor, 
and  was  the  title  borne  by  the  first  and  legitimate  wife. 

The  third  class  of  concubines  were  merely  kei)t 
mistresses;  with  them  no  marriage  rite  of  any  kind 
was  performed.  They  were  kept  usually  by  the 
nobles  and  chief  men  who  could  afford  to  maintain 
large  establishments;  they  occupied  a  third  rank  in 
the  domestic  circle  after  the  principal  wife  and  less 
legitini;ite  ones,  and  were  called  cittaiH'iaactU,  or  tht- 
cinaiifli,  if  their  master  had  obtained  them  from  their 
parents;  those  whom  he  took  without  such  permission 
were  called  tlaciuaantin?^ 

The  Toltec  kings  could  only  marry  one  woman,  and 
in  case  of  her  death  could  not  marry  again  oi  live  in 
concubinage  with  any  woman;  the    same   rule  held 


24  'Tt'iigono  moltc  moglio,  &  tante  quantc  ne  possono  miiutenero  cotijc 
i  inori,  pcro  conic  si  6  ilt>t,to,  viia  h  la  priiicipale  \'  patroiia  (.V  i  ti/liuuli  di 
i|<t;i  lii'n'ilitauo,  &  (jiiei  tleiraltrc  nn,  che  iioii  iidssoiio  aiizi  son  tcmiti  jirr 
iKistanli.  Nolle  nozzo  <li  questa  patroua  i»riiK'i|>alo  fan  no  ah-nne  liiinio- 
iiii',  il  clio  noil  si  osserna  nellc  nozze  cloiraltn'.'  It'lutiniii;  fulln  iitr  ni, 
(jniHrhiiitiiin  ilcl  Signor  Frrnnnito  Corti'Hf,  in  R'tmnsin,  Ninuijdtintn,  toni, 
lii.,  fol.  310.  See  further,  Tdn/witiinia,  Momirn.  Iir/.,  .oni.  ii.,  ji.  37<); 
Lti.'i  Cutri.s,  Ifist.  Apolofji^tir.d,  cap.  ccxiii.,  ccxiv.,  in  Kniif.\'iiiriiiii)h'.s  Mi  .r. 
An/i'i/.,  vol.  viii.,  pp.  127-S;  Ciirhnptl,  Ih'uriir.so,  pp.  '20-7;  Viu.ninjit.  Hist. 
Tlii.r.,  in  Xoiifr/l'S  Annnlrs  lira  I'oif.,  1813,  toni.  xcviii.,  i>p.  !(>!),  I'.t7;  ''"- 
tiKirn,  I'oiK/.  i\fir.,  fi}\.  107;  Carhitjiil  Ki/tinosn,  flisf.  .Ui.r.,  tout,  i.,  J>p. 
430-1;  On'rdo,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  260;  Peter  ifurtyr,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  iv., 
dec.  v.,  lib.  X. 


2CC 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


m 


good  with  their  queens  in  the  event  of  the  king  dying 
ttrst.  Prostitution  among  the  Mexicans  was  tolerated, 
but  at  the  same  time  was  restrained  within  certain 
bounds;  that  is,  the  law  took  cognizance  of  the  prae- 
iice  as  regarded  the  women  engaged  in  such  traffic. 
It  was  looked  upon  as  a  necessary  evil,  and  the  law 
did  not  interfere  with  men  who  consorted  with  prosti- 
tutes; but  the  latter,  if  they  plied  their  traffic  too 
openly,  or  with  too  great  frequency,  so  as  to  create  a 
l)ublic  scandal  and  become  a  nuisance,  were  punished 
according  to  the  extent  of  the  ofFence.*" 

We  may  suppose  that,  the  marriage  ceremonies 
being  concluded,  the  young  couple  were  left  in  peace, 
and  that  for  a  time  there  was  a  truce  to  the  speech- 
making  and  ever-ready  advice  of  anxious  parents  and 
meddling  relatives.  But  this  respite  was  generally 
of  brief  duration.  As  soon  as  the  woman  found 
herself  to  be  p.egnant,  all  her  friends  and  relations 
were  immediately  upon  the  tiptoe  of  expectation  and 
interest  again.  The  parents  were  at  once  informed  of 
the  interesting  event,  and  a  feast  was  prepared,  of 
which  all  who  had  been  present  at  the  wedding  par- 
took. After  the  repast  the  inevitable  speeches  c<jni- 
menced.  An  old  man,  squatting  on  his  hams,  first 
s})oke  in  behalf  of  the  husband,  referring  to  the  pre- 
cious burden  carried  by  the  pregnant  woman  and  to 
the  future  prospects  of  the  child;  after  a  while 
another  relieved  the  speaker  and  pursued  the  sui)joct 
in  tlie  same  strain;  the  man  and  his  wife  then  re- 
sponded, dwelling  upon  the  pleasure  in  store  for  thoni, 
and  expressing  their  hopes  that,  with  the  favor  of  the 
gods,  it  might  be  realized.  The  parents  of  the  pair 
were  next  addressed  directly  by  one  of  the  guests 
upon   the   same   theme  and  made  a  reply.     Certain 


«*  Las  Cams,  Hist.  Apohrfflicn,  cap,  ccxiii.,  ccxiv.,  in  Kniffshnrniirili'i 
Mr.r.  Aiidt/.,  vol.  viii.,  |».  I'iT;  Tur'fin'mm/a,  Monnrq.  Ind.,  toiii.  ii.,  p. 
37(>;  Car/xtjiil,  Discurso,  \t\}.  27-8;  S<(h'i;/iiii,  Hist.  Gen.,  turn,  iii.,  lib.  x., 
pp.  37-8;  Clavigero,  Storia  Ant.  del  Mcusico,  toiu.  ii.,  pp.  132-3. 


PREGNANCY  AND  CHILDBIRTH. 


267 


elderly  relatives  then  seized  the  opportunity  to  ad- 
monish and  instruct  the  young  woman,  to  which  she 
made  a  suitable  answer,  thanking  them  for  their  soli- 
citude on  her  behalf.'" 

During  the  months  of  her  pregnancy  the  mother 
was  very  careful  to  insure  the  safety  and  health  of  the 
child,  though  many  of  the  rules  observed  for  this  pur- 
pose were  of  a  partly  superstitious  nature.  Thus, 
sleeping  in  the  day-time  would  contort  the  child's  face ; 
ap[)roaching  too  near  the  fire  or  standing  in  the  hot 
sun  would  parch  the  foetus;  hard  and  continued  work, 
lifting  weights,  running,  mental  excitement,  such  as 
grief,  anger,  or  alarm,  were  particularly  avoided;  in 
case  of  an  earthquake  all  the  pots  in  the  house  were 
covered  up  or  broken  to  stop  the  shaking;  eating 
f-jcf/i,  or  chicle,  was  thought  to  harden  the  palate  of 
the  unborn  child,  and  to  make  its  gums  thick  so  that  it 
would  be  unable  to  suck,  and  also  to  comnmnicate  to  it 
a  disease  called  netetdzzoponiztU;  neither  must  the  edi- 
ble earth,  of  which,  as  we  shall  see  in  a  future  chajjter, 
the  Mexicans  were  very  fond,  be  eaten  by  the  mother, 
lest  the  child  should  prove  weak  and  sickly;  but 
everything  else  the  woman  fancied  was  to  be  given 
lur,  because  any  interference  with  her  caprices  might 
be  hurtful  to  her  offspring.'"  Moderation  in  sexual 
connection  with  her  husband  was  recommended  to  a 
woman  from  one  to  three  months  advanced  in  preg- 
natuy,  but  total  abstinence  in  this  resj)ect  was  thought 
to  bo  injurious  to  the  unborn  child;  during  the  later 
stages  of  the  woman's  pregnancy,  however,  the  hus- 
band abstained  entirely  from  having  intercourse  with 
her.-"     When  the  time  for  the  confinement  drew  near 

2''  I  hiivp  thought  it  iinnccessarytogivo  thcHospcoches  in  full,  but  the  ri-ader 
can  liiid  thcniall  together  in  .Vri/(«(/(/«,  Hitit.  Gni.,  torn,  ij.,  lil>,  vi.,  pp.  Kil-TIt. 

2^  Suliiigun  adds:  '  niandaha  iiue  il  la  prenada  la  diescn  de  t-iinar  Mili- 
cii'iilciiu'nte  y  buenos  nianjaies,  ealientcs  y  liien  guJHatloH,  i-on  e^iiicialidad 
cuaiidi)  A  la  prcnada  le  vicne  m\  purgueion,  «i  i-oino  dicen  la  rt-gla,  y  exto 
Ihiiiiaii  <|iic  la  criatiira  He  laba  los  pics,  iM)rnue  no  hc  halle  dsta  en  vacio,  o 
luiya  al;;iina  vai'icdad  6  falta  de  Bangrc  6  luinior  neceHurio,  y  asi  rei:ilia 
nlj,'iiii  dafio.'  Hist.  Gen.,  toni.  ii.,  lib.  vi.,  p.   182. 

'^  Salia;,'uii's  original  MS.  contaiuH  twenty-four  additional  lines  on  this 
Hubjcct,  but  these  hit)  editor  deuuid  tuu  iiidelieuto  tu  priut.  Id.,  p.  Ibl. 


268 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


another  feast  was  prepared  and  the  usual  invitations 
were  issued.  When  all  were  gathered  an  old  man  was 
the  first  to  speak,  on  behalf  of  the  married  couple. 
Bj  virtue  of  his  long  experience  in  these  matters  he 
recommended  that  the  pregnant  woman  be  placed  in 
the  xucfdcaUi,  or  bath,  under  the  protectior;  of  Xuchi- 
caltzin,  the  god  of  the  bath,  and  of  Yoalticitl,  goddess 
of  the  bath  and  of  childbirth.  He  further  advised  the 
parents  to  select  a  competent  ticiti,  or  midwife.  This 
functionary  having  been  named,  a  female  relative  of 
the  husband  addressed  her,  asking  her  to  acce))t  the 
trust,  praising  her  qualifications,  and  exhorting  her  to 
exert  her  utmost  skill  and  care.  The  mother  and 
relatives  of  the  wife  also  made  brief  speeches  to  the 
same  purpose.  The  midwife-elect  then  expressed  her 
wish  and  intention  to  do  all  in  her  power.^  Wealtliy 
people  frequently  employed  several  mid  wives,  who  i'or 
some  days  prior  to  the  birth  busied  themselves  in 
waiting  on  their  patient  and  putting  everything  in 
readiness  for  the  important  hour.  Zuazo  states  that 
some  of  these  acted  merely  as  witnesses  to  the  fact  of 
the  birth.=» 

The  'hour  of  death,'  as  the  time  of  confinement 
was  named,  having  arrived,  the  patient  was  carried 
to  a  room  previously  set  in  order  for  the  pur]>ose; 
here  her  hair  was  soaped  and  she  was  placed  in 
a  bath  to  be  washed.  Care  was  taken  that  the  water 
should  not  be  too  hot,  lest  the  foetus  should  be  scalded ; 
in  some  cases  the  woman  was  beaten  on  the  back  with 
maize  leaves  which  had  been  boiled  in  the  water  used 
for  the  bath.  The  midwife  next  proceeded  to  rub  and 
press  the  abdomen  of  the  patient  in  order  to  set  tlie 
child  in  place.  If  the  pain  grew  worse,  soothini; 
remedies  were  administered.    A  decoction  of  cihoajxifH 


IS  For  these  addresacasce.Sfrt/ta^wrt,  Hi.it.  Gen.,  tom.ii.,  lih.vi.,  pp.  171-SS. 

30  'Se  lle;?an  al^uiiOH  mujeres  coino  piirteriis,  y  otras  conio  tcsti^ios  piiiii 
ver  si  el  parto  es  niipucHto  6  natural ;  y  al  ticnipo  del  iiacer  no  perinitcii  ijin' 
la  eriatiira  llefpio  A  la  tiorra  eon  la  vi»ia;  <5  antcR  que  se  la  eortenfe  liaieii  tiir- 
tan  Henales  en  el  corpezuelo.'  Zuazo,  Carta,  in  Icazbalceta,  Col.  Ue  Due, 
toni.  i.,  j)p.  3GH-4. 


GHASTLY  TALISMANS. 


989 


h«,'il>s  was  given  to  promote  the  delivery;  should  this  not 
prove  eftective,  however,  a  small  piece,  about  an  inch 
and  a  half  long,  of  the  tail  of  the  thujuatzin,  or  t/a- 
(jxatl,  was  given,  which  is  a  very  powerful  emetic.  If 
jifter  all  the  woman  got  no  ease,  it  was  concluded  that 
she  would  die.  In  cases  of  great  danger  prayers  were 
addressed  to  Cioacoatl,  Quilaztli,  Yoalticitl,  and  other 
(k'ities.  Should  the  child  die  in  the  womb  it  was 
removed  piecemeal,  unless  the  parents  objected,  in 
wliit'h  case  the  mother  was  left  to  die. 

Mocioaquezqui,  'brave  woman,'  was  the  name 
yJN  en  to  her  who  died  in  childbed.  After  death  the 
ImkIv  was  washed,  dressed  in  good,  new  clothes,  and 
Imried  with  great  ceremony  in  the  courtyard  of  the 
tuniplc  dedicated  to  the  'celestial  women.'""  Talis- 
iiianic  virtues  were  supposed  to  reside  in  the  corpse; 
thus,  the  middle  fingers  of  the  left  hand,  and  the  hair, 
wore  thought  to  make  their  possessor  irresistible  in 
Iiattle;  soldiers,  therefore,  sought  by  every  means, 
fair  or  foul,  to  procure  them.  Thieves  believed  that 
the  left  hand  and  arm  of  the  corpse  would  strike  ter- 
ror into  their  victims,  and  they  therefore  engaged  sor- 
cerers to  procure  it.  The  birth  of  twins  was  believed' 
to  foretell  the  death  of  one  of  the  parents  at  the 
hands  of  their  child;  to  prevent  this,  one  of  the  in- 
fants was  killed.**  Abortion  was  not  unusual,  and 
was  |)rocured  by  taking  a  decoction  of  certain  herbs; 
the  crime  was  nevertheless  punished  with  death.**  I  f 
everything  went  well,  and  the  woman  was  easily  de- 
livered, the  midwife  gave  a  loud  cry  of  triumph.  She 
next  addressed  some  words  of  counsel  to  the  child,  and 


■"  Cihunpipiltin,  or  CuiapipiUi.  A  lonp  description  of  the  huriiil  ritcH 
1IM01I  tiiese  ociuHioiiH  in  A'a/w»,7M;«,  //*a7.  ^/t/t.,  torn,  ii.,  lib.  vi.,  pp.  180-1(1. 
These  will,  however,  be  de8cril)ed  in  a  future  chapter. 

^'  Mofolinin,  Hist.  Inifios,  in  Icuzhnleeta,  Col.  ile  Doc,  torn,  i.,  p.  1.10, 
iiiiil  Tor(]ucina(lii,  Moiiarq.  lad.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  84,  who  Hccms  to  have  copied 
Iroiri  liini,  are  the  authontir,  for  this,  Imt  the  c»ntoin  could  not  have  Inen 
very  frcnnral,  for  it  is  said  that  in  Tlascala  the  mother  a-ssigned  a  breast  to 
cacli  of  the  twins. 

"  Tiie  principal  authority  on  the  matter  of  pregnancy  and  childbirth, 
ami  the  one  whom  I  have  titun  far  followed,  ia  Salmgun,  Jlint,  Gen.,  toiu. 
ii ,  lib.  vi.,  pp.   lCO-92. 


870 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


then  proceeded  to  wash  it.  Turning  to  the  water,  she 
addressed  the  goddess  of  waters,  Chalchihuitlicue,  ask- 
ing her  favor  and  protection  for  the  child.  Then 
taking  some  water,  the  midwife  breathed  upon  it,  gave 
some  to  the  infant  to  taste,  and  then  touched  its  liead 
and  chest  therewith:  saying,  Come,  my  son  (or 
daughter)  to  ChalchihuitHcue ;  it  is  for  her  to  bear  you 
on  tlie  back  and  in  her  arms  throughout  this  hie! 
Then,  placing  the  infant  in  the  water,  she  continue<l: 
Enter  thou  into  the  water  called  metlalac  and  titspahu:; 
may  it  wash  thee,  and  may  the  Omnipotent  cleanse 
from  thee  all  ill  that  is  inherent  in  thee  from  the  be- 
ginning of  the  world  and  from  before  the  beginning. 
Begone,  all  evil  imparted  to  thee  by  thy  father  and 
thy  mt)ther.**  Having  washed  the  child,  the  midwil'o 
clothed  it,  addressing  it  meanwhile  in  whispers  t»f 
welcome  and  admonition.  Then,  raising  her  voice, 
she  complimented  the  mother  on  her  bravery  and  en- 
durance,*' A  female  relative  next  praised  the  forti- 
tude of  the  patient,  who  in  her  response  dilatod  on  tlio 
trouble  and  pain  she  had  gone  through,  and  expressed 
her  joy  at  the  treasure  vouchsafed  her  by  the  gods. 
The  midwife  then  closed  the  ceremony  by  congratu- 
lating the  grandparents  and  assembled  friends.  A  few 
days  after  the  confinement  the  mother  took  a  batli  in 
tlie  temazcalli,  and  indulged  in  rich  food  and  wine;  on 
tliis  occasion  i  feast  was  also  tendered  to  invited 
friends,  who  partook  of  it  near  the  spot  where  the 
woman  bathed. 

All  these  elaborate  preparations  and  midwife  cere- 
monies at  birth  could,  however,  only  have  been  in 
vogue  among  the  well-to-do  classes,  for  the  Mexicjm 
women,  were,  as  a  rule,  little  affected  by  the  troubles 
of  child-bearing;  wieir   training  and  manner  of  life 

'*  Clavigero,  Storia  Ant.  del  Messiro,  torn,  ii.,  p.  86,  differs  from  Siiliii- 
pun  in  tliese  prayers  re  invocations;  Torquenmda,  Monarq.  Intl.,  toni.  ii., 
I).  44.'),  Klemm,  Cul'ur-Geschichte,  torn,  v.,  p.  3(»,  and  Brasseur  de  IJonr- 
iHuirg,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  560,  follow  Clavigero  more  or  less 
closely. 

^  Sahagun,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  ii.,  lib.  vi.,  pp.  199-200;  Torquemada, 
Monarq.  hid.,  turn,  ii.,  pp.  445-6. 


CASTING  THE  NATIVITY  OF  INFANTS. 


271 


were  not  calculated  to  make  them  delicate.  Moto- 
linia,  and  many  with  him,  say,  fur  instance,  that  the 
Thuscaltec  women  delivered  themselves,  the  mother 
iipplyinjj  to  a  neighbor  only  at  the  birth  of  her  first 
child* 

It  was  now  time  to  cast  the  nativity  of  the  inftmt. 
For  this  purpose  the  services  of  a  tonitlpoulniid,  or 
horoscopist,  were  engaged.  These  tonali)ouh<juis  were 
a  highly  respected  class,  and  were  therefore  approached 
with  much  respect  and  liberally  feed  witli  mantles, 
food,  and  other  articles.  Having  been  told  the  hour 
of  birth,  the  horoscoper  consulted  his  book  for  the 
sign  of  the  day  on  which  the  inftint  was  born."  If 
the  birth  had  taken  place  exactly  at  midnight,  tho 
signs  for  the  closing  and  breaking  day  were  coml)ined. 
Conij)aring  the  birthday  sign  with  the  other  twelve 
signs,  as  well  as  with  the  principal  sign  of  the  grouj), 
he  deduced  the  required  fortune,  and,  if  the  augury 
was  favorable,  dwelt  on  the  honors  and  happiness  in 
store  for  the  infant.  Should  the  augury  prove  unfa- 
vorable, as  well  as  the  sign  for  the  fifth  day  after 
birth,  which  was  the  occasion  of  the  second  bath,  or 
baptism,  this  ceremony  was  postponed  to  another  day, 
generally  the  most  favorable  of  the  thirteen,  in  order 

'•"'  The  Teocliieliimcc  hushnnd  undertook  the  offirc  of  miihrife  when  the 
hirth  took  phu-c  on  tlio  roiui.  He  heatetl  tlie  haek  of  liis  wife  with  lire, 
tlirew  water  over  her  in  lieu  of  a  hath,  and  gave  her  two  or  three  kicks  in 
the  haek  after  the  delivery,  in  «»rder  to  promote  the  issue  of  superfluous 
Mood,  The  iiew-lwrn  bain;  was  plaeed  in  u  wieker  basket,  and  thrown  over 
the  l)ack  of  the  mother,  who  proe«'eded  on  her  journey.  Sahuijiin,  /list. 
(Ifii.,  tiun.  ii.,  lib.  vi.,  pp.  l!tl-*2<)3;  also  Toniiirimnfa,  XfoiKin/.  Imf.,  toni. 
ii.,  I>p.  445-6;  Vlamgero,  Storin  Ant.  <ld  .Wfusiro,  toni.  ii.,  \>.  S(i;  Iinisnnir 
ill'  hiiiirbuurg.  Hist.  Nat.  Cie.,  torn,  iii.,  pp.  .'>(((>;  ('nrhiijnl  Esjiiiio.sii,  Hist. 
Mi'r.,  Unn.  I.,  pp.  551-2,  67.S,  etc.  Tiie  utensils  whieh  served  at  the  birth 
of  the  ehihl  were,  according;  to  Law  Casjis,  Jfi.st.  A/io/oi/rtini,  MS.,  enp. 
tlxxi\.,  otlered  at  the  fountain  or  river  where  the  mother  washed  herself. 

"  Hy  Suhiiuun,  Hint.  Gen.,  torn,  i.,  lib.  iv.,  pp.  2.S'2-3"2S,  and  Dm  an, 
Hisf.  Indian,  MS.,  toni.  iii.,  cap.  ii.,  the  si;;ns  of  the  calendar  anil  their 
wilidivisions  are  deRcril)cd  at  lenj^h.  Each  sign  had  thirteen  sub-si;,nis, 
representing  the  same  nunil)er  of  dava,  hy  whom  its  good  or  bud  im|M)rt  was 
moderated  to  a  certoin  ext«nt.  Under  certain  signs  the  child  was  liable  to 
Itccouie  a  drunkard,  under  another  a  jester,  under  a  third  a  warrior,  and  so 
on.  Ikasscur  de  Bourl)uurg,  Hist.  Nnt.  Civ.,  toin.  iii.,  p.  5<M),  and  Espi- 
nosa,  list.  Mex.,  torn,  i.,  p.  552,  Htate  that  the  sign  whieh  had  been  most 
frciiuent  at  this  period  dunng  the  post  thirteen  years  was  also  considered  hy 
the  astrologer.  i 


272 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


■  ! 


to  moderate,  if  possible,  the  threatened  misfortune. 
The  fortune-teller  dilated  upon  the  troubles  in  store 
for  the  infant  and  the  vices  it  would  develop,  but 
'hedged'  his  oracle  by  adding  that  the  adjoining  signs 
contained  certain  redeemini^  features  which  might  have 
j)ower  to  counterbalance  the  evil  import  of  the  birth- 
day sign.^ 

Preparations  are  now  made  for  the  baptism.  The 
portals  of  the  dwelling  are  decorated  with  green 
branches,  flowers,  and  sweet-smelling  herbs  are  scat- 
tered over  the  floors  and  courtyard,  and  the  approaches 
to  the  house  are  carefully  swept;  tamales  are  cooked, 
maize  and  cacao  ground,  and  delicacies  of  every  de- 
scription prepared  for  the  table,  not  forgetting  tlic 
li(piors;  for  any  shortcoming  in  this  respect  would 
reflect  severely  on  the  hospitality  of  the  host.**  The 
relatives  of  the  family  assemble  before  sunrise,  and 
other  friends  droj)  in  as  the  day  advances;  each,  as  lie 
congratulates  the  host,  presents  a  gift  of  clothing  for 
the  infant,  and  receives  in  his  turn  a  present  of  man- 
tles, flowers,  and  choice  food.*"  In  the  course  of  tliu 
morning  the  midwife  carries  the  infant  to  the  court- 
yard, and  places  it  upon  a  heap  of  leaves,  beside  wliich 
are  set  a  new  ajMxtle,  or  earthenware  vessel,  tilled 
with  clear  water,  and  several  miniature  implements, 
insignia  of  the  father's  trade  or  profession.  If  he  is 
a  noble  or  a  warrior,  the  articles  consist  of  a  small 
shield,  and  a  bow  with  arrows  of  a  corresponding  size, 
placed  with  their  heads  directed  toward  the  four  car- 
dinal point»5.  Another  set  of  arms  made  from  dougli 
of  amaranth-seed,  and  bound  together  with  the  dried 
navel-string  of  the  child,  is  also  prepared.  If  the 
child  is  a  girl,  there  are  placed  beside  it,  instead  of  the 

38  Sahnqun,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  ii.,  lib.  vi.,  pp.  215-7;  Torqucmada,  Mo- 
itarq.  Lid.,  torn,  ii.,  j>.  449. 

39  A  loni' description  of  this  feast,  the  table,  attendance,  etc.,  iaftiveii  by 
Saliagiin,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  i.,  lib.  iv.,  pp.  332-C,  and  by  Torqiienuula,  ^lo- 
iiarq.  Ind.,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  457-8.  I  shall  have  occasion  to  describe  it  in  ii 
future  cliaptor  of  this  volume,  devoted  to  such  matters. 

<»  The  poorer  classes  contented  tlieniselves  with  an  interchange  of  flowers 
and  food. 


BAPTISM  OF  INFANTS. 


378 


little  weapons,  a  spindle  and  distaff,  and  some  articles 
of  girl's  clothing.  When  the  sun  rises  the  midwife 
.sets  her  face  and  the  face  of  the  child  toward  the  west, 
and  addressing  the  infant,  says:  "()  eagle,  ()  tiger,  () 
hrave  little  man  and  grandson  of  mine,  thou  hast  been 
i)rought  into  the  world  by  thy  father  and  uir^her,  thj 
great  lord  and  the  great  lady.  Thou  wast  created  in 
that  house  which  is  the  abode  of  the  supreme  gods 
that  are  above  the  nine  heavens.  Thou  art  a  gift  irom 
our  son  Quetzalcoatl,  the  omnipresent;  be  joined  to 
tliy  mother,  Chalchihuitlicue,  the  goddess  of  water." 
Then  placing  her  dripping  fingers  on  the  lips  of  the 
child,  she  continues:  "Take  this,  for  uj)on  it  thou  hast 
to  live,  to  wax  strong,  and  flourish;  by  it  we  obtain  all 
necessary  things;  take  it!"  Then  touching  the  child 
on  the  breast  with  her  moistened  fingers,  she  says: 
"Take  this  holy  and  pure  water  that  tliine  heart  may 
be  cleansed."  Then  the  midwife  j)ours  water  on  the 
ciiild's  head,  saying:  "Receive,  O  my  son,  the  water 
of  the  Lord  of  the  World,  which  is  our  life,  with 
which  we  wash  and  are  clean;  may  this  celestial  light- 
lilue  water  enter  into  thy  body,  and  there  remain; 
may  it  destroy  and  remove  from  thee  all  evil  and  ad- 
verse things  that  were  given  thee  before  the  beginning 
of  the  world;  behold,  all  of  us  are  in  the  hands  of 
Chalchihuitlicue,  our  mother."  She  now  washes  the 
body  of  the  child,  exclaiming:  "Evil,  wheresoever 
tliou  art,  begone,  avaunt;  for  the  child  liveth  anew 
and  is  born  again;  once  more  it  is  purified;  a  second 
time  is  it  renewed  of  our  mother,  Chalchihuitlicue. ' 
Then  lifting  up  the  little  one  toward  heaven,  she  ad- 
dresses Ometochtli  and  Omecioatl:"  "Behold,  O  Lord, 
the  creature  which  thou  hast  sent  to  this  ])lace  of  sor- 
row, affliction,  and  anguish,  to  this  world;  give  it,  () 
Lord,  of  thy  gifts  and  inspiration,  for  thou  art  the 
j,Teat  god  and  the  great  goddess,"  Then  stooping  as 
if  to  set  the  child  down,  she  raises  it  a  second  time, 


*^  A  dual  iloitv,  uniting  both  sexes  in  one  person. 
Vol.  II.'  18 


274 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


crying  upon  the  goddess  of  the  waters:*'  "O  lady 
goddess,  mother  of  the  gods,  inspire  this  child  with 
thy  virtue."  A  third  time  she  st<M)ps  and  raisiiiji,' 
the  child  toward  heaven,  addresses  the  gods:  "(>  lords 
celestial,  and  gods  who  dwell  ia  heaven,  hehold  this 
creature  whom  ye  have  sent  among  men,  fill  it  with 
your  spirit  and  mercy,  that  it  may  live."  A  fourtli 
time  she  sets  down  and  raises  the  babe,  and  callin},' 
now  upon  the  sun  and  the  earth  she  says:**  *M)  our 
Lord,  Sun,  father  of  all,  and  thou,  ()  Earth,  our 
mother,  take  ye  this  child  for  your  own,  and,  as  it 
is  born  for  war,**  so  let  it  die  defending  the  cause  »»f 
the  gods,  and  be  permitted  to  enjoy  the  delights  pre- 
pared in  heaven  for  the  brave," 

The  midwife  now  takes  the  implements  and  prays 
to  the  patron  deity  of  the  trade  or  j)rofession  thoy 
represent  on  belialf  of  the  child ;  then  she  places  the 
mantle  upon  the  shoulders  of  the  infant,  girds  on  tlie 
little  maxtli,  and  asks  the  boys  present  to  give  the 
child  a  name.  This  was,  however,  merely  a  matter  of 
forn.;  the  parents  really  had  the  choosing  of  tlie 
name  and  told  it  to  the  boys.  It  was  usually  taken 
either  from  the  sign  of  ^  le  day,  or  from  a  bird  or  ani- 
mal, in  the  case  of  a  bo}  ;  the  girls  Mere  named  from 
flowers,  and  this  rule  was  especially  observed  by  the 
Toltecs  and  Miztecs.  Sometimes  a  child  took  its 
name  from  some  important  event  which  occurred  at 
the  time  of  its  birth;  as  when  the  Tlascaltec  chief  Cit- 
lalpopoca,  'smoking  star,'  was  so  named  because  at  his 
birth  a  flaming  comet  was  seen  in  the  sky.  Sometimes 
children  were  named  after  the  feast  held  at  the  time 
of  their  nativity;  thus,  boys  born  during  the  festival 
of  the  renewal  of  the  sacred  fire,  called  toxilmolpilm, 

<»  Sahajyim,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  ii.,  lib.  vi.,  p.  220,  makes  the  midwife,  in 
this  iiiHtance,  call  upon  Citlalatonac.  This  goddess  was,  however,  idcntiial 
with  Oinetochtli  and  Omecioatl  (see,  more  especially,  Cnrbajal  Esfuminit, 
Hist.  Mex.,  torn,  i.,  p.  472),  to  whom  the  preceding  prayer  was  directcil. 
Clavi;^cro  and  Torquemada  assert  that  the  prayer  was  addressed  to  the 
water-goddess. 

«  Siihagun  addresses  the  Sim-God  only. 

**  We  may  presume  that  the  midwife  is  here  addressing  the  child  of  a 
warrior. 


HAPTISM  OF  INFANTS. 


ITS 


were  named  molpUfi,  *a  tied  object,'  and  girls  xiuhne- 
hcti,  'little  doll  of  the  year  of  tire.'  Owasionally  a 
cliiid  was  nauud  I'Ster  some  renowned  ancestor.  A 
second  name  .fuiu  be  ac(juired  by  valiant  deeds  in 
battle.  Motolinia  adds  tbat  sons  of  prominent  men 
took  a  surname  fnjm  the  dignity  or  office  held  by  the 
father,  either  in  youth  or  manhood ;  or  they  inherited 
it  with  the  estate  at  the  death  of  the  i)arent.  Chil- 
dren born  during  the  last  five  days  of  the  y  )r,  called 
iicitiontemi,  'unlucky  days,'  were  considered  unfortun- 
ate; boys  born  under  such  circumstances  were  often 
named  nemoquivhtU,  'unlucky  man,'  ai'.  girls  nem'i- 
htintl,  'unlucky  woman.'" 

Th<^  ii'ldwife,  having  baptized  the  child,  now  calls 
upon  it  tliree  timos  by  its  new  name;  admonishing  it  to 
I  lake  good  use  of  the  implements  or  ^veaJ)ons  ])laced 
in  its  hands.**  It  is  thereupon  carried  into  the  house, 
preceded  by  torchbearei*s,  and  placed  in  the  cradle, 
before  which  the  midwife  offers  prayers  to  Yot.lticitl, 
'ifoddess  of  the  cradle,'  commending  the  child  to  her 
care,  and  beseeching  her  to  nourish  and  protect  it ; 
then,  turning  to  the  cradle,  she  adds:  "O  thou,  the 
mother  of  the  child,  receive  this  babe  with  gentleness, 
taking  heed  not  to  injure  it."  Then  she  places  the 
child  in  the  cradle,  the  parents  meanwhile  calling  upon 
Yoalticitl  to  protect  it,  and  upon  Yoaltecutli,  'the 
god  of  night,'  to  lull  it  to  sleep."     During  this  cere- 

<' riavigero,  Storia  Ant.  del  Memco,  torn,  ii.,  p.  84,  Trrqiicmada,  Mo- 
vnn/.  /nil.,  toin.  ii.,  p.  287,  and  Brasseur  de  Bourhourjj,  Hist.  A«/.  dr., 
toin.  iii.,  p.  287,  traimlate  NciiioqHiclitli  and  NencihuatI  '  usi'less  man '  antl 
'iwi'less  woman.  Turqucmada,  Jloniirq.  Inil.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  454-<5,  di.><cii.s»«H 
imiiiCM,  why  and  how  they  were  applied,  in  Mexico  and  elsewhere.  Motolinia, 
in  I'fizhalreta,  Col.  de  Doc,  torn,  i.,  p.  .37,  states  that  the  name  j;iven  at  hap- 
tisni  was  discarded  for  one  apfdied  by  the  priest,  ^\'hen  the  parents  carried 
till'  tliild  to  the  temple  in  the  third  liionth.  See  also  Rttos  Autigvos,  p.  22, 
in  Khiffsboroiiffh's Mex.  Antiq.,  v<d.  ix.  (iomara,  t'o/iy.  Mex.,  fol.  312,  savs 
tliat  the  name  given  by  the  priest  was  the  siimme,  nohles  sometimes  tak- 
iiij;  a  third  name.  Brasseur  de  BonrlMJurj;.  hit.  Nut.  Civ.,  tom.  iii.,  p. 
r)li2,  says  that  several  additional  names  etiuld  lie  taken  under  various  cir- 
cuiiistances.  In  Codex  Mendoza,  in  Kitvjsborough''H  Mex.  ^'»fiq.,  vol.  v., 
1>.  IH),  it  is  stated  that  the  name  was  given  by  three  boys  who  sat  by  eating 
1/JCi'iie. 

*^  Boturini  states  that  the  infant  is  thereupon  passed  four  times  through 
the  fire.  Clmngero,  Storia  Ant.  del  Messico,  tom.  ii.,  p.  88;  but  this  cere- 
mony is  described  elsewhere  in  this  volume  as  taking  place  in  the  temple. 


276 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


mony,  which  is  termed  thtcocufaquiio,  or  'the  act  o*" 
] (lacing  the  child  in  the  cradle,'  the  boys  of  the  village, 
dressed  to  imitate  soldiers,  enter  the  house,  seize  cur 
tain  food  previously  prepared  for  them,  called  the 
'child's  navel,'  scatter  the  rest,  and  rush  forth,  muneli- 
'\nix  and  shoutinjr  the  child's  nanie  and  future  dts- 
tinics.  The  lights,  called  oco^t',  which  have  been  used 
<luring  the  ceremonies,  must  be  left  to  burn  out,  and 
the  fire  that  was  lighted  on  the  birthday  must  be 
kept  brightly  burning  until  after  the  baptizing,  nor 
is  any  one  allowed  to  borrow  from  its  flame,  for  that 
would  injure  the  prospects  of  the  child.  The  uni- 
])ilical  cord  is  buried  with  the  mimic  weapons  in  a 
]>lace  where  a  battle  may  be  expected  to  take  jilacu 
on  a  future  day.  The  girl's  instruments  and  navcl- 
Ntrinof  are  buried  under  a  metate.  The  afterbirth  is 
interred  in  a  corner  of  the  house.  After  the  cradlinj; 
t.eremony  the  guests  proceed  to  the  banqueting-rooni, 
where  thev  seat  themselves  accor<ling  to  age  and  rank. 
The  festivities  lasted  twenty  days,"  or  even  longer, 
if  the  father  was  wealthy,  during  which  time  the 
liouse  was  kept  open  to  all  comers.  Each  visitor  pre- 
sented his  gifts  and  made  a  speech  to  the  inftmt  on 
the  duties,  honors,  and  hapi)iness  in  store  for  it,  and 
;ulorning  his  disct)urse  according  to  the  rank  of  the 
parents,  or  his  own  courtesy.  He  next  congratulated 
the  mother,  then  the  midwife,  urging  her  further  care 
of  the  infant,  and  lastly  the  father,  referring  to  his 
character  and  services,  and  wishing  him  joy.  If  the 
f;i,ther  was  a  lord,  the  neighboring  princes  sent  an  eni- 
Itassy,  preceded  by  numerous  presents,  and  a  chosen 
orator  delivered  a  congratulatory  address  before  the 
f:»,ther  and  those  present,  to  which  an  old  man  re- 
vsponded  on  behalf  of  all,  commenting  upon  the  good 
wishes  of  the  neighboring  nobles.  The  orator  of  the 
(ifubassy  then  begged  that  the  shortcomings  of  his  foi- 
]nor  speech  might  be  excused,  and  was  answered  by  the 
jliest  or  most  respected  person  present,  on  the  parent's 

"  Sakai/un,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  i.,  lib.  iv.,  pp.  330-8. 


BAPTISM  OF  INFANTS. 


277 


behalf.  Tlie  fomale  friends  who  came  to  inspect  the 
infant,  rubbed  the  joints  of  the  body,  esi)ecially  tlie 
knees,  >vith  ashes,  thinking  that  this  wouUl  strengthen 
them  and  prevent  the  bones  from  becoming  loose. 
The  same  was  done  to  the  children  who  accompanied 
theni.*^  In  some  parts  the  baptismal  ceremony  cot:- 
sisted  in  putting  some  quicklime  upon  the  child's 
knee,  and  savino-  to  it:  "O  thou  little  one,  that  hast 
come  into  the  world  to  suffer,  suffer  and  be  silent. 
Thou  livest,  but  thou  shalt  die;  much  pain  and 
anguish  shall  come  upon  thee;  thou  shalt  become  dust, 
even  as  this  lime,  which  was  once  stone."*"  If  a  boy, 
an  arrow  or  dart  was  then  placed  in  the  child's  left 
liand,  to  indicate  that  he  must  be  brave  and  defend 
his  country;  if  a  girl,  she  was  given  a  distaff,  as  a 
amx  tliat  she  must  become  industrious  in  all  womanly 
I»ur.suits.™  In  Tlascala  and  Miztecapan  the  infxmt  was 
bathed  in  a  sacred  spring,  which,  it  was  thought, 
would  avert  misfortune.  Mendieta  says  that  tlie  mid- 
wife merely  sprinkled  the  child  a  certain  number  of 
times,  first  with  wine  and  then  with  water."  Among 
flit!  Zapotecs  both  mother  and  child  were  washed  in  a 
river,  and  invocations  were  addressed  to  all  land  and 
a(|uatic  animals,  entreating  their  favor  and  deprecating 
their  anger;"  it  was  als.>  customary  to  assign  sonitt 
animal  or  bird  to  a  child,  as  its  uarjual,  or  tutelaiy 
<(enius,  and  with  the  fortune  of  such  creature  its 
fate  was  supposed  to  be  so  intimately  coimet  ted,  that 
the  death  of  one  involved  the  death  of  the  other." 
Burgoa  adds  further  that  this  was  assigned  by  lot,  but 
it  is  stated  elsewhere,  and  with  greater  pnibability  if 
we  may  judge  by  similar  superstitions  in  the  old 
wurld,  that  the  first  bird  or  beast  that  appeared  after 

*'  It  was  Mievt^d,  says  Torquenmda,  that  tliis  rulihin;:;  of  tlieir  own 
limlw  liiul  u  streiigthcHiiiy  ettcct  upon  the  new-born.  Munuiq.  liuL,  toni. 
ii ,  p.  l.">7. 

*'  <!i>mara,  Cotiq.  Mex.,  fol.  312. 

^"  liiirild.  Tmtro  Er/cs.,  toni.  i.,  p.  18. 

;''  ili.sl.  Erlrs.,  p.  107. 

'-'  r.iinina,  Grng.  lAxcriu.,  tom.  ii.,  pt  ii.,  fol.  329. 

^'  /(/    fol.  3'J5.' 


278 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


the  birth  of  the  child  was  appointed  its  spiritual  i)ro- 
tector." 


Whetlier  the  custom  of  circumcision,  which  has 
been  the  great  prop  of  argument  in  favor  of  the  Jew- 
ish origin  of  tlic  Aztecs,  really  obtained  among  those 
people,  has  been  doubted  by  numerous  authors.  Al- 
though circumcision  was  certainly  not  by  any  moans 
general,  yet  sufficient  proof  exists  to  show  that  it  was 
in  use  in  mmie  form  among  certain  tribes.  Las  Casas 
and  Mendieta  state  that  the  Aztecs  and  Totoiiacs 
practiced  it,  and  Brasseur  do  Bourbourg  has  discov- 
ered traces  of  it  among  the  Mijes.  Las  Casas  affirms 
that  the  child  was  carried  to  the  temple  on  the  twon- 
ty-eighth  or  twenty-ninth  day  after  birth;  there  tlio 
high-priest  and  his  assistant  i)laced  it  upon  a  stone, 
and  cutoff  the  prepuce  at  the  root;  the  part  anijui- 
tated  they  afterward  burned  to  ashes.     Girls  of  tlio 

^*  Tlio  f()lIowin<i;  arc  contradirtory  accounts  of  baptism.  On  the  fourtli 
day  tlie  cliild  and  inotlicr  took  a  |)ui'iti('uti()n  l>atli,  and  tlicas^tinhlLMl  ^rucsts 
were  feauted  uii  zaniorra,  a  disli  made  from  mai/e  and  tlie  t1e»h  of  licii:^, 
deer,  etc.  Three  day«  after,  the  mother  carried  tlic  child  to  the  adjoiiiin;: 
ward,  accompanied  hy  a'lx  little  hoys,  if  it  was  a  male  child,  utherwisr  >i\ 
};irls  went  witli  her,  to  carry  the  implements  or  insi<;nia  of  the  fiitlici's 
trade.  Hero  she  washed  the  child  in  a  stream,  and  tlien  returned  liniiio. 
Two  years  after  a  feast  was  served  in  the  house  of  the  most  intimate  iici;;li- 
hor,  who  was  asked  to  name  the  child,  and  with  him  it  remained  and  vas 
held  as  a  memhor  of  his  family.  Chares,  Rapport,  in  Trriiaiix-Coiii/Hins, 
Voy.,  serie  ii.,  torn,  v.,  pp.  3(H}-8.  The  infant  was  carried  to  the  t('iii|)li', 
where  the  priest  made  an  oration  on  the  miseries  to  he  endured  in  this 
world,  and  jdaccd  a  sword  in  the  rij;ht  hand  of  the  child  and  a  hm  klcr  in  tlio 
left;  or,  if  it  was  destincfl  to  he  a  mechanic,  an  art izan's  tool;  if  a  ^'iil  it 
received  a  distaff.  Theiiriest  then  took  the  child  to  the  altar  and  drew  ;i  few 
drojjs  of  blood  from  its  iiody  with  a  .iia};ucy-tliorn  or  knife,  after  wliicli  lie 
threw  water  over  it,  deliveriii}?  certain  imprecations  the  while.  Tintriin,  lli-l. 
Hi'it.,  toni.  iii.,  j)]!.  1'2-13.  The  implenients  wore  jdaced  in  the  hand;  of  tlic 
child  by  the  priest  before  the  idfil.  Acosta,  Hist,  (fr  fas  Ynd.,  p.  374.  .ANo 
Jlrrnra,  Hist,  (ini.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  ii.,  cap.  .xvii.  The  child  underwent  tline 
biiptisms  or  baths.  Ziiazn,  Carta,  in  Icazhalrrtn,  Col.  i/r  Por.,  toiii.  i..  p. 
3t»4.  On  the  seventh  day  the  baptism  took  iilacc,  an<l  a  thirt  was  iilaccd  iu 
tlie  hanil  of  the  child  to  sijjnify  that  he  should  become  a  defender  of  iiiscnuii- 
try.  ^fotii/iiiia,  Hist,  fiiaios,  in  Id.,  p.  37.  In  Spirt/nzioiir  drllr  Turnli-  ilil 
Codice  Mixieaiio  (Vaticano),  tav.  xxxi.  !>•  Kiiiif.sfiomuif/i's Mt:,r.  A)itii/..  vol. 
v.,  p.  ISl,  it  is  stated  that  tlie  child  was  s|irinkl(d  with  a  bunch  of  licille 
dipped  in  water,  and  fiimipited  with  incense  before  receiving  its  iiuinc. 
(Mrerinp*  were  made  at  the  temple  which  the  priest  divided  aiiionj;  tlic 
school  children.  Tylor,  in  \ii»  A  iia/iiiar,  p.  27'.),  and  J'rimitire  Cidtun.  vul 
ii.,  pp.  42S>-30  gives  short  reviews  of  the  baptismal  ceremony  and  its  iiionil 
import. 


CIIICUMCISION  AND  SCAllIFICATION. 


279 


pro- 


;lieso 


lits 


same  acfe  were  defloured  by  tlie  finj^er  of  the  priest, 
who  ordered  the  mother  to  repeat  tlie  operation  at  the 
sixtli  year.  Zuazo  adds  that  tiiese  rites  were  oidy 
perforined  upon  the  children  of  great  men,  and  that 
there  was  no  compulsion  in  the  matter,  the  parents 
having  the  option  of  having  their  children  deHoured 
or  circumcised  at  any  time  within  five  years/'"^ 

In  the  fifth  month,  at  Huitzilopochtli's  festival,  all 
children  born  during  the  year  were  scarified  on  the 
hreast,  stomach,  or  arms,  and  by  this  means  received 
as  followers  of  their  god.^  At  the  festival  in  honor 
of  Teteionan  or  Toci,  'mother  of  the  gods,'  in  the  elev- 
enth month,  the  women  delivered  during  the  year 
underwent  purification  and  presented  their  children. 
In  the  evening  a  signal  was  sounded  from  the  temple, 
and  the  mothers,  dressed  in  their  best,  accomj)anied 
by  friends,  and  preceded  by  torch-bearers  and  serv- 
ants carrying  the  babes,  made  the  tour  of  the  town  or 
(juarter;  a  halt  was  made  at  every  temple  to  leave  an 
otfcring  and  a  lighted  torch  for  the  i)residing  goddess. 
At  the  temple  of  Toci  extra  offerings  were  made,  in- 
cluding tzocoijotly  cakes  of  fiour  and  honey;  and  here 
the  i)riest  performed  the  ceremony  of  purification  by 
})ronouncing   certain  jirayers  over  the  women."     In 

5'>  I.disCnxax,  TTi.if.  Apologfficn,  Mf>.,ca\\.  clxxv. ;  Torqur.mmln,  Monarq. 
Ii(il.,U)\\\.  ii.,  ]»p.  8S-4;  Mviidieta,  Hist.  Ecks.,  pp.  107-8;  Zuazo,  Vartii,  iii 
Irnzhiihrtii,  Col.  i/r  l)ov.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  3U4;  Jini.i.seiir  dr.  JioiiflniKn/,  llist.  Xnt. 
I'ir.,  tciiii.  iii.,  p.  35.  ("luvi^eri),  Storiit  Aiit.  ilrl  Mr.s.iico,  toin.  ii.,  p.  7.'<,  re- 
viuws  tlic  .sultjet't  of  circunu'isiou  ami  (Iciiies  tliiit  it  was  ever  prai-ticetl.  Ter- 
iiaiix-Cdiupiiiis,  Vol/.,  Miirio  i.,  p.  4."),  toiii.  x.,  it'fi'irin<;t<»  Dia/'statciufiit  tliat 
ail  Iiidiim.s  of  tlic  V'ora  Cni/  Islands  are  cirfuinci/cd,  savs  tiiat  lie  must 
Ikivo  ciiufduiidcd  the  oiistoiii  of  drawing,'  Idmid  from  tiie  .secret  or;;aiiS 
with  circuiiicision.  ("ojfolliido,  Jfist.  l'«c.,  p.  I'.M,  says  firt'umcisioii  was 
iiiikiiowii  to  the  Indians  of  Yucatan.  Duran  and  Hras.seiir  evidently  con- 
^illcr  the  sli;rht  iiicisionn  made  for  the  piirpo.se  of  drawing  Idood  from  the 
pri'imcc  or  ear,  in  the  eleventh  month,  as  the  act.  Carhajal  Kspinosa,  Ifisf. 
.^fi.r.,  toni.  i.,  ]).  ."k'W,  foUowiiif?  Clavij^i-ro,  holds  the  scarilieation  of  hreast, 
siiiinuch  and  arms  to  he  the  eircumeision  referred  to  hy  other  authors, 
llcrrcra,  Ifi.sf.  (Irii,,  de<'.  iii.,  lih.  ii.,  cap.  xvii..  and  especially  .\costa,  llixf. 
(/'■  hus  Vtiif.,  p.  374,  consider  the  incision  on  the  prepuce  and  ear  to  have 
lifcii  mistukeii  for  circumcision,  and  state  that  it  was  chielly  performed 
ii|Min  sons  of  ;^reat  men;  they  do  not  state  when  the  ceremony  took  place. 

'■''^  Ton/iiriiiu'lft,  Monarq.  hid.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  'iOG;  t'tirlxijul  Esjiiiiosit,  llist, 
.l/ir..  join,  i.,  p.  .^IS. 

"  Tliis  rite  was  followed  hy  another,  which  usually  took  iilacn  in  the 
toiiiple  of  lhiitzilo|)uehtli.     The  priest  made  u  »liijlit  iiiulMiuu  uu  the  ear  uf 


280 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


the  eighteenth  month  of  every  fourth  year,  the  chil- 
(h'en  born  since  the  last  corresponding  feast,  wore 
taken  to  the  temple,  where  their  ears  were  pierced 
with  a  sharp  bone,  and  macaw-feathers,  tlachcatjofl,  in- 
serted; the  god-father  and  god-mother,  or,  as  they 
are  termed,  uncles  and  aunts,  whose  duty  it  was  to 
•nitiate  the  children  into  the  service  of  the  gods, 
holding  them  during  the  operation.** 

An  offering  of  flour  of  the  chian  seed  was  made, 
and  the  godfather  was  presented  with  a  red  robe, 
the  godmother  with  a  huipil.  Each  child  was  then 
passed  through  the  flames  of  a  fire  prepared  for  the 
purpose;  the  priest  next  took  its  head  between  his 
hands,  and  in  that  manner  lifted  it  bodily  from  tlie 
ground.  Everyone  thereupon  went  home  to  feast, 
but  at  noon  the  godfather  and  godmother  returned 
to  the  temple  and  executed  a  dance,  holding  the 
children  on  their  backs,  and  giving  them  pulque  to 
drink,  in  very  small  cups.  This  went  on  till  dusk, 
w^hen  they  retired  to  their  houses  to  continue  tlie 
dancing  and  drinking.  This  feast  and  month,  Itzcalli, 
•growth,'  obtained  its  name  from  the  ceremony  of 
squeezing  the  heads  of  children,  which,  it  was  thought, 
would  make  them  grow;  but  it  was  also  called  the 
'feast  of  the  intoxication  of  boys  and  girls.'^' 

Among  the  Miztecs,  the  mother  took  hot  i)aths  for 
twenty  days  after  delivery,  at  the  end  of  which  time 
a  feast  was  held  in  honor  of  the  goddess  of  the  batli, 
the   child  sharing   in   the   honors   of  the   occasion."" 

the  female  cliilil,  and  on  the  ear  and  prepiiec  of  the  male,  with  a  new  nl- 
sidian  knife  iiandcd  to  him  by  the  motlier,  tlien,  thro\viii}{  the  knife  iit  tlic 
feet  of  tlie  idol,  he  f^ave  a  name  to  the  infant,  at  the  letjnest  of  the  paiTiit, 
after  duly  consideriiij;  the  horoseopc  and  si^^ns  of  the  tinie.  Ihiraii,  JlisK 
Iiiiliaii,  MS.,  toni.  iii.,  cap.  iii.,  ([noted  by  Brtisscurdc  liuiirltoiirtj,  Hist.  Nut. 
Cir.,  torn,  iii.,  pp.  ii'iS-O.  Duran  reall;^  states  that  thei^c  eeremonies  took 
]ilaee  in  the  fourth  month,  hut  as  Toei's  festival  oeeurs  in  tlie  eleventii 
month,  Hrasseur  alters  the  evident  mistake.  The  namin;;  of  the  infant 
Wiay  liave  been  a  mere  eonlirnuition  of  the  name  j^iven  l»y  the  midwife. 

**   Torqiirmaria,  Motiarq.  In</.,  Um\.  ii.  p.  28G. 

^  Sa/ui{fun,  Hi.st.  (rfii.,  torn,  i.,  lib.  ii.,  pp.  189-90.  Sahagun  translatos 
Itzralli  by  'growth,'  but  otlier  authors  differ  from  him,  as  we  shall  see  in  a 
future  chapter  on  the  Calendar. 

^  Jlcrrcra,  Hist.  Gen,,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  iii.,  cap.  xii. 


HEAD-FLATTENING. 


m 


the 

for 
time 
lath, 


jii 


m 


Iw  nV.- 

lit  till" 

Liriit, 

[Hist. 

Nnt. 

took 

■VtMltll 

Infant 


■slatos 
ill  A 


Tlioy  also  gave  the  child  a  feast  on  its  first  birthday. 
(Jrcat  care  was  exercised  to  make  children  hardv  and 
stroii<j:,  and  no  mother,  however  high  in  rank,  allowed 
her  child  to  be  given  to  a  nurse,  unless  her  own  health 
(lonianded  such  a  step.  The  test  of  a  wet  nurse  was 
to  press  out  a  drop  of  milk  upon  the  nail,  when  if  it 
did  not  run  the  milk  was  considered  good."*  No  food 
was  given  to  the  child  the  first  day,  in  order  to  creatt; 
an  appetite."^  It  was  suckled  for  three  years,  in  soine 
places  much  longer;"^  and,  during  this  time  the  mother 
adhered  to  a  diet  that  would  keep  up  the  (piality  of 
the  milk;  many  abstained  from  intercourse  with  their 
liusl)ands  for  the  same  period,  to  prevent  the  })ossi- 
bility  of  another  child  interfering  with  the  proper  nur 


Another  feast  was  given  at  the 
Gomara  mentions  that  a  kind 


ture  of  the  first  one 
weaning  of  the  child 
of  head-flattening  was  practiced;  he  says  that  the  in- 
fants were  so  placed  in  the  cradle  as  not  to  allow  tlie 
ot'ci})ut  to  grow,  for  such  a  development  way  consid- 
ered ugly."*  Humboldt,  however,  says  that  the  Aztecs 
never  flattened  the  head.  That  it  was  practiced  to  a 
considerable  extent  in  remote  times  by  people  inhabit- 
ing the. country,  seems  to  be  shown  by  the  deformed 
skulls  found  in  their  graves,  and  by  the  sculptured 
figures  upon  the  ruins.  Klennn  states  that  the  cradle 
consisted  of  a  hard  board  to  which  the  infant  was 
bound  in  such  a  manner  as  to  cause  the  malformation. 
Tlie  cradle  among  the  poor  Aztecs  was  generally  t)f 
l!"-])!  cane,  and  could  be  tied  to  the  back  of  the 
iauther.*^ 

^^  Motniinin,  Hist.  Indios,  in  Tcazhalcefn,  Col.  de  Dor..,  torn,  i.,  p.  77; 
Ton/iirmtii/if,  Mouarq.  Iiid.,  toin.  ii.,  pp.  4()0-l. 

fi'  (liiiiKtrii,  Cuiiq.  Mex.,  fol.  312. 

6'  Ciivhiijdl  J<Js/)iiiosa,  Hist.  Mi;k.,  toin.  i.,  p.  553. 

*>»  (loiinnii,  Coiiq.  Mix.,  fol.  318. 

"^  Tlio  iiiitiiorities  ou  childbirtii,  Imptism,  ami  circumrision  arc:  Snfi((- 
gun.  Hist,  (ini.,  torn,  i.,  lib.  ii.,  np.  1S7-1K),  lib.  iv.,  i)p.  '281-3.S7,  toin.  ii., 
lili.  vi.,  i»p.  l(!0-'2'2'2,  toni.  iii.,  lili.  x.,  pp.  ll!)-2t);  t'ltiri(jrri>,  Sforiit  Ant. 
(Id  M.s.sim,  toin,  ii.,  pp.  2-7.3,  80-89;  Torqurmada,  Monnrq.  Intl.,  toni. 
ii  ,  pp.  S:{-4.  2(>fi,  28<),  44.'»-()l;  Iferrcra,  Hist  Geti.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  ii.,  cap. 
.wii.,  lil).  ill.,  rap.  xii.,  lib.  iv.,  cap.  xvi.;  Las  Cnsas,  Hisf^  A/iofngr/irii, 
Ms.,  cap.  clxxv.,  dxxix. ;  Codex  Meiidozti,  pp.  {M)-l,  in  Kiiii/slinroiti/h's 
.Vlu  Aiitiq.    vol.  v.;  Motolinia,  Hist.  Indios,  u\  Icuzbakela,  Col.  de  Hoc, 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


torn,  i.,  i)p.  37-8,  77,  108;  Zunzo,  dtrta,  in  Id.,  pp.  .103-4;  MrniUctn,  IHst. 
Edes.,  |i|>.  107-8,  13!t;  liitrt/on,  Oeoif.  JJcucri/t.,  toin.  ii.,  jit  ii.,  fol.  3'JSt, 
S'J");  Jhivila,  Ti<ttro  Eclcs.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  18;  Cumaigo,  Jii.st.  J'iuu:,  in  \oii- 
velles  AtiHtt/is  t/rn  Vol/.,  1843,  toni.  xeviii.,  j).  203;  Carhitjitl  Esjiiiiosa,  Hist. 
Mcx.,  toni.  i.,  pi>.  538,  551-5,  673;  Brusseiir  de  Bourbourn,  Jli.if.  A'«<.  Civ., 
toni.  i.,  p.  '240,  tiini.  iii.,  pn.  35,  5'25-0,  560-3;  Acostii,  Ilixl.  dc  l(i.s  Ytid., 
J).  .374;  (Jiniiitnt,  Coiiq.  Mi.r.,  fol.  312,  317-18;  Tuiiroii,  Hist.  Gen.,  Umi. 
lii.,  pp.  12-13;  C/iuir.i,  Jiapport,  in  Tcraaux-Companji,  Voy.,  wi'rie  ii., 
toni.  v.,  pp.  3lK)  -8;  Moutuitits,  Aifuire  Wccreld,  pp.  32,  2(i5;  Khiiiiii,  (.'id- 
tiir-Gcsr/in/itr,  toni.  v.,  pp.  ,30-9;  Jimsirrre,  V Empire  Mcjr.,  |»p.  14(1  1; 
IfAvitji,  L'AnuviqHC,  toni.  ii.,  p.  73;  Jiaril,  Mexiijiie,  |»p.  iyiV-2(H);  Jiilos 
Aiitif/iiDS  jip.  22-.3,  in  Kiiitj.sburitugh''s  Mvx.  Antiii.,  vol.  ix. ;  Luct,  Xovks 
Orltis,  J).  231t;  Ailair^s  Atnn:  Iiid.,  p.  217;  Midler,  Jiri.icn,  toin.  iii.,  pji. 
118-20;  I'lirrlifin  liin  ]'ilffriiuc.H,  vol.  iv.,  pp.  1102-3,  1140;  Vinii,  Carliis, 
]»ti.,  p.  101;  Diiritn,  Hint.  Indin.t,  MS.,  toni.  iii.,  cap.  iii.;  Dinz,  Itiiiemiir, 
111  TcrHaii.c-C(>iiij)iiii.i,  Vot/.,  serici.,  torn,  x.,  p.  45;  Humboldt.,  E.wai  Pol., 
toni.  i.,  p.  UO;  Morion's  Crania  Arner,,  p.  147;  Ddajield's  Antin.  Amcr., 
p.  19. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

NAHUA  FEASTS  AND  AMUSEMENTS. 

Excessive  Fondness  for  Feasts— Makneu  of  Giving  Feasts— Serv- 
ing THE  Meal— Professional  Jesters— Parting  Presents  to 
OiKSTs— Royal  Banquets— Tobacco  Smoking— Piblic  Dances- 
Manner  OF  Singing  and  Dancing- The  Neteteliztli  -The 
Drama  among  the  Nahuas— Music  and  Musical  Instruments — 
Nahua  Poetry— Acrobatic  Feats— The  Netololiztli,  or  'Bird 
Dance'— Professional  Runners— The  Game  of  Tlactli— Games 
OF  Chance— The  Patoliztli,  or  'IJean  Game'— Totoloque,  Mon- 
tezuma's  Favorite  Game. 

The  excessive  fondness  of  the  Aztecs  for  feasts  and 
anuisenients  of  every  kind  seems  to  have  extended 
throu<rh  all  ranks  of  society.  Every  man  feasted  his 
noii,dil)or  and  was  himself  hi  turn  feasted.  Birthdays, 
victories,  house- warmin<^s,  successful  voyages  or  spec- 
ulations, and  other  events  too  numerous  to  enumerate 
Avere  celebrated  with  feasts.  Every  num,  from  king  to 
]>easant,  considered  it  incumbent  upon  him  to  be  second 
to  none  among  his  equals  in  the  giving  of  banquets  and 
entertainments,  and  as  these  involved  the  distribution 
of  costly  presents  among  his  guests,  it  often  ha}ti)ened 
that  the  host  ruined  himself  by  his  hospitality;  in- 
deed, it  is  said  that  many  sold  themselves  into 
slav(;ry  that  they  might  be  able  to  prepare  at  least  one 
feast  that  would  immortalize  their  memory.^     !More- 


1  Bitot  Atifiguos,  p.  20,  in  Kingsborough's  Mex.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix. 

(283) 


284 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


over  the  priests,  wltli  the  subtle  policy  characteristic 
of  their  class,  took  advantai^e  of  this  disi)osition  to 
ordain  long  and  frequent  celebrations  in  honor  of  in- 
numerable gods;  in  short,  it  is  difficult  to  conceive 
what  part  of  the  year  could  have  been  saved  for  busi 
ness  from  what  seems  to  have  been  a  continual  round 
of  merry-making. 

The  grandeur  of  the  feast  depended,  of  course,  upon 
the  wealth  of  the  host,  the  rank  of  the  guests,  and 
the  importance  of  the  event  celebrated.  For  many 
days  before  a  noble  or  wealthy  man  entertained  his 
friends,  an  army  of  servants  were  employed  in  swecj)- 
ing  the  approaches  to  the  house,  decorating  the  halls 
and  courts  with  branches  and  garl.ands,  erecting  chi- 
nainas,  or  arbors,  and  strewing  the  floors  with  flowers 
and  sweet  herbs;  others  prei)ared  the  table  service, 
killed  and  dressed  dogs,  plucked  fowls,  cooked  taniu- 
les,  baked  bread,  ground  cacao,  brewed  drinks,  and 
manufactured  perfumed  cigarettes.  Invitations  were 
in  tlie  meantime  sent  to  the  guests.  These  on  theii- 
arrival  were  presented  with  flowers  as  a  token  of 
welcome.  Those  of  a  superior  condition  to  the  host 
were  saluted  after  the  Aztec  fashion  by  touching  the 
liand  to  the  earth  and  then  carrying  it  to  the  lii)s. 
On  some  occasions  garlands  were  placed  upon  the 
heads  of  the  guests  and  strings  of  roses  about  their 
necks,  while  copal  was  burnt  before  those  whom  the 
host  delighted  specially  to  honor.  While  waiting  for 
tlie  meal  the  guests  employed  their  time  in  walking 
freely  al)out  the  place,  complimenting  their  host  on  the 
tasteful  manner  in  which  the  house  was  decorated,  or  ad- 
miring the  fine  shrubbery,  green  grass  plats,  well-kej)! 
flower-beds,  and  sparkling  fountains  in  the  gardens. 

Dinner  being  announced,  all  took  their  seats,  accord- 
ing to  rank  and  age,   upon  mats  or   icpalU,    stools, 

Servants  then  entereil 


I'anjifed  close  along  the  walls." 


'  Tlic  highest  in  rank  or  consideration  sat  on  the  rij^ht  side,  and  tlmsc 
of  inferior  (le<i;reo  on  the  left;  youn^x  men  sat  at  tlie  ends  on  both  siiles. 
according  to  tliuir  rank.  Suhatjun,  Hist.   Gen.,  torn,  ii.,  lib.  ix.,  ])\\.  347-8. 


FEASTS  AND  ENTERTAINMENTS. 


2«r, 


with  water  and  towels,  M'ith  which  each  ji^uest  washed 
his  hands  and  mouth.  Sinokin<^-canes  were  next  pre- 
st'iited  on  inolcaxeU'ii,  or  phites,  to  stiniuhite  the  a})pe- 
tite.  Tlie  viands,  kej)t  warm  by  chafing  dislies,  were 
then  brought  in  upon  artistically  worked  plates  of  gold, 
silver,  tortoise-shell,  or  earthenware.  Each  })erson 
hef'ore  beginning  to  eat  threw  a  small  piece  of  food 
into  a  lighted  brazier,  in  honor  of  Xiuhtecutli,  the 
god  of  fire,''  probably  by  way  of  grace.  The  numer- 
ous highly  seasoned  dishes  of  meat  and  fish  having 
hecn  duly  discussed,  the  servants  cleared  the  tabks 
Mild  feasted  u[)on  the  remains  of  the  bantpiet  in  com- 
j>aiiy  with  the  attendants  of  the  guests.*  Vessels 
t  ailed  teutecomat/s,  filled  with  chocolate,  each  provided 
with  a  spoon  to  stir  the  fluid  with,  were  then  brought 
oil,  together  with  water  for  washing  the  hands  and 
rinsing  the  mouth.  The  women  who  were  present  on 
these  occasions,  although  they  sat  apart  from  the  men, 
it'ceived  a  kind  of  spiced  gruel  instead  of  cacao.  The 
old  people,  however,  were  j)lied  with  octli,  a  very  potent 
l)everage,  until  they  became  drunk,  and  this  was  held 
to  be  an  indispensable  part  of  the  ceremony. 

The  smoking-canes  were  now  once  more  produced, 
and  while  the  guests  reclined  luxuriously  upon  their 
mats  enjoying  the  grateful  influence  of  the  fragrant 
kaf  which  we  are  told  by  Bernal  Diaz  they  called 
'tobacco,'  and  sipping  their  drinks,  the  music  suddenly 
struck  up,  and  the  young  folks,  or  perhaps  some  pro- 
fessionals, executed  a  dance,  singing  at  the  same  time; 
an  ode  ])repared  for  the  occasion,  as  well  as  other  songs. 
Dwarfs,  deformed   beings,    and  curious  objects  were 


'  Speiilving  of  this  Xiuhtecutli,  Torqucnmdn  says:  '  hnnrabanlo  conio  u 
Mios,  jM)r(|UL>  loH  oalcntalm,  cucia  el  Pan  y  ;iiiisalm  hi  CariiL',  y  por  osto  I'li 
laila  Casa  Ic  vcnerahau;  y  en  el  niisnio  Fiifiim,  6  Hojfar,  <iuaiul<>  qiieriaii 
I'omcr,  lo  (lal)a!i  el  primer  honulo  tie  la  viaiuhi,  para  que  alii  iso  queinase;  y 
li>  que  avian  de  In-her,  lo  avia  de  f^ustar  priuiero,  hochan<lo  eii  «'l  fucp)  parte 
ill'  <1  licor.'  ^fonflrlJ.  Inil.,  toui.  ii.,  p.  57.  Saha;^nn  Hays  the  inorsi  1  of  food 
«Ms  thrown  into  the  tire  in  honor  of  the  ;j;od  TIalteeutli:  'antes  qu  ;  coinen- 
/.iscii  j1  comer  los  eonvidados  hi  comida  (jue  le.s  hahian  puesto,  ton  al)an  un 
li'iiiuio  de  la  comida,  y  arrojahanio  al  fue<;o  d  honra  del  dios  Tiah  3CuUi,  y 
liii'u'ocomenzahau  d  comer.'  Hist,  (irii.,  toin.  i.,  lib.  iv.,  p.  333. 
*  Turqucmiidu,  Mu,nirij[.  Ind,,  torn,  ii.,  p.  457. 


286 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


also  introduced  to  vary  the  entertainment;  but  tliu 
profuHHional  jesters  were  the  favorites,  and  the  jokes 
made  by  tliem  raised  many  a  laugh,  though  this  was 
rather  forced  perhaps  by  those  at  whose  expense  said 
jokes  were  cracked,  for  these  fools  were  fully  as  privi 
leged  as  their  contemporary  European  brothers  of 
motley,  and  sometimes  spoke  very  biting  truths  in  the 
sh{i])e  of  a  jest;  in  some  cases  they  were  disguised  in 
the  costume  of  a  foreign  nation,  whose  dialect  and 
j)eculiarities  they  imitated;  at  other  times  they  would 
mimic  old  wome? ,  well-known  eccentric  individuals, 
and  so  forth. 

The  nobles  kept  a  number  of  these  jesters  for  their 
own  amusement,  and  often  sent  them  to  a  neighboring 
brother-noble  to  propound  riddles;  taking  care  to  [)ro- 
vide  them  with  means  to  pay  forfeit  should  the  riddle 
be  solved." 

Tliese  private  banquets  generally  lasted  till  mid- 
night, when  the  party  broke  up.  Each  guest  received 
at  parting  presents  of  dresses,  gourds,  cacao-beans, 
flov  f!rs,  or  articles  of  food.  Should  any  accident  or 
shortcoming  have  marred  the  pleasure  of  the  party, 
the  host  would  sooner  repeat  the  entertainment  than 
have  any  slur  rest  upon  his  great  social  venture.  1  n 
any  case  it  was  doubtless  difficult  for  the  good  man  to 
escape  censure  either  for  extravagance  or  stinginess. 

At  the  royal  feasts  given  when  the  great  vassals 
came  to  the  capital  to  render  homage  to  their  sov- 
ereign, the  people  flocked  in  from  the  provinces  in 
great  numbers  to  see  the  sights,  which  consisted  of 
theatrical  representations,  gladiatorial  combats,  fights 
between  wild  beasts,  athletic  sports,  musical  perform- 
ances, and  poetical  recitations  in  honor  of  kings,  gods, 
and  heroes.  The  nobles,  in  addition  to  this,  partook 
daily  of  banquets  at  the  palace,  and  were  presented  by 
the  monarch  with  costly  gifts." 


457 


*  Sahnqun,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  ii.,  lib.  viii.,  p.  292. 

*  For  (lescription  of  feasts  see:  Torqiienifuta,  Monarq.  Ind.,  torn  ii.,  j>p. 
-8;  Sahagun,  Hist,  Gen.,  toiu.  i.,  lib.  iv.,  pp.  332-6,  torn,  ii.,  lib.  ix., 


TODACCO  IN  THE  NEW  WOULD. 


vt 


To  the  tohacco-lovincf  reader  it  will  be  interesting  to 
learn  how  the  weed  was  smoked  in  the  New  World 
before  it  was  hitroduced  into  tiie  Old  by  the  immortal 
Jean  Nieot,  whose  name  be  forever  blessed.  The  habit 
of  smoking  did  not  possess  among  the  Nahiias  the 
peculiar  character  attached  to  it  by  the  North  Ameri- 
can natives,  as  an  indispensable  accessory  to  treaties, 
the  cementing  of  friendship,  and  so  forth,  but  was  in- 
dulged in  chierty  by  the  sick,  as  a  pastime  and  for  its 
stimulating  effect.  The  origin  of  the  custom  among 
the  Nahuas  may  be  traced  to  the  use  of  reed-grass, 
tilled  with  aromatic  herbs,  which  was  lighted  and 
given  to  guests  that  they  might  diffuse  the  perfume 
about  them;  gradually  they  cj'fne  to  j)ufi*  the -reeds 
and  swallow  the  smoke,  pretendmj"  to  find  therein  a 
remedy  against  headache,  fatigue,  phlegm,  sleepless- 
ness, etc.  Three  kinds  of  tobacco  were  used,  the  ijf'tl, 
sigiiitying  tobacco  in  general,  obtained  from  a  large 
loavt'd  plant,  ^he  plcyetl,  from  a  small  but  stronger 
species,  and  qmmijetl,  a  less  esteemed  kind  known  later 
on  as  wild  tobacco.  Clavigero  asserts  that  the  picyetl 
and  <i>i(V.iijetl  were  the  only  species  known  among  the 
Mexicans.  It  was  generally  smoked  after  dinner  in 
the  form  of  paper,  reed,  or  maize-leaf  cigarettes,  called 
poci/cf/,  'smoking  tobacco,'  or  ucayetl,  'tobacco-reed,* 
the  leaf  being  mixed  in  a  paste,  says  Veytia,  with 
xorhiocofzotl,  liquid  amber,  aromatic  herbs,  and  pulver- 
ized charcoal,  so  as  to  keep  smouldering  wlien  once 
lighted,  and  shed  a  perfume.  The  picyetl  tobacco  was 
sin  )ked  later  in  the  day,  without  admixture,  and  some- 
what in  the  shape  of  cigars.  The  smoke  was  inlialed, 
and  the  nose  closed,  in  order  that  none  of  the  grateful 
quiilities  should  be  lost.  Wooden,  metal,  or  bamboo 
tubes  were  sometimes  used  instead  of  cigarettes.    Snuff- 


l>p.  ."^oO-OO,  .164-5;  Brasseur  de  Bourboitrij,  Hint.  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  pp. 
(U'Hi;  fit.,  in  N'oiimlle.s  Annate.^  de.i  Voif.,  1858,  torn,  clix.,  j)p.  74-(»;  f/o- 
iimm,  Conq.  Afex.,  fol.  318;  Prescotfs  Mex.,  vol.  i.,  pp.  152-7;  Ihimierre, 
I'Kinpirr  Mc.v.,  p.  178;  Baril,  Mexique,  pp.  210-11;  Ritos  Antiguos,  p.  20, 
vxKiitijsboruu'jh's  Mex,  Antiq.,  vol.  ix. 


I  #1 


ass 


THE  NAIILTA  NATIONS. 


iii<^  the  pulvorizod  leaf  is  an  ancient  custom  wliich  wo 
owe  to  them.' 

Duiicinjjf  was  the  favorite  Aztec  amusemont,  and  tlic 
fanciful  arrangement  of  their  dances,  as  well  as  the 
peculiar  grace  of  their  motions,  is  highly  praised  hy 
all  the  old  chroniclers.  Dancing,  and  especially  reli- 
gious dances,  formed  an  im{)ortant  part  of  an  Aztec 
youth's  education,  and  nuieh  trouble  was  taken  by  the 
])riests  to  instruct  them  in  it. 

The  preparations  for  the  great  public  dances,  when 
the  performers  munbered  thousands,*  were  on  an  im- 
mense scale.  The  choirs  and  bands  attached  to  the 
service  of  the  various  temples  were  })laced  under  the 
supervision  of  a  leader,  usually  a  priest,  who  composed 
tiie  ode  of  tlie  day,  set  it  to  nmsic,  instructed  the  mu- 
sicians, appointed  the  leaders  of  the  dance,  perfected 
the  arrangements  generally,  observed  that  all  did  their 
duty,  and  caused  every  fault  or  negligence  to  be  se- 
verely punished.*  The  NeteteVrJli  dance  took  i)lact' 
either  in  the  plaza  or  in  the  courtyard  of  the  temple,  in 
the  centre  of  which  mats  were  spread  for  the  musicians. 
The  nobles  and  aged  men  formed  a  circle  nearest  to  the 
drums,  the  i>eople  of  less  importance  formed  another 
<ircle  a  little  distance  behind,  and  the  young  people 
composed  the  third  ring.  Two  leading  dancers  directed 
the  movements,  and  whatever  steps  they  made  were 
imitated  by  the  performers.  When  all  was  ready,  a 
whistle  g  ive  the  signal  and  the  drums  were  beaten 
lightly  t'  a  well-known  tune  started  by  the  leaders 
and  take  up  by  the  dancers,  who  at  the  same  time 
began  to  love  their  feet,  arms,  heads  and  bodies  in 
]>erfect  ac   )rd.     Each  verse  or  couplet  was  repeated 

"<  Vrytin,  ist.  Ant.  Mej.,  Unn.  iii.,  pp.  4!)-.51;  Clavigero,  ftfnrin  Anf. 
ili'l  Missico,  111.  ii.,  p.  '227.  Hrninnrfrz,  Nova  Plant.,  y.  17S;  Uvinhi, 
Hi.st.  (ifn.,  tiiin,  i.,  p.  .'ii,');  Iira,s.sPiir  dr  Bourbon rr/.  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  Unw. 
iii.,  1).  ()4(>;  Carhajal  Enpinosa,  Hist.  Mex.,  torn,  i.,  p.  684;  Klcmm,  Culliii- 
(tcsr/iirhte,  toin.  v.,  pj).  12-1.3. 

"  '  luiitnuaiisc  a  cste  bayle,  no  mil  hombres,  conio  dize  Ooniara,  pero 
mas  do  oc'lio  mil.'  Hi'rrera.  Hist.  Gun.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  vii.,  rap.  viii. 

9  Salia^iin, /fiV.  Gin.,  Um\.  ii.,  lib.  viii.,  p.  .^l."),  ever  prepared  with 
capital  pnniHhnicnt,  .states  that  'el  ttcftur  les  manduba  prendcr,  y  otro  diu 
lo.s  iiiundabu  mutar.' 


THE  MITOTE  AND  RIBBON  DANCE. 


tlii'oo  or  four  times,  tliu  dancers  keej>iii<(  time  with 
tlu'ir  ni/Kcochf/i,  <»r  rattles.  Kaeh  must  keej>  his  rehi- 
tive  position  in  the  circle,  and  complete  the  circuit  at 
tlu'  same  time;  the  inner  circle,  therefore,  moveil  at  a 
slow,  dii^nitied  pace,  suited  to  the  rank  and  a^e  of  the 
men  composin«j  it;  the  second  j»roceeiled  somewhat 
lastir,  while  the  dancers  in  the  outer  circle  aj)proached 
11  run  as  the  dance  hecame  livelier.  The  motions  were 
varied;  at  one  time  the  dancers  held  one  another  hy 
the  hand,  at  another,  round  the  waist;  now  they  took 
tile  left  hand  neij^hhor  for  })artner,,  now  the  ri^ht, 
sometimes  facing  one  way,  sonietimes  anothi-r.  The 
first  song  ended,  which  referred  to  the  event  (►f  the 
(lay,  a  po[)ular  ode,  treating  of  their  gods,  kings,  or 
heroes,  was  taken  up  and  sung  in  a  higher  scale  and 
to  a  livelier  measure,  the  dance  meanwhile  constantly 
increasing  in  animation.  This  was  the  case  with  all 
the  succeeding  songs,  each  one  becoming  higher  and 
shriller  as  it  ])roceeded;  flutes,  trumpets,  and  sharj) 
whistles  were  sometimes  added  to  the  band  to  increase 
the  effect.  When  one  set  of  dancers  became  tired, 
another  to(>k  its  place,  and  so  the  dance  continued 
through  the  whole  day,  each  song  taking  about  an 
hour.  Jesters  and  clowns  in  vari<.)us  disguises  circu- 
lated between  the  lines,  cutting  capers,  cracking  jokes, 
and  servinjif  refreshments.  Heri'era  states  that  the 
solenui  mifotew'iis  danced  by  twos  in  the  outer  circle.^" 
At  })rivate  dances,  two  j)arallel  lines  were  usually 
formed,  the  dancers  turning  in  various  directions, 
changing  partners,  and  crossing  from  line  to  line.'^ 
Sometimes  one  stepped  from  each  line,  and  perfoiined 
a  j)as  de  deux  while  the  others  looked  on.  The  'rib- 
bon dance,'  resembled  the  English  may-pole  dance  to  a 
certain  extent.  A  pole,  fifteen  to  twenty  feet  high, 
was  erected  on  a  smooth  piece  of  ground,  and  twenty 
or  moie  persons,  each  seizing  the  end  of  a  coloied  rib- 
bon attached  to  its  summit,  began  to  dance  about  the 

'"  Hint.  Gv)i.,  tlec.  iii.,  lib.  ii.,  cap.  xix. 
"  Clari'i'  1(1,  Stiiriu  Ant.  del  Mcssku,  torn,  ii.,  p.  ISO. 
Vol.  II.    19 


290 


THE  XAIIUA  NATIONS. 


mast,  crossing  each  other  and  winding  in  apparent  con- 
fusion, until  the  polo  was  covered  witli  a  motley  text- 
ure of  a  certain  design.  When  the  band  became  too 
short,  the  plaiting  was  unwound  by  reversing  the  order 
of  the  dance.  They  had  a  number  of  other  mitotos, 
or  dances,  varying  chiefly  in  the  colors  worn  by  the 
(Umcers,  the  finery,  painting,  and  disguises,  and  con- 
i'orming  to  the  text  of  the  songs,  such  as  the  huexot- 
zincaiutl,  anaoacaiufi,  cuextecaiutl,  tocofin,  and  others 
to  be  described  under  religious  festivals."  Children 
froiTi  four  to  eight  years  of  age,  the  sons  of  nobles, 
took  part  in  some  dances  and  sang  the  soprano, 
and  the  priests  joined  in  the  solenm  performances. 
Certain  dances,  as  the  netecuitotoU,^^  could  only  ho 
l)erformed  by  the  king  and  nobles,"  a  space  bijing 
always  set  apart  for  the  sovereign  when  he  danceil. 
Women  joined  the  zizi\  in  scmie  dances,  but  generally 
danced  apart.  Certain  dancing-houses  of  bad  rei)uti' 
termed  cuicotjnn,  'great  joy  of  women,'  were  o})en  to 
females  ;it  night,  and  were  then  scenes  of  unmitigated 
debauch.^''  Great  pains  was  taken  to  ai)pear  as  fine  as 
])ossible  at  the  dances;  noted  warriors  appeared  mag- 
nificently dressed,  and  occasionally  bearing  shields  set 
with  feathers;  nobles  in  court  dress  of  rich  mantles 
knotted  at  the  shoulders,  fanciful  maxtlis  round  tliu 
loins,  tassels  of  feathers  and  gold  in  the  hair,  liji- 
orname!its  of  gold  and  precious  stones,  gold  rings  in 
the  ears,  bracelets  of  the  same  metal  set  with  })lunies, 
or  strings  of  chalchiuites  and  turquoises  round  tlu> 
wrists  and  other  parts  of  the  arms,  and  some  had  gold 
bells  attached  to  the  ankles;  the  ijfaiiy  colored  dresses 
of  the  lower  class  were  decorated  with  feathers  and 
embroidery;  garlands  and  flowers  encircled  the  head, 
necklaces  of  shells  and  beans  hung  about  the  neck, 

'^^  Snfiiiiyini,  Wsf.  Gen.,  toin.  ii.,  lib.  viii.,  up.  308-i);  Cluviijrrn,  Sluri'i 
Aiif.  <iil  Slissirn,  torn,  ii.,  \\\\  181-2. 

•1  Ni'ti'i'ulivtotiliztli,  lUH'oidin^;  to  Toriptcmnda,  Motiarq.  luif.,  torn,  ii., 
p.  '28(>. 

n  Sii/iiiffiiii,  Ilisf.  Grii.,  toin.  i.,  lilt,  ii.,  p,  i89. 

'•*  Tizozoinuc,  Hist.  Miu.,  to»i.  i.,  p.  87 


THE  ABORICINAL  DRAMA. 


291 


l)r;icck'ts  clasped  the  arms  and  lei^s,  and  all  carried 
iu)sei^ays.  The  women  also  slione  in  hui})iles,  gaily 
coli»rod,  fancifully  embroidered,  and  set  with  fringes.'" 
The  drama  scarcely  ecjualed  in  excellence  the  cho- 
ral dance,  yet  in  this  respect,  as  in  others,  the  Nahuas 
showed  considerable  advancement.  Thalia  presided 
more  frequently  than  Melpomene  over  the  play,  which 
generally  took  the  character  of  a  burlesque.  'J'iie  per- 
ionners  mostly  wore  masks  of  wood,  or  were  disguised 
as  aniu)  ds.  No  special  building  was  devoted  to  the 
(hama,  but  the  lower  porch  of  a  tenq)le  usually  served 
as  the  stage;  some  large  towns,  however,  boasted  of  a. 
jtermanent  stage,  erected  in  the  centre  Cff  the  plaza. 
The  ])rincipal  of  these  was  at  Tlatelulco,  and  consisted 
of  a  terrace  of  stone  and  lime,  thirteen  feet  high,  by 
thirty  in  breadth.  When  in  use  it  was  decorated  with 
i'oliage,  and  mats  of  various  colors,  whereon  was  end)la- 
zoned  the  coat  of  arms  of  the  city,  Avere  hung  all  round 
it.  At  Cholula  the  porch  of  the  temple  of  Quetzalcoatl 
served  as  a  staije:  this  was  whitewashed  and  adorne«l 
with  arches  of  branches,  feathers,  and  Howers,  from 
wliich  hung  birds,  rabbits,  and  other  curious  objects. 
Here  the  peo})le  congregated  after  dinner  on  gala-days 
to  witness  the  }>erformance,  in  which  deaf,  lame,  blin<l, 
(Icfoi'med,  or  sick  })eople,  or,  sometimes,  meri'hants, 
laechaiiics,  or  prominent  citizens,  were  mimicked,  bur- 
Usqned,  and  made  fun  of  E;u'h  actor  endeavored  to 
rt'present  his  role  in  the  most  grotes(|ue  manner  j)ossi- 
l»lo.     He  who  was  for  the  moment  deaf  gave  nonsen- 

''' '  I  Plf'xM  si  trnvp'itivntio  in  v.nrlo  fisjriin'  rl'miiinali  con  ii1>iti  fill fi  ill 
carta,  c  di  pciiiic,  <>  di  pflli'  no  iloulit  to  ilistin^'nisli  tlicni  Ironi  tlic  ^it-ntrv 
>vlu'n  tlicv  joiiu'il  in  tiio  dan'c.  C/iirii/rru,  Shiri'n  Ant.  t/i  /  .Mi  \.sini,  toin.  ii., 
j>^i.  1 7!)-Sl,  anil  otiuTs  who  follow  liiin.  In  Su/iiiifiin,  Hixf.  <l<'t>.,  toin.  i., 
lili.  ii.,  |i|).  i;Ut-:?,  is  a  Ion;;  dcscriiilion  of  fcasl-ilay  dress.  For  d<'s(-ri|ition 
ol  dances  sec  /(/.,  toni.  ii..  lib.  viii.  yy.  '{((H-!),  .■U4-l.">;  Tunjinniiiild,  Mn- 
ii'in/.  fill/.,  toin.  ii.,  pi).  .5t")()-'2;  DWritii,  1/ .iniirii/iir,  toni.  ii.,  j).  (IS;  .Mini- 
liiiins;  Xirinri'  Wrrrrfi/,  i>p.  '2()7-{<;  Arn.stii,  Ifist.  i/r  fits  Viii/.,  pp.  44(i-'.t; 
I'lirr/iii.t  /lis  I'i/ifriiiiis.  vol.  iv.,  jip.  l(Mil-.">;  ('iirliiijiil  K.\/iiiiiisii,  llisf.  Mr.r., 
toiii.  i.,  pp.  (»4U  .');  I!ni...'iriir  ili'  Isiiurliiiiir(j,  Hist.  \iit.  I'ir.,  toni.  iii.,  pp. 
<>'>!t-71;  Miiidiito,  Hist.  /vV/r.v.,  pp.  1  K>-;V;  Trzozoiiim;  Hist.  .Mr.r.,  toni.  1., 
pp.  til,  87;  (toiiuirn,  t'niiq.  Mr.r.,  fol.  ItM!  7;  Klrnnii,  <'iiftiir-(ir.ir/iirhlr, 
tyiii.  v.,  pp.  .^(t-S;  Ifmrrii,  Hist.  Grii.,  dec.  ii.,  lili.  vii.,  cap.  viii.,  dec.  iii., 
lili.  ii.,  cap.  u'c .,  uud  Traiislutiou,  Loud.  17-C,  vol.  iii.,  p.  'I'll,  with  cut 


292 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


sieal  answers  to  questions  put  to  him ;  the  sick  man 
depicted  the  eft'ects  of  pain,  and  so  forth.  When  these 
liad  exhausted  tlieir  stock  of  jokes,  others  entered  as 
])eetles,  frogs,  or  lizards,  croaking,  whisthng,  and  skij)- 
j)ing  about  the  stage  after  the  manner  of  the  creatures 
tlicy  represented.  The  boys  from  the  temples  also 
appeared  as  birds  and  butterflies,  and  flocked  into  the 
trees  in  the  courtyard.  Each  performer  rehearsed  his 
part  before  appearing  in  public,  and  great  care  wiva 
taken  that  no  blunder  should  mar  the  beauty  of  the 
j)lot.  The  priests  added  to  the  fun  by  blowing  nuid- 
balls  at  the  actors  through  wooden  tubes,  and  praising 
or  censuring  the  performance  in  a  jocular  manner. 
The  entertainment  concluded  with  a  ball,  which  was 
attended  l)y  all  the  actors." 

Some  authors  have  spoken  very  favorably  of  the 
dramatic  skill  of  the  Nahuas.  Clavisjcro  is  not  in- 
dined  to  indorse  this  opinion,  although  he  thinks  a 
great  advance  would  have  been  made  in  this  diiCction 
had  the  Mexican  Empire  survived  another  century;  a 
very  natural  conclusion,  certainly.  The  ceremonies  at 
the  religious  festivals  often  partook  of  a  dramatic 
character,  as  will  be  seen  presently.*^ 

Music,  a  principal  attraction  at  our  theatrical  enter- 
tainments, did  not  play  an  important  part  on  the 
Nahua  stage,  and,  though  we  hear  of  singers  appear- 
ing, instrumental  concert  is  not  mentioned.  Asidi) 
from  this,  the  high  importance  attached  to  music  is 
evident  from  the  myth  of  its  origin.  According  to 
this  myth  no  less  a  personage  than  Tezc.atlipoca''^ 
brought,  or  sent  for,  music  from  the  sun,  and  con- 
structed a  bridge  of  whales  and  turtles,  symbols  of 
strength,  by  which  to  convey  it  to  the  earth. 

Drums,  horns,  shells,  trumpets,  and  shrill  whistles 

"  Ktrmm,  Cultur-Gcschkhtc,  torn,  v.,  pp.  144-5,  has  it  thiittlic  nudirncc 
also  attended  thi.s  hall. 

'>•  Arosfd,  jrisf.  </<•  fim  Yitil.,  np.  ,101--_';  Clarii/rro,  S/oria  Atit.  dil  M  ■■ 
ftirn,  toin.  ii.,  ])p.  7()-8;  Piiiinitrf,  Mnn.  sohir  la  Rnza  Iinliijfiut,  pp.  5i)-(i0j 
Jinixariir  (Ic  /ioiirhoiin/,  Hint.  Nut.  dr.,  toin.  iii.,pp.  (i74-(i. 

1*  For  ail  account  of  Tozcatlipoca  see  Vol.  III.  oi  this  work. 


MUSICAL  INSTUUMEXTS. 


293 


nitev- 
11  the 
>pcar- 
t\sulo 

sic    i:'' 

Ins  ^'^ 

cou- 
jls   of 

listlos 

r/.)-C.O; 


made  from  cleft  bones  were  the  instruinents  most  used. 
The  drum  was  the  favorite,  and  the  beating  of  several 
in  nice  accord  sufficed  alone  for  an  accompaniment  to 
the  song  and  the  dance.     Two  kinds  of  drum  are  men- 
tioned; of  these,  the /iMf'/i<<t'/P  was  a  hollow  cylinder  of 
wood,  about  three  feet  high,  and  a  foot  and  a  half  in 
diameter,  curiously  carved  and  painted,  and  having  its 
upper  end  covered  with  a  dressed  deer-skin,  tighteneil 
or  loosened  in  tuning,  and  played  upon  with  the  hands. 
Tlie  other  kind  of  drum    wjis  called   the  teponcrJli, 
'wing  of  the  stone- vapor;'  this  was  entirely  of  wood, 
and  had  no  opening  but  two  parallel  slits  in  one  side, 
the  enclosed  piece  being  divided  in  the  centre  so  as  to 
form  two  tongues,  each  of  which  increased  in  thickness 
towards  its  extremity;  tlie  drum  was  placed  in  a  hori- 
zontal i)osition  ;jnd  the  sound  was  produced  by  beating 
the  tongues  with  sticks  tipped  with  rubber  balls.    This 
drum  varied  in  length  from  a  toy  of  a  few  inches  to 
live  feet.     Sometimes  it  was  carved  in  the  sha})e  of  a 
man,  woman,  or  animal,  and  lay  lengthways  on  tres- 
tles.    The  huehuetl  gave  forth  a  dull  sound  resem- 
bling that  of  the  East  Indian  tom-tom.    These  drums, 
when  of  the  largest  size,  could  be  heard  at  a  distance 
of  two  miles."     The    teponaztli   produced    a   melan- 
choly sound,  which  is  considered  by  Brasseur  de  Bour- 
bourg  to  have  been  a  symbol  of  the  hollow  warning 
noise  preceding  the  annihilation  of  Earth,  which  was 
syml>olized  by  the  instrument  itself"     The  tetzilacafl 
was  a  kind  of  gong  made  of  copi>er  and  struck  with  a 
liammer  of  the  same  material.     The  atjacachtli  was  a 
lattle  of  copper,  perforated  and  tilled  with  pebbles, 
used  by  dancers. 

The  ancient  writers  unite  in  praising  the  perfect 
unison  and  good  time  observed  by  the  singers,  both  in 
solo  and  (piartette,  with  chorus  and  responses,  and 
they  mention  particularly  the  little  boys  of  from  four 

'"  Called  tlnpnnhuehuetl  l»v  Tczozonioe  and  Rrassctir  do  nourbourg. 
"  C/ttrit/ero,  Stnria  Ant.  (}cl  Mcnitico,  toiu.  ii.,  p.  179,  etc. 
«  Quuti-e  Lctlrci,  j).  94. 


204 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


to  eight  years  of  age,  who  rendered  the  soprano  in  a 
manner  that  reflected  great  credit  ou  the  training  of 
their  priestly  tutors.  Each  temple,  and  many  nohle- 
men  kept  clioirs  and  bands  of  professional  musicians, 
usually  led  hy  a  priest,  who  composed  odes  appropri- 
ate to  every  occasion,  and  set  tliem  to  music.  Bass 
singers  were  rare,  and  were  i)rized  in  projmrtion  to 
their  rarity.  They  had  a  great  number  of  popular 
sonixs  or  ballads,  which  were  well  known  in  all  classes. 
Young  people  were  obliged  to  learn  by  heart  long  ei»ics, 
in  which  were  recounted  the  glorious  deeds  of  hei'oes 
ill  battle  and  the  chase;  or  didactic  pieces,  pointing 
some  moral  and  inculcating  a  useful  lesson;  or  liynnis 
of  praise  and  a})peal  for  sacred  festivals,  (^lavigero, 
Pimentel,  and  other  authors  uvtol  the  aboriginal  nuisc 
highly,  and  describe  the  language  used  as  pure,  bril- 
liant, tigurative,  and  interwoven  witli  allusions  to  the 
beauties  of  nature;  unmeaning  ijiterjections  scattered 
here  and  there  to  assist  the  metre,  evince  a  lack  of 
finish,  however,  and  the  long,  comi)ound  words,  a  sin- 
gle one  of  which  often  f()rmt;d  a  whole  verse,  certainly 
•  lid  not  add  co  the  harmony,  yet  they  observed  good 
metre  and  cadence. ^^ 

The  art  of  music  was  u!ider  royal  protection,  and 
singers  as  well  as  nmsicians  were  exempt  from  taxa- 
tion. Nezahualcoyotl,  the  great  Tezcucan  patron  of 
iU't,  himself  composed  a  number  of  odes  and  elegies, 
and  founded  an  academy  of  sciences  and  nuisic,  wliert; 
the  allied  kings  of  Mexi(u»,  Tezcuco,  and  Tlaco})an 
}>resided,  and  distributed  j)rizes  to  the  successful  com- 
])etitors.  Toltec  songs  are  highly  })raised  for  their 
beauty  and  variety.  The  Totonacs  and  Tepanecs  are 
said  to  have  been  as  far  advanced  in  music  and  sing- 
ing as  the  Aztecs;**  but  concerning  tliese  arts  I  shall 
speak  more  at  length  in  a  future  chai)tei'. 

"  Gnmnrn,  foiiq.  Mix.,  ful.  lOfi,  states,  'yosto  vii  toilo  on  cnpla  ])or  siis 
1  Misoiiiinti's,'  Imt  it  's  not  likoly  tliat  tlu'y  were  auytliiiii,'  else  tliaii  blank 
wrsi',  for  siifli  a  tliin;,'  as  rliynie  is  not  nunitioniMi  by  any  otlier  writer. 

'■'M'onrernin},'  niiisio  and  sinj,'inf?  see:  Clni-iiirm\  Stnriii  Anf.  dil  Mis- 
si-o,  tuiii.  ii.,  pp.  174-9;  Torqiicmuifn,  Monan/.  liuf.,  toui.  i.,  p.  229,  toni. 


GYMNASTIC  PEIIFOUMANCES. 


29r> 


The  acrobatic  feats  performed  by  tlie  Nahuas  ex- 
cited the  surj)rise  and  admiration  of  the  conquerors, 
iiiul  the  court  of  Si)ain,  before  whicli  some  of  these 
iitliletes  were  introduced,  was  no  less  astounded  at  the 
^lace,  daring,  and  strength  disj)layed  by  tliem. 

Some  of  these  gynmastic  performances  have  only  of 
late  become  known  to  us;  thus,  the  so-called  Chinese 
toot-balancing  trick,  in  which  a  man  lying  on  his  back 
spins  a  heavy  pole  on  the  soles  of  his  raised  feet, 
throws  it  up,  catches  it,  and  twirls  it  in  every  dii'ec- 
tion,  was  a  common  feat  with  the  Nahua  acrobat,  who, 
indeed,  excelled  the  circus-man  of  to-day,  in  that  he 
twirled  the  pole  while  a  man  sat  at  each  end  of  it. 
Another  feat  was  performed  by  three.  One  having 
hraced  himself  firmly,  another  mounted  on  his  should- 
ers, wliile  the  third  climbed  up  and  stood  upon  the 
liead  of  the  second.  In  this  position  the  human  col- 
umn moved  slowly  about,  the  man  on  the  top  perform- 
ing a  kind  of  dance  at  the  same  time.  Again,  a  man 
would  dance  on  the  top  of  a  beam,  the  lower  end  of 
which  was  forked  and  rested  upon  tlie  shoulders  of 
two  other  dancers.  Some  raised  a  stick  from  the 
ground  while  a  man  balanced  at  the  end  of  it;  others 
lea{)ed  upon  a  stick  set  upright  in  the  ground,  or  danced 
\i[)on  the  tight-rope.  Another  game  involving  an 
c(|ual  disj)lay  of  grace  and  daring  was  the  nctofo/izfli, 
or  'bird  dance,'  known  to  the  S})aniards  as  the  'tlying- 
game,'  and  performed  especially  during  the  laymen's 
toast.  In  the  centre  of  an  open  place,  generally  a 
public  scpiare,  a  lofty  pole  was  erected.  On  the  top 
of  this  pole  was  placed  a  wooden,  moveable  cap,  re- 
scuibling  an  inverted  mortar;  to  this  were  fastened 

'i.,  pp.  r>.")l-2;  Arosta,  Hi^^t.  dc  his  YinL,  \i.  447;  Mrndicto.  Hist.  Erfrs.,  jip- 
140-1;  Gdiiiurn,  Couq.  Mrx.,  fol.  I(H>;  I'iiiiriitff,  Mnii.  snfnr  la  Jiiizn  In- 
i/ii/inii,  pp.  .">7-0;  liriissi-ur  ifc  Jionrhoiifi/,  Hist.  Xtif.  Cir.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  '2H'2, 
ti'in.  iii.,  pp.  '2~[),  fiCtit,  (i7--74;  Varhnjal  E.sjiiiiom,  Hist.  Mu:,  toiii.  i.,  pp. 
tUI-'J;  I'lirr/i'is  his  Pih/riincs,  \u\.  \v.,  my  UMJ4-5;  Tfzozoiiior,  Ifist.  M'\i:, 
t'>\n.  i.,p.(i1;  K/nniti,  CKlfiir-(r)'sc/iic/ifr,U>ii\.\.,i)U.  14.')-5();  Miillrr,  Anur- 
th'iiii.srlir  rriTfiifiuiint,  j».  !\4!i;  R(tuki)i(fs  Hist.  Jirsiarc/ies,  ii.  .'{44;  J'rrs- 
'-off's  .]fr.r,,  vol.  "i.,  pi».  170-.'),  194;  Lrii'oir,  I'nndlrlf.  p.  04;  Ihii,iii.i\  Il<l., 
'!'''  K.rjifd.,  pi.  ()2-3,  in  Aiitiq.  Mcx.,  toin.  iii.;  Fiicnlrnl,  in  TrnKinjC' 
ConijHitis,  Vvj.,  suric  ii.,  toiu.  v.,  pp.  218-1'J;  Boturini,  Idea,  pp.  85-Uy. 


296 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


ill. 


four  stout  ropes  w'llch  supported  a  wooden  frame 
about  twelve  feet  square.  Four  other,  lon<»er  ropt-s 
Avere  carefully  wound  thirteen  times  about  the  pok- 
just  below  the  cap,  and  were  thence  passed  throujj^h 
holes  made  one  in  each  of  the  four  sides  of  the  fr.ame. 
The  ends  of  these  ropes,  while  wound  about  the  pole, 
hung  several  feet  below  the  frame.  Four  gymnasts, 
who  had  practiced  some  time  previously,  and  were 
disguised  as  birds  of  different  form,  ascended  by  means 
of  loops  of  cord  tied  about  the  pole,  and  each  having 
fastened  one  of  the  ropes  round  his  waist,  they 
started  on  their  circular  flight  with  spread  wings. 
The  impulse  of  the  start  and  the  weight  of  the  men 
set  the  frame  in  motion,  and  the  rope  unwound  quicker 
and  quicker,  enabling  the  flyers  to  describe  larger  and 
larger  circles.  A  number  of  other  men,  all  richlv 
dressed,  sat  perched  upon  the  frame,  whence  they 
ascended  in  turn  to  the  top  of  the  revolving  cap,  and 
there  danced  and  beat  a  drum,  or  waved  a  flag,  each 
man  endeavoring  to  surpass  his  predecessor  in  daring 
and  skill.^  As  the  flyers  neared  tlie  ground,  and  the 
ro})es  were  almost  untwisted,  the  men  on  the  frame 
glided  down  the  ropes  so  as  to  ^ain  the  ground  at  the 
same  time,  sometimes  passing  from  one  rope  to  the 
other  in  their  descent  and  performing  other  tricks. 
The  thirteen  turns  of  the  rope,  with  the  four  flyers, 
represented  the  cycle  with  its  four  divisions  of  thir- 
teen years. 

Running  was  practiced,  not  only  for  exercise,  but 
as  a  profession ;  as  the  government  employed  a  largo 
number  of  couriers  to  run  with  messaires,  who  wen; 
trained  for  the  purpose  from  early  childhood.  T<t 
these  I  shall  have  occasion  to  refer  again.  Races 
were  held  at  the  chief  temple  in  Mexico  under  the 
auspices  of  the  priests,'^  at  which  prizes  were  awarded 

*5  Espinosa  seems  to  think  that  one  man  did  all  the  daneinj^on  the  sum- 
mit,  an(l  Hrasseur  says  that  each  of  tlie  flyers  performed  on  tlie  top  of  tlio 
mast  before  taking  their  flight. 

8«  Acunta,  Hist,  de  Ian  Ynil.,  pp.  387-8. 


^HE  n..VC„TU.  OB  .v.T,O.V,..  „,«,. 


'■■«!  burdens.  Them  were  akn  "f  '".  """*«  «''"  «"■- 
'-V.OWS  both  for  the  ex^rn-t  ^^7  "''"'^  '""^  I'"'''i>' 
delectation  of  the  masses  AHh!  *•  "''"'y  '"'''  "'-•• 
'■..mpeted  for  prizes  in  shooting  •.*,"'"'f  *''"  «*"«i--^ 
""■owing  the  dart."     On  ,rr™>   ""?'  "'«   «"■"*  m- 

;vl>ic.h  stron.,;S  ,,>^    '^^f'""  ""'^  "'«  ""••''^''; 
f  "tball,  and  was  quite  J  li^  ^  ''"1"'^  "»'■  ff""e  «f 
It  >va«  comn,o„  amon.7a,rth':  ^  ""''  '''"  of  muffle 
'^"uilar  to  the  Toltec"  J  J  ''"'f  **'''»»«  «'lt  was 

!";f-tion,  though  wl^t:  is  "'l^''-'-  ^""•■■'"  d-^ 
>t  ''ad  ..s  not  dear.     IndeSfil  !'=?*"■"  »'>'"«'^^a„ee 
"ory  game  enjoyed  div  „e  "vtmn.     "  "f  ""••  """-'y 
t»o  rabbits,'  the  g«I  of  „?; f      ■^"<''  '""'  <>M,'fo<Mi 
.«a.s generally  invokt-dbvathlr'  "^'"'f'^^  *"  ^^iirai i' 
";  ooiijunction  with  soiZs'e'hr  "'■  ^^^l       *''"'"'''«''» 
:  ;'y,  and  natural  objects  were  alir^'     .I"-^''"""""*"  " 
.«<«!  luck  to  the  apnIioaTit      A      """^"''"^  '"  *?'■"'* 
>  .,1  lar,  y  of  the  game  rtlacMi  S".  '"«'■■">-'«  "C  the 
'i"»«l  that  a  cerrain  numbit     f 'f  "  '""■>'  ''«  •»«!- 
"'""■■'"/  ^'-^teen  ti.ouCd  tils  •  "7""   ^•o"f"'"to,l 
"»•„  of  any  size  had  a  st^cixi    L  '  *"""■>  """  «"■'■ 
'■^  S-ame,  and  that  EiX  tlr'-'  «;''""."''  ''«^voted  to 
I'-fore  the„_  "ecasiona^KTe,  j£  ,  '."•"'«»«"'».-'l»  to  plav 
ff"m«  l«side.s.    The  g  „Ld  1     "T-T  "?*'''  ""'«'■    »  a 

,    ''  «aliagu„  call'  A-,;'^^;,.  ^ '        '  ^''  ^''^^ajal  Espino.n 

^P  ^"1.,  ^/«cA</,-.  ""'^Aoo.  Fierrera,  HU  Gen.,  dec.  ii.,  Hb,  vii. 


i  >■ 


298 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


in  the  cut;  one  hundred  feet  long^'  and  half 
as  wide,  except  at  each  end  where  there  wore 
rectangular  nooks,  which  doubtless  served  as 
Jesting-places  for  the  players.  The  whole  was  enclosed 
hy  smooth  whitewashed  walls,  from  nine  to  twelve  feet 
high  on  the  sides,  and  somewhat  lower  at  the  ends, 
with  battlements  and  turrets,  and  decreasing  in  thick- 
ness toward  the  top.**  At  midnight,  previous  to  tlie 
day  fixed  for  the  game,  which  was  «,hvays  fixed  favor- 
ably l)y  the  augurs,  the  priests  with  much  ceremony 
j)laced  two  idols — one  representing  the  god  of  play, 
tlie  other  the  god  of  the  tlachtli'"- — upon  the  sidu 
walls,  blessed  the  edifice,  and  consecrated  the  game  by 
throwing  the  ball  four  times  round  the  ground,  mut- 
tering the  while  a  formula.  The  owner  of  the  tlachco, 
usually  the  lord  of  the  place,  also  perfonned  certain 
ceremonies  and  presented  offerings,  before  opening  tlie 
game.  The  balls,  called  aUaimdoni,  were  of  solid 
India-rubber,  three  to  four  inches  in  diameter.  The 
J  (layers  were  simply  attired  in  the  maxtli,  or  breech- 
clout,  and  sometimes  wore  a  skin  to  protect  the  parts 
coming  in  contact  with  the  ball,  and  gloves;  they 
j>layed  in  parties,  usually  two  or  three  on  each  side. 
The  rule  was  to  hit  the  ball  only  with  knee,  elbow, 
shoulder,  or  buttock,  as  agreed  ui)on,  the  latter  was 
however  the  favorite  way,  and  to  touch  the  wall  of 
the  opposite  side  with  the  ball,  or  to  send  it  over, 
either  of  which  counted  a  point.  He  who  struck  the 
ball  with  his  hand  or  foot,  or  witli  any  part  of  his 
body  not  previously  agreed  upon,  lost  a  point;  to  set- 
tle such  matters  without  dispute  a  priest  acted  as 
leferee.     On  each  side-wall,  equidistant  from  the  ends, 


f. 


'1  Diiran  makes  it  one  hundred  to  two  hundred  feet,  Espinosa  fifty  \  aras, 
l!ra,sseur,  llixt.  Xnf.  t'iv.,  vol.  iii.,  p.  6(57,  sixty  to  eighty  feet. 

'^  Carhajal  Kspinosa,  Hi.st.  Mix.,  toni.  i.,  p.  C47,  says  that  tlie  side  waIN 
are  lowe.st,  'de  iiieiios  altiira  los  laterales  (jue  los  dos  Je  los  extrenios,"  Imt 
tliis  afjrees  neither  with  other  statements,  nor  with  the  requirements  of  llir 
play.  Saliaj^un's  deseriptioii  of  the  tlaohoo  /waa  two  walls,  forty  to  liiiy 
feet  lonj,',  t\yenty  to  thirty  feet  ai)ait,  and  ahov.t  nine  feet  liij,di. 

33  Carbajal  Espinosa  thinks  that  one  of  them  was  Oiiieacatl,  'the  god  of 
joy.' 


BALL  rLAVIX(;   AND  GAMIILING. 


aro 


wiis  a  large  stone,  carved  with  images  of  idols,  pierce<l 
through  the  centre  with  a  hole  large  enough  to  just 
admit  the  passage  of  the  ball;^  the  player  who  hy 
chance  or  skill  drove  the  ball  through  one  of  these 
oi)eiiings  not  only  won  the  game  for  his  side,  hut  was 
Liititlcd  to  the  cloaks  of  all  present,  and  the  haste 
with  which  the  spectators  scrambled  off  in  order  to 
have  their  garments  is  said  to  have  been  the  most 
amusing  part  of  the  entertainment.  A  feat  so  dith- 
(ult  was,  of  course,  rarely  accomplished,  save  by 
chance,  and  the  successful  player  was  made  as  nnicli 
(if  as  a  prize-winner  at  the  Olympic  games,  nor  did 
he  (»init  to  present  thank  offerings  to  the  god  of  the 
•iiamc  for  the  good    fortune  vouchsafed  him. 

The  possession  of  much  property  depended  upon  the 
ihsue  of  the  game;  the  rich  staked  their  gold  and  jew- 
els, tlie  poor  their  dresses,  their  food,  or  even  their 
Hherty.^ 

( ianibling,  the  lowest  yet  most  infatuating  of  aniuse- 
iiiLiits,  was  a  passion  with  the  Nahuas,  and  property 
lit' ail  kinds,  from  ears  of  corn  or  cacao-beans,  to  costly 
jewelry  and  personal  liberty,  were  betted  U})on  the 
issue  of  the  various  games.      Professional  gamesters 


'H'arliajiil  F^sjjinosa,  lIlHt.  Mcx.,  toni.  i.,  ii.  f>47,  states  that  the  stoIlo^^ 
were  ill  till'  t'l'iitrc  of  the  f,'roiiiul,  'eii  el  espaeioque  iiiedialia  eutre  los  jiijra- 
iliiivs,"  but  IK)  otlier  aiithur  eoiitiriiis  this.  It  is  imt  unlikely  tliat  tlu>e 
^luMcs  are  tlie  idols  (tiaeed  upon  the  wails  by  the  priests,  for  they  are  de- 
>iili(Ml  as  lieiu;.;  decorated  witli  figures  of  idols.  I*or  deseriptioii  and  tMits 
"I  till'  ruins  of  what  seem  to  have  i)een  similar  structures  in  Vueatan,  see 
Vnl.  IV.,  ]^Y,.  172,  '230-1,  of  this  work. 

''  \ Cytia,  Hkt.  Aid.  Moj.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  107,  savH  that  the  ball  had  to  be 
ki|pi  iiji  in  the  air  a  lonj;  time,  and  he  who  let  it  drojilost,  whicli  i.s  unlikely, 
^iiiif  the  point  was  to  drive  it  a;,'ainst  the  opponent's  wall;  it  is  possiidc, 
liowiver,  that  this  trial  of  skill  formed  a  jiart  of  the  jday,  at  times.  Ho 
.lUu  .-lati's  that  in  the  centre  of  the  jilay-^'round  was  a  hole  tilled  with  water, 
iiiiil  the  player  who  sent  tiie  ball  into  it  lost  his  clothes  and  had  opprobiom 
i'|iiiiifl>  hurled  at  him,  among  which  'great  adulterer'  was  the  most  frc- 
ijirMt :  moreover,  it  was  believed  that  he  would  ilie  by  the  hand  of  an 
iiijiircil  husband.  A  hole  tilled  with  water  docs  not,  however,  seem  appni- 
I'lialc  to  a  nice  i)lay -ground;  besides,  the  ball  would  lie  very  liktdy  to  roll 
i:iti>  the  jiocd,  tor  the  opiioiients  would  not  jjrevent  it.  (.'amargo,  Ili.sl. 
Tlii.i:,  ill  Xoinrllr.s  Atuiiift's  ifes  Voi/.,  1843,  tom.  xcviii.,  p.  IIMJ,  and  IJras- 
Miu  dc  IJourbourg,  Jlist.  Nat.  Cir.,  torn,  i.,  p.  l'2\i,  say  that  nobles  only 
»i'n>  allowed  to  |)lay  the  game,  which  can  only  refer  to  certain  nlay-grounds 

'T •:i>ioiis,  for  the  number  of  the  balls  jtaid  in  ta.xes  proves  tiic  game  too 

i'l'ueial  to  have  been  reserved  for  nobles. 


800 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


went  from  house  to  house  with  dice  and  play  mats, 
seeking  fresh  victims.  All  gambling  tools  were  H.r- 
mally  charmed,  and  this  charm  was  renewed  and 
strengthened  at  intervals  by  presenting  the  instru- 
ments in  the  temple,  with  prayers  that  the  blesbino  of 
the  idol  might  descend  upon  them. 

Patoliztlit  which  somewhat  resembled  our  backgam- 
mon, appears  to  have  been  the  most  popular  game  ot' 
chance.  Patolli,  or  large  beans  marked  with  ddts, 
like  dice,  were  shaken  in  the  hand  and  thrown  upon  a 
mat,  uj)on  which  was  traced  a  square  marked  witii 
certain  transverse  and  diagonal  lines.  The  thrower  ui' 
the  beans  marked  his  points  on  these  lines  accordinj,' 
to  the  number  of  spots  which  fell  upward.  He  who 
first  gained  a  certain  score  won  the  game.  Tlic 
players  were  usually  surrounded  by  a  crowd  of  iiitir- 
ested  spectators,  who  betted  heavily  on  the  result,  and 
called  loudly  for  the  favor  of  Macuilxochitl,  tlie 
I)atron  deity  of  the  game.  Golden  and  jewelled  dice 
were  often  used  instead  of  beans  by  the  rich.'**  TIk  y 
had  another  game  in  which  reeds  took  the  place  o( 
dice.  Two  players,  each  with  ten  pebbles  by  his  side, 
shot  split  reeds  in  turn  towards  small  holes  made  in 
tlie  groimd,  by  bending  them  between  the  fingers ;  if 
a  reed  fell  over  a  hole  a  marker  was  placed  on  a 
square;  this  continued  until  the  markers  were  all  ex- 
hausted by  the  winner.^''     Montezuma's  favorite  game 


'•'  fiomara,  Conq.  Mex.,  fol.  105,  is' the  authority  for  the  names  (if  tlic 
game  and  beans.  Torquemada  affirms,  liowever,  'y  dicenle  Jnei,'o  ratolli, 
]ior(iueest()8  dados,  86  llaman  asi.'  Monarq.  /«f/.,  tom.  ii.,  p.  5.")4.  Clavi- 
Hero,  on  tiie  other  hand,  says:  'Patolli  fe  un  nomegenericosijjnilicauto  oi.'iii 
Horta  di  {{inoeo.'  Carhajal  Espinosa  translates  him.  Referring  to  the  diii', 
tSaliagun  hays  that  they  were  'euatro  frisoles  grandes,  y  cada  uno  tienc  im 
ahiigero;'  afterwards  lie  eontradicts  this  by  savin;'  that  they  consistcii  nf 
tliree  large  beans  with  '  ciertos  pnntos  en  ellos.'  Hist.  Gen.,  toni.  ii.,  lil' 
viii.,  jip.  2!V2,  317.  Brasseur  de  llourbourg  descrilies  the  playing  jirotcss  ;is 
follows:  'lis  jetaient  les  d6s  en  I'air  avec  les  deux  mains,  mai<iimiit  lis 
c  ises  avec  de  petits  signaux  de  diverses  couleurs,  et  eelui  qui  retournuit  Ic 
pemier  dans  les  eases  gagnait  la  partic,'  which  agrees  with  Torqueniiula'-' 
account.  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  671. 

"  '  Hacian  encinia  de  un  enealado  unos  hoj'os  pcquefiitos. . .  .y  con  iiiiiis 
canuclas  hendidas  por  medio  d.aban  en  el  suelo  y  saltaban  en  alto,  y  tiiiiliis 
ciiantas  en  las  canuclas  caian  lo  hneco  por  arriha  tantas  casas  adclaiitaliii 
sua  piedras.'  Duran,  Hist.  Indius,  MS.,  toni.   iii.,  cap.  xxii. 


POPULAU  AMUSEMENTS. 


801 


!ru  ior- 
.'d  iiiul 
instiu- 

c'kt;iiiu- 
ruino  (if 
h   (lets, 

upon  a 
etl  will  I 
rower  ot 
X'oi'(lin<; 
tie  who 
I.       The 
)f  inti'r- 
iult,  unci 
litl,   the 
lud  dice 
•    They 
jdaoc  t»f 

his  side, 
liiuide  in 

lo'crs;  it 

ed  on  u 
all  ex- 

[tc  game 


was  called  totoloque,  and  consisted  in  throwin^^  snudl 
("•(tlden  balls  at  pieces  of  the  same  metal  set  up  as  tar- 
.;•(  ts  at  a  certain  distance.  Five  points  won  the  stakes. 
IVter  Martyr  junij)s  at  the  conclusion  that  chess  must 
have  heen  known  to  the  Nahuas,  bucausu  they  pos- 
sessed checkered  mats.*' 

'"  For  Xiilum  panics  mid  niiiiiflcmcnts,  sec:  Torqunnarfa,  Moiiarq.  Titil., 
tiiiM  i.,  |)|i.,  53,  87,  toiii.  ii.,  pp.  .'{0,")-(!,  ;V)2-4;  Claviijint,  Sturiii  Ant.  drl 
.V' v.vcv;,  toiii.  ii.,  i»jt.  l82-<!;  Sd/iiiifiiii,  Ilisf.  (till.,  toiii.  ii.,  iil>.  viii.,  pp. 
'.'(il-:i,  ;n(M7;  (foimmi,  Coikj.Mc'x.,  fol.  l()4-<i;  Diiriiii,  Jli.st.  Jin/ia.i,  MS., 
tmii.  ill.,  cap.  22-3;  Ilirrera,  Jlint.  Ui.n.,  dec.  ii.,  lil».  vii.,  lup.  vii-viii.; 
I'^lii-  Mart  Iff,  dot',  v.,  lih.  x.;  Piirrhn.i  his  Pilijriiiirn,  vol.  iv.,  |ip.  KMm, 
IIJ7-'S;  lirti.witr  i/c  limirbnurg.  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.',  toni.  i.,  jtl).  1'2.*},  I2U,  toiii. 
ill.,  pji.  ()•).")-•>;  C'lirliiijdl  E.s)iiiiii.sit,  Hist.  Mix.,  toiii.  i.,  pji.  (i-I.VK;  Klniiiu, 
l'iilfiir-l,'isr/iir/ifi\  t(»lll.  v.,  i)p.  .^I-O;  Arostii,  Ifist.  di'  lils  Yllil.,  pp.  .'W7-S; 
Mniiliitd,  Hist.  Evlis.,  p.  407;  L<is  Cnsus,  J  fist.  Apoloijrtirn,  >1S.,  <'ap.  (»4; 
Wist  mill  Out  Iiiiiisr/ier  Lusfgitrt,  pt  i.,  j»|).  1(M)-I;  I'ortt'.'i,  Aim.  i/ Cuiiij.,  p. 
;fOii;  Vii/Hii,  Hi.st.  Ant.  Mfj.,  toiii.  ii.,  |)p.  107-S;  Dilworth's  Vomi.  Mcj:, 
II.  SO;  Lenoir,  ParalUle,  pp.  47-8,  quutiuj;  Picart,  Ceremonies  Kelig.,  tola. 
li.,  p.  8i. 


liincs  (if  till' 
v^o  Vatolli, 
154.  <'l:ivi; 
Iticantf  (ipii 
Ito  tlie  (lii'f, 
lio  tienc  un 
loiisistcil  iif 

1.II1.   ii.,  Ii''' 
pnii't'ss  11^ 

larqiiaiit  V* 
Ijtoiiriulit  li' 

Irqut-'iii'''''' " 

ly  con  una'* 
lo,  y  tii'itii'^ 

1  adelauliiliii 


CHArTER   IX. 

PUBLIC    FESTIVALS. 
FUKQT'ENT  OcCT-nnENrE  OF  llEMOIOl'S  FEASTS— HtTMAN    SACRIFFfK^- - 

Feasts  of  the  Fourth  Year— Monthly  Festivals— Saciuhik 
OF  Childken  — Feast  of  Xite— Manner  of  Sacrifice  — Fkasin 
OF  Camaxtli,  of  the  Flower-Dealers,  of  (Jenteotl,  ok  I'i:/.- 

CATLIl'OCA,    AND    OF    HllTZILOPOCIITLI  —  FESTIVAL    OF  THE  S.\l,l- 

Makers  The  Sa<'rifice  hv  Fire  — Feast  of  the  Dead  Tiik 
CoMiNci  OF  the  fJoKs— The  Footprints  on  the  Mat— Hintim; 
Feast— The  Month  of  Love  -Hard  Times— Nahua  LupKiifAi.iA 
—Feasts  of  the  Sin,  of  the  Winter  Solstice— Harvest  anu 
EuiiiT-YEAR  Festivals— The  Binding  of  the  Sheaf. 

Tlie  amusements  described  in  the  preceding'  chap- 
ter were  cliiefly  indulged  in  during  the  great  religious 
festivals,  when  the  people  flocked  t(^gether  from  all 
(juarters  to  proi)itiate  or  offer  up  thanks  to  some  iiar- 
ticular  god. 

These  festivals  were  of  very  frequent  occurreiue, 
The  Nahuas  were  close  observers  of  nature;  but  like 
other  nations  '.m  a  similar  or  even  more  advanced  stayc 
of  culture,  the  Greeks  and  Northmen  for  exann>k', 
they  entirely  misunderstood  the  laws  which  govtiii 
the  phenomena  of  nature,  and  looked  upon  every  nat- 
ural occurrence  as  the  direct  act  of  some  particular 
divinity.  The  coming  of  the  rains  was  held  to  be  tlu 
coming  of  the  rain-gods,  with  their  heralds  tin 
thunder  and  lightning;  the  varying  condition  of  the 
crops  was  ascribed  to  their  Ceres;  drought,  storms, 

(3031 


UELKJIOIS  FIvSTIVALS. 


no3 


-SACUIKII'K 

ie—Fkast'* 
■1,,  OK  '\'v:/.- 

THK  SaI.V 

Dkad    Tiik 

-_Hl-NTINi: 
A  TKUt'Al.lV 
KVEST    AM' 


tcllpst's,  all  wore  considored  tliu  ui'ts  of  special  dcitit's. 

The  relij^ious  uuiehiiieiy  re<juired  to  pi(>i)itiate  tho 
jiiiLrir,  inmior  tho  wliiiuH,  and  be.seirh  the  lavor  of 
sucli  a  vast  imml)er  of  eaprieiuUH  divinities,  was  us 
intricate  as  it  was  })onderous.  Besides  the  daily  ser- 
vices held  in  the  various  temples,  j)rayerH  were 
offered  several  times  durin<^  each  day  in  that  «)f  the 
sun,  special  rites  attended  every  undertaking;,  from 
thi!  departure  of  a  private  traveler  to  the  settinjj^  forth 
of  a!i  army  for  war,  and  fixed  as  well  as  movahlo 
leasts  were  held,  the  numher  of  which  was  continually 
iiicie.ised  as  oj)portunity  offered.  The  pi'iests  observed 
fists  amonj^  themselves,  attended  with  penance,  scari- 
fications, and  mutilations  sometimes  so  severe  as  to 
result  fatally.  Thus,  at  the  festival  in  honor  of  Ca- 
inaxtli,  the  priests  fasted  one  hundred  and  sixty  days, 
and  passed  several  hundred  sticks,  varyin*,^  in  thick- 
ness from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  through 
a  hole  freshly  made  in  the  ton<rue.^  The  j>eo[)le  imi- 
tated these  penances  in  a  less  den'ree,  and  scarified 
the  members  of  their  bodies  that  had  been  the  means 
of  committiii!^  a  sin.  Blood  was  drawn  from  the 
cars  for  inattention,  or  for  conveyini(  evil  utterances 
to  the  mind;  from  the  toiif^ue  for  givinj^  ex])ression  to 
had  words;  the  eyes,  the  arms,  the  legs,  all  suffered 
for  any  rej)rehensible  act  or  neglect.  The  people  of 
each  ])rovince,  says  Las  Casas,  had  a  manner  of  draw- 
ing blood  peculiar  to  themselves.* 

At  the  public  festivals  each  private  person  brought 
such  offerihuf  to  the  god  as  his  means  allowed.  The 
l)oor  had  often  nothing  to  give  but  a  ffower,  a  cake, 

'  Sec  tlio  Totonac  daily  temple  service,  in  A^frs-  Ciiftan,  ni.\f.  .1/ri?ofjrfii'(i, 
Ms.,  cap.  clxxv.  '  Lue^o  a(|iu'l  vicjo  iiia.-i  |iriii('i|)al  iiietia  y  sacalia  jxtr  su 
lt.'ii;,'iiii  en  a<nifl  ilia  t'liatro  eieiitos  y  ciiicuciita  ]ial<>s  de  aiiiri'llos. .  .  .otros 
no  tan  vicjos  saca1>an  tresi-ieiitos. . .  .Kstos  palos  (|iic  iiu'tiau  y  :ia('a1>aii  ]i()r 
Ills  ii'ii;;iias  erau  tan  j^ordos  coino  cl  dedo  iMil;;ar  de  la  iiian()....y  otni.s 
tantd  ^iiiczos  coiiKt  Ian  diw  dedow  de  la  niano  piilyar  y  el  eon  (jue  tsefiala- 
incis  piidian  abrazar.'  Iii.,va\t.  elx.xii. 

'  '  Kn  cada  proviiieia  tenian  diferente  co.stunibre  jiorqiic  unos  de  liw 
brazds  y  ..tros  de  los  peclios  y  (»tro.s  de  li»s  niuslo.s,  &e.  Y  en  est()  .se  coijrnDs- 
I'ian  tanihieii  de  (|iie  I'roviucia  erau.'  Xrt.s  t'ltnas,  Hint.  A^juUnjclicu,  MS., 
cap.  clxx. 


■  If 


304 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


I     i'  I 


or  personal  service,  but  the  wealthy  gave  rich  robes, 
jewels,  gold,  and  slaves.  But  no  great  feast  seems  to 
have  been  complete  without  human  sacrifice.  This 
Avas  always  the  great  event  of  the  day,  to  which  tlu; 
people  looked  eagerly  forward,  and  for  which  victims 
were  carefully  preserved.  Most  of  these  miserablu 
beings  were  captives  taken  in  war,  and  it  was  rarely 
that  the  supply  failed  to  be  sufficient  to  the  occasion, 
especially  among  the  Mexicans,  since,  as  I  have  be- 
fore said,  there  was  nearly  always  trouble  in  some 
part  of  the  empire,  if  not,  a  lack  of  victims  for  sacri- 
fice was  held  good  cause  for  picking  a  quarrel  with  a 
neighboring  nation;  besides,  if  the  number  of  war  pris- 
oners was  not  sufficient  there  were  never  wanting  re- 
fractory slaves  to  swell  the  number.  We  have  it  uj)on 
good  authority  that  upon  almost  every  monthly  feast, 
and  upon  numerous  other  grand  celebrations,  several 
hundred  human  hearts  were  torn  hot  from  living 
breasts  as  an  acceptable  offering  to  the  Nahua  gods 
and  a  pleasant  sight  to  the  people.' 

The  grandest  festivals  were  celebrated  during  the 
fourth  year,  called  Teoxihuitl,  or  '  divine  year,'  and  at 
the  commencement  of  ev^ery  thirteenth  year.  On 
these  occasions  a  greater  number  of  victims  bled  and 
the  penances  were  more  severe  than  at  other  times. 
The  Nahuas  also  observed  a  grand  fes^^ival  every 
iiiuiith  in  the  year;  but,  as  these  feasts  were  closely 
connected  with  their  religion,  and  therefore  will  bu 
necessarily  described  at  length  in  the  next  volume.  I 
will  confine  myself  here  to  such  an  outline  description 
of  them  as  will  suffice  to  give  the  reader  an  idea  of 
what  they  were.* 

3  '  En  esta  Fiesta,  y  en  todos  las  denials,  donde  no  se  liiciere  menoion  <lc 
parti(!ulares  Sacrifioios  de  Honibres,  los  avia,  poi-  wer  cosa  general  liacei  los 
en  todas  las  Festividadcs,  y  no  era  la  que  carecia  de  ello.'  Torque inadu, 
Monnrij.  IikL,  tonj.  ii.,  p.  25.5. 

*  'Le  feste,  clic  annnalmentc  si  celebravano,  erano  piii  soleiiiii  iifl 
Tro.rihiiHl,  o  Annd  divino,  <iiiali  erano  tntti  {ili  anni,  die  aveano  per  lan'l- 
tere  il  C(inij!;lio.'  CluriijiTo,  Slorin  Atit.  tfelMmsico,  toni.  ii.,  p.  S4;  Cur 
hnjitl  Eapiiiosa,  Hist.  Afrx.,  torn,  i.,  p.  549.  'En  cada  principio  del  nios  » ii 
el  dia  que  nunibrunios  cubeza  de  »ier|)e  celebraban  una  liestu  aoleninitsinia 


RELIOIOIS  FEASTS. 

•the  diminishing  ofX  watL"'  0?™' \  ^t'^hualeo, 
some  parts,  Quahuitlehua    '^r^;'  ^  V'  'i;'''  ''»"«'''  "' 
mountains,-  was  celebS  ;„  h   ^  "1  ">«  '-■«««  or 
t'i.dsofrainsandwater^    Atai^r',"'^  *''«  ^lalocs, 
of  suokmg  infante  were  saTrifi^S  T  "  ^'"''  ""'"''er 
Ml.  mountains,  others  S  a  wWH     '?''•  "P""  ""^''^ 
Mexico.    The  little  ones  wer.^^*fr'  '"*'><'  '"ke  of 
mothers,  though  somelinTe,  *h     "^  """«^''*  fr™'  U'eir 
rented  by  parfnts  Tho  wishe/r'""?  ^'•'"'"ily  pr^! 
fovor  of  the  god.     Thosronlv  ,thoT.  *?«  l^^rtVular 
tlie  head,  and  who  had  been  L  j     *™  ^^s  on 

were  thought  acceptable  to  tt  f'^'"'rJ'  '"'-■ky  sig" 
"ore  not  all  made  in Te  clao.  ^'t''  ^^''^  ''"'"^L 
mountains  and  in  the  "ake  Th  "P°"  ^''^  ^''<"^l 
after  another  by  a  ereat  „.!;  •  T"""  "'"'ted  one 
k-  the  musiV  of  flutes  'dT''"""/'^?"^''*^  ""end^ 
;', V'"'  n-ultitude  of  IodIp  v"P*- '''  '""' followed  by 
l;l"»J;  nay,  mom  litSl\  "'"''•"*'' ^<"-  "•«  «'ght  of 
the  babes: 'if  we  u^l'^^^itj^"'^  for  the  flfs,    ^f 

'""r.  that  the  b<lesll*h*^«'-ti»''  of  some 


-.tho.;  thaV  th:  Ses'^wi^ttT^K''''^""''"-''- 
■■'"J  the  flesh  eaten  as  T.Z^     j"^tually  brought  back 
■■"■;;,d'ief  men.     Bi^of  caS  '^•«<=y  ^y  th'e  priest: 
fhe  little  ones  were  c?rr?e7/    l,"'?''''  ""''"• 

Korseous  litters  iwlorned  ,v"th  nl,.      *""""".  <*«»th  "pon 
-ere  themselves  dressed   n     FIu'!-,'""^  J"^*''"-  and 

hroideredand  iewelerl  mlV  '^P'^did  manner  ii,  em 

i;ai.er  wings.  '  Th    r    ^  ^re    «" ''''^' ""'^ '"'°'^'' 
I',"  la-rubber,  and  UMnriT    /'"""=''  ^"th  oil  „f 

'"'t°  "I'ot.  No  rirs;: ' t  t  'r '"•• » ^""-^ 

w,  tlie  people  went  n7t),     f'       .*''"  "'''  chroniclers 
«•"%  tllere%var£o^  t^T'"^  '"'''.-  I'-^^'I  by 
»'i>'I't.     Gladiatoriafc^nbttsaifd''  ^^T'''''^  "'  ™^'l'  * 
'"  ->■  at  the  temple  >::l::t::ftZtZ  »"'■  ''™""'^- 

:  "'Sr  ffi^^^e^^x;^  K  ^-'  M  ™^ .» 

Vol.  ii,    20     "'-'  "'  Quetzttlfotttl;  but  tl  i»k"    |     '  ■/"  « ■'/•^^'•■Kofl- 

""It  It  iin|ri,t  have 


306 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


The  next  feast,  that  in  the  month  of  Tlacaxipchu- 
ah'.tli,  'the  flaying  of  me-",'  was  held  in  honor  of  Xipe, 
who  was  especially  the  patron  deity  of  the  gold- 
smiths.* This  god  was  thought  to  inflict  sore  eyes, 
itch,  and  other  diseases  upon  those  who  offended  him, 
and  they  were  therefore  careful  to  observe  his  feast 
with  all  due  regularity  and  honor.  On  this  occasion 
thieves  convicted  for  the  second  time  of  stealing  gold 
or  jewels''  were  sacrificed,  besides  the  usual  number  of 
prisoners  of  war.  The  vigil  of  the  feast,  on  the  last 
day  of  the  preceding  month,  began  with  solemn 
dances.  At  midnight  the  victims  were  taken  from 
the  chapel,  where  they  had  been  compelled  to  watcl., 
and  brought  before  the  sacred  fire.  Here  tbo  hai 
Avas  shaven  from  the  top  of  their  heads,  the  cuj^r  iv>. 
at  the  same  time  drawing  blood  from  their  own  eai> 
in  honor  of  the  idol;  the  severed  topknot  of  each  war 
prisoner  was  afterwards  hung  up  at  the  house  of  liis 
captor  as  a  token  and  memorial  of  the  father's  bravery. 
Towards  daybreak  some  of  the  prisoners  were  taken 
up  to  the  great  temple  to  be  sacrificed.  But  befur^ 
we  proceed  farther  it  will  be  necessary  to  see  how 
these  human  offerings  were  made. 

k'acrifices  varied  in  number,  place,  and  manner, 
accoiding  to  the  circumstances  of  the  festival.  In 
general  the  victims  suffered  death  by  having  the 
breast  opensd,  and  the  heart  torn  out;  but  others 
were  drowned,  others  were  shut  up  in  caves  and 
istarved  to  death,  others  fell  in  the  gladiatorial  saeri 
flee,  which  will  be   described   elsewhere.     Tlie  cus- 


been  in  honor  of  all  these  deities,  namely,  the  Tlalops,  Chahhihui  licne, 
and  Qiiotzalcoatl.  Snhaifuii,  Hist.  Gen.,  toni.  i.,  lil>.  ii.,  pp.  49-50,  83-7. 
.See  also  Tortjueinnria,  Moiiarq.  Intl.,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  '2r>0-'2,  2J(5, 

*  Although  Hahagiin  states  that  Hiiit/ilopochtii  also  received  hont^rs 
"this  niontli,  yet  no  direct  ceremonies  were  observed  hefore  his  image.  Tlii' 
large  numlier  o*  captives  sacrilircd,  however,  the  universality  and  1imi^;|1i 
of  the  festivities,  the  royal  dance,  ei.^.,  would  certainly  jioint  to  a  celobva- 
.tion  in  honorof  a  greater  deity  than  Xip^;.  He  also  says:  'En  esta  liistu 
inatahau  todos  los  cautivos,  hoinhres,  inngeres,  y  ninos,'  which  is  not  very 
probable.  JIi.st.  Gen.,  torn,  i.,  lib.  ii.,  ji.-SS. 

1  Thi(!ve8  convicted  the  second  time  of  stealing  gold  articles  were  .sac- 
j'ificed.  Braaseur  de  Bourbourij,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  5U3. 


i 


SACEIFICIAL  RITES. 


•807 


ipe, 

jld- 

yes, 

lim, 

'east 

isioii 

gold 

»er  of 

I  last 

►lemn 
from 

/atcl .. 

i   hal 

apt<i\^ 

n.  eats 

:\\  war 
of  liis 

ravery. 
taken 
bofu^' 
e  liow 

laiiner, 

xl     In 

\cr    tlie 

others 

iS   and 

Ll  saeri- 

tie  cus- 


klnii  Tinic, 
,-)0,  8S-T. 

lane.    'Hu' 

Itul  l»>"ii*'' 

\  rt  ccU'l>v;>- 

L'sttt  t'lrstu 

not  wry 


tomary  place  was  the  temple,  on  the  topmost  plat- 
loriii  of  which  stood  the  altar  used  for  ordinary  sacri- 
fices.    The  altar  of  the  great  temple  at  Mexico,  says 
Clavigero,  was  a  green  stone,  probably  jasper,  convex 
above,  and  about  three  feet  high  and  as  many  broad, 
and  more  than  five  feet  long.     The  usual  ministers  of 
the  sacrifice  were  six  priests,  the  chief  of  whom  was 
the   Topiltzin,    whose   dignity  was    preeminent   and 
hereditary;  but   at  every  sacrifice   he   assumed    the 
name  of  that  god  to  whom  it  was  made.     When  sac- 
riHcing  he  was  clothed  in  a  red  habit,  similar  in  shape 
to  a  modern  scapulary,  fringed  with  cotton;  on  his 
liead  he  wore  a  crown  of  green  and  yellow  feathers, 
from  his  ears  hung  golden  ear-ornaments  and  green 
jewels,  and  from  his  under  lip  a  pendant  of  turquoise. 
His  five  assistants  were  dressed  in  white  habits  of  the 
same  make,  but  embroidered  with  black;  their  hair 
was  plaited  and  bound  with  leather  thongs,  upon  their 
foreheads  were  little  patches  of  various-colored  paper; 
their  entire  bodies  were  dyed  black.     The  victim  was 
carried  naked  up  to  the  temple,  where  the  assisting 
priests  seized  him  and  threw  him  prostrate  on  his  back 
upon  the  altar,  two  holding  his  legs,  two  his  feet,  and 
the  fifth  his  head ;  the  high-priest  then  approached, 
:i\\f\  with  a  heavy  knife  of  obsidian  cut  open  the  inis- 
e-al))e  man's  breast;  then  with  a  dexterity  acquired 
liy    long   practice  the  sacrificer  tore   forth   the    yet 
]tc, Imitating  heart,  which  he  first  offered  to  the  sun 
i'.)(l  then  threw  at  the  foot  of  the  idol;  taking  it  up 
h    a</'  hi  offered  it  to  the  god  and  afterwards  burned 
it,  preserving  the  ashes  with  great  care  and  venera- 
tion.    Sometimes  the  heart  was  placed  in  the  mouth 
of  the  idol  with  a  golden  spoon.     It  was  customary 
also  to  anoint  the  lips  of  the  image  and  the  cornices 
of  tlie  door  with  the  victim's   blood.     If  he  was  a 
prisoner  of  war,  as  soon  as  he  was  sacrificed  they  cut 
off  his  head  to  preserve  the  skull,  and  threw  the  body 
Hovvn  the  temple  steps,  whence  it  was  carried  to  the 
aeufc  J  of  the  warrior  by  whom  the  victim  had  been 


i 


308 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


!^ 


taken  captive,  and  cooked  and  eaten  at  a  feast  given 
by  him  to  his  friends ;  the  body  of  a  slave  purcliased 
for  sacrifice  was  carried  off  by  the  former  proprietor 
for  the  same  purpose.  This  is  Chivigero's  account. 
The  same  writer  asserts  that  the  Otomfs  having  killed 
the  victim,  tore  the  body  in  pieces,  which  they  sold  at 
market.  The  Zapotecs  sacrificed  men  to  their  gods, 
women  to  their  goddesses,  and  children  to  some  otliLi- 
diminutive  deities.  At  the  festival  of  Teteionan  the 
woman  who  represented  this  goddess  was  beheaded 
on  the  shoulders  of  another  woman.  At  the  feast 
eel.  J  '  \g  the  arrival  of  the  gods,  the  victims  were 
burnc  ;  death.  We  have  seen  that  they  drowned 
childreii  at  one  feast  in  honor  of  Tlaloc;  at  anotlier 
feast  of  the  same  god  several  little  boys  were  shut  up 
in  a  caveru,  and  left  to  die  of  fear  and  hunger.^ 

Let  us  now  proceed  with  the  feast  of  Xipe.  We 
left  a  part  of  the  doomed  captives  on  their  way  to 
death.  Arrived  at  the  summit  of  the  temple  eaeli 
one  is  led  in  turn  to  the  altar  of  sacrifice,  seized  bv 
the  grim,  merciless  priests,  and  thrown  upon  the 
stone;  the  high-f)riest  draws  near,  the  knife  is  lifted, 
there  is  one  great  cry  of  agony,  a  shuffle  of  feet  as 
tiie  assistants  are  swayed  to  and  fro  by  the  death 
struggles  of  their  victim,  then  all  is  silent  save  the 

8  Clnmgero,  Storia  Ant.  del  Messico,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  45-9.  Tlic  saiiio 
author  8av8  with  re<rur(l  to  the  nuiuber  of  sucriticcs  made  annually  in  tliu 
Mexican  Empire,  that  he  ean  affirm  nothing,  as  the  reports  vary  yroatly. 
'Ziimarraga,  the  first  hishop  of  Mexico,  says,  in  a  letter  of  the  I'-'tii  of 
.lune,  li>3l,  addressed  to  the  general  chapter  of  his  order,  that  in  that 
c.ipital  alone  twenty  thousiind  human  victims  were  annuallv  saeriliccil. 
Snmc  authors,  quoted  by  (.ioinara,  affirm,  that  the  numl>cr  of  tlie  sturillcol 
amounted  to  hftv  thousand.  Acosta  writes,  that  there  was  a  certain  day 
of  the  year  on  which  five  thousand  were  sacrificed  in  diflferent  places  of  the 
empire;  and  another  day  on  which  they  sacrificed  twenty  thousand.  Sonui 
authors  Itelieve,  that  on  the  mountain  Tepeyacac  alone,  twenty  thoiisaml 
were  sacrificed  to  the  goddess  Tonantzin.  Torouemada,  in  quoting,  tliiiii;;li 
nufaithfully,  the  letter  of  Zumarraga,  says,  that  tlic.c  were  twenty  tlioii- 
N.iiid  infants  annually  sacrificed.  But,  on  the  contrary,  Las  Casas,  in  iii-* 
refutation  of  the  bloody  Ixwk,  wrote  by  Dr.  Sepulvcda,  reduces  the  sat  • 
rifices  to  so  small  a  number,  that  we  are  left  to  lielieve,  they  aniouiitiil 
ii'it  to  fifty,  or  at  most  not  to  a  hundred.  We  are  strongly  of  opinion  lliat 
ii!l  these  authors  have  erred  in  the  number.  Las  Casas  by  dimituitinn.  tlie 
rest  by  exaggeration  of  the  truth.'  Id.,  Translation,  Lonii.  1807,  vol.  i.,  p. 

«9l* 


SACRIFICES  IX  HOXOR  OF  XIPE. 


muttering  of  thp  Iii'«.i,      •    . 

tl-  -uok'Jng  hear ''iteLr'^J''^  '"  »'>  '-  holds 
;'  '">>' ,''""•  of  admiration  fr"^'>"»  '*»''••'">  co.„.» 
turned  faces.  ""'^  ™e  thousands  of  m,. 

were  not  taken  away  unW  thev  T   ^"  "•"""*'■"■>  ""•y 
;vlneh    reason    these    v  cti,„s\    ''  ^'1?  ""y")'  ''"^ 

Ihe  remains  were  then  deWrfi      "  ^°"°''  "fToteeJ 
?'  certain  priests,  at  the  cW?  T'  V"  *'"*  ^^Ptor 
iis  vow  of  .fl-erim.,  a  vow  wT  k'*-'"^'''; ''^  '""'  n'ade 
t»enty  days  /.rcviJustl  U,e  fr  ^  '",""' ''^^'^  "  f»«t  of 
«;"   to  the  ting's  table,and  the   em:'-  ^^  ""«>'''  *»» 
ithma„e  and  served  up  at  th!T"'''"' '""^  "^^t^'-l 
tlie  captors,  to  wiiieh  the  ?fKenl         ''•''"•  ^"■<"'  "'>' 
A.sh  was  called  tlacatlaom   2t   ^"''  '"J"'^-    '^''« 
»>ys  Sahagun,  did  not  taste  the  fl  ^7%  f-  **"=  '"'"'«', 
:ar--  ^e..,  m  a  mlt  «t  hL'ZTutT 

-™^«;ThlfTopTat h^^*±  f  ""--.  called 
'"o^i-ht  out  for  sailriSce  l^  then  "V^'^^'"^'  *«'« 
of  young  men  also  termed  l^i.^T''""*  "»»■»'>«■• 
tona  game,  a  burlesque  on  th»r''  S'""  *  S'adiu- 
;  '■"s^.ng  themselves  Tlhesfc?. >"""«"'"'  '"  f""""'-- 
tl'cy  were  teased  to  fi<.I  t  bv  1  ""  -^"'^  ""'""*' 

'■">cs;  these  theypui^'u^  aL  .'.''*/.  "'^  '^eir  com- 
"I'l";  f'med  against  one  anl"? '''°'"' ""^  «'-'o- 
'l!"f>ed  to  the'  guard-house  'wh''  ''''"¥"^'  ""^  ^an- 
<l"!charged  until  t  fine  h^  Ln^^'l^''  *'fy  were  not 
i;nc»ts,  each  represenLTl  Z?  """^-^  ^  ""'"W  of 
t  ic  summit  of  the  temn?.     ^'f'"'"''  descended  from 

-  «tone  of  sacrifit  'wC''^;^'7tfV''"'-«'^ 
"»t  he  confounded  w  th  the  „l  ^f"'"  ""''  '""-' 

«  ™«  "Pon   stools  round  a^!-f"l',  ''''*'''^  "'«"- 

---.nci-t^s-'^^™-td£ 


310 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


destined  to  figlit  the  captives.  A  band  of  singers  and 
musicians,  wlio  were  seated  behind  the  priests,  and 
bore  streamers  of  white  feathers  mounted  on  long  p(jle.s 
which  were  strapped  to  their  shoulders,  now  began 
to  sound  flutes,  sliells,  and  trumpets,  to  whistle  and 
to  sing,  wliile  others  approached,  each  dragging  liis 
own  ca[)tive  along  V)y  the  hair.  A  cup  of  pulque  was 
given  to  each  of  these  poor  wretches,  which  he  i)re- 
sented  toward  the  four  quarters  of  the  earth,  and  then 
sucked  up  the  fluid  by  means  of  a  tube.  A  priest 
thereupon  took  a  quail,  cut  off"  its  head  before  the 
captive,  and  taking  the  shield  which  he  carried  from 
him  he  raised  it  upwards,  at  the  same  time  throwing 
the  quail  behind  him —  a  symbol,  perhaps,  of  his  fate. 
Another  priest  arrayed  in  a  bear-skin,  who  stood  as 
godfather  to  the  doomed  men,  now  proceeded  to  tie 
one  oi  the  captives  to  a  ring  fixed  in  the  elevated  flat 
stone  upon  Avhich  the  combat  took  place;  he  then 
handed  him  a  sword  edged  with  feathers  instead  of 
flint,  and  four  pine  sticks  wherewith  to  defend  him- 
self against  the  four  braves  who  were  ajipointed  to 
figlit  with  him,  one  by  one.  These  advanced  against 
him  w'th  shield  and  sword  raised  toward  the  sky,  and 
executing  all  manner  of  capers;  if  the  captive  proved 
too  strong  for  them,  a  fifth  man  who  fought  both  with 
the  riglit  and  left  hand  was  called  in."  Those  who 
were  too  faint-hearted  to  attempt  this  hopeless  coml)at, 
had  their  hearts  torn  out  at  once,  whilst  the  othirs 
were  sacrificed  only  after  having  been  subdued  by  the 
braves.  The  bleeding  and  quivering  heart  was  held  up 
to  the  sun  and  then  thrown  into  a  bowl,  prepared  lor 
its  reception.  An  assistant  priest  sucked  the  blood 
from  the  gash  in  the  chest  through  a  hollow  cane,  the 
end  of  which  he  elevated  towards  the  sun,  and  then 
discharged  its  contents  into  a  plume-bordered  cup  held 
by  the  captor  of  the  prisoner  just  slain.  This  iii]> 
was  carried  round  to  all  the  idols  in  the  temples  and 

'  This  farce  differcil  from  the  regular  gladiatorial  coinbut  which  will  lie 
described  elsewhere. 


GHASTLY  DEGGARS, 


311 


cliapols,  before  whom  another  blood-filled  tube  was 
held  up  as  if  to  give  thera  a  taste  of  the  contents; 
this  ceremony  performed,  the  cup  was  left  at  the  pal- 
ace. The  corpse  was  taken  to  the  chapel  where  the 
cai)tive  had  watclied  and  there  flayed,  the  flesh  being 
consumed  at  a  banquet  as  before.^"  The  skin  was 
<;ivcn  to  cert.ain  priests,  or  college  youths,  who  went 
from  house  to  house  dressed  in  the  ghastly  garb,  with 
the  arms  swinging,  singing,  dancing,  and  asking  for 
contributions ;  those  who  refused  to  give  anything 
received  a  stroke  in  the  face  from  the  dangling  arm. 
The  money  collected  was  at  the  disposal  of  tlie  cap- 
tor, who  gave  it  to  the  performers,  and,  no  doubt,  it 
eventually  found  its  way  to  the  temple  or  school 
treasury."  After  the  sacrifice,  the  priests,  chiefs,  and 
owners  of  the  captives  commenced  to  dance  the  mot- 
zonteconialtotia,  circling  round  the  stone  of  combat, 
weeping  and  lamenting  as  if  going  to  their  death,  the 
captors  holding  the  heads  of  the  dead  men  by  the 
hair  in  their  right  hands,  and  the  priests  swinging  the 
cords  which  had  held  them  toward  the  four  quarters  of 
the  conqjass,  amid  many  ceremonies.  The  next  morn- 
ing solemn  dances  were  held  everywhere,  beginning  at 
the  royal  palaces,  at  which  everybody  appeared  in 
his  best  finery,  holding  tamales  or  cakes  in  his 
hands  in  lieu  of  flowers,  and  wearing  dry  maize,  in- 
stead of  garlands,  as  appropriate  to  the  season.  They 
also  carried  imitations  of  amaranths  made  of  feathers 
and  maize-stalks  with  the  ears.  At  noon  the  priests 
retired  from  the  dance,  whereupon  the  lords  and  no- 


'"  'Qiiedanan  las  cabe^as  corayones  paralos  sacerdotes.'  Gomara,  Conq, 
Mi'.T.,  f(.l.  '.\il. 

"  '(Juiinlahan  alguno  que  fuese  i)rinciiial  sefuir  ])ara  este  dia;  el  cnnl 
<li'ss(iliil)iui  para  que  se  vestiese  Moutezuiiia  jjrau  lley  dc  la  tierra  y  c<iu  cH 
biiyliilia  eou  sus  reales  contenenoias.'  /yff.s'  Cnsas,  Hist.  A/»i/fif/rfiin,  MS., 
t'a|).  clxx.  '  Kiiilnitian  los  cueros  de  al};odon  o  paja,  y,  o  los  <'ol;;aiian  (!u  el 
tcniplo,  o  eu  palaeio,'  iu  the  ease  of  a  priMoiier  of  rank.  (Iitniiirc,  Chik/. 
^f'.r.,  fol.  327.  It  is  not  stated  that  the  persons  who  wore  the  skins  and 
nijulo  the  eoUeetion  were  eonnecteil  witli  the  temple,  hut  tliis  was  no  doulit 
the  i-a-ie,  especially  as  many  authors  mention  tluit  priests  had  to  dress  them- 
selvi's  in  the  Lduistly  pirh  for  a  certain  time.  For  representation  of  priest 
dressed  iu  a  iluyud  skin  see  Nebel,  Viuje,  pi.  xxxiv. 


819 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


bles  arratifjed  themselves  in  froi>t  of  the  palace  l>y 
threes,  with  the  king  at  their  head,  holding  the  lord 
of  Tezcueo  by  the  right  hand  and  the  lord  of  Tlaco- 
pan  by  the  left,  and  danced  solemnly  till  sunset. 
Other  dances  by  warriors,  and  women,  chiefly  prosti- 
tutes, followed  at  the  temple  and  lasted  till  midnight, 
the  motions  consisting  of  swinging  of  arms  and  inter- 
winding.  The  festivities  were  varied  by  military 
reviews,  sports,  and  concerts,  and  extended  over  the 
whole  month.  It  was  held  incumbent  upon  everyone 
at  this  time  to  eat  a  kind  of  uncooked  cake  called 
huilocpaUi.  The  Tlascaltecs  called  this  month  Cohuail- 
huitl,  'feast  of  the  snake,'  a  name  which  truly  indi- 
cates rejoicings,  such  as  carnivals,  sports,  and  banquets, 
participated  in  by  all  classes.  Celebrations  in  honor 
of  Camaxtli  were  also  held  at  this  time  here  as  well 
as  in  Huexotzinco  and  many  other  places,  for  which 
the  priests  prepared  themselves  by  a  severe  fast.  Tlie 
ceremonies  when  they  took  place  in  the  fourth  year, 
called  'God's  year,'  were  especially  imposing.  When 
the  time  came  for  the  long  fast  which  preceded  the 
feast  to  begin,  those  of  the  priests  who  had  sufficient 
courage  to  undergo  the  severe  penance  then  exacted 
from  the  devout  were  called  upon  to  assemble  at  tlie 
temple.  Here  the  eldest  arose  and  exhorted  them  to 
be  faithful  to  their  vows,  giving  notice  to  those  who 
were  faint-hearted  to  leave  the  company  of  penance- 
doers  within  five  days,  for,  if  they  failed,  after  that  time 
by  the  rules  of  the  fast  they  would  be  disgraced  and 
deprived  of  their  estates.  On  the  fifth  day  tliey 
again  met  to  the  number  of  two  or  three  hundred, 
although  many  had  already  deserted,  fearing  the 
severity  of  the  rules,  and  repaired  to  Mount  Mat- 
lalcueje,  stopping  half-way  up  to  pray,  while  the 
high-priest  ascended  alone  to  the  top,  where  stood  a 
temple  devoted  to  the  divinity  of  this  name.  Here 
he  offered  chalchiuite-stones  and  quetzal -feathers, 
paper  and  incense,  praying  to  Matlalcueje  and  Ca- 
maxtli to  give  his  servants  strength  and  courage  to 


THE  FEAST  OF  CAMAXTLI. 


313 


keep  the  fast.  Other  priests  belonginf,^  to  various  teiii- 
j)lcs  in  the  meantime  gathered  loads  of  sticks,  two 
feet  long  and  as  thick  as  the  wrist,  which  they  piled 
up  in  the  chief  temple  of  Camaxtli.  These  were  fash- 
ioned to  the  required  form  and  size  and  polished  by 
carpenters  who  had  undergone  a  five  days'  fast,  and 
were,  in  return  for  their  services,  fed  outside  the  tem- 
ple. Flint-cutters,  who  had  also  undergone  a  fast  to 
ensure  the  success  of  their  work,  were  now  summoned 
to  prei)are  knives,  which  were  placed  upon  clean  cloths, 
e.vi)C)sed  to  the  sun  and  perfumed;  a  broken  blade  was 
held  as  a  sign  of  bad  fasting,  and  the  one  who  broke  it 
was  reprimanded.  At  sunset,  on  the  day  of  the  great 
|)enance,  the  achcauhtli,  'eldest  brothers,' began  chant- 
ing in  a  solemn  tone  and  playing  upon  their  drums." 
On  the  termination  of  the  last  hymn,  which  was  of  a 
very  lugubrious  character  and  delivered  without 
accompaniment,  the  self-torture  commenced.  Certain 
penance-doers  seized  each  a  knife  and  cut  a  hole  in  the 
tongue  of  each  man,  through  which  the  prepared 
sticks  were  inserted,  he  smaller  first  and  then  the 
stouter,  th  J  number  varying  according  to  the  piety  and 
endurance  of  the  penitent.  The  chief  set  the  example 
by  passing  four  hundred  and  fifty  through  his  tongue,^' 
singing  a  hymn  at  the  same  time  in  spite  of  all.  This 
was  repeated  every  twenty  days  during  the  fast,  the 
sticks  decreasing  in  size  and  number  as  the  time  for 
the  feast  drew  near.  The  sticks  which  had  been  used 
were  thrown  as  an  offering  to  the  idol  within  a  circle 
formed  in  the  courtyard  of  the  temple  with  a  number 
of  poles,  six  fathoms  in  height,  and  were  afterwards 
l)urnt.  After  the  lapse  of  eighty  days,  c  branch  was 
l)laced  in  the  temple-yard,  as  a  sign  that  all  the  \)eo- 
ple  had  to  join  in  the  fast  for  the  remaining  eighty 


'2  'Cnatro'de  ellos  cantahan  A  Ins  navajas,'  MotoUnia,  Hist.  Indion,  in 
laizhiilvctit.  Col.  de  Doc,  torn,  i.,  p.  57. 

"  '  Kstos  palos  que  metiaii  y  sncaban  por  las  Icn^i^itas  eran  tan  fronlos 
ciinio  cl  (ledo  pulgar  de  la  niano,  y  otros  como  el  dedo  nulj^ar  del  pie:  y 
otrds  tanto  {jruezos  como  los  do.^  dedos  de  la  niano  pnljrar  y  el  con  que 
iunahmiuH  uodiau  abruzar.'  Las  Casus,  Hist.  Apologetica,  MS.,  cap.  clxxii. 


314 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


Ill ! 
m 


days,  during  which  nothing  hut  maizc-cjikcs,  wii^out 
chile— a  severe  infliction,  indeed,  for  this  peojjle — 
were  to  be  eaten,  no  baths  taken  and  no  counnuuion 
with  women  indulged  in."  Fires  were  to  be  keiit 
alight  the  whole  time,  and  so  strict  was  this  rule  that 
the  life  of  the  slaves  in  great  houses  depended  upon 
the  proper  attention  paid  to  it.  The  chief  achcauhtli 
went  once  more  to  the  Matlalcueje  mountain*'  escorted 
by  four  others,  where,  alone  and  at  night,  he  offered 
copal,  paper,  and  quails;  he  also  made  a  tour  round 
the  province,  carrying  a  green  branch  in  his  hand,  and 
exhorting  all  to  observe  the  fast.  The  devout  seized 
this  opportunity  to  make  him  presents  of  clothes  and 
other  valuables.  Shortly  before  the  end  of  tlie  fast 
all  the  temples  were  repaired  and  adorned,  and  three 
days  previous  to  the  festival  the  achcauhtlis  painted 
themselves  with  figures  of  animals  in  various  colors, 
and  danced  solemnly  the  whole  day  in  the  temple- 
yard.  Afterwards  they  adorned  the  image  of  Ca- 
maxtli,  which  stood  about  seventeen  feet  high,  and 
dressed  the  small  idol  by  his  side  in  the  raiments  of 
the  god  Quetzal coatl,  who  was  held  to  be  the  son  uf 
Camaxtli.  This  idol  was  said  to  have  been  brought 
to  the  country  by  the  first  settlers.  The  raiment  was 
borrowed  from  the  Cholultecs,  who  asked  the  same 
favor  when  they  celebrated  Camaxtli's  feast.  Ca- 
maxtli was  adorned  with  a  mask  of  turquoise  mosaic,'" 
green  and  red  plumes  waved  upon  his  head,  a  shield 
of  gold  and  rich  feathers  was  fastened  to  his  left  arm, 
and  in  his  right  hand  he  held  a  dart  of  fine  workman- 
ship pointed  with  flint.     He  was  dressed  in  several 

1*  Mntolinia  conveys  the  idea  that  the  people  also  pcrformeil  tlie  inflic- 
tion on  the  tongue:  'aquclla  tlevota  gente. . . . sacabun  j)or  sus  iengiiuf«  otms 
palillos  (Ic  il  jcnie  y  del  gordor  de  iiu  canou  de  pato.'  Ilint.  Indios,  in  Imz- 
bulceta.  Col.  de  Doc,  torn,  i.,  p.  58. 

•^  '  Cada  dia  de  estos  iba  el  viejo  de  noche  d  la  sierra  ya  dicha  y  of rcria 
al  denionio  niucho  papel,  y  copalli,  y  cordouices.'  Motofinia,  Hist.  Indium, 
iu  Jcazhalcetii,  Col.  de  Doc,  torn,  i.,  p.  58. 

">  'La  Glial  decian  que  habia  venido  con  el  idolo  pequefio,  de  un  puelilo 
que  se  dice  Tollan,  y  de  otro  que  se  dice  Poyauhtlan,  de  don(le  sc  alirniii 
que  fue  natural  el  niisnio  idolo.'  Motolinia,  Hint.  Jndios,  iu  Icazbakctit, 
Col.  dc  Doc,  torn,  i.,  pp.  58-9. 


FEAST  OF  THE  FLOVVERDEALEUS. 


816 


robes  and  a  tecncxicolU,  like  a  j)riest'8  vestment,  open 
in  front  and  finely  bordered  with  cotton  and  rabbit- 
Imir,  which  was  spun  and  dyed  like  silk.  A  number 
of  birds,  reptiles,  and  insects  were  killed  before  him, 
uiul  Howers  offered.  At  midnight,  a  priest  dressed  in 
the  vestments  of  the  idol  lighted  a  new  fire,  which 
was  consecrated  with  the  blood  of  the  princijial  caj)- 
tive,  called  the  Son  of  the  Sun.  All  the  other  tem- 
]>ics  were  supplied  from  this  flame.  A  great  number 
of  captives  were  thereupon  sacrificed  to  Camaxtli  as 
well  as  to  other  gods,  and  the  bodies  consumed  at  the 
banquets  that  followed.  The  number  killed  in  the 
various  towns  of  the  province  amounted  to  over  one 
thousand,  a  number  greatly  increased  by  the  numer- 
ous sacrifices  offered  at  the  same  time  in  other  places 
where    Camaxtli   was   worshiped." 

The  next  feast,  which  was  that  of  the  month  called 
Tozoztontli,  or  'short  vigil,'  was  characterized  by  a 
constant  night  watch  observed  by  the  priests  in  the 
various  temples,  where  they  kept  fires  burning  and 
sounded  the  gongs  to  prevent  napping.  More  of  the 
children  bought  in  the  first  month  were  now  sacrificed, 
and  offerinfjs  of  fruit  and  flowers  were  made  to  induce 
the  Tlalocs  to  send  rain.^^  The  chief  event,  however, 
of  this  month,  was  a  fast  given  in  honor  of  Cohuatlicue, 
or  Coatlantona,  by  the  xochimanqaes,  or  flower-dealers, 
of  Mexico.  The  celebration  took  place  in  the  temple 
of  Yopico,  which  was  under  the  special  care  and  pro- 
tection of  the  people  of  Xochimilco  and  Quauhnahuac, 
whose  la!ids  were  renowned  for  the  beauty  and  abun- 
dance of  their  flowers.  Here  were  offered  the  f.  .t  flow- 
ers of  the  season,  of  which  hitherto  none  mi^;.t.  inhale 
the  perfume,  and  here  the  people  sat  down  and  clianted 
hynuis  of  praise  to  the  goddess.     Cakes  made  of  wild 


"  See  also  Torquemada,  Monarq.  Inrl.,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  288-90,  252-3,  296. 

"*  'F,('lini)iiii  por  el  pueblo  cierto  pec^ho  6  (leiTiiniiirceo^^ieiidolaiito  liuher 
que  ]>uilie»eii  coiunrar  cuatro  iiifios  esclavos  de  ciueo  li  seis  afios.  Estos 
t'liiiprados  poiiiaulos  eii  U!ia  cueva  y  cerrahania  hasta  otro  afio  q^ue  haciaii 
otro  tanto.'  Lus  Casun,  Hist.  Apulogetica,  MS.,  cap.  clxx. 


310 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


amaranth  or  savory,  called  tzatzfipcdtamale,  were  also 
ortbrod.  In  this  temple  of  Yopieo  was  a  grotto  in 
which  the  skins  of  the  victims  sacrificed  at  the  fuast 
of  the  preceding  month  were  now  deposited  by  the 
priests  who  had  worn  them  continuously  until  this 
time.  These  marched  in  solemn  procession  to  tlic 
grotto,  accompanied  by  a  number  of  people  whom 
the  angered  Xipe  had  smitten  with  itch,  or  eye  dis- 
eases; this  act  of  devotion  would,  it  was  thought, 
induce  the  god  to  relent  and  remove  the  curse.  Tlic 
owners  of  the  captives  to  whom  the  skins  had 
belonged,  and  their  families,  of  whom  none  was  per- 
mitted to  wash  his  head  during  the  month,  in  token 
of  sorrow  for  the  slain,  followed  the  procession.  Tliu 
priests  doffed  their  strange  and  filthy  attire  and  depos- 
ited it  in  the  grotto;  they  were  then  washed  in  water 
mixed  with  flour,  their  bodies  at  the  same  time  being 
belabored  and  slapped  with  the  moist  hands  of  their 
assistants,  to  bring  out  the  unhealthy  matter  '  by 
the  rotting  skins.    This  was  followed  by  a  lustr  in 

pure  water.  The  diseased  underwent  the  same  washing 
and  slapping.  On  returning  home  feasting  and  anmse- 
mento  broke  out  anew.  Among  other  sports  the  owners 
of  the  late  prisoners  gave  the  paper  ornaments  whidi 
had  been  worn  by  them  to  certain  young  men,  who, 
having  put  them  on,  took  each  a  shield  in  one  hand 
and  a  bludgeon  in  the  other;  thus  armed  they  ran 
about  threatening  to  maltreat  those  whom  they  met. 
Everybody  fled  before  them,  calling  out  "here  comes 
the  tetzonpac."  Those  who  were  caught  forfeited  their 
mantles,  which  were  taken  to  the  house  of  the  war- 
rior, to  be  redeemed,  perhaps,  after  the  cc:.  elusion  of 
the  game.  The  paper  ornaments  were  afterwards 
wrapped  in  a  mat  and  placed  upon  a  tripod  in  front  of 
the  wearer's  house.  By  the  side  of  the  tripod  a 
wooden  pillar  was  erected,  to  which  the  thigh-bone  of 
a  victim,  adorned  with  gaudy  papers,  was  attached 
amid  many  ceremonies,  and  in  the  presence  of  the 
captor's  friends.     Both  these  trophies  commemorated 


FEAST  OF  CENTEOTL. 


317 


tlio  bravery  of  the  owner.  This  lasted  six  dayn. 
AI)out  this  time,  says  Duran,  certain  old  diviners 
went  about  provided  with  talismans,  generally  small 
jtlols,  which  they  hunj.^  round  the  necks  of  boys  by 
means  of  colored  thread,  as  a  security  against  evil, 
and  for  this  service  received  presents  from  the 
parents." 

The  following  month,  which  was  called  Huey-To- 
zoztli,  'great  vigil,'**  a  feast  was  celebrated  in  honor  of 
( 'cnteotl,  the  god  of  cereals,  and  Chicomecoatl,  god- 
(Ici^s  of  provisions.  At  this  time  both  people  and 
jiriest  fasted  four  days.  Offerings  of  various  kinds 
were  made  to  the  gods  of  the  feast,  and  afterwards  a 
j)roce8sion  of  virgins  strangely  and  gaudily  attired 
carried  ears  of  corn  to  be  used  as  seed,  to  the  temple 
tu  be  blessed.''* 

The  first  half  of  the  succeeding  month,  called 
Toxcatl,  was,  among  the  Mexicans,  taken  up  with 
a  continuous  series  of  festivals  in  honor  of  Tezcat- 
lipoca;  the  latter  half  of  the  month  was  devoted  to 
the  worship  of  his  brother-god  Huitzilopochtli.  Ten 
(lays  before  the  feast  began,  a  priest,  arrayed  in  the 
vestments  of  Tezcatlipoca,  and  holding  a  nosegay  in 
one  hand  and  a  clay  flute  in  the  other,  came  out 
fiom  the  temple,  and  turning  first  to  the  east  and  then 
to  the  other  three  quarters,  blew  a  shrill  note  on  his 
instrument;  then,  stooping,  he  gathered  some  dust  on 

'"  Duran  a«ld»  that  all  male  children  under  twelve  years  of  age  were 
]iuiii'tui-ed  in  the  cars,  tonj^ue,  and  leg,  and  kept  on  Hhort  allowance  on  the 
(1  ly  itf  festival,  hut  this  is  not  very  prohahic,  for  other  authors  name  the 
tilth  mouth  fur  the  scariKcation  of  infants.  ULst.  Jtnlius,  MS.,  torn,  iii., 
uiipondix,  cap.  iii.  For  particulars  of  the  feast  «ee  SuIkhjuh,  Hist.  Gen., 
turn,  i.,  lih.  ii.,  pp.  52-4,  95-7;  Tori/uemadu,  Monarq.  Ind.,  toni.  ii.,  pp. 
I*.).'*-'),  i'JC);  Boturini,  Idea,  pp.  51-2. 

'■^0  IJoturini,  Idea,  n.  52,  truuslatas  this  name  as  'the  great  bleeding,' 
nfciiiiig  to  the  scarincations  in  expiation  of  sins. 

'■"  Tor/Hcmada,  Monarq.  Iiid.,  t<un.  ii.,  pp.  255-6;  Suhagiin,  Hist, 
d'li,  torn,  i.,  lib.  ii.,  pp.  97-100.  Accordiiig  to  Duran,  Jlinf.  Indian,  MS., 
t  (in.  iii.,  appeniHx,  cap.  iii.,  the  Tlalocs  were  worshii)ed  this  month  also, 
and  this  involved  bloody  rites.  Kintfn/wroiiff/i's  Mex.  Antiq.,  vol.  vii.,  pp. 
4H  4.  Mntolinia  states  that  food  was  offered  to  the  stalks:  'delante  de 
ii'iuellas  cafias  ofreciancomida  y  atolli.'  Hint.  Indios,  in  Icazhnlceta,  Col. 
(/'  Dor.,  toui.  i.,  p.  46.  For  a  more  detailed  description  of  this  feast  sec 
Vol.  III.  of  this  work,  pp.  360-2. 


318 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


Mil 


I  5'* 


his  fini;er  and  swallowed  it,  in  token  of  humility  and 
submi;ssion.  On  hearing  the  whistle  all  the  people 
knelt,  ate  dust,  and  implored  the  clemency  and  favor 
of  tlie  god.  On  the  eve  of  the  festival  the  nobles 
brought  to  the  temple  a  present  of  a  new  set  of  robes, 
in  which  the  priests  clothed  the  idol,  adorning  it  be- 
sides with  its  proper  ornaments  of  gold  and  feathers ; 
the  old  dress  was  deposited  in  the  temple  coffers  as  a 
relic.  The  sanctuary  was  then  thrown  open  to  the 
multitude.  In  the  evening  certain  fancifully  attired 
priests  carried  the  idol  on  a  litter  round  the  court- 
yard of  the  temple,  which  was  strewn  Avith  flowers 
for  the  occasion.  Here  the  young  men  and  maidens 
dev.;ted  to  the  service  of  the  temple  forni'^d  a  cirele 
round  the  procession,  bearing  between  them  a  long 
SLiing  of  v/ithered  maize  as  a  symbol  of  drought. 
Some  decked  the  idol  with  garlands,  others  strewed 
the  ground  with  maguey-thorns,  that  the  devout  might 
step  upon  them  and  draw  blood  in  honor  of  the  god. 
The  girls  wore  rich  dresses,  and  their  arms  and  cheeks 
were  dyed ;  the  boys  were  clothed  in  a  kind  of  net- 
work, and  all  were  adorned  with  strings  of  withered 
m.t.ize.  Two  priests  marched  beside  the  idol,  swing- 
iiig  their  lighted  censers  now  towards  the  image,  now 
towards  the  sun,  and  praying  that  their  appeals  might 
rise  to  heaven,  even  as  the  smoke  of  the  burning 
copal;  and  as  the  people  heard  and  saw  they  knelt 
and  beat  their  backs  with  knotted  cords. 

As  soon  as  the  idol  was  replaced,  offerings  poured 
in  of  gold,  jewels,  flowers,  and  feathers,  as  well  as 
toasted  quails,  corn,  and  other  articles  of  food  })re- 
parod  by  women  who  had  solicited  ond  obtained  the 
privilege.  This  food  was  afterward'-j  divided  among 
the  priests,  who,  in  fact,  seem  to  have  really  reaped 
the  benefit  on  most  religious  occasions.  It  was  car- 
ried to  them  by  a  procession  of  virgins  who  served  in 
the  temple.  At  the  head  of  the  procession  marched 
a  priest  strangely  attired  in  a  white-bordered  surplice, 
reaching  to  the  knee,  and  a  sleeveless  jacket  of  red 


^^^ 


FEAST  OF  TEZCATLIPOCA. 


819 


skin,  with  a  pair  of  win;^s  attached,  to  which  hung-  a 
nmuher  of  ribbons,  suspeiidiiij^  a  gourd  Hlled  with 
iliarms.  The  food  was  set  down  at  the  tenij)le  stair- 
way, whence  it  was  carried  to  the  priests  l)y  attendant 
boys.  After  a  fast  of  five  days  these  divine  viands 
were  doubtless  doubly  welcome. 

Among  the  captives  brought  out  for  sacrifice  at  the 
same  festival  a  year  before,  the  one  who  possessed  the 
finest  form,  the  most  agreeable  disposition,  and  the 
highest  culture,  had  been  selected  to  be  the  mortal 
rei)resentative  of  the  god  till  this  day.  It  was  abso- 
lutely necessary,  however,  that  he  should  be  of  spot- 
loss  physiipie,  and,  to  render  him  still  more  worthy  of 
the  divine  one  whom  he  personated,  the  calpix<jues, 
under  whose  care  he  was  placed,  taught  him  all  the 
accomplishments  that  distinguished  the  higher  class. 
He  was  regaled  upo!i  the  fat  of  the  l?<id,  but  was 
obliged  to  take  doses  of  salted  water  to  counteract 
any  tendency  toward  obesity ;  he  was  allowed  to  go 
out  into  the  town  day  and  night,  escorted  by  eight 
jiages  of  rank  dres<=»ed  in  the  royal  livery,  and  received 
til'.'  adoration  of  the  people  as  he  ])assed  along.  His 
diess  (Corresponded  with  his  high  position;  a  rich  and 
curiously  bordered  mantle,  like  a  fine  net,  and  a  max- 
tli  with  wide,  end>i'oidered  margin,  covered  his  body; 
white  cock-feathers,  fastened  with  gun),  and  a  garland 
of  >:qiiix!!i;'ii[l  fiowers,  encircled  the  helmet  of  sea- 
shells  which  covered  his  head;  strings  of  fi()wers 
crossed  his  breast;  gold  rings  hung  from  his  ears,  and 
from  a  necklace  of  i)recious  stones  about  his  neck  dan- 
gled a  valuable  stone;  upon  his  shoulders  were  ]K)Uch- 
lilvc  ornaments  of  white  linen  with  fringes  and  tassels; 
golden  bracelets  encircled  the  u])j)er  ])art  of  his  arms, 
while  tlie  lower  part  was  almost  covered  with  othc"-. 
of  ]>recious  stones,  called  maciuwfli;  upon  iiis  ancles 
golden  bells  jingled  a.:>  he  walked,  and  prettily  painted 
slippers  covered  his  feet. 

Twenty  days  before  the  feast  he  was  bathed,  and  his 
dress  changed ;  the  hair  being  cut  in  the  style  used  by 


320 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


I 


captains,  and  tied  with  a  curious  fringe  which  formed  a 
tassel  falhng  from  the  top  of  the  liead,  from  which  two 
other  tassels,  made  of  feathers,  gold,  and  tochornifl,  and 
called aztaxelli,  were  suspended.  He  was  then  mariied 
to  four  accomplished  damsels,  to  whom  the  names  of 
four  goddesses,  Xochiquetzal,  Xilonen,  Atlatonaii, 
and  Huixtocioatl  were  given,  and  these  remained  witli 
him  until  his  death,  endeavoring  to  render  him  as 
haj)py  as  possible.  The  last  five  days  the  divine  honors 
paid  to  him  became  still  more  imposing,  and  celebrations 
were  held  in  his  honor,  the  first  day  in  the  Tecanman 
district,  the  second  in  the  ward  where  the  imago  of 
Tezcatlipoca  stood,  the  third  in  the  woods  of  the  waid 
of  Tepetzinco,  and  the  fourth  in  the  woods  of  Te])c- 
pulco;  the  lords  and  nobles  gave,  besides,  solenm  ban- 
(piets  followed  by  I'ecreations  of  all  kinds.  At  tliu 
end  of  the  fourth  feast,  the  victim  was  placed  >vitli 
his  wives  in  one  of  the  finest  awning-covered  canoes 
belonging  to  the  king,  and  sent  from  Tepepulco  to 
Tlapitzaoayan,  where  he  was  left  alone  villi  tlu; 
eiglit  i)ages  who  attended  him  during  the  year.  These 
conducted  him  to  the  Tlacochcalco,  a  small  and  ])laiii 
temi)le  standing  near  the  road,  about  a  league  from 
Mexico,**  which  he  ascended,  breaking  a  flute  against 
every  step  of  the  staircase.  At  the  summit  he  was 
received  by  the  sacrificing  ministers,  who  served  liiiii 
after  their  manner,  and  held  up  his  heart  exultingly 
to  the  sun;  the  body  was  carried  down  to  tlie  court- 
yard on  the  arms  of  priests,  and  tlie  head  having  beiu 
i'ut  oflf  was  spitted  at  the  Tzompantli,  or  'place  of 
skulls;'  the  legs  and  arms  were  set  apart  as  sacrtd 
food  for  the  lords  and  people  of  the   temple.     This 


^  'liP  Tluonrhcaloo,  on  maison  (ramies,  j^tait  un  arsenal,  oonsacrr  i 
Huit/ilo|ii)i'litli,  ilanM  ronceinte  <lii  fj;ran<i  temple.  II  se  tronvait  it  t'oli'  in 
tcdcalli  <»ii  Ton  otlVait tl(M  sacrilices  specianx  i\  ce  dieii  et  iv  Ti'tzi'atlipi'i:!.' 
Biii.sKriir  (/r  ]iourhinmf.  Hist.  Nitt.  Civ.,  toin.  iii.,  p.  ''().  This  sanetiiiiiv 
ontfiide  the  town  was  also  ilepemlent  on  the  fjreat  te.  pie,  and,  as  the  f:ii'' 
of  the  yontli  was  to  ilhistiate  the  iniseralile  end  t  »  wliieli  riehes  and  plcM.s 
nies  may  eonie,  it  is,  |)eihaps.  more  likely  that  this  poor  and  lonely  editico 
was  the  place  of  saeritiee.  ('lavi;;ero,  Sf'i>ri>i  Ant.  ilil.  Missicu,  torn,  ii.,  p. 
70,  siiysi  'coiiducevuiilo al  tem[iii)  di  Tezcatlipoca.' 


FEAST  OF  HUITZILorOCIITLI. 


321 


eiul,  so  terrible,  signified  that  riclies  and  pleasures 
may  turn  into  poverty  and  sorrow;  a  pretty  moral, 
truly,  to  adorn  so  gentle  a  tale. 

After  the  sacrifiee,  the  college  youths,  nohles,  and 
priests  commenced  a  grand  ball  for  whidi  the  older 
priests  suj)plied  the  music;  and  at  sunset  tlie  vir- 
j>iiis  brought  another  offering  of  bread  made  witli 
honey.  This  was  placed  ui)on  clay  plates,  covered 
with  skulls  and  dead  men's  bones,  carried  in  pro- 
cession to  the  altar  of  Tezcatlipoca,  and  destined  for 
tlio  winners  in  the  race  up  the  temple  steps,  who 
Were  dressed  in  robes  of  honor,  and,  after  undergo- 
iiiij  a  lustration,  were  invited  to  a  bantjuet  by  the 
teiiii»le  dignitaries.  The  feast  was  closed  by  giving 
Jill  op])ortunity  to  boys  and  girls  in  the  college,  of  a 
suitable  age,  to  marry.  Their  remaining  comrades 
took  advantage  of  this  to  joke  and  make  sport  of 
tlieni,  pelting  them  with  soft  balls  and  reproving 
them  for  leaving  the  service  of  the  god  for  the  ])leas- 
ines  of  matrimony.^^  Tezcatlipoca's  representative 
was  the  only  victim  sacrificed  at  this  festival,  but 
every  leap-year  the  blood  fiowed  in  torrents. 

Alter  this  celebration  commenced  the  festiv.al  in 
honor  of  the  younger  brother  of  Tezcatlipoca,  Huit- 
zilopoehtli,  the  Mexican  god  of  war.  The  j)riests  of 
the  god  prepared  a  life-size  statue  like  his  original 
image,  the  bones  of  which  were  composed  of  mez- 
([uite-wood,  tlie  fiesh  of  tzoalli,  a  dough  made  from 
aiuarunth  and  other  seeds.  This  they  dressetl  in  the 
rainiento  of  the  idol,  viz:  a  coat  decorated  with 
huiian  bones,  and  a  net-like  mantle  of  cotton  and  ne- 
(liUMi,  covered  by  another  mantle,  the  t/<«jii<(</m(/lo, 
adorned  with  feather-work,  an<l  bearing  a  gold  plate 
U|M)n  its  front;  its  wide  folds  were  painted  with 
the  bones  and  members  of  a  human  l»eing,  and  fell 
over  a  '  umber  of  men's  bones  made  of  dough,  whiih 

'^  l?i-iiss('ur  do  Bourltourj;  iudicatcH  that  the  race  in  tho  tiMii)(lo,  ami  llin 
li'Miiiliori  (if  ilio  iiiarria;,'t'alili'  toitk  |)lat'f  in  loap-vfars  tmiy,  Imt  lio  ivi- 
lii'iiily  niisiiniii'istands  iiis  autlioiity.     I'reacott,   Mcx.,   vtd,   i.,   [ip.  75-7, 
fc'iNcs  an  atcmint  of  this  fcativul. 
Vol.  II.    21 


I 


322 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


represented  his  power  over  death.  A  paper  crown, 
very  wide  at  the  top  and  st  t  with  phnnes,  covered 
this  head,  and  attached  to  its  feather-covered  suiniiiit 
was  a  bloody  flint-knife,  signifying  his  fury  in  hattlo. 
The  image  was  placed  upon  a  stage  of  hjgs,  formed  to 
resenil)le  four  snakes  whose  heads  and  tails  protruded 
at  the  four  corners,  and  l)orne  by  four  of  the  principal 
warriors^*  to  the  temple  of  Huitznahuac,  attended  by 
a  vast  number  of  peoide,  who  sang  and  danced  alonif 
the  road.  A  sheet  of  maguey-paper,  twenty  fatlionis 
in  length,  one  in  breadth,  and  one  finger  in  thickness, 
upon  which  were  depicted  the  glorious  deeds  of  the 
god,  was  carried  before  the  procession  on  the  points  of 
darts  ornamented  with  feathers,  the  bearers  .sin<nn!; 
the  praises  of  the  deity  to  the  sound  of  music. -^  At 
sunset  the  stage  was  raised  to  the  summit  of  the  tem- 
ple by  means  of  ropes  attached  to  the  four  corners, 
and  placed  in  position.  The  pa[>er  painting  was  then 
rolled  up  in  front  of  it,  and  the  darts  made  into  a 
bundle.  After  a  presentation  of  offerings  consistintj 
of  tamales  and  otlier  food,  the  idol  was  left  in  cliaroe 
of  its  priests.  At  davvn  the  next  morning  siniihu' 
offerings,  accompanied  with  incense,  were  made  to  the 
family  image  of  the  god  at  every  house.  Tliat  day 
tlie  king  himself  appeared  in  the  sacerdotal  chai  acter. 
Taking  four  quails,  he  wrenched  their  heads  off  one 
after  another,  and  threw  the  quivering  l)odies  before 
the  idol;  the  priests  did  the  same,  and  then  tlie  j>eo- 
ple.  Some  of  the  birds  were  prepared  and  eaten  l>y 
the  king,  priest,  and  ])rincipal  men  at  the  feast,  tlie 
rest  were  preserved  for  another  occasicm.  Eacli  min- 
ister then  placed  coals  and  chapopofll  incense^"  in  his 

**  Contrary  to  the  atatcniPiit  of  others,  nrassour  <le  Hourbourf;  says  that 
the  sta^e  was  home  hy  temple  otriciTs;  surely,  warriors  were  the  lit  iki- 
sons  to  attend  tlie  f^otl  of  war. 

*''  '  I.leviihanle  entahhulo  eon  iinas  saetas  que  cllos  Ihiniahaii  ffimiill,  h< 
males  tenlan  plunias  en  tres  partes  jnnto  el  easijuillo,  yen  el  nie(li().  vcl 
calm,  ihan  estas  saetas  una  ilehajo.  y  otra  eneinia  (h-!  papel;  toiiuilpiiiiliu 
(los,  uno  (le  una  parte,  y  otro  ile  dtra,  llev.intlo'as  asiclas  anihas  jiinliis  cnii 
las  inanos,  y  con  ellas  apretahan  el  papelon  una  jior  eneinia,  y  otra  per  ilt- 
'bajo.'  S'lhffffini,  Hint.  Gni.,  ton),  i.,  lih.  ii.,  |i|i.  UI.M). 

*•  'El  Ineieiuu  uo  era  del  onlinario,  que  llaniun  Copal  hlaiioo,  ni  do  cl 


INCENSING  OF  HUITZILOPOCHTLI. 


323 


iJnnaitl,'^''  and  wafted  the  disagreeable  odor  towards 
the  idol.  The  ashes  were  then  emptied  from  the  cen- 
sers into  an  immense  brazier,  called  the  tlexictli,  or 
'Hre-navel.'  This  ceremony  gave  the  name  to  the 
festival,  which  was  known  as  the  'incensing  of  Huit- 
zilopochtli.'  The  girls  devoted  to  the  service  of  the 
temple  now  appeared,  having  their  arms  and  legs 
decorated  with  red  feathers,  their  faces  painted,  and 
garlands  of  toasted  maize  on  their  heads ;  in  their 
hands  they  held  s})lit  canes,  upon  which  were  flags  of 
pajier  or  cloth  painted  with  vertical  black  bars.  Link- 
ing liands  they  joined  the  priests  in  the  grand  dance 
called  toxcachochoha.  Upon  the  large  brazier,  round 
which  the  dancers  whirled,  stood  two  shield-bearers 
with  blackened  faces,  who  directed  the  motions. 
These  men  had  cages  of  candlewood  tied  to  their 
l)a('ks  after  the  manner  of  women.  The  priests  who 
joined  in  the  dance  wore  pajjor  rosettes  u[)on  their 
forelieads,  yellow  and  white  jdumes  on  their  heads, 
and  had  their  lips  and  their  blackened  faces  smeared 
A\  itli  honey.  They  [dso  wore  undergarments  of  jiaper, 
called  (iitKisnitixtli,  and  each  held  a  palm  wand  in  his 
hand,  the  ui)})er  part  of  which  was  adorned  with  flow- 
ers, while  the  lower  end  was  tii)ped  with  a  ball,  botli 
halls  and  flowers  being  made  of  black  feathers;  the 
])art  of  the  wand  grasped  in  tlie  hand  was  rolled  in 
strips  of  black-striped  paper.  When  dancing,  they 
tdiiched  the  ground  with  their  wands  as  if  to  sup})ort 
themselves.  The  nuisicians  were  hidden  from  view 
'\n  the  temple.  The  courtiers  and  warriors  danced  in 
another  })art  of  the  courtyard,  apart  fiom  the  })riests, 
with  girls  attired  somewhat  like  those  already  de- 
scribed. 

At  the  same  time  that  the  re})resentative  of  Tez- 

Incii'iiso  roinun. . .  .Hiiio  tie  vnn  (ioina,  o  l]ct>iii  Jicjiro,  a  iiianoni  do  Poz,  el 
t|iiiil  licor  se  I'lif^endra  en  la  Mar,  y  siis  A;;uas,  y  olas,  lo  licclian  en  al^niiian 
]iiiiles  a  .sus  i-il)era«,  y  orillas,  y  le  llanian  C'liapoiiotii,  el  inial  lieclia  de  si 
mill  <>l<ir,  ]iara  <|iiien  no  le  acttstunibra  a  oler,  yes  intenso,  y  fuerte.'  Tur- 
ijiii  iitn/ii,  Motiiini.  Iii(f.,  l(»ni.  ii.,  p.  '2()(>. 

''^'  A  kind  uf   perfurated  and  urnaniented  censer,  sliuixid  like  a  large 


^^1 


324 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


catlipoca  was  chosen,  the  year  before,  another  youth 
was  appointed  to  rei)resent  HuitzilopoehtH,  to  wlioui 
was  given  the  name  of  Ixteocale,  that  is,  'eyes  of  the 
lord  of  the  divine  house. ''^  He  always  associated 
with  the  other  doomed  one  of  Tezcatlipoca,  and  shared 
his  enjoyments;  but,  as  the  representative  of  a  k><s 
esteemed  god,  he  was  paid  no  divine  honors.  His 
dress  was  characteristic  of  the  deity  for  whom  liu 
was  fated  to  die.  Papers  painted  with  black  circles 
covered  his  body,  a  mitre  of  eagle-feathers,  with  wav- 
ing plumes  and  a  flint  knife  in  the  centre  adorned  his 
head,  and  a  fine  piece  of  cloth,  a  hand  square,  with  a 
l)ag  called  jxt^oxm  above  it,  was  tied  to  his  breast; 
on  one  of  his  arms  he  had  an  ornament  made  of  the 
hair  of  wild  Ix  asts,  like  a  maniple,  called  imataca.r, 
and  golden  bells  jingled  about  his  ankles.  Thus  ar- 
rayed he  led  the  dance  of  the  plebeians,'^  like  tlio 
god  conducting  his  warriors  to  battle.  This  youth 
had  the  privilege  of  choosing  the  hour  of  his  death, 
but  any  delay  involved  the  loss  to  liini  of  a  pro[)ov- 
tionate  amount  of  glory  and  happiness  in  the  other 
world.  When  he  delivered  himself  up  to  the  sacri- 
ficers,  thev  raised  him  on  their  arms,  tore  out  his 
lieart,  beheaded  him,  and  spitted  the  head  at  the  place 
of  skulls.  After  him  se\'eral  other  captives  were  im- 
molated, and  then  the  priests  s';arted  another  dance, 
the  afcjMcaxixiUhua,  which  lasted  the  remainder  of 
the  day,  certain  intervals  beinr;'  devoted  to  incensing 
the  idol.  On  this  day  the  malu  and  female  children 
born  during  the  year  were  tjVken  to  the  temple  and 
scarified  on  the  chest,  stomach,  and  arms,  to  mark 
them  as  followers  of  the  god. 

The  feast  in  honor  of  Quetzalcoatl,  as  it  was  cele- 
brated during  this  month  in  Cholula,  and  the  feast  of 
the  following  month,  called  Etzalqualiztli,  dedicated 

*•*  riavigcro  writes:  ' Ixtcocnle,  clie  vale,  Savin  Signer  del  Ciclo.'  F^tiir!ii 
A  lit.  (Ill  .w.snii'o,  toiu.  ii.,  p.  72.  Several  other  names  are  also  applietl  tu 
liini. 

^  'MischiavaHi  nel  ballo  de'Cortigiani.'  Claviffcro,  Storia  Ant.  (hi  Mc^- 
siiv,  torn,  ii.,  p.  72. 


SMALL  FEAST  OF  THE  LORDS. 


325 


to  the  Tlalocs,  or  rain  gods,  the  reader  will  find  fully 
dcjsci-ihed  in  the  next  volume.*' 

The  next  month  was  one  of  general  rejoicing  among 
tlio  Nahuas,  and  was  for  this  reason  called  Tecuilhuit- 
ziiitli,  or  Tecuilhuitontli,  'small  feast  of  the  lords.' 
The  nobles  and  warriors  exercised  with  arms  to  pre- 
pare for  coming  wars;  hunting  parties,  open-air  sports, 
and  theatricals  divided  the  time  with  banquets  and  in- 
door parties;  and  there  was  much  interchanging  of 
ri)Sos  out  of  compliment.  Yet  the  amusements  tills 
month  were  mostly  confined  to  the  lower  classes,  the 
more  imposing  celebrations  of  the  nobility  taking  place 
in  the  following  month.  The  religious  celebrations 
were  in  honor  of  Huixtocihuatl,  the  goddess  of  salt, 
said  to  have  been  a  sister  to  the  rain  gods,  who  quar- 
n.led  with  her,  and  drove  her  into  the  salt  water, 
Avhere  she  invented  the  art  of  making  salt.  Her 
chief  devotees  were,  of  course,  the  salt-makers,  mostly 
females,  who  held  a  ten-days'  festival  in  her  temple, 
singing  and  dancing  every  evening  from  dusk  till 
midnight  in  company  with  the  doomed  captives. 
Tliey  were  all  adorned  with  garlands  of  a  sweet-smell - 
inn' herb  called  iztauhiatl,  and  danced  in  a  ringfornieu 
l>y  cords  of  flowers,  led  by  some  of  their  own  sex;  the 
music  was  furnished  by  two  old  men.  The  femalo 
Avho  represented  the  goddess  and  was  to  die  in  her 
honor  danced  with  them,  generally  in  the  centre  ot* 
the  circle,  and  accompanied  by  an  old  man  holding  a 
heautiful  plume,  called  JiuixtopcllncotJ;  if  very  nervous 
slio  was  sui)ported  by  old  women. ^^  She  was  dressed 
in  the  yellow  robes  of  the  goddess,  and  wore  on  her 
I'cad  a  mitre  surmounted  by  a  number  of  green 
])lunies;  her  huii)il  and  skirt  with  net  covering  were 
worked  in  wavy  outlines,  and  bordered  with  cliakhi- 
uites;  ear-rinjjfs  of  iifold  in  mutation  of  flowers  huii'j' 
from  her  ears;  golden  bells  and  white  shells  held  liy 

3«  Pp.  280-7,  3.*}4-43. 

''  'So  j\intiiiian  ttidos  los  cauallcros  y  priiiciimlos  personas  <le  rada  jtrn- 
ninria. . .  .vesfiaii  viia  iiuij.'i'r  do  la  rojia  y  iiisij;iiias  (li>  la  ditisa  de  hi  sal,  y 
liiiyluiiaii  cou  ella  todos.'  GoiiKira,  t'onq.  Mix.,  fol.  3-7. 


326 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


stnips  of  tiger-skin,  jingled  and  clattered  al)out  her 
ancles;  her  sandals  were  fastened  Avith  buttons  and 
cords  of  cotton.  On  her  arm  she  bore  a  shield  paintwl 
Avith  broad  leaves,  from  which  hung  bits  of  panot- 
feathers,  tipped  with  flowers  formed  of  eagle-plumagu; 
it  was  (dso  fringed  with  bright  quetzal-feathers. 
In  her  hand  she  held  a  round  bludgeon,  one  or  two 
hands  broad  at  the  end,  adorned  with  rubber-stained 
l)a})er,  and  tliree  flowers,  at  equal  distances  apart, 
filled  with  incense  and  set  with  quetzal-feathers;  thi.s 
shield  she  flourished  as  she  danced.  The  priests 
who  performed  the  sacrifice  were  dressed  in  an  ap- 
propriate costume;  on  the  great  da}",  the  })riests  j)L'r- 
formed  another  and  soleinn  dance,  devoting  intervals 
to  the  sacrifice  of  captives,  who  were  called  Huixtuti 
in  honor  of  the  deity.  Finally,  towards  evening,  the 
female  victim  was  thrown  upon  the  stone  by  five  young 
men,  who  held  her  while  the  priests  cut  oj)en  lier 
breast,  pressing  a  stick  or  a  swordfish-bone  against  her 
throat  to  prevent  her  from  screaming.  The  heart  was 
held  up  to  the  sun  and  then  thrown  into  a  bowl.  Tlie 
nuisic  struck  up  and  the  people  went  home  to  feast.'" 
The  feast  of  the  following  month,  Hueytecuilhuitl, 
or  'great  feast  of  the  lords,'  occurred  at  the  time  of 
the  year  when  food  was  most  scarce,  the  grain  frc^a 
the  i)receding  harvest  being  nearly  exhausted  and  the 
new  crop  not  yet  ripe  for  cutting.  The  nobles  at  tliis 
time  gave  great  and  solemn  banquets  among  them- 
selves, and  provided  at  their  personal  expense  feasts 
for  the  poor  and  needy.  On  the  eleventh  day  a  reli- 
gious celebration  took  place  in  honor  of  Centeotl, 
under  the  name  of  Xilonen,  derived  from  xllotl,  whicli 
means  a  tender  maize-ear,  for  this  goddess  changed 
her  name  accordinfj  to  the  state  of  the  OTain.  On 
this  occasion,  a  woman  who  n^presented  the  goddess 

^2  '  Era  csta  ficstii  dc  niuy  poca  soleniiiidad  y  sin  corenumias,  ni  coiniilas, 
y  sill  uiiicrtcs  do  liomliros;  en  liii  no  era  mas  de  una  inejianicion  juira  In 
lit'sta  vonidera  del  nies  que  vicne.'  Diirfiii,  Hist.  Iiidiiis,  AlS.,  toni.  lii.,  a|i- 
])eiidix,  eap.  iii. ;  Sn/ifiifini,  Hist,  (,'rii.,  toni.  i.,  lib,  ii.,  |>p.  124-8;  C/avif/rro, 
iStoria  AiU.  del  Mcssico,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  74-5. 


GUEAT  FEAST  OF  THE  LORDS. 


327 


iuul  was  dressed  in  a  similar  inaiiiier,  was  sa(3rificed. 
Tilt'  day  before  her  death  a  number  of  women  took 
litr  with  them  to  offer  incensu  in  four  phices,  wliich 
were  sacred  to  the  four  characters  of  the  divisions  of 
tilt'  cycle,  the  reed,  the  flint,  the  house,  and  the  rab- 
l)it.  The  night  was  spent  in  singing,  dancing,  and 
pruying  before  the  temi)le  of  the  goddess.*'  On  the 
day  of  sacritice  certain  priestesses  and  lay  women 
whirlt'd  in  a  ring  about  the  victim,  and  a  nundjcr  of 
priests  and  principal  men  who  danced  before  her.  The 
priests  l)lew  their  shells  and  horns,  shook  their  rattles 
and  scattered  incense  as  they  danced,  the  nobles  held 
stalks  of  maize  in  their  hands  which  they  extended 
toward  the  woman.  The  priest  who  acted  as  execu- 
tioner wore  a  bunch  of  feathers  on  his  shoulders,  held 
])y  the  claws  of  an  eagle  inserted  in  an  artificial  leg. 
Tuwards  the  close  of  the  dance  this  priest  stopped  at 
the  foot  of  the  temple,  shook  the  rattle-board  before  the 
Aictiui,  scattered  more  incense,  and  turned  to  lead  the 
way  to  the  summit.  This  reached,  another  j)riest 
seized  the  woman,  twisted  her  shoulders  against  his, 
and  stooped  over,  so  that  her  breast  lay  exposed.  On 
this  living  altar  she  was  beheaded  and  her  heart  torn 
out.  After  the  sacrifice  there  was  more  dancing,  in 
which  the  women,  old  and  young,  took  part  by  them- 
selves, their  arms  and  legs  decorated  with  red  macaw- 
feathers,  and  their  faces  painted  yellow  and  dusted 
with  niarcasite.  The  whole  i)leasantly  finis';ed  with 
a  feast.  Offerings  were  also  presented  to  the  house- 
hold gods.  This  festival  inaugurated  the  eating  of 
corn.''* 
During  the  next  month,  which  was  called  Tlaxo- 

^'  Duran  says  that  the  women  took  the  vicf  ;  to  mount  Chapultp])ec,  to 
tlic  very  summit,  and  said,  'My  dau<,'hter,  let  us  hasten  hack  to  tiii'  phice 
vluiice  we  eanie,'  whereupon  all  staitcil  hack  to  the  temjilc,  ehasiiii^  the 
iIiioiiilmI  wonmn  hefore  them.  Hist.  Indies,  MS.,  tom.  iii.,  appendix,  cap. 
iii. 

'^^  Siiliaf/ini,  Hist.  Gen.,  tom.  i.,  lih.  ii.,  pp.  l'2.S-8!>;  TorqtictiKiiIti,  Mu- 
iKiri/.  Inil',  tom.  ii.,  pp.  2()i)-71,  '2!)7-8;  IJias.seir.  de  IJou.'iouif,',  Jii'<f.  AV'/. 
Cir.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  .518,  says:  'Lcs  rois  enx-niemes  jirenaient  alors  jiart 
it  l.'i  (huise,  (|ui  uvuit  lieu  dans  les  cndroits  oil  ils  puuvuit  s'assemhler  le  plug 
ilu  .spuctatcuio." 


328 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


chimaco,  or  'the  distribution  of  flowers,'"'  gifts  of  flow- 
ers were  presented  to  the  gods  and  mutually  inter- 
changed among  friends.  At  noon  on  the  day  of  the 
great  feast,  the  signal  sounded  and  a  pompous  (iamu 
was  begun  in  the  courtyard  of  the  temple  of  Hiiitzi- 
lopochtli,  to  whom  the  honors  of  the  day  were  paid, 
in  which  the  performers  consisted  of  various  orders  of 
■warriors  led  by  the  bravest  among  them.  I'ublic 
women  joined  these  dances,  one  woman  going  hand  in 
hand  with  two  men,  and  the  contrary,  or  with  tlieir 
hands  resting  on  each  othei  s  shoulders,  or  tlnown 
round  the  waist.^  The  nmsicians  were  stationed  at 
a  round  altar,  called  momuztli.  The  motions  consisted 
of  a  mere  interwinding  walk,  to  the  time  of  a  slow 
song.  At  sunset,  after  the  usual  sacrifices,  the  peo- 
ple went  home  to  perform  the  same  dance  before  their 
household  idol;  the  old  indulging  in  liquor  as  usual. 
The  festival  in  honor  of  lyacacoliuhqui,  the  god  of 
commerce,  was,  however,  the  event  of  the  niontli, 
owing  to  the  number  and  solemnity  of  the  sacrifices  of 
slaves,  brought  from  all  quarters  by  the  wealthy  mer- 
chants for  the  purpose,  and  the  splendor  of  the  attend- 
ant banquets.  The  Tlascaltecs  called  this  montli 
Miccailhuitzintli,  'the  small  festival  of  the  dead,'  and 
gathered  in  the  temples  to  sing  sorrowful  odes  to  the 
dead,  the  priests,  dressed  in  black  mantles,  making 
offerings  of  food  to  the  spirit  of  the  departed.  This 
seems  to  have  been  a  commemoration  of  the  ordinary 
class  only,  for  the  departed  heroes  and  g»-eat  men  were 
honored  in  the  following  month.  Duran  and  others 
assert,  however,  that  the  festival  was  devoted  to  the 
memory  of  the  little  ones  who  had  died,  and  adds  that 
the  mothers  performed  thousands  of  superstitious  cere- 
monies with  their  children,  placing  talismans  upon 
them  and  the  like,  to  prevent  their  death.^'' 

35  Toi'fjiiniindn,  M<»iurq.  Tiifl.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  271. 

^s  'Saliiiii  los  Hitiiihres  Nobles,  y  niuchiis  MuiroresPrincipalcs,  y  asiaiise 
de  las  inaiioM  Ins  viios,  do  los  otros,  nie/clados  Iluiiihres,  y  ]Miij;eros  iiuii  \wx 
onion,  y  hie^co  so  lioclialian  los  lira^os  al  ciiello,  y  asi  aiira^ados,  i'oiik'1ii,"1- 
bau  h  movcrsc  nuii  jiaso  a  ])aso.'    Tonjucinndn,  Moikwo.  IikL.  toin.  ii.,  ]'.  -71. 

^T  JJuraii,   Mist.   Iiulius,   MS.,  torn,    iii.,   appeuuix,  cup.    iii.;  liytiu, 


FEAST  OF  THE  FALL  OF  FRUIT. 


320 


iisianse 

lllllli  \MT 

Vujtia, 


The  feast  of  the  next  month,  called  Xoootlhuetzin, 
'fall,  or  maturity  of  fruit,'  was  dedicated  to  Xiuiite- 
cutli,  the  j^od  of  fire.  At  the  l)e<^iimin<^  of  the  month 
certain  })riests  went  out  into  the  mountains  and 
selected  the  tallest  and  strai«ditest  tree  they  couKl 
find.  This  was  cut  down  and  trinmied  of  all  excc}»t 
its  top  hranches.^  It  was  then  moved  carefull}'  into 
the  town  upon  rollers,  and  set  up  firndy  in  the  court- 
yard of  the  temi)le,  where  it  stood  for  twenty  days. 
On  the  eve  of  the  feast-dfiy  the  tree  was  j^ently  low- 
ered to  the  ground;  early  the  next  morning  cari»t'n- 
ters  dressed  it  perfectly  smooth,  and  fastened  a  cross- 
yard  five  fathoms  long,  near  the  top,  where  the 
branches  had  been  left.  The  priests  now  adorned  the 
pole  with  colored  papers,  and  jdaced  upon  the  summit 
a  statue  of  the  god  of  fire,  made  of  dough  of  am- 
aranth-seeds, and  curiously  dressed  in  a  maxtli,  sashes, 
and  strips  of  paper.  Throe  rods  were  stuck  into  its 
liead,  u})on  each  of  which  was  spitted  a  tamale,  or 
native  })ie.  The  pole  was  then  again  hoisted  into  an 
erect  position. 

Those  who  had  captives  to  offer  now  apj)eared, 
dancing  side  by  side  witli  the  victims,  and  most  gro- 
tesquely dressed  and  painted.  At  sunset  the  dance 
ceased,  and  the  doomed  men  were  shut  up  in  tlie  tem- 
ple, while  their  captors  kept  guard  outside,  and  sang 
hynnis  to  the  god.  About  midnight  every  owner 
brought  out  his  captive  and  shaved  oif  his  to[)  hair, 
which  he  carefully  kept  as  a  token  of  his  valor.  At 
dawn  the  human  offerings  were  taken  to  the  Tzom- 
jiaiitli,  where  the  skulls  of  the  sacrificed  were  spitted, 
and  there  strii)ped  by  the  priests  of  their  dress  and 
ornaments.  At  a  certain  signal  each  owner  seized  liis 
captive  by  the  hair  and  dragged  or  led  him  to  the 

Hilt.  Ant.  Mrj.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  05;    Tiir<iiirni(i<f((,   .]fniifiir/.   Iiiil.,    tiiiii.    ii.,    jip. 
T,\\   LMIS;  S'ti/itfi/ini,   Ili.'it.    diiK,   ti.iii.   i.,   lili.  ii.,   pp.  0 !-•_>,  i:«t-41. 

'•''*  '('(irtiil)aii  nil  firan  iirbol  en  el  iiionto,  «le  vt'iiite  \  ciiico  linizas  do 
lar;;().'  Sn/iai/ini,  Hist,  tlru.,  toiii.  i.,  lil>.  ii.,  i>.  141.  '  I/ciiiportaii'iit  (tlic 
tree)  iinK'es.Hidiiiiellcmi'iit  an  tt'iiiiilo  do  Hiiit/iliijxiclitii,  sans  ricii  Iiii  iMilo 
vcr  lie  .xcH  ranieaux  iii  tie  son  feiiillaye.'  limsucur  ik  JJuiirOouiy,  Hist, 
^'(tt.  Cic,  toui.  iii.,  p.  521. 


S30 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


foot  of  the  tcnii)le-Htop.s.  Thorcupoii  tliose  priests 
who  were  aitpuiiitod  to  oxocuto  thu  iearCiil  sjuiiticu 
deHceiidt'd  f'loin  the  tuiiiplc,  each  beariiijij  iu  liis  lined 
u  \}iv^  tilled  with  certain  stupefying  powder  extractid 
from  the  i/idahtli  plant,  which  they  threw  into  the 
faces  of  the  victims  to  deaden  somewhat  the  agony 
before  them.  Each  naked  and  hound  ca])tive  was 
then  home  upon  the  shoulders  of  a  priest  up  to  tlie 
sunnnit  of  the  temple,  where  snioldered  a  great  heiii» 
of  glowing  coal.  Into  this  the  hearers  cast  their  liv- 
ing burdens,  and  when  the  cloud  of  dust  was  blown 
off  the  dull  red  mass  could  be  seen  to  heave,  human 
forms  could  be  seen  writhing  and  twisting  in  agoii}', 
the  crackling  of  flesh  could  be  distinctly  heard. ^''  But 
the  victims  were  not  to  die  by  fire;  in  a  few  moments, 
and  before  life  was  extinct,  the  blackened  and  blistered 
wretches  were  raked  out  by  the  watching  priests,  cast 
one  after  another  upon  the  stone  of  sacrifice,  and  in  a 
few  moments  all  that  renunned  upon  the  sublimit  of 
the  tenn>le  was  a  heap  of  human  hearts  smoking 
at  the  feet  of  the  god  of  fire. 

These  bloody  rites  over,  the  people  came  together 
and  danced  and  sang  in  the  courtyard  of  the  temple. 
Presently  all  adjourned  to  the  place  where  the  jiole 
before  mentioned  stood.  At  a  mven  siijfnal  tlie 
youths  made  a  grand  scramble  for  the  pole,  and  lie 
who  first  reached  the  summit  and  scattered  tlie 
image  and  its  accoutrements  among  the  applauding 
crowd  below,  was  reckoned  the  hero  of  the  day.  AVith 
this  the  festival  ended,  and  the  pole  was  dragged 
down  by  the  multitude  amid  much  rejoicing. 

The  Tepanecs,  according  to  Duran  had  i  vei  ,  sim- 
ilar ceremony.  A  huge  tree  was  to  the  en- 
trance of  the  town,  and  to  it  ofi  ,  ^  and  inc  i; 
were  presented  every  day  during  tl.  month  preceding 
the  festival.  Then  it  was  raised  witli  m;  ly  ceremo- 
nies, and  a  bird  of  dougii  placed  at  the  top.     Food 


39  riavi<;cro  snys  that  the  cai)tors  spriiikliMl  the  viitiiiiM  aiid  tlirew  tlieiii 
into  tho  lire,  litoriu  Ant.  del  Mitmico,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  77. 


FEASTS  OF  TEPAXECS  AND  TLASCALTECS. 


331 


lie 
the 

IVitli 
.vcl 


jiiid  winu  woro  ofTurctl,  and  tlieii  tlio  warriors  aiul 
women,  tlrosHod  in  uhofineist  j^arinents  and  lioldin*; 
Miiall  d()ii|L»h  idols  in  thuir  hands,  danced  round  the 
jM.lc,  while  the  youths  stru<i<^led  wildly  to  reach  and 
knock  down  the  bird  uiiage.  Lastly,  the  pole  was 
overthrown.*" 

The  Tlascaltecs  called  the  same  month  Hueymiccail- 
Imitl,  'the  j^reat  festival  of  the  dead,'  and  comnienio- 
ratcd  tlie  event  with  much  solemnity,  painting  their 
ImkHcs  black  and  making  much  lamentation.  Both 
lit  re  and  in  other  j)arts  of  Mexico  the  })riests  and  no- 
lilcs  passed  several  days  in  the  temj)le,  weeping  for 
tlicir  i.-'cestors  and  singing  their  heroic  deeds.  The 
families  of  lately  deceased  persons  assembled  u})on  the 
terraces  of  their  houses,  and  jtrayed  with  their  faces 
turned  towards  the  north,  where  the  dead  were  su})- 
posed  to  sojourn.  Heroes  who  had  fallen  in  battle,  or 
(lied  in  captivity,  defunct  princes,  and  other  j)ersons 
of  merit  were,  in  a  manner,  canonized,  and  their  stat- 
ues placed  among  the  images  of  the  gods,  Avhom, 
it  was  believed,  they  had  joinofl  tc  live  in  eternal 
l)liss.*i 

Tlie  festival  of  the  next  month,  called  Ochpaniztli, 
was  lield  in  honor  of  Centeotl,  the  mother-goddess. 
Fifteen  days  before  the  festival  began  those  who  were 
to  take  part  in  it  commenced  a  dance,  which  they 
repeated  every  afternoon  for  eight  days.  At  tlie  ex- 
]»irati()n  of  this  time  the  medical  women  and  midwives 
hiDught  forth  the  woman  who  was  to  die  on  this  oc- 
casion, and  dividing  themselves  into  two  }»arties, 
fought  a  sham  battle  by  ]»elting  each  other  with 
leaves.  The  doomed  woman,  who  was  called  'the 
image  of  the  mother  of  the  gods,'  placed  herself  at 
tlic  head  of  one  party  of  the  combatants,  supported 

*"  Dnrav,  Hint.  Indins,  MS.,  appendix,  torn,  iii.,  cap.  iii. 

■"  'CVtait  repoijiic  oil  la  noblesse  eelelirait  Iii  conuiienioration  dew  princes 
it  lies  ;;iuTriers  niii  Ics  avaient  preeedes.'  Untsxi  ur  i/r  liniir/juiinj,  llixt. 
Xiil.  Cli-.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  5'2'2;  Toruiiciiiin/ii,  Mniiriri/.  liit/.,  toni.  ii.,  ]ip.  '2!)8, 
'J7:i-">;  Codex  Tclkriuno-Iicincnsts,  '\n  KinijuboroxijICa  Mcjc.  Antii/.,  vol.  v., 

It-  iao-1. 


332 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


!i 


by  tliree  cA  women  who  guarded  and  attended  iqxm 
her  continually.  This  was  repeated  during  four  suo- 
cessive  days.  On  the  fifth  day  the  unfortunate  crea- 
ture was  conducted  by  her  guardians  and  the  medical 
women  through  the  market-i)lace.  As  she  wallod 
she  scattered  maize,  and  at  the  end  of  her  jourm  y 
she  was  received  by  the  priests,  who  delivered  litr 
again  to  the  women  that  they  might  console  her  (fur 
it  was  necessary  that  she  should  be  in  a  good  humor, 
say  the  old  chroniclers)  and  adorn  her  with  the  orna- 
ments of  the  mother-goddess.  At  midnight  she  was 
carried  to  the  sunnnit  of  the  temple,  caught  ui)  upon 
the  shoulders  of  a  priest,  and  in  this  position  beheaded. 
The  body  while  yet  warm  was  flayed,  and  the  skin 
used  in  certain  religious  ceremonies  which  will  be  de- 
scribed at  lenjifth  elsewhere.*'^  In  this  month  the  teni- 
pies  and  idols  underwent  a  thorough  cleansing  and 
repairing,  a  sacred  work  in  which  everyone  was  eager 
to  share  according  to  his  means  and  ability,  believing 
that  divine  blessings  would  ensue.  To  this  commend- 
able custom  is  no  doubt  to  be  attributed  the  good  con- 
dition in  which  the  religious  edifices  were  found  by 
the  Conquerors.  Roads,  public  buildings,  and  private 
houses  also  shared  in  this  renovation,  and  special 
l)ra3^ers  were  offered  up  to  the  gods  for  the  preserva- 
tion of  healtli  and  property. 

The  festival  of  the  succeeding  month,  called  Teot- 
leco,  'coming  of  the  gods,'  was  sacred  to  all  the  deities, 
tliough  the  princi})al  honors  were  ])aid  to  Tezcatlipoca 
as  the  supreme  head.  Fifteen  days  of  the  month 
being  ])assed,  the  college-boys  prepared  for  the  gieat 
event  bv  decorating  the  altars  in  the  tenqdes,  orato- 
ries, and  public  buildings,  witli  green  branches  tied  in 
bunches  of  three.  In  the  same  manner  tliev  decked 
tlie  idols  m  private  houses,  receiving  from  the  inniates, 
as  their  reward,  ])askets  containing  from  two  to  r(.iir 
ears  of  maize;  this  gift  was  called  cacalotL 

«  Si>(>  volumo  iii.,  of  this  work,  jip.  .3')4-n,  wliere  a  dctailiMl  'losciipii  m 
of  tliiit  festival  is  given. 


FOOTSTEPS  OF  THE  GODS. 


333 


Tezcatllpoca,  being  younger  and  stronger  than  .the 
otluT  goda,  and  therefore  able  to  travel  fa^^ter,  was 
cxjiccted  to  arrive  during  the  night  of  the  eighteenth. 
A  mat,  sprinkled  with  Hour,  was  therefore  i)laeed  on 
the  thresliold  of  his  temple,  and  a  i)riest  set  to  watch 
for  the  footprints  which  would  indicate  the  august 
:ii  rival.*'  He  did  not,  however,  remain  consta'.itly 
(lose  to  the  mat;  had  he  done  so  he  w<juid  probably 
never  have  seen  the  longed-for  marks,  but  'ie  ap- 
pioached  the  sj^ot  from  time  to  time,  and  inunediately 
on  perceivmg  the  tracks  he  shouted:  "His  majesty 
liiis  arrived;"  whereupon  the  other  priests  arose  in 
liaste,  and  soon  their  shells  and  trumpets  resounded 
through  all  the  temples,  proclaiming  the  joyful  tidings 
to  the  expectant  people.  These  now  Hocked  in  with 
their  offerings,  each  person  bringing  four  balls  made  of 
roasted  and  ground  amaranth -seed  kneaded  with 
water;  they  then  returned  to  their  homes  to  feast  and 
(liiiik  i)ulque.  Others  beside  the  old  people  a])pear 
to  have  been  permitted  to  indulge  in  libations  on  this 
occasion,  which  they  euphoniously  called  'washing  the 
feet  of  the  god'  after  his  long  journey.  On  the  follow- 
ing (lay  other  deities  arrived,  and  so  they  kept  com- 
ing until  the  last  divine  laggard  had  left  his  I'ootprints 
on  the  mat.  Every  evening  the  people  danced,  feasted, 
'waslied  the  feet  of  the  gods,'  and  made  a  sacrifice  of 
slaves,  who  were  thrown  alive  upon  a  great  bed  of 
live  coal  which  glowed  on  the  tccalco.**  At  the  head 
of  the  stei)s  leading  up  to  the  j)lace  of  saeriHce  stood 
two  y(-)ung  men,  one  of  whom  wore  long,  false  hair, 
and  a  crown  adorned  with  rich  i)hnnes;  his  face  was 
jtainted  black,  with  white  curved  strijies  drawn  from 
ear  to  forehead,  and  from  the  inner  cori»er  of  tiie  eve 

'•  SmIui'.'uii  writes:  'A  la  inodia  iiocIk;  iIo  esto  niisiiio  <liii,  iiiolian  mi 
|<  MM  (Ic  luirina  lie  inai/,  y  liai-iaii  iiii  iiioiiliuicillii  dt-  clla  hicn  tii|iiila:  y  li> 
iMliiiralian  dc  liariiia,  rt'iloiulii  I'oiiu)  uii  tjiicso,  soliii'  mi  |ii'tatt'.  I'',ii  el 
iiii^iiKi  Nciaii  ciiaiHlo  lial)ian  ll('j;ailo  I(mIi>s  Ins  diosi's,  jioniiu'  .'.■(lari'cia  iiiia 
I'i'-Mila  <1l' uii  ]iiu  pe([Ucuo  Hobru  la  hariiia.'  Jli\si.  (Int.,  turn,  i.,  lib.  ii.,  |i. 
!.")7. 

'*  'I'lu'sc  satirilii't's  by  fin*  appear  ti>  liavc  liciMi  inadi'  uimii  tlic  smniiiit  <•{ 
*  Miiiill  teiiii)lc  wliith  stood  witliiu  tlic  courtyard  of  tlic  luryor  one. 


834 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


to  the  cheek ;  down  his  back  hung  a  long  feather,  witli 
a  dried  rabbit  attached  to  it.  The  other  man  ^^a.s 
dressed  to  reseral)le  an  immense  bat,  and  held  rattln.s 
like  poppy-heads  in  his  hands.  Whenever  a  victim 
was  cast  into  the  fire  these  weird  figures  danced  iind 
leaped,  the  one  whistling  with  his  fingers  and  mouth, 
the  other  shaking  his  rattles.** 

After  the  sacrificing  was  ended,  the  priests  phictd 
themselves  in  order,  dressed  in  paper  stoles  which 
crossed  the  chest  from  shoulder  to  armpit,  and 
ascended  the  steps  of  the  small  edifice  devoted  to  five 
sacrifices;  hand  in  hand  they  walked  round,  and  tliuii 
rushed  suddenly  down  the  steps,  releasing  each  other 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  cause  many  to  tumble.  Tliis 
game,  Avliich  certainly  was  not  very  dignified  lur 
priests  to  play  at,  was  called  mamatlavicoa,  and  giivo 
rise  to  much  merriment,  especially  if  any  of  tiie  rev- 
erend players  should  lose  his  temj)er,  or  limp,  or  make 
a  wry  face  after  a  fall.  The  festival  closed  with  a 
general  dance,  which  lasted  from  noon  till  night.  At 
tliis  season  all  males,  young  and  old,  wore  feathers  of 
various  colors  gummed  to  the  arras  and  body,  as  talis- 
mans to  avert  evil.*® 

The  festival  of  the  next  month,  called  Tepeilhuitl, 
was  sacred  to  the  Tlalocs,  and  is  fully  described  else- 
where.*^ The  Mexican  Bacchus,  Centzontotoclitiii, 
was  also  especially  honored  during  this  month,  accord- 
ing to  Torquemada,  and  slaves  were  sacrificed  to  him. 
A  ca))tive  was  also  sacrificed  by  night  to  a  deity 
named  Nappatecutli.*** 

The   festivals    of  the    ensuing   month,   which   was 


*5  'Rnllavano  nttorno  ad  un  gran  fuoco  niolti  ciovani  travcstiti  in  parcc- 
chio  foiiiK'  (li  inostri,  o  fiattaiito  an(lavanogc'ttaii(lo(k''ii>'iKi<niii'ii  iii'lfiiino.' 
Vliu-iijiru,  Stnfia  Ant.  tlel  Mfxsiro,  toni.  ii.,  p.  78;  lirusscur  ik  Bvuvbviinj, 
Hist.  Xiit.  Cir.,  Um\.  iii.,  ]).  ri'27. 

<«  Tlio  biirninfi  ami  daiicinf,'  took  place  on  the  first,  two  days  of  the  Inl- 
lowinji  ni(Mitl»,  according;  to  S.-diajrnn.  'Estos  dos  dias  postrerois  eraii  ilil 
nies  ((uc  SL'  si}fiie.'  Hist.  (!rii.,  toui.  i.,  lib.  ii.,  p.  159;  Tur<iueinudu,  Mu- 
mm/,  hid.,  torn,  ii.,  i)p.  278-9. 

"  Sct^  vol.  Hi.,  p.  :<43-f). 

**  I'orqitcinaiiii,  Monarq.  Ind,,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  152-3. 


FESTIVAL  OF  THE  MONTH  QUECHOLLI. 


535 


ll    AVllS 


in  piiw- 

lolflioco.' 
IMllll    llt'l 


called  QuechoUi,*'  were  devoted  to  various  deities, 
though  Mixcoatl,  god  of  the  chase,  seems  to  have  car- 
ried thp  honors  in  most  parts  of  Mexico.  The  first 
five  days  of  the  month  were  passed  in  repose,  so  far 
as  religious  celebrations  were  concerned,  but  on  the 
sixth  day  the  authorities  of  the  city  wards  ordered 
canes  to  be  gathered  and  carried  to  the  temple  of  Hu- 
itzilopochtli;  there  young  and  old  assembled  during 
the  four  days  following,  to  share  in  the  sacred  work 
of  making  arrows.  The  arrows,  which  were  all  of 
uniform  length,  were  then  formed  into  bundles  of 
twenty,  carried  in  processicm  to  the  temple  of  Huit- 
zilopochtli,  and  piled  up  in  front  of  the  idol.  The 
four  days  were,  moreover,  devoted  to  fasting  and 
penance,  involving  abstinence  from  strong  liquors,  and 
separation  of  husbands  from  wives.  On  the  second 
day  of  the  fast,  the  boys  were  summoned  to  the  tem- 
ple, where,  having  first  blown  upon  shells  and  trump- 
ets, their  faces  were  smeared  with  blood  drawn  from 
tiieir  ears.  Tiiis  sacrifice,  called  momdcaieo,  was  made 
to  tlic  deer  which  they  proposed  to  hunt.  The  rest  of 
the  peo|)le  drew  blood  from  their  own  ears,  and  if  any 
one  omitted  this  act  he  was  deprived  of  his  mantle  by 
the  overseers. 

On  the  second  day  following,  darts  were  made  to 
he  used  in  games  and  exercises,  and  shooting  matches 
were  held  at  which  maguev-leaves  served  for  tarn-ets. 
The  next  day  was  devoted  to  ceremonies  in  honor  of 
tlie  (lead  l)y  rich  and  poor.  The  day  after,  a  great 
(juantity  of  hay  was  brought  from  the  hills  to  the 
temple  of  Mixcoatl.  Upon  this  certain  old  priestesses 
seated  themselves,  while  mothers  brought  their  chil- 
(heii  before  them,  accompanied  by  five  sweet  tamales. 
(Ml  tliis  day  were  also  ceremonies  in  honor  of  the  god 
of  wine,  to  whom  sacrifices  of  male  and  female  slaves 
were  made  by  the  pul(|ue-dealers. 

( )n  tlie  tenth  day  of  the  month  a  number  of  hunt- 
ers set  out  for  miumt  Cacatepec,  near  Tacubaya,  to 

♦•  The  name  of  a  bird  with  red  iiud  blue  phitnage. 


886 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


celebrate  the  hunting  festival  of  Mixcoatl,  god  of  the 
chase.  On  the  first  day  they  erected  straw  huts,  iu 
which  they  passed  the  night.  The  next  morning, 
having  broken  their  fast,  they  formed  themselves  into 
a  great  circle,  and  all  advancing  toward  a  conniiun 
centre,  the  game  was  hemmed  in  and  killed  with  ease. 
The  spirits  of  the  children  sacrificed  to  the  rain-gods, 
wlioso  dwelling  was  upon  the  high  mountains,  were 
supposed  to  descend  upon  the  hunters  and  make  t'lieni 
strono"  and  fortunate.  Havinjj  secured  their  jjanie, 
the  hunters  started  for  home  in  grand  procession,  sing- 
ing songs  of  triumph,  and  hymns  to  the  mighty  Mix- 
coatl. After  a  solemn  sacrifice  of  a  portion  of  the 
game  to  the  god,  each  took  his  share  home  and  feasted 
upon  it.""  The  Tlascaltecs  sacrificed  to  the  god  at  the 
place  where  the  hunt  took  place,  which  was  uj)on  a 
neighboring  hill.  The  way  leading  to  the  spot  was 
strewn  with  leaves,  over  which  the  idol  was  carried 
with  great  pomp  and  ceremony."  Towards  the  close 
of  the  luonth  male  and  female  slaves  were  sacrificed 
before  Mixcoatl.''* 

In  Tlascala  and  the  neighboring  republics  this  was 
the  'month  of  love,'  and  great  numbers  of  young  girls 
were  sacrificed  to  Xochiquetzal,  Xochitecatl,  and  Tla- 
zolteotl,  goddesses  of  sensual  delights.  Among  the 
victims  were  many  courtesans,  who  voluntarily  ottered 
themselves,  some  to  die  in  the  temple,  others  on  the 
battlefield,  where  they  rushed  in  recklessly  among  tlio 
enemy.  As  no  particular  disgrace  attended  a  life  of 
prostitution,  it  seems  im})rol)able  that  remorse  or  re- 
pentance could  have  prompted  this  self-sacrifice,  it 
must  therefore  be  attributed  to  pure  religious  fervor. 


50  '  Al  undi'cimo  dia  fie  cate  mes,  ihati  .i  liacer  una  casa  d  aqiiellii  siciiji 
que  cstaliii  eiiciiiia  <le  Aflnrniofn/(ni,  y  e»ta  era  (iesta  jityr  si,  de  inaiu'iii  i|ui' 
eii  este  iiies  liahia  <los  lie«tas.'  Sahagiiii,  Hist.  (Ivii.,  torn,  i.,  lili.  ii.,  i'.  Iii''. 
'No  sa<'riti('al)aii  este  (iia  liomhreHsiiio  eaza,  y  asi  la  caza  servia  de  vii'tiiniis 
ii  los  Uiiises.'  Diintii,  Hist.  Imliiis,  MS.,  a]>}ieudix,  tuiii.  iii.,  cap.  iii.;  Tm'- 
qu<iiHii(ii,  Miniarq.  Iiid.,  toiii.  ii.,  j)p.   14<S-i). 

5'  Artts/d,  Hist,  (le  Ills  Ynd.,  pp.  .3:?7-S;  Moutuiins,  Nkuwe  Wccrchl,  p. 
221;  Jfirirrii,  Hist.  Gcii.,  ilcc.  iii.,  lih.  ii.,  eajt.  xv. 

ia  Sahiujuii,  Hist.  (Jen.,  torn,  i.,  lib.  ii.,  p.  107. 


FEAST  OF  THE  MONTH  OF  HARD  TIMES. 


337 


As  a  recompense  for  their  devotion,  these  women  he- 
fore  they  went  to  their  death  had  the  privilege  of 
iiisulting  with  impunity  their  chaster  sisters.  Jt  is 
further  said  that  a  certain  class  of  young  men  addicted 
to  unnatural  lusts,  were  allowed  at  this  period  to 
solicit  custom  on  the  public  streets.  At  Quauhtitlan, 
every  fourth  year,  during  this  month,  a  festival  was 
t'L'lehrated  in  honor  of  Mitl,  wlien  a  slave  was  bound 
to  a  cross  and  shot  to  death  with  arrows.^ 

The  feast  of  the  next  month,  called  Panquetzaliz- 
tli,  was  dedicated  to  Huitzilopochtli,  god  of  war;  that 
of  the  following  month,  called  Atemoztli,  was  sacred 
to  the  Tlalocs.  Both  these  festivals  will  be  described 
elsewhere." 

The  ensuing  month  was  named  Tititl,  or  the  month 
of  'liard  times,'  owing  to  the  inclement  weather.  The 
celebrations  of  this  period  were  chiefly  in  honor  of  an 
a'^ecl  goddess,  named  Ilamatecutli,  to  whom  a  female 
i,bve  was  sacrificed.  This  woman  represented  the 
^"•oddess  and  was  dressed  in  white  garments  decorated 
with  daniifling  shells  and  sandals  of  the  same  color: 
upon  her  head  was  a  crown  of  feathers;  the  lower 
])art  of  her  face  was  painted  black,  the  upper,  yellow; 
iu  one  hand  she  carried  a  white  shield  ornanioiitcd 
with  feathers  of  the  eagle  and  the  night-heron,  in  the 
other  she  held  a  knitting  stick.  Before  going  to  her 
death  she  performed  a  dance,  and  was  permitted,  con- 
trary to  usual  custom,  to  exj)ress  her  grief  and  fear  in 
loud  lamentations.  In  the  afternoon  she  was  con- 
ducted to  the  temple  of  Huitzilopochtli,  accompanied 
by  a  ])rocessicm  of  priests,  among  whom  was  one 
dressud  after  the  manner  of  the  goddess  Ilamatecutli. 
Alter  the  heart  of  the  victim  had  been  torn  from  her 
lireast,  her  head  was  cut  off  and  given  to  this  person- 
a.j;e,  who  immediately  placed  himself  at  the  head  of 
the  other  priests  and  led  them  in  a  dance  round  the 


^^  Tiirrjurmnrfn,   Monnrq.   Iiiil.,  torn,   ii.,  pp.    290,    280-1;  lirasscur  de 
B(iiir!,uiirij,  Hist.  Xitt.  Cii\,  toin.  iii.,  y>.  fi'M,  toni.  ii.,  jip.  402-3. 
i*  Seu  vol.  iii.  of  this  work,  pp.  2i)7-300,  323-4,  34G-8. 
Vol.  a.    22 


I  I 


838 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


temple,  brandishing  the  head  by  the  hair  the  whiio. 
As  soon  as  the  performers  of  the  vecula,  as  this  dance 
was  named,  had  left  the  summit  of  the  temple,  a  i)riest 
curiously  attired  descended,  and,  proceeding  to  u  spot 
where  stood  a  cage  made  of  candle  wood  adorned  with 
papers,  set  fire  to  it.  Immediately  upon  seeing  tlio 
ilames  the  other  priests,  who  stood  waiting,  rusliud 
one  and  all  up  again  to  the  temple-top ;  here  lay  a 
flower,  Avhich  was  secured  by  the  first  who  could  ])i;t 
hands  upon  it,  carried  back  to  the  fire,  and  tlitio 
burned.  On  the  following  day  a  game  was  played 
which  resembled  in  some  respects  the  Roman  Lujxjr- 
calia.  The  players  were  armed  with  little  bags  filled 
with  paper,  leaves,  or  flour,  and  attached  to  cords 
three  feet  long.  With  these  they  struck  each  otliei-, 
and  any  girl  or  woman  who  chanced  to  come  in  their 
way  was  attacked  by  the  boys,  who,  approaching 
quietly  with  their  bags  hidden,  fell  suddenly  upon  lier, 
crying  out:  "This  is  the  sack  of  the  game."  It  some- 
times happened,  however,  that  the  woman  had  jxo- 
vided  herself  with  a  stick,  and  used  it  freely,  to  the 
great  discomfiture  and  utter  rout  of  the  urchins.^  A 
captive  was  sacrificed  during  this  month  to  ISEicthin- 
tecutli,  the  Mexican  Pluto,  and  the  traders  celoljiated 
a  OTand  feast  in  honor  of  Yacatecutli."*'  During  the 
last  Aztec  month,  which  was  called  Itzcalli,  iniposiiiijf 
rites  were  observed  throughout  Mexico  in  honor  of 
Xiuhtecutli,  god  of  fire;^^  in  the  surrounding  states, 
such  as  Tlacopan,  Coyuhuacan,  Azcapuzalco,^  Quauh- 
titlan,^^  and  Tlascala,*  ceremonies  more  or  less  similar 

55  Gomnra  says  men  and  women  danced  two  nipflita  with  the  gods  aiul 
drank  until  they  were  all  dnuik.  C'oiiq.  MiX.,  fol.  3:28.  According  to  I'li- 
ran,  Cainaxtli  was  fOted  in  this  month,  and  a  hread  called  yocoldmulhi  w-m 
eaten  exclusively  on  the  day  of  the  festival.  Hist.  Indias,  MS.,  toiii.  iii., 
appendix,  cap.  iii. ;  Saharjun,  Hist.  Gen.,  toni.  i.,  lib.  ii.,  pp.  179-8"2. 

**  Claxiigcro,  Storin  Ant.  (id  Messico,  torn,  ii.,  p.  83;  Tonjueniaiia,  .^fo- 
narq.  IniL,  torn,  ii.,  p.   153. 

w  Sec  vol.  iii.  of  this  work,  pp.  .300-3. 

*8  Sec  Torqwinada,  Monarq.  Ind.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  280;  Brasscur  de  Ilnur- 
hoiirg,  Hi.it.  Nat.  Civ.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  539; Las Casas,  Hist.  Apologetica,  M.S., 
cap.  clxxi. 

i"  See  Gomara,  Conq.  Mcx.,  fol.  329;  Torqucmada,  Monarq.  lHd.,U'm. 


MISCELLANEOUS  FEASTS. 


889 


were  <:»one  through,  accompanied  by  much  roasting  and 
tlaviiii,^  of  men  and  women. 

Besides  tliese  montlily  festivals  there  were  many 
otliers  devoted  to  the  patron  deities  of  particular 
trades,  to  whom  the  priests  and  people  interested  in 
thuir  worship  made  offerings,  and,  in  some  cases, 
luiiniiii  sacrifices.  There  were  also  many  movable 
feasts,  held  in  honor  of  the  celestial  bodies,  at  harvest 
time,  and  on  other  like  occasions.  These  sometimes 
liappened  to  fall  on  the  same  day  as  a  fixed  festival, 
in  which  case  the  less  important  was  either  set  aside 
or  postponed.  It  is  related  of  the  Culhuas  that  on 
Olio  occasion  when  a  movable  feast  in  lionor  of  Tezcat- 
lipoca  chanced  to  fall  upon  the  day  fixed  for  the  cele- 
l)rati()n  of  Huitzilopochtli,  they  postponed  the  former, 
and  thereby  so  offended  the  god  that  he  predicted  the 
destruction  of  the  monarchy  and  the  subjugation  of 
the  people  by  a  strange  nation  who  would  introduce  a 
monotheistic  worship."^ 

( >ne  of  the  most  solemn  of  the  movable  feasts  was 
tliat  given  to  the  sun,  which  took  place  at  intervals 
of  two  or  three  hundred  days,  and  was  called  Netona- 
tiuhipialo,  or  'the  sun  eclipsed.'  Another  festival 
took  ])lace  when  the  sun  appeared  in  the  sign  called 
Nahui  Ollin  Tonatiuh,®''  a  sign  much  respected  by 
kings  and  princes,  and  regarded  as  concerning  them 
especially. 

At  the  great  festival  of  the  winter  solstice,  which 
took  place  either  in  the  month  of  Atenioztli  or  in  that 
of  Tititl,  all  the  people  W'atched  and  fasted  four  days, 
and  a  number  of  captives  were  sacrificed,  two  of  whom 
repiesented  the  sun  and  moon.*^^      About    the  same 

ii.,  ]i|).  280-7;  Las  Ca.ias,  Hist.  ApolnijcUrri,  MS.,  cap.  cl.Kxi;  Motolinia, 
Hit/.  Iiidiiis,  in  Tv.iizbalreta,  Col.  (fc  I)or.,  ti»m.  i.,  ]>]>.  4'\-4. 

•''' Sou  Las  Casus,  Hist.  Apologctica,  MS.,  cap.  clxxi. ;  Torqucmada, 
Muiiiii-'/.  LuL,  torn,  ii.,  p.  291. 

•''  Hi'iissciir  <lc  lioiirliovrff,  Hist.  Not.  Cir.,  toiii.  ii!.,  p.  533. 

'''^  '  Xdhiii  Ollin  Tonntinh,  esto  ea,  cl  sol  eii  siis  (Miatro  movicntos, 
acoiiiiiafiado  de  lu  Via  larfra.'  Leon  y  Gama,  Ihis  Pivilros,  \)i  i.,  j).  91. 

''^ '.Mataban  quatro  Cautivcs  <lc  los  (jne  se  llaniaban  riiaciiaiiic,  que 
qiiicrc  (li'cir:  Toiitoa;  y  iiiatabaii  taiiiUion  la  iiiia.i;cn  del  Sol,  y  de  la  Luna, 
4UU  orau  dos  llombrcs.'  Tonjucinuiia,  Munarq.  Inil.,  toui.  ii.,  p.  148.     'Oa 


340 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


time  a  series  of  celebrations  were  held  in  honor  of 
Iztacacenteotl,  goddess  of  white  maize;  the  victims 
sacrificed  on  this  occasion  were  lepers  and  others  suf- 
fering from  contagious  diseases.**  Whenever  the  sjnii 
of  Ce  Miquiztli,or  One  Death, occurred,  Mictlantecutli, 
god  of  hades,  was  feted,  and  honors  were  paid  to  the 
dead."^  Of  the  heavenly  bodies,  they  esteemed  next 
to  the  sun  a  certain  star,  into  which  Quetzalcoatl  was 
supposed  to  have  converted  himself  on  leaving  thu 
earth.  It  was  visible  during  about  two  hundred  aiitl 
sixty  days  of  the  year,  and  on  the  day  of  its  first  jip- 
})earance  above  the  horizon,  the  king  gave  a  slave  to 
be  sacrificed,  and  many  other  ceremonies  were  per- 
formed. The  priests,  also,  offered  incense  to  this  star 
every  day,  and  drew  blood  from  their  bodies  in  its 
honor,  acts  which  many  of  the  devout  imitated.** 

At  harvest-time  the  first-fruits  of  the  season  wcie 
offered  to  the  sun.  The  sacrifice  on  this  occasion  was 
called  Tctlhnonamiquian,  'the  meeting  of  the  stones.' 
The  victim,  who  was  the  most  atrocious  criminal  to 
be  found  in  the  jails,  was  placed  between  two  im- 
mense stones,  balanced  opposite  each  otlier;  these 
were  then  allowed  to  fall  together.  After  the  remains 
had  been  buried,  the  principal  men  took  part  in  a 
dance ;  the  people  also  danced  and  feasted  during  the 
day  and  night.'*^ 

Every  eight  years  a  grand  festival  took  place,  called 


immolait  ensuitc  un  grand  nombre  de  captifs,  dont  les  principaux,  appolis 
CliachaiUL',  (i;;uraicut  Ic  soleil  ct  la  lunc'  Brasscur  dc  Bourbounj,  Hist. 
Nat.  ('/('.,  toiii.  iii.,  p.  .5,35. 

<•*  Toriiirnuula,  Monarq.  Ind.,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  150-2;  Leon  y  Gama,  Dos 
Picdrrif!,  ])t  i.,  p.  91. 

CJ  l!r((sscur  de  Bonrhourg,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  538. 

<>'' '("ii'iMi  ([lie  Topili'in  su  reyj)riiiioro  so  coiiiiertio  en  aciuclla  estrcUa.' 
Gomnra,  Cunq.  Max.,  fol.  331;  Las  Casus,  Hist.  Apoloyeiiva,  MS.,  laji. 
cl.x.xiv. 

"  Vriftin,  Hist.  Ant.  Mrj.,  torn,  i.,  pp.  249-.50.  'Papalma-tlamacazqni, 
on  Miiiistre.s  aux  longs  chevcnx.  C'est  par  Icnrs  niaiiiM  (|iio  jia.^'saiciil  les 
prdniiccs  dos  frnits  de  la  terro  qii'on  ott'rait  aux  astres  du  jour  et  de  la  luiit 
. . .  .On  iniiuolait  un  grand  nombre  de  captifs  et,  i\  leur  defaut,  lescriiiiiiicls 
....Sur  leur  sepulture  on  e.xecutait  un  ballet.'  Brasscur  dc  Boiirlmiirii, 
Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  274-5.  For  description  of  Zapotec  harvest- 
feast  sec  Burffoa,  Geoff.  Dcscrip.,  toni.  ii.,  pt  ii.,  fol.  332-3;  Brasscur  de 
Bourbourg,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  toni.  iii.,  i)p.  40-2. 


TIIE  BINDING  OF  THE  YEARS. 


841 


At.imalqualiztli,  'the  fast  of  bread  and  water,'  the 
j)iiiicipal  feature  of  which  was  a  mask  ball,  at  which 
l»o(>i)lo  appeared  disguised  as  various  animals  whoso 
iictions  and  cries  they  imitated  with  great  skill.** 
The  most  solemn  of  all  the  Mexican  festivals  was 
tliiit  called  Xiuhmolpilli,  that  is  to  say,  'the  binding- 
iip  of  the  years.'  Every  fifty-two  years  was  called  a 
'slieuf  of  years,'  and  it  was  universally  believed  that  at 
the  end  of  some  'sheaf  the  world  would  be  destroved. 
The  renewal  of  the  cycle  was  therefore  hailed  with 
great  rejoicing  and  many  ceremonies,®" 


•n  Snhafjun,  Jfist.  Gen.,  torn  i.,  lib.  ii.,  pp.  195-7. 

ci>  For  description  of  tiiiM  feast  see  vol.  iii.  of  this  work,  pp.  .S03-G. 
Tiie  iiiitiiorities  on  Aztec  festivals  are:  Sahayuii,  llisf.  Gen.,  torn,  i.,  lit', 
ii.,  p|).  49-218,  lib.  i.,  pp.  1-40;  Kingsborovtjli's  Mcx.  Anfiq.,  vol.  vii.,  pp. 
l-!tS;  Torqucmada,  Monarq.  Ind.,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  147-r)(),  24()-300;  Chirigcro, 
Sluria  Anf.  del  Mes.'iko,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  G()-8();  Las  Casus,  Ili.sf.  Ajujlui/ctirn, 
MS.,  cap.  cl.xix-clxxvii.;  Motolintn,  Hist.  Indlns,  in  Irazhidritii,  Vol.  de 
J)(ir..,Umi.  i.,  pp.  .38-62;  Gomara,  Cunq.  Mcx.,  fol.  .320-H();  Duran,  Hist.  In- 
dills,  MS.,  toni.  iii.,  appendix,  cap.  iii.;  Leon,  Caininodfl  C'ielo,  p]).  %-l()0; 
('(imiirijo.  Hist.  Tlax.,  in  Nouvellcs  Annalcs  drs  Voy.,  1843,  toni.  xcix.,  pp. 
l.'Jl»-7;  Menilieta,  Hist.  Eclcs.,  pp.  99-107;  Arosta,  Hist,  de  las  Ynd.,  ]t\). 
.SJT-it,  354-«,  .3C0-4,  382-93;  Boturim,  Idea,  pt  i.,  pp.  50-3,  90-3;  Teznzomor, 
Hist.  Mex.,  torn,  i.,  pp.  161-6;  Hcrrern,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  ii.,  cap. 
xv-xvii.;  Purrhas  his  Pilgrimes,  vol.  iv.,  pp.  1040-8;  Genivlli  Vareri,  in 
VhnrohilVs  Col.  VoifnijM,  \o\.  iv.,  pp.  490-1;  Montanus,  Nieiiire  Wenrld, 
j)I).  221,  243,  265-7;  West  nnd  Ost  Indisr.hev  Lnst(]art,  pt  i.,  pp.  71-2;  Codex 
Tdlrriano-Remcnsis,   in  KingshorouglCs  Mcx.  Antiq.,  vol.  v.,  ))i>.  129-.34; 


Jh-d.tfrur  tie  Bonrbourg,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  toin.  i.,  pp.  234-5,  274-5,  tt 
ii.,  pp.  4(52-3,  toin.  iii.,  pp.  40-2,  498-547;  Klcmm,  Cnltur-Gesrhirhle,  U\ 
v.,  jip.  \Q\-\\;  Carhajal  Espinosa,  TIi.it.  Mex.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  515-17,  531-51; 


ii.,  pp.  4(52-3,  torn,  iii.,   pp.   40-2,  498 

v.,  ]ip.  104-14;  Carhajal  I 

JJussicrre,  L'Empire  Mex.,  pp.  128-38;  Lenoir,  Paralldle,  pp,  9-11 


toni. 
toni. 


CHAPTER  X. 


FOOD    OF   THE    NAIIUA   NATI0N3, 


1 1  j 


Oeigin  of  Agriculture— Floating  Gardens— Agricultural  Punn- 
ucTs— Mannkr  of  preparing  the  Soil— Description  of  Aciti- 
cuLTURAL  Implements—  Irrigation  —  Granaries  — CJaudkxs  — 
THE  Harvest  Feast— Manner  of  Hunting— Fishing— Mi:TH(ti)s 
OF  procuring  Salt— Nahua  Cookery— Various  kinds  of  IiRkau 
—Bkans— Pepper— Fruit— Tamales— Miscellaneous  Auticlks 
of  Food— Eating  of  Human  Flesh- Manufacture  ok  I'ilchk 
—  Preparation  of  Chocolatl  — Other  Beverages  — Intoxi- 
cating Ukinks- Drunkenness— Time  and  Manner  of  Taking 
Meals. 

Hunting-,  fishlni:^,  and  agriculture  furnished  tlio 
Nahua  nations  with  means  of  subsistence,  besides 
wliicli  they  had,  in  common  with  their  uncivilized 
brethren  of  the  sierras  and  forests,  the  uncultivated 
edible  products  of  the  soil.  Among  the  coast  natioTis, 
tlie  dwellers  on  the  banks  of  large  streams,  and  the 
inhabitants  of  the  lake  regions  of  Andhuac  and  ^li- 
choacan,  fish  constituted  an  important  article  of  food. 
But  aiifriculture,  here  as  elsewhere,  distinijfuished  sav- 
agism  from  civilization,  and  of  the  lands  of  the  so- 
called  civilized  nations  few  fertile  tracts  were  Ibiiiid 
uncultivated  at  the  coming  of  the  Spaniards.  Culti- 
vation of  the  soil  was  doubtless  the  first  tangible  .stej) 
in  the  progressive  development  of  these  nations,  and 
this  is  indicated  in  their  traditionary  annals,  which 
point,  more  or  less  vaguely,  to  a  remote  period  when 


AGRICULTURE  AND  CIVILIZATION. 


343 


t1if  Qniuames,  or  jtifiants,  occupied  tlie  land  as  yet  un- 
tilK'd;  which  means  that  the  inhabitants  were  sava<»'es, 
whose  pro<,n'ess  had  not  yet  exhibited  any  chan;^'e  sut- 
firieiitly  marked  to  leave  its  imprint  on  tradition.  At 
ii  time  still  more  remote,  liowever,  the  invention  of 
liows  and  arrows  is  traditionally  referred  to.* 

The  gradual  discovery  and  introduction  of  agricul- 
tural arts  according  to  the  laws  of  development,  were 
(»f  course  unintelligible  to  the  aboriginal  mind;  con- 
8L(iiiently  their  traditions  tell  us  wondrous  tales  of 
divine  intervention  and  instruction.  Nevertheless, 
the  introduction  of  agriculture  was  doubtless  of  very 
ancient  date.  The  Olmecs  and  Xicalancas,  tradition- 
ally the  oldest  civilized  peoples  in  Mexico,  were  far- 
mers back  to  the  limit  of  traditional  history,  as  were 
tlie  lineal  ancestors  of  all  the  nations  which  form  the 
subject  of  this  volume.  Indeed,  as  the  Nahua  na- 
tions were  living  when  the  Spaniards  found  them,  so 
had  they  probably  been  living  for  at  least  ten  centu- 
ries, and  not  improbably  for  a  nmch  longer  period. 

It  was,  however,  according  to  tradition,  during  the 
Toltec  period  of  Nahua  culture  that  husbandry  and 
all  the  arts  pertaining  to  the  production  and  prepara- 
tion of  food,  were  brought  to  the  highest  degree  of 
perfection.  Many  traditions  even  attribute  to  the 
Toltecs  the  invention  or  first  introduction  of  agri- 
culture.^ 


'  'Diccn  qne  en  .aqtiellos  principios  del  mnndo  sc  Tnanteiiinn  Ins  hom- 
lircs  soliiiiic-iitu  c(»u  frutiiH  y  yerbas,  hastaqiie  iiiio  fi  r[>iii.'n  Hainan  Tlaoniiu- 
<iui,  ([lie  fpiicre  decir,  vl  que  intitd  con  Jkclm  hallo  la  iiiveiicioii  dt'l  arco  y  la 
lli'clia,  y  ([lie  desde  eutoneea  eoiiieiizaniii  ii  ejen'itarse  en  la  eaza  y  nian- 
fi'iicise  de  oarnea  do  lits  aniniales  ([tie  niatalian  en  ella.'  Vcytia,  Hist.  Ant. 
Mij.,  torn,  i.,  p.  10.  The  <;iants  lived  'mas  eonio  briitDH  <nie  eonio  racinna- 
Ics:  su  aliincnto  eran  las  carnes  crudas  de  las  aves  y  lieras  (|iie  razavaii  isiii 
(lisiiiicion  alj^una,  las  frutas  y  yerlias  silvestres  por<iue  nada  cultivahan;' 
yet  tliev  knew  how  to  make  imhiiie  to  yet  drunk  with.  /'/.,  p.  l.")l. 

2  The  Olniees  raised  at  least  maize,  cliilo,  and  beans  befon;  the  time  of 
thL  Toltees.  Vrjftia,  Hist.  Ant.  Mrj.,Um\.  i.,  p.  154.  The  Toltec  'comida 
ra  el  misnio  maiiteniniiento  que  aliora  se  usa  del  maiz  ([iie  senibrabaii  y 
iK'iic'liiiabaii  asi  el  blaneo  eomo  el  de  mas  eolores.'  Sii/niifiin,  IFist .  (irn., 
tinii.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  p.  112.  To  the  T(dtec  a};rieulture  'debitriii  si  riioiiob- 
liciolc  posteriori  Nazioni  del  frumentone,  del  eotone,  del  pevenine,  e  d'aitri 
iitilissimi  frutti.'  Vlariijcro,  Sforin  Ant.  del  Mr.isiro,  toni.  i.,  p.  127.  The 
Toltecs  'truxerou  mays,    alyodou,  y  deiiias  semillas.'  Vetancirt,   Tcalro 


!   I 


344 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


But  even  Jurinfy  this  Toltec  period  huntino-  trilits, 
l)oth  of  Nahiia  and  other  hlood,  were  i)ursiiin<i;  tlitir 
^ame  in  the  forests  and  mountains,  especially  in  tlio 
northern  reijion.  Despised  by  their  more  oivili/id, 
corn-eatin«»'  brethren,  they  were  known  as  l)ari)ari{iiis, 
doLjH,  Chichimecs,  'suckers  of  blood,'  from  the  eu.stoin 
attributed  to  them  of  diinkintf  blo<jd  and  eatiiiyf  r.uv 
Hesh.  Many  tribes,  indeed,  althouj^h  very  far  lioiu 
beinuf  sava<2^es,  were  known  to  the  aristocratic  Tohcc-» 
as  Chichimecs,  by  reason  of  some  real  or  imaj^-inary  in- 
feriority. By  the  revolutions  of  the  tenth  century, 
some  of  these  Chichimec  nations,  probably  of  the 
Nahua  blood  and  tillers  of  the  soil,  although  at  tlio 
same  time  bold  hunters  and  valiant  warriors,  n-ainud 
the  ascendancy  in  Anilhuac.  Hence  tlie  absurd  ver- 
sions of  native  traditions  which  represent  the  Valley 
of  Mexico  as  occupied  durin<»'  the  Chichimec  j)eriud 
by  a  people  who,  until  taujilit  better  by  the  Acolhuus, 
lived  in  caverns  and  subsisted  on  wild  fruits  and  raw 
meat,  while  at  the  same  time  they  were  ruled  by  em- 
perors, and  possessed  a  most  com})licated  and  advanced 
system  of  government  and  laws.  Their  barbiiiisni 
probably  consisted  for  the  most  part  in  resistinn;'  for  a 
time  the  enervating  influences  of  Toltec  luxury,  espe- 
cially in  the  pleasures  of  the  table.^ 

Mrr.,  pt  ii.,  p.  11.  'Tcnian  cl  niaiz,  algodon,  chile,  frijolcs  y  las  dcnias 
BoiiiilhiH  lie  la  tierra  que  liav.'  Ixtlilxockitl,  llclaciones,i\\Kiiifjsboroi(<ilt\i 
Mux.  Antiq.,  t<iiii.  i.K.,  \^\).  3L'7,  3'.)3-4. 

3  'Sii  c-oinida  era  totla  espccie  tic  caza,  tanto  ciiadnipeda  coinn  voliilil, 
Hin  distincioii  iii  utro  eoiidinieiito  ({uc  asada,  y  las  friitas. . .  .pcro  iiadii  sciii- 
hraliaii,  ill  ciiltivaluiii.'  Vri/lia,  lli.st.Ant.  ^ft^j.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  (5.  'No  scm- 
hnibaii,  iii  cooian,  ni  asaban  las  ('arnes  do  la  caza.'  Their  kiiig.s  and  imhlcs 
kci)t  forests  of  deer  and  hare  to  supply  tiie  ])eople  with  food,  until  in  No- 
paltzin's  reign  they  were  tauylit  to  plant  hy  a  descendant  of  the  Toltccs. 
rorqucDKiihi,  Muiinrq.  IikL,  toiii.  i.,  j)]!.  .32,  SS-J),  (J7,  '27!).  They  were  tins 
first  iiihahitants  of  the  country  nnd  'solo  se  inantenian  de  ca<;a.'  MJacanau 
venailos,  liehres,  conejos,  coiiiadrej.;s,  topos,  gatos  inonteses,  paxiims, 
yaun  ininundicias  coino  culehras,  lagartos,  ratones,  langostas,  y  gnsanos.  y 
desto  y  de  yeruas  y  rayzes  se  sustentaua.'i.'  Ai'iisia,  Hist  tie.  Ins  Ynd.,  y\i. 
^IS-").  And  to  the  .same  eliect  Cl<ivi(fcro,  Storia  Ant.  del  Messico,  toni.  i., 
pp.  1.32-3;  lirnssciir  <(e  liourhoiirg,  llist.  Xaf.  C'tn.,  toiii.  i.,  j).  2().'>;  lln'- 
redia  ij  Sarmioi/o,  Smtioii,  j).  74;  Vainarg<t,  Hist.  Tlax.,  in  isouirllrs  An- 
nalcs  tins  Vo>/.,  1813,  toni.  xcviii.,  pp.  IK),  l.")l;  Vrtniirrrt,  Tni'ro  .l/^.r.,  pt 
ii.,  p.  12.  They  began  to  till  the  ground  in  Ilotzin's  reign,  b;it  before  that 
they  roasted  their  meat  and  did  not,  as  many  <dii.iia,  eat  it  raw.  Ixtlilxo- 


CIIIXAMl'AS,  OU  FLOATING  (iAUDKXS. 


IWJ 


Tlio  Aztecs  were  traditionally  corn-eaters  from  the 
first,  l>ut  wliilo  .shut  up  for  lon<jf  years  on  an  island  in 
the  lake,  tliey  liad  little  opportunity  for  ai^ricultural 
])ursuits.  Duriiiij;'  this  period  of  their  history,  the  Hsh, 
I  (in Is,  insects,  plants,  and  mud  of  the  lake  supplied 
theiu  with  food,  until  Hoatini^  <^ardens  were  invented 
and  suhserpient  con(piests  on  the  main  land  aiforded 
them  l)road  fields  for  tillaufe.  As  a  rule  no  details  are 
])reserved  concernini^  the  pre- Aztec  peoi)les;  where 
suc'li  details  are  known  they  will  he  introduced  in 
their  ])roper  place  as  illustrative  of  later  Nahua  food- 
customs. 

The  chinampaa,  or  floating  g'-irdens,  cultivated  hy 
the  Aztecs  on  the  surface  of  the  lakes  in  Anahuac, 
Avere  a  most  extraordinary  source  of  food.  Drivm  in 
the  days  of  their  national  weakness  to  tlie  lake  islands, 
too  small  for  the  tillage  which  on  the  main  had  sup- 
ported them,  these  ingenious  ])eople  devised  tiie  cl.'i- 
nampa.  They  ohserved  small  portions  of  the  shore, 
detached  by  the  high  water  and  held  together  hy 
lihrous  roots,  floating  about  on  the  surface  of  the 
water.  Acting  on  the  suggestion,  they  constructed 
nifls  of  light  wood,  covered  with  smaller  sticks, 
nislics,  and  reeds,  bound  together  with  fibrous  ai^uatio 
])lants,  and  on  this  foundation  they  heajied  two  or 
three  feet  of  black  mud  from  the  bottom  of  the  lake. 
Thus  the  broad  surface  around  their  island  home  was 
dotted  with  fertile  oardens,  self-irriu'atinuf  and  inde- 

t~  '  OCT 

])en(lent  of  rains,  easily  moved  from  place  to  })lace 
according  to  the  fancy  of  the  proprietor.  They  usually 
t(jok  the  form  of  parallelograms  and  were  often  over  a 
luuidred  feet  long.  All  the  agricultural  products  of 
the  country,  par^icularl}''  maize,  chile,  and  beans  were 
soon  j)roduced  in  abundance  on  the  chinanipas,  while 
the  larger  ones  even  bore  fruit  and  shade  trees  of  con- 
siderable size,  and  a  hut  for  the  convenience  of  the 

rhitl,  Hist.  C/iii'h.,  in  Kinfishoronffli's  Mcx.  Aiifiq.,  vol.  ix.,  pp.  21.3-14;  /(/., 
liliiriniif.i,  p.  .3Hr>.  Aj^rimiltiirc  iiitnulucoil  in  N()j)altzin'H  reij^n.  Ji/.,  ]i. 
'Mi.  iJut  Siihajrun,  Jlist.  (ioi.,  toin.  iii.,  lil).  x.,  p.  ll.'>,  says  some  of  the 
Chichiiiiucs  'liaciuu  taiiibicu  ul^'iuia  scineutenlla  ilu  iiiaiz.' 


346 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


owner,  or  gardener.  The  floating  gardens  have  re- 
mained in  use  down  to  modern  times,  but  since  tliu 
waters  of  tlie  lakes  receded  so  much  from  tlieir  fonutr 
'imits,  tliey  have  been  generally  attached  to  the 
shore,  Ijeing  separated  by  narrow  canals  navigntutl 
i)y  the  canoes  which  bear  their  produce  to  the  niar- 
kots.  In  later  times,  however,  only  flowers  and  gar- 
den vegetal)les  have  been  raised  in  this  manner,* 

On  the  mainland  throughout  the  Nahua  territdiy 
few  fertile  spots  were  left  uncultivated.  The  land 
was  densely  populated,  and  agriculture  was  an  hon- 
orable profession  in  which  all,  except  the  king,  tlic 
nol)ility,  and  soldiers  in  time  of  actual  war,  wciu 
more  or  less  en<xa<>"ed.° 

Agricultural  products  in  the  shape  of  food  were 
not  a  prominent  feature  among  articles  of  ex})ort  and 
imi)ort,  exce})ting,  of  course,  luxuries  for  the  tables  of 
tlie  kings  and  nobles.  Each  province,  as  a  rule,  raij^cd 
only  suflicient  supplies  for  its  own  ordinary  necessi- 
ties; consequently,  when  by  reason   of    drought    or 


*  'SoIhc  juiicii>,  y  cspadana  se  eclia  tierra  en  tal  forma,  que  no  la  ilos- 
haga  el  agiia,  y  alii  se  sienihia,  y  eultiua,  y  ciece,  y  niadura,  y  se  lleiiii  de 
vna  i)arte  a  otra.'  The  itnulucts  arc  maize,  eliile,  wild  amaranth,  tunuitus, 
lieans,  i-hian,  ]»umpkins,  etc.  Acostii,  Hist,  de  las  Vik/.,  \).  472.  '  l.a  lor 
ligura  regolare  e  ({uadriiunga:  la  lunghessa,  e  la  larjjhezza  .son  varie:  niii 
jier  lo  jiiii  hanno,  seeondo  elie  mi  pare,  otto  nertiche  in  cirra  di  lnn;^hc,./;:i, 
non  |)iu  di  tre  di  larghezza,  e  meno  d'nn  ])ie(!e  d'elevazione  sulia  siipcrlicie 
deiraiMjua.'  C/(iri</iiii,  Sl<iri((  Ant.  del  J/csw/rvy,  tom.  ii.,  pp.  1.")'2-;!.  I'ro- 
diice  nut  oidy  [daiits  nseful  for  food,  dres.s,  and  medicine,  hut  Mowers  ;iiid 
nlaiitx  (hat  serve  only  for  decoration  andlnxury.  Lf.,  torn,  iv.,  p.  'J'JT.  t'ai- 
iiajal  lvs])inosa,  Jli.it.  Mr.v.,  torn,  i.,  p.  (520,  transhites  Chiviuero's  descrip- 
tion. 'l''airy  islands  of  11,  ■.>crs,  oversliadowcd  occasiunally  hy  trees  ol  mii- 
sideralile  size.'  'That  arciiip('la;.'o  (if  wandering  islands.'  '2(H)  or  3i)0  icct 
long,  ,'i  or  4  feet  deep.  I'nsrdtt'x  Mi.c,  vol.  ii.,  p|i.  "(i,  107-8.  'J'he  iihuk 
mild  of  tiie  chinanipas  is  imiiregnated  with  muriate  .)f  soda,  which  isgriid- 
ually  wasjied  out  as  the  surface  is  watered,  lliudmlilt,  Easui  J'uL.  \<>u\. 
i.,  ]!]).  2o;>-2.  Me  iticiu  hy  (Jayangos  in  Cirtcs,  Cu-fn.s,  p.  7'.t;  ll'iif/i"  >f 
Sdnnirito,   Srniiun,    pp.    9j-(5.      'Camelloiii  •*,   que  el'oM   Uanian   Chinuiii- 


•i; 


1" 


]>as. ■    Torqurijutdu,  Monarq,  Ind.,  to:n.  ii.    p.  483;  Carli,   Cur/a.s 
l>\\  38-0. 

^  'Es  esta  provincia  (Tlascala)  de  mucV  )B  valles  llaims  y  Iie:ino>r.~,  y 
todo.s  lahrados  y  semhrados.'  In  Cliidnla  '  i  un  palinode  tierra  hax  i|no 
no  este  lahrado.'  ('nrlrs,  L'tirtns,  jjp.'tiS,  "),  'Tout  le  nionde,  plii~  dil 
nioins,  s'aihinnait  a  la  culture,  et  se  faisait  .'uneur  de  travaiiler  a  la  cam- 
pagrie.'  liriis.iritr  tir  JloKrlrmrif,  Hist.  Xitf.  t'ir.,  tom.  iii..  ]!.  (134;  T<ir>/iir- 
Mi(i/(f,  Miiiinn/.  Tn(/.,  tom.  ii.,  ]).  4S|.  'Ilasta  Ins  montes  y  sierras  t"ra;:e~a« 
las  teni,'  i  ocupadas  <'nn  semlirados  y  otros  aprovediamientos.'  l.i  tUh:orliill, 
Hist  Ciiic/i.,  in  Kiiiij.ib(/r()i((jh's  Mix.  Antiij.,  vid.  i\.,  p.  2,"t0. 


ABORIGINAL  AGRICULTURE. 


317 


ritory 
land 
Ixm- 

r,  the 

^V^J1'0 


other  cause,  a  famine  desolated  one  province,  it  was 
witli  the  greatest  difficulty  that  food  could  be  ob- 
tained from  abroad.  The  Mexicans  were  an  improv- 
ident people,  and  w.ant  was  no  stranger  to  tliem.'^ 

The  chief  products  of  Nahua  tillage  wero  maize, 
beans,  magueyes,  cacao,  chian,  chile,  and  various  na- 
tive fruits.''  The  maize,  or  Indian  corn,  the  dried 
oars  of  which  were  called  by  the  Aztecs  cctfli,  and 
the  dried  kernels  separated  from  the  cob,  tlaolli*  was 
the  standard  and  universal  Na.liua  ibod.  IncUgeiious 
to  America,  in  tlie  devidopmc.u  of  whose  civilization, 
traditionally  at  least,  it  jl.-.yed  an  important  part,  it 
lias  since  been  introduced  to  the  world.  It  is  the  siib- 
jeet  of  the  New-World  ti'atui.ivHis  respecting  the  inti'o- 
(liiction  of  agriculture  among  men.  Tortillas,  of  maize, 
ationipanied  by  the  inevitable  frijoles,  or  beans,  sea 
Mined  with  chile,  or  p'-'p])er,  and  washed  di)\vn  with 
drinks  prepa:  il  iron'  tin;  maguey  and  cacao,  were 
then,  as  now,  the  all-sustaining  diet,  and  we  are  told 
that  corn  grew  so  strong  and  high  in  the  tields  that 


la  itfs- 
Ik'iia  lie 

lIlKllliS, 

l.a  lov 
trie;  lua 

Mpi'i'licio 
I'r..- 
ici's  iiml 
Car- 
ilfscriii- 
of  ron- 

ln'  lihi'k 
1  is};iail- 

Ciruiaiu- 
■js,   pi   i., 

nii»-">-.  > 
luiy  ([Mc 
jilii-  I'll 
la  cum- 
Tur'ii"'- 
t'va'.:<>~'i« 

lih:oi-liill, 


<•  Carles,  CarftyD,  p.  7">;   LilIilrDcliitl,  Ifisf.   C/u'rh.,  in   Kiiiifsfiorriiif/fi's 
M  '.  Aiifi'/.,  vol.  ix.,  ]).  "J.")!);   l','i//iii,  Hisf.  Ant.  M''J.,  Unn.  iii.,  ji,  XU. 

■  \  full  list  ami  tleHcrintioii  ot  tiic  many  cilihif  .Mexican  plant-i  wliicli 
¥(•!•!•  rultivatod  liy  tlie  NaJLiias  in  ilio  sixteenth  ainl  earlier  ceiiiiuies.  as 
ilii'V  have  lieen  ever  since  hy  tlie\r  deseemlants,  is  i,'iven  hy  the  liotanist, 
liciiiamle/,  in  his  N<jr((  Pin iiliinuii\  see  also  ('/irn;/i  ro,  Slunn  ^\iil.  ihl 
Mi.-isini,  tom.  i.,  pp.  4r>-(;s;  repeatc'd  in  ('urhiijiil  JCs/n'iio.sti,  lli.sl.  Mij\, 
tniii.  i.,  pp.  ia2-lSI;  Arwit'i,  llisl.  di-  las  ) /k/ ,  p.  :;,'{(;,  ct  .sry.  Maize,  rna- 
;;ury,  cacao,  iiauanax,  and  vanilla.  I'lr.srott's  M'j'.,  vol.  i.,  ))p.  I.'IMJ.  'i'lie 
Totiinacs  raised  uii.'S,  i>nt  no  cacao  or  ri'iiifirri.:Hi.  Sri/inifini,  lli\f  'I'li., 
torn,  iii.,  lib,  .v.,  p.  1,1'.  The  peo]ile  of  Michoacan  raised  '  maiz,  lii.-'  Ics, 
]ie|iitas  y  Iruta,  y  las  seniillas  de  nlanteninliento^,  Uaniados  omi/ini.  if 
r/mhi.'  it/,  p.  l.'$7.  I'he  .Matlalt/.incas  also  raised  the  Inniiilitli.  Id  .  p. 
llitl.  jlesidcs  corn,  the  most  important  prodiieis  wore  cotton,  c,M'ai>,  nui- 
;,'iiey  (iiietl),  frijoles,  chia.  and  chile,  f '/V/*-,'7''\>,  Utoria  Ant.  del  M'^iico, 
tiHii.  ii,,  p.  l.'iS;  ('(irhiijid  Eyttiiosd,  Hist.  Mr.i-  ,  torn,  i.,  |>.  (i'J4.  '  O's  Mexi- 
cains  cultivaiint  non-seulem»-iit  toutes  les  tlenrs  et  toutes  U'.s  piantes  nuc 
inohiit  lenr  pays,  niais  encore  une  intinite  d'autre,s  (lu'ils  v  avaieaf  (ran.^ 
plaiiiees  des  contrees  les  ]ihis  eloi;^in''e(*,'  Ti::iiZiiiiii)r,  Mist  lA ,/ .,  torn,  i.,  p, 
-It.  /'/.  Crdiiirtt,  in  Kini/slKinmif/i's  .l/cf.  Aiitiif.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  l!S.  '(lay  frut;** 
tie  luuchiis  nianeras.  en  (pu"  hay  cerczas,  y  cirnelasipie  s./ii  seniejaldes  i'l  las 
lie  KspiMui.'  Cortes,  Cdi'tus,  p.  lot.  Fruit  was  mure  uiiuiutuiH  amon;u  tlio 
Iliiasteis  than  elsewhere.  Tc-uzonmr,  Hist.  Mij\,  tom.  i.,  |i.  H7  'I'luy 
li.iue  also  many  kindes  of  ])ot  lierlies,  as  lettice,  raddish,  eresse.s,  j^arlieke, 
oiiyons,  and  many  other  herhes  liusides.'  I'll-r  Murtijr,  dec.  v.,  lih.  iii. 
Kilihie  fruits.  SdlKdinn,  Hist.  Ctii.,  torn,  ii  ,  lili.    viii.,  |».  .'ilKJ. 

"  Miillitii,  Idrriiintirio.   't'cutli,  o  TlaiiUi,  ijue  olros  dizeii  niayz.'   Gu- 
marii,  Cuikj.  J/c  ,  p.  'Al'.i. 


348 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


covered  the  surface  of  the  country  In  sonic  parts,  as 
to  seriously  enil)arrass  tlie  coutiueror  Cortes  in  lii.s 
nio\eni('!its  against  the  natives  hidden  in  these  ii.ii- 
ural  la'.A'i'inths.'-* 

Ues[)ectin<^-  tlie  })articuhir  methods  of  cultivation 
practiced  by  the  Nahuas,  except  in  the  raisinj.^  of  com, 
early  observers  have  left  no  definite  information.'" 
The  valleys  were  ct  <-ourse  the  favorite  localities  for 
cornfields,  but  the  liiL^hlands  were  also  cultivated. 
In  the  latter  case  the  trees  and  bushes  were  cut 
d(j\vn,  the  land  burm.'d  over,  and  the  seed  put  in 
amoui^  the  ashes.  Such  lands  w'ere  allowed  to  rest 
several  years —  Tonpiemada  says  tive  or  six  —  after 
each  cro]),  until  the  surface  was  covered  ^^  itli  ^rass 
and  bushes  for  a  new  burninf^-.  No  other  fertili/.i  i- 
than  ashes,  so  far  as  known,  was  ever  emj)loye(l. 
Fields  were  enclosed  by  stone  walls  and  hedges  of 
ma-jfuey,  which  wi-re  carel'ully  repaired  each  year  in 
the  month  of  Pan([uetzaliztli.  They  had  uo  laboiini;' 
animals,  ami  their  fai'min;^  implements  were  exceed- 
iuLcly  f"-^v-  and  lude.  Tliree  of  these  oidy  are  men- 
tioned. The  h'licth'  wan  a  kind  of  oaken  shovel  or 
spade,  in  har»<lHn;r  wliuh  both  hands  iiid  feet  were 
used.  The  n^tf/,  or  <nii  i  At'r})eiit),  so  called  I'voiia- 
i»\y  from  its  shape,  was  a  co[)per  im})lenient  with  a 
wooden  lia.radl'  u -d  soniewiiat  as  a  hoe  is  used  by 
KttWcrn  larrn.-r«  in  breaking  the  surfac«'  of  the  soil. 
Ant»ther  copp.T  instrument,  sliaped  like  a  sickle,  with 
a  wot-i-n  hand'--,  was  used  i\)V  ])runiniLi^  fruit-trees.  A 
simj)le  sharp  -ack,  the  ])(jint  of  which  was  hardened 
'1  the  tire,  or  more  rarely  tipj)ed  with  co[)per,  Mas  the 
MK  nt  in  n.i()st  <  "inmon  use.  To  plant  corn,  the 
r  dropst'd  a  f'  -  kernels  into  a  hole  made  with 
::ii-  -ti'k,  aij'l  cov.  i.il  tliom  ^ -ith  his  foot,  takinsjf  the 

'  '  orf's,  <'nfi'i.<  *  f>-\\  T-niiiiinddit,  Xrnini'/  Iiid.,  toiii.  i.,  ji.Til,").  In 
TItixi'ala  'no  t<i*-i]ii»*r    .frii  ri'<|ii>'za  iii  granioriu,  -mo  cciilli  ijue  es  sii  piiii.' 

4fOIH"r>-l.    C'/llf.    Hi.,    ,    fill.    «7. 

*•  VfUiT  .Mar».\  r  anil  tin-  Aiinnyinoiis  ronqnornr  .ay,  lio\vi'\i  that  ("ii'an- 
taMM  wtre  j>lMM>r<>il  uiiiirr  larger  trees,  wliiih  \ver>  ■  \\\  «li>\»ii  \«  iien  the  |ilaiii 
jpMKtl  x»dSt>c««.  streuyUi.  Dee.  v.,  lib.  »<.;  i-'uOttitrfti,  t.'ol.  dr  '''>e.,  tolil. 
I,  p.  »U. 


CORNFIELDS  AND  GRANARIES. 


349 


irrcitost  pains  to  make  the  rows  perfectly  straii^-lit  and 
jtanillcl;  the  intervals  hetvveen  the  hills  wurc  always 
uiiit'orni,  tlu)U_i4'h  the  space  was  rejjfulated  aci'ordiMijf 
til  the  nature  and  f'ertilitv  ut"  the  soil.  The  held  was 
kept  carefully  weeded,  and  at  a  certain  age  the  stalks 
wore  sup])orted  by  heaping'  up  the  soil  round  them. 
At  maturity  the  stalks  were  olten  broken  two  thirds 
ii|i,  that  the  husks  might  ])i"otect  the  hanging  ear 
i'roiii  rain.  JJuring  the  growth  and  ripening  of  the 
maize,  a  watchman  or  hov  was  kept  constantly  on 
guard  in  a  sheltered  station  connnanding  the  lield, 
wliuse  duty  it  was  to  drive  away,  with  stones  and 
sliouts,  the  Hocks  of  feathered  rohhers  which  ahountl- 
ed  in  the  country.  Women  and  childreu  aided  the 
men  in  the  ligfht;^r  farm  labors,  such  as  dropping  the 
seeds,  weeding  the  i)lants,  and  husking  and  cleaning" 
the  grain.  To  irrigate  the  fields  the  water  of  rivers 
and  of  mountain  streams  was  utilized  by  means  of 
canals,  dams,  and  dittdies.  The  network  of  canals  by 
Avhich  the  cacao  ])lantations  of  the  tierra  caliente  in 
Tabasco  were  watered,  offered  to  Cortes'  army  even 
nmre  serious  obstructions  than  the  dense  growth  of 
the  niaizales,  or  cornfields. 

(Granaries  for  storing  maize  were  built  of  oi/ati^'tf, 
or  o.rdiiicfl,  a  tree  whose  long  branches  were  regular, 
tonsil,  and  flexible.  The  sticks  were  laid  in  log-house 
fa>ln()ii,  oik;  above  another,  and  close  together,  so  as 
t'  lorni  a  tightsipiare  room,  which  was  coxeivd  with  a 
Water-tight  roof,  and  had  oidy  two  oj»enings  or  win- 
dows, one  at  the  top  and  another  at  the  bottom.  Many 
of  these  granaries  had  a  capacity  of  several  thousat  <1 
bushels,  and  in  them  corn  was  pi'(ser\ed  for  several, 
or,  as  Brasseur  says,  for  fifteen  or  twenty,  yiars. 
]jc-i(les  the  rt'gular  and  extensive  plantations  of  sta- 
l)le  ))roducts,  gardens  wt^'re  connnon,  tastefully  laid 
out  and  d'voted  to  the  cidtivation  of  friuts,  vegeta- 
bles, medicinal  In  rb.s,  and  |iai-ticidarly  flowers,  of 
winch  the  IVFexicans  were  veiy  fond,  and  which  were 
ill  demand  for  temple  decorations  and  Ixnnpiets.     The 


',  l^ 


■i'' 

.\ 

■ 

)  1 

1 

$ 

i 

H 

SB    :' 


!•    \m 


i^ 


350 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


iif  ;. 


gardens  connected  with  the  palaces  of  kings  and  no- 
bles, particularly  those  of  Tezcuco,  Iztapalapan,  and 
Huaxtepec,  excited  great  wonder  and  admiration  in 
the  minds  of  the  first  European  visitors,  but  thtso 
have  been  already  mentioned  in  a  preceding  chajftor.'^ 

We  shall  find  the  planting  and  growth  of  maize  not 
without  influence  in  the  development  of  the  Nahua 
calendars,  and  that  it  was  closely  connected  with  tlio 
worship  of  the  gods  and  with  religious  ideas  and  cere- 
monies. Father  Burgoa  relates  that  in  Oajaca,  the 
cultivation  of  this  grain,  the  peojile's  chief  supjxjit, 
was  attended  by  some  peculiar  c(!renionies.  At  har- 
vest-time the  priests  of  the  maize  god  in  Quegolaiii, 
ceremonially  visited  the  cornfields  followed  by  a  pro- 
cession of  the  peo2)le,  and  sought  diligeittly  the  fairest 
and  best-filled  ear.  Tliis  they  bore  to  the  village, 
placed  it  on  an  altar  decked  for  the  occasion  with  flow- 
ers and  precious  chalchiuites,  sang  and  danced  l)cfoio 
it,  and  wrapped  it  with  care  in  a  white  cotton  cloth, 
in  which  it  Wcis  preserved  until  the  next  seed-tinic. 
Then  with  renewed  processions  and  solemn  rites  the 
magic  ear  with  its  white  covering  was  wrapped  in  a 
deer-skin  and  buried  in  the  midst  of  the  cornfields  in 
a  small  hole  lined  with  stt)nes.  When  another  har- 
vest came,  if  it  were  a  fruitful  one,  the  precious  oflri- 
ing  to  the  earth  was  dug  up  and  its  decayed  remains 
distributed  in  small  parcels  to  the  happy  populace  as 
talismans  against  all  kinds  of  evil." 

The  game  most  abundant  was  deer,  hare,  rabbits, 
wild  hogs,  wolves,  foxes,  jaguars,  or  tigers,  Mex- 
ican lions,  coyotes,  pigeons,  partridges,  quails,  and 
many  acpiatic  birds.     The  usual  weai)on  was  the  bow 

n  On  tlio  rultiiro  of  maize  and  other  points  iiicntioncd  al)ove  pec  Tor- 
guciuada,  Moiiarq.  Lid.,  toui.  ii.,  ])]>.  481 -'2,  t^M,  toni.  i.,  \i.  KM!;  Vhiriijira, 
Stiiria  Ant.  act  Mr.s.siro,  toiii.  ii.,  ]ip.  ir)3-C;  Iiri(s.sri(r  dc  Iii)iirhoiir</,  Jli'^f. 
N»t.  Civ.,  toni.  iii.,  i)p.  (ilW-?,  toni.  iv.,  p.  (U;  Corhiijfd  J'J.yiino.tii,  Ifisf. 
Mcx.,  torn,  i.,  pp.  (521-4;  Citrliti,  Varlas,  i>.  75;  Jii'rnul  iJinz,  lli.tt.  Cini'/., 
p.  128;  CdiiKirijo,  Jh.it.  T/ii.r.,  in  JVuiirr/lr.i  Ainiitlin  tlis  Vol/.,  1848,  toiu. 
xi'viii.,  p.  liXi;  I'rfrr  Mtirfi/i\  dec.  v.,  lib.  ii. ;  Gaijcrn,  in  Sue.  Mcx.  (noij., 
livli'/iii,  '1'^^  Kjioiii,  toni.  i.,  PI).  81,")-1G. 

^'i  Jliirifiht.  Unni.  DcHcriji.,  tonj.  ii.,  pt  ii.,  pp.  332-3;  Brassciir  i/c  Buur- 
bourij,  Hint.  Xut.  Vic,  toni.  iii.,  pp.  40-2. 


■i^l 


THE  CHASE  IN  ANAHUAC. 


351 


and  arrow,  to  the  invention  of  whieli  tradition  ascribes 
the  orij];'in  of  the  chase;  hut  spears,  snares,  and  nets 
Avere  also  employed,  and  the  sarhacan,  a  tube  tliroui^li 
Avliic'li  pellets  or  darts  were  blown,  was  an  etlcetive 
biid-killer.  Game  iti  the  royal  forests  was  protei-ted 
bs'  law,  and  many  hunters  were  emj)loyed  in  takiii;;^ 
animals  and  birds  alive  for  the  kinL''s  collections. 
Aniont''  the  peculiar  devices  em})loyed  for  takinLC 
water-birds  was  that  already  mentioned  in  connection 
with  the  Wild  Tribes;  the  liunter  ilo;itin<jf  in  tJie 
water,  with  only  his  head,  covered  witii  a,  *,^ourd,  above 
the  surface,  and  thus  approaching-  his  prey  unsus- 
pected. Young  monkeys  were  cauglit  i)y  putting  in 
a  concealed  fire  a  peculiar  black  stone  which  exploded 
wlicn  heated.  Corn  was  scattered  about  as  a  bait, 
and  when  the  old  mordveys  brou<'ht  their  younij'  to 
feed  they  were  frightened  by  the  explosion  and  ran 
away,  leaving  the  young  ones  an  eas}--  J)rey.  The  na- 
tive hunters  are  represented  as  particularly  skillful  in 
following  an  indistinct  trail.  According  to  Sahagun, 
a  superstition  ])revailed  that  only  four  arrows  might  be 
shot  at  a  tiger,  but  to  secure  success  a  leaf  was 
attached  to  one  of  the  arrows,  which,  making  a  pecu- 
liar whizzing  sound,  fell  short  and  attracted  the  beast's 
attention  while  the  hunter  took  deliberate  aim.  Croc- 
odiles were  taken  with  a  noose  round  the  neck  and 
also,  by  the  boldest  hunters,  by  inserting  a  stick  sharp- 
ened and  barbed  at  both  ends  in  the  animal's  open 
mouth.  It  is  probable  that,  while  a  small  portion  of 
the  (Common  people  in  certain  ])arts  of  the  countiy 
sought  game  for  food  alone,  the  chase  among  the  Na- 
huas  was  for  the  most  })art  a  diversion  of  the  nobles 
and  soldiers.  There  were  also  certain  hunts  estab- 
lished by  law  or  custom  at  certain  periods  of  the  year, 
tlie  products  of  which  were  devoted  to  sacrificial  i>ur- 
poses,  although  most  likely  eaten  eventually. 

In  the  nu)nth  Quecholli  a  day's  hunt  was  cele- 
brated by  the  warriors  in  honor  of  Mixcoatl.  A  large 
t^trest — that  of  Zacatepec,  near  Mexico,  being  a  favor- 


't      ! 


352 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


'iti;^' 


itc  resort — was  surrounded  by  a  line  of  hunters  nianv 
miles  in  extent.  Jn  the  centre  of  the  forest  vaiior.s 
snares  and  ti"a})s  were  set.  AVhen  all  was  ready,  tlic 
livinijc  circle  bej^an  to  contract,  and  the  hunters  witli 
slioiits  ])ressed  forward  toward  the  centre.  To  aid  in 
tile  work,  the  ^rass  was  sometimes  fired.  The  various 
animals  were  driven  from  tiieir  retreats  into  the  snar(  s 
j)rej)ared  for  them,  or  fell  victims  to  the  huntsnR'ii.s 
arrows.  Immense  quantities  of  i^ame  were  thus  se- 
cured and  borne  to  the  city  and  to  the  neiij^hborin^' 
towns,  the  inhabitants  of  which  had  assisted  in  the 
hunt,  as  an  ofteriiii;'  to  the  god.  Eacli  hunter  carriul 
to  his  own  home  the  heads  of  such  animals  as  he  Imd 
killed,  and  a  jirize  was  awarded  to  the  most  successlul. 
In  the  month  Tecuilhuitontli  also,  while  the  waniois 
practiced  in  sham  tiolits  for  actual  war,  the  comniou 
people  gave  their  attention  to  the  chase.  Large  num- 
bers of  lirds  were  taken  in  nets  spread  on  ])oles  like 
spear-sliafts.  In  earlier  times,  when  the  chase  was 
more  depended  on  for  food,  the  first  game  taken  was 
oilired  to  tlu'  gods;  or,  by  the  (,'hichimecs  and  Xoclii- 
milcas,  to  the  sun,  as  Ixtlilxochitl  ini'orms  us." 

Fish  was  much  more  universally  used  for  food  than 
gam.>,  Torquemada  tells  us  that  the  Aztecs  first  in- 
xeutcd  the  art  of  fisliing  ])rom]>ted  by  the  mother  (>\' 
invention  Avhen  forced  by  their  enemies  to  live  on  tlu- 
lake  islands;  and  it  was  the  smell  of  roasted  fisli, 
waited  to  the  shore,  that  revealed  their  ])resen«'c. 
This  tradition  is  somewhat  absurd,  and  it  is  ditHcult 
to  believe  that  the  art  was  entirely  unknown  dijring 
the  ])receding  Tolteo  and  Olmec  j)eriods  of  Naliua 
civilization.      Besides    the    supj)ly  in  lake  and  river, 

'^  On  liutif  iii^  soo  Mofdlhnii.  IlinK  Tinlio.s,  in  TrozhaJrrla.  Cu}.  dr  Thif.^ 
Iiini.  i.,  |).  4S;  S((/iiif/iiii,  l/'sf.  iirti.,  turn,  i.,  lib.  ii.,  p.  Ki."),  toiii.  iii.,  liH.  \»., 
jip.  I  111  "i^'it.  iiu:lu(liiii,' ii  full  list  and  ilcscriptioii  of  Nlcxiraii  aiiinuils;  '/'"•- 
{jiiriiKidii,  Moiiiiri/.  LkL,  toiii.  i.,  )).  "JUS,  toiii.  ii.,  )>]>.  'JSI,  •2\^~\  I'rhr  Murtnr, 
<1('('.  v.,  lili.  iii.;  V(irli\s,  Curias,  \i.  '11;  ('((innri/o,  lltsl.  Thu..  in  \iiiiri/i'i 
A  iiKolrx  (Irs  Vol/..  1843,  touj.  xcviil.,  ]).  I'.K!;  l.iih'l.iiirhKI.  Rihicinlux,  in 
Kiiiijshitfoiiiili's  Mix.  Aii/.i'f/.,  vol.  ix.,  pp.  'X\'\  .'Mli.  A'^S;  <'/(ii-,,,tri).  Sfuri'i 
All/,  ilil  .Mr.s.iiro,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  l(i(>-'2.  List  "f  Mexican  animals  in  ///  .  toiii, 
i.  l>n.  (iS-!t'.t;  Citrhdjiil  h.'<piinisii.  Ifi.s'.  .l/r.i.,  toni.  i.,  p[t.  ():!()-".  I*.S>-II, 
■v\itli  wauie  li.'^t;  ISrassrur  dc  liourouiinj,  Hist.  Nat.  C\r.,  toiu.  i.,  p.  -io. 


FISIIEltlES  ANT)  SALT. 


353 


^  mnwy 

varior.s 

dv,  tli(3 

rs  \\\\\\ 

.)  aid  ill 

various 

)  siiait s 

tsinun  s 

,1ms  sr- 

hl)i)riiin' 

ill  tlu' 

cari'it  (I 

lie  liad 

ccessi'ul. 

vvarridis 

COllUlHiU 

life  luiin- 
oles  like 
ase  was 
ikcn  was 
Xoi'lii- 

i)(l  tlinii 
tirst  in- 
tlicr  ot' 
on  tlu- 
_'d   tish. 
fesein'i-'. 
dit^oult 
during- 
Naluia 
river, 

|i.,lit».  \»., 

Iiiiils;   '/'"'■■ 
Miirtjir, 

L\  ""'■'/''  < 
[ciiiii's.  m 

It- 11, 


nrtidcial  ponds  in  the  royal  o-ardens  were  also  stocked 
with  lish,  and  we  have  seen  that  tVesli  Hsh  from  the 
ocean  were  hroiioht  to  Mexico  for  the  kind's  tahle, 
]\('sj)ectin,>^  the  j)articular  methods  emjiloyed  l>y  the 
Naliua  tishermei!,  save  that  tluy  used  hoth  nets  and 
hooks,  the  authorities  say  nothino-.  I'he  'I'arascos 
had  such  an  abundance  of  food  in  their  lakes  that 
tiieir  country  was  named  ]\lic]ioacan,  'land  of  iish;' 
and  the  rivers  of  Huasteca])an  are  also  mentioned  as 
richly  stockt'd  with  tinny  food." 

'{'he  Xahuas  had,  as  I  have  said,  no  hei'ds  or  ilocks, 
hut  hesides  the  royal  collections  of  animals,  which  in- 
(liided  nearly  every  known  variety  of  (}uadrui)eds, 
hiids,  and  re^jtiles,  the  connnon  })et)}»le  kej)t  and  lucd 
d'c/iiclil  (a  native   animal   resemhliuL;'  a  doy),  turkeys, 


(luails,  o'eese,  ( 


hicl 


\S,  and  many  nther  hirds 


Tl 


le  no- 


dso  kejit  deer,  hares,  and  rahl)it^ 


Xtxt  to  chile,  salt,  or  i'Jdtl,  was  the  condiment 
most  used,  .and  most  of  the  su})})ly  came  Irom  the  \'al- 
IcV  of  NFexico.  The  best  was  made  hy  hoilin!--  the 
water  from  the  salt  lake  in  larsjfe  pots,  and  was  pre- 
scrNed  in  white  cakes  or  halls.  It  was  olteiier,  how- 
e\er,  led  by  trenches  into  shallow  jjools  and  evaporated 

^*  (liifl<irrn,  Sfnrin  Anf.  tJrl  Mi'.ssim,  torn,  i.,  pp.  00-10."). ,  ti nil.  ii.,  p. 
Hi'J.  witli  list  anil  (Icscriptioii  of  Moxicuii  lislics,  of  wiiicli  ii\<t  KMI  varie- 
ties lit  for  I'ihhI  arc  inciitioiicd;  rt'ipcalcd  in  ('nrlinjnl  K.siii husk,  lliaf.  Mij\, 
tniii.  i.,  |(|i.  l4.")-.')0,  til'S;  J'l/ir  Mutii/r,  ilcc.  v.,  lih.  li.,  iii.;  Ti~ii::i,,ii<tr, 
llisf.  Mij\,  toni.  i.,  ])|i.  (iO,  147;  Ti)ri/nniifii/ii,  MoiKin/.  Iml.,  toiii.  i..  \<.  0.'?; 
I'diiii'i-ifn,  Ihs/.  T/ii.r.,  in  \itnn<//i\  A  intdlra  ilrs  ]'iii/..  IS4.S.  toin.  xcviii.,  p. 
IIV_';  Ai'i>.\/ii,  lli'sf.  (If  liiH  Villi.,  ]i.  4(!0.  J.ist  of  lislifs  in  Siiliinjiiu,  lli.sl. 
dill.,  torn    iii.,  nil.  \i.,  \<]>.  100-"_'()7. 

'•  H'rian  luuiluis  i.'aliinas.  .  .  .(jncson  tan  ^raii(l(>s  ronio  pavos,'  'Coiiojos, 
licliri's,  viMiailos  y  perros  pcinu'nos,  (|uc  criau  para  <iinii'r  castrjidos.'  Curtrs, 

Cir'iis.  p|i  •_'■{,  o't.  lot,  -I'l-l.      '  Vouii--  wiiclpcs  licsli  is  vsnall  tiicic wiiicli 

tlu-y  jrt'ltl  and  fatto  fur  foodc'   /'i/ir  Mini.ir,  dci-.  v.,   lili.  iii.     'I'iic  samo 

ai:lli<»c,  d*H\  v.,  lit*,  iii.,  ^'ivcs  >*oi luccr  irjforination  respect 'iii;  llic  tiirk- 

evs.  'TUo  femalles  Hometinies  lav  '20.  or  'Ml  cj:-;.'cs,  so  that  it  is  a  uinlli- 
plviiiir  <\>ni|iaiiy.  I'l'i'  males,  are  alwaycs  in  loue,  and  tlierefore  tlicy  say, 
llicy  ;ne  very  livlit  nicatc  of  diL;i'stion.'  A  ccrlain  jiricst  reports  that  'the 
iiiiile  is  troiihled  with  ccrtayne  iin|icdinicntes  in  tin'  lei,'<;i's,  thiit  he  can 
s  arse  iiiliirc  the  hcniie  to  trcade  her.  vnlcsse  some  Unowne  nerson  tal<e  her 
Vi  his  hanii,  and  lioM  lii'r .  .  .  .As  sooncas  lice  |ierccinelh  the  lienne  \\  hirli  he 
linielh.  is  held,  hec  iircsently  connneth  \iito  lier.  and  |ierfornies  his  liusin('r«i»i> 
in  the  hand  of  the  holder.'  Siu-  C/nriifirn.  S'u  in  Aiit.  ilil  M,\.sii'i,,  Imn. 
ii.,  pp,  l.'>S-'.t,  toin.  iv.,  ]). 'J'JS;  Ciirliii Jul  Ksiii,>'isit,  lli.sl.  Mix.,  toui,  i.,  pp. 
Wl  \i;  Uri-  'n.  Ili.sf.  OcH.,  tola,  iii.,  jip.  201-2. 

Vol.  II.     aj 


m 


354 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


by  tlic  sun.  The  work  would  seem  to  liave  l)ccii  (l«me 
l)y  women,  since  Salui<^un  s})eaks  of  the  women  uiid 
•••iris  employed  in  this  industry  as  dancinj^  at  the  toast 
in  honor  of  the  goddess  of  salt  in  the  month  Teciiil- 
huitontli.  A  poor  quality  of  salt,  tequizquitl,  hrick- 
eolored  and  stroiii^ly  impregnated  with  saltpeti'e,  was 
scra|)td  up  on  the  Hats  around  the  lakes,  and  largely 
used  in  salting  meats.  Las  Casas  mentions  s.dt  spriiin.s 
in  the  bed  of  fresh- water  streams,  the  water  of  which 
was  j)umped  out  through  hollow  canes,  and  yielded  on 
evajioi-ation  a  fine  white  salt;  but  it  is  not  certain  wliat 
])art  of  tlie  coimtry  he  refers  to.  The  Aztec  kiii^s 
practically  mono})olized  the  salt  market  and  refused 
to  sell  it  to  any  except  tributary  nations.  In  conse- 
quence of  this  disj)osition,  re})ublican  Tlascala,  one  ot' 
the  few  nations  that  maintained  its  inde})endence,  was 
forced  for  many  yeai's  to  eat  its  food  unsalted;  and 
so  habituated  did  the  people  become  to  this  diet,  that 
in  later  times,  if  we  may  credit  Camargo,  very  little 
salt  was  consumed. ^"^ 

We  now  come  to  the  methods  adopted  by  the  Na- 
huas  in  j^-eparing  and  cooking  food.  Maize,  wlien 
in  the  milk,  was  eaten  boiled,  and  called  eJotl ;  wlieii 
dry  it  was  often  prej)ared  for  food  by  simply  parching 
or  roasting,  and  then  named  mumiw/dtl.  But  it  usu- 
ally came  to  the  Aztec  table  in  the  shape  of  tldxadli, 
the  S])anish  tortillas,  the  standard  bread,  then  as  now, 
in  all  Spanish  America,  it.  would  be  difficult  to 
nanu;  a  book  in  any  way  treating  of  Mexico  in  which 
tortillas  are  not  fully  described.  The  aborigines  boiled 
the  corn  in  water,  to  which  lime,  or  sometimes  nitre, 
was  added.  When  sufficiently  soft  and  i'ree  from 
Imlls  it  was  crushed  on  the  mctlat/,  or  metate,  with  a 
stone  I'oller,  and  the  dough,  ;vrter  being  kneaded  also 

ifi  />r/rr  Martyr,  dec.  v.,  lib.  iii.;  Torqiicmada,  Movurq.  hid.,  toin.  i., 
p.  4.">;i:  ll<rrrr<t,  Hist.  Ocii.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  vii.,  cap.  v.;  Oiia/o,  Hint.  Urii., 
Unn.  iii.,  ]>.  284;  Cortes,  Carta.-,,  \).  (iO;  S'KJuif/itii,  Hi.sf.  (!ni.,  torn,  i.,  iiii. 
ii.,  ]>!>.  124-8,  toin.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  p.  VM);  J t/i'inioz.  in  li<izlia!rrt((,  Cut.  ile 
Doc,  torn,  i.,  p.  507;  Cainarf/o,  Hist.  Tla.c,  in  Sovrrllr.s  Atmalis  ths 
Vofi.,  ISJ.%  torn,  xcviii.,  p.  ISO;  Goinaru,  Conq.  Mcx.,  fol.  10";  Sulis,  Jl<4. 
CotKj.  Mex.,  torn,  i.,  pp.  390-1. 


THE  NAUUA  ClISIXE. 


355 


oil  tlic  iTictate,  was  formed  by  the  hands  of  tlio  women 
into  very  thin  round  cakes  which  were  (juickly  haked 
(i;i  uarthen  i)anH,  or  <'<nn((/li,  and  }»iled  up  one  on 
aiiitther  that  tliey  mii^ht  retain  tiieir  warmth,  for 
wliun  cold  they  lost  their  savor.  Peter  Martyr  sj»eaks 
(if  these  tortillas  as  "bread  made  of  Mai/ium."  They 
wrvc  sometimes,  but  rarely,  Havored  with  different 
luitive  plants  and  flowers.  There  was,  liowi'ver,  some 
vaiicty  in  their  preparation,  according  to  which  they 
hole  different  names.  For  example  totanqiiifhtxi'a/- 
[illiK/iiclpacholli  were  very  white,  being  folded  and  cov- 
(.rcd  with  napkins;  liHietlaxcdUi  were  large,  thin,  and 
soil;  qiiwilillmiiuiUl  were  thick  and  rough;  thtxcal- 
liiichol/i,  grayish;  and  tlavc'poa//if/i(.ir((l/i  presented  a 
hh'stered  surface.  There  were  many  other  kinds.  In 
atldition  to  the  tlaxcalli,  thicker  corn-bread  in  the  form 
(it"  long  cakes  and  balls  were  made.  Atolli  varied  in 
consistency  from  porridge,  or  gruel,  to  mush,  and  may 
coiiseipiently  be  classed  either  as  a  drink  or  as  food. 
To  make  it,  the  hulled  corn  was  mashed,  mixed  witli 
water,  and  boiled  down  to  the  required  consistency ; 
it  was  variously  sweetened  and  seasoned,  and  eaten 
hoth  hot  and  cold.  According  to  its  condition  and 
seasoning  it  received  about  seventeen  names;  thus 
liifoHijiiidtolli  was  eaten  hot,  nequatoUi  was  sweetened 
with  honey,  chilncqaatoUi  was  seasoned  with  chile, 
and  (jiKiuknexatolli  with  saltpetre. 

Beans,  the  etl  of  the  Aztecs,  the  frijoles  of  the 
Sj»aiiiards,  were  while  yet  green  boiled  in  the  pod, 
and  were  then  called  exofi;  when  dry  they  were  also 
generally  boiled;  but  Ixtlilxochitl  mentions  flour  made 
from  i)eans. 

Chilli,  chile,  or  pepjier,  was  eaten  both  green  and 
dry,  whole  and  ground.  A  sauce  was  also  made 
from  it  into  which  hot  tortillas  were  dip))ed,  and  which 
foiiued  a  part  of  the  seasoning  in  nearly  every  Nahua 
dish.  "  It  is  the  principal  sauce  and  the  only  si)ice 
of  the  Indias,"  as  Acosta  tells  us. 

Flesh,  fowl,  and  tish,  both  fresh  and  salted,  were 


356 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


Mi; 


stowofl,  l)oile(l,  and  roasted,  witli  the  fat  of  tli,' 
tecliichi,  iiiid  Hoasonud  with  (-Iiilc,  totnutl  (ssincu  t-alltd 
toniatoos),  etc.  Tho  lai'<»-er  roasted  t^amo  pi'oserved  tor 
eatiiiL,''  from  tliu  sai-riKccs  in  the  mofitli  of  Itzcalli  is 
termed  (•(i/pn/r(/>ic  by  Salia^uii.  Piplait  was  a  stew 
of  fowl  with  ehile,  toinatoes,  and  yround  |nini|iklii- 
Keeds.  Deer  and  rahhits  were  l)ai'he<'Ue(h  JVtei'  Ahii- 
tyr  speaks  of  "rost  and  so(Ule>n  nieates  (^f  foule." 

Fruits,  for  the  most  ])art,  were  eaten  as  witli  us, 
raw,  l)ut  some,  as  the  j)lantain  and  Ijanana,  \v<  iv 
roasted  and  stewed. 

So  mucli  for  tlie  jdain  Nahua  cookery.  Into  tl  r 
lahyrintliine  niysteries  of  the  mixed  dislies  I  s]i;,il 
not  ])enetrate  far.  It  is  easier  for  tlie  writer,  aid 
not  less  satisfactory  to  the  reader,  to  dismiss  the  suh- 
ject  with  the  remai'k  that  all  the  articles  of  food  tli;;t 
have  heeii  mentioned,  tish,  tlesh,  and  fowl,  wei'e  mixul 
and  cooked  in  every  conceivable  i)ro|)(»ition,  the  ))ii)- 
duct  taking-  a  diilerent  name  with  each  change  in  tlic 
inU'redients.  The  two  princijial  classes  of  these  iiiixid 
dishes  Avere  the  pot-stews,  or  caznelas,  of  various 
meats  Avitli  multitudinous  season in,<;s;  and  the  tainnll'i, 
or  tamales,  meat  })ies,  to  make  which  meats  w-ere  l»oil(d. 
cliop[)ed  tine,  and  seasoned,  then  mixed  with  niai/.i 
dou:L»'h,  coated  with  the  same,  wra])ped  in  a  corn-husk, 
and  boiled  aijfain.  These  also  totrk  different  names 
accordingly  to  the  ino^redients  and  seasoning''.  Tlu'  ta- 
malo  is  still  a  favorite  dish,  like  toi-tillas  find  frijoKs. 

Miscellaneous  articles  of  food,  not  already  spol<t  n 
of,  were  i(x<ti/<(catl,  tiles  of  the  Mexican  lakes,  dritd, 
<i^r()und,  boiled,  and  eaten  in  the  form  of  cakes;  ali'i- 
aa/it/i,  the  ein'^s  of  the  same  fly,  a  kind  of  native 
caviar;  many  kinds  of  insects,  ants,  maj^uey-worms, 
and  even  lice;  tn'uithttl,  'excrement  of  stone,'  a  slime 
that  was  e^athered  on  the  surface  of  the  lakes,  and 
dried  till  it  resembled  cheese;  eti'i^s  of  turkeys,  io'ua- 
nas,  and  turtles,  roasted,  boiled, and  in  omelettes;  vari- 
ous reptiles,  froos,  and  troo'-spawn ;  shrimj)s,  sardines, 
and   crabs;   corn-silk,   wild -amaranth   seeds,    chtriy- 


■tifiai 


EATINC  f)F  IHMAN  FLKSlf. 


357 


stoiK'S,  tulo-ntots,  and  vcrv  iiiiuiy  otlicr  artirlrs  \nv\- 
iiir^siMc;  yucca  Hour,  ])()toyucca,  tunas;  Ikhrv  IVnui 
iM,ii/.i',  from  l)L'es,  and  IVoni  the  niaij^Ufv;  and  roiistiil 
iiiiitloiis  of  tluf  iii.iLCUcy  stalks  and  loavt'S. 

Tlut  women  did  all  tlio  work  in  |>ivj)arinn'  ''^"<^  cook- 
iii^  food;  in  'I'lascala,  however,  the  men  felt  that  an 
;i|H)l.i^y  was  (hie  tor  allowiiiL,^  this  work  to  he  done  hy 
udiiKii,  and  claimcKl,  as  Sahaj^un  says,  that  the  smoke 
(if  (Kokin;^  %vould  impair  their  eye-si^ht  an<l  make 
(litiii  less  successful  in  the  hunt.  All  thest;  ai'tides 
(if  f(i(»d,  hoth  cooked  and  micooked,  were  otK'i'ed  for 
sail'  in  the  market-jdaces  of  each  hirifo  town,  of  which 
1  sliall  speak  furthei'  when  1  come  to  treat  of  com- 
jiicice.  Eatin^'-houses  were  also  jj^enerally  found  near 
the  markets,  where  all  the  suhstaiitials  and  delicacies 
of  the  Nahua  cuisine  mij^dit  he  ohtained." 

One  article  of  Nahua  food  demands  special  men- 
tion— human  flesh.  That  they  ate  the  arms  and  le!j;s 
of  the  victims  sacrificed  to  their  ^'ods,  there  is  no  room 
fcirdouht.  This  reli^-i()Uscannihalism—])erha])s  human 
sacrifice  itsidf  -was  prohahly  not  practiced  hefore  the 
cnicl-minded  Aztec  devoteesof  .Huitzilopochtli  came  in- 
to power,  or  at  least  was  of  rare  occurrence ;  hut  during- 
till'  Aztec  dominion,  the  custom  of  eatinu^  the  flesh  of 
sac  rilieed  enemies  hecame  almost  universal.  That  can- 
iiihalism,  as  a  source  of  food,  unconnected  with  reliL>i(jus 


'"  (hi  fli(>  preparation  (if  fixid,  and  fur  nicntidn  iiHirc  (ir  less  extensive  (if 
iiiiscfllaiiecius  iirticieH  (if  fdod,  see  ,:i;/iii(/iiii.  Ill's/,  (tin,,  timi.  i..  lili.  ii.,  jiji. 
l'-",i-:!ii,  lSl-(),  t(ini.  ii.,  lid.  vii.,  •).  I'.'iS,  lih.  viii.,  jiji.  ■_",»7,  S()i.'-."i,  timi. 
iii.,  iili.  X.,  pp.  lis  lit,  l.'{(»,  1:{L>;  'Ar"s/ii,  l/isf.  i/i  Ins  Yml.,  pp.  'J^T-.'iS ; 
•J.'iU-l.  •J.-)4,  '2.")7-8;  Biriiid  /)iii~,  llisl.  ('ninj.,  fcil.  (!S  <»;  Curfrs,  ('iir/ns,  |ip. 
'J.'i,  (is,  ll)|{-r);  Riliiriiin  lie  Ali/iniilS  Cusns,  in  Ini-liiilrrfn,  ('nl.  ilr  /)i,r.,  timi. 
i.,  iiji.  .'iTS-it;  J'r/ir  Mnrljir,  dee.  v.,  lili.  ii.,  iii.;  l.ns  Cnsns,  Hist.  A/iiiln- 
iiiiirii,  MS.,  cap.  A'.\,  17");  Ttiriiuiiiiuilii,  Miniiin/.  Iml.,  t(ini.  i.,  ]i]i.  (•.'{.  :t."),'?, 
.iTii,  t<ilii.  ii.,  Ji.  '2'.t7;  (innnini,  Cmn/.  Mr.r.,  fill,  .'{'.t,  .'US  1!»;  < 'hi riiji  rn,  Sfurin, 
All/,  ill/  .Mi.s.firo,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  l.'iS,  '217,  etc.,  tuni.  iv.,  p.  "J'-'S;  Sulis,  His/. 
I'liiiij.  .l/cc,  tiini.  i.,  ]).  .SlU;  riziizniiiiif.  His/.  Mix.,  tmii.  i.,  pp.  41.  4S-;i,  (id, 
^■i.  \'X.\.  I  II  '.\\  Sjnnjiizldtir  ilillr  Tiirulr  ilil  Cnillri'  Mi.iifiiiiii  ( \  atiealKi),  in 
hiiiiislinniiiii/i's  Mi:n.  .I////V/. ,  vul.  v.,  p.  I!)l;  ('i(rl)iijiil  J'Js/iiiinsii,  llisf.  .l/rc, 
tmii.  i.,  pp.  (i"J4,  (!'iS-;?(),  ('i74-',(;  ]>iilZ,  I/iinnirio,  in  Iriizhnhr/ii.  (',,1.  ilr  l)i,r,, 
tiiin.  i.,  |ip.  'JOS-',);  XiKizi),  Ciir/c,  in  /'/.,  jip.  .'iri'.)-(il ;  llriissnir  ili'  /Imir- 
li"iini.  Hist.  Nut.  ('ir.,  tiini.  i.,  \>.  "JIM,  Imn.  iii.,  jip.  (i.'U,  (141-4;  Cinuiiri/u, 
ll's/.  T/ax.,  in  A'oufcllcs  A.'iiialcn  dcs  Voij.,  1S43,  toni.  xcviii.,  pp.  142, 
i:il--.'. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


ilM 
IIM 

m 


1^ 


1.8 


Photographic 

Sdences 

Corporation 


<0         ^<°       ,/^ 


1-25      1.4      1.6 

6"    

► 

23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER, NY.  MSBO 

(716)  873-4503 


358 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


rites,  was  ever  practiced,  there  is  little  evidence.  Tluj 
Anonymous  Conqueror  tells  us  that  they  esteenml 
the  flesh  of  men  above  all  other  food,  and  risked  their 
lives  in  battle  solely  to  obtain  it.  Bernal  Diaz  .says 
that  they  sold  it  at  retail  in  the  markets;  and  Voyti.i 
also  states  that  this  was  true  of  the  Otomls.  Father 
Gand  assures  us  that  there  were  many  priests  tliat 
ate  and  drank  nothing  but  the  flesh  and  blood  of  chil- 
dren. But  these  ogreish  tales  are  probably  exagg(  ra- 
tions, since  those  who  knew  most  of  the  nutivis, 
Sahagun,  Motolinia,  and  Las  Casas,  regard  the  canni- 
balism of  the  Nahuas  rather  as  an  abhorrent  foatino 
of  their  religion  than  as  the  result  of  an  unnatural  ap- 
petite. That  by  long  usage  they  became  fond  of  this 
food,  may  well  be  believed;  but  that  their  prejudice 
was  strong  against  eating  tlie  flesh  of  any  but  tluir 
sacrificed  foes,  is  proven,  as  Gomara  says,  by  the  fact 
that  multitudes  died  of  starvation  during  the  sicu^o 
of  Mexico  by  Cortes.  Even  the  victims  of  sacrifico 
seem  only  to  have  been  eaten  in  ban(piets,  more  ur 
less  public,  accompanied  with  ceremonial  rites.  A 
number  of  infants  sacrificed  to  the  Tlalocs  were  eaten 
each  year,  and  the  blood  of  these  and  of  other  victims 
was  employed  in  mixing  certain  cakes,  some  of  which 
were  at  one  time  sent  as  a  propitiatory  offering  to 
CortcM." 

'8  'Oi  dczir,  que  le  (for  Montcziima)  solian  giiiaar  carncs  dc  iiuiclia- 
clios  (le  jMica  edad.'  licriial  Diaz,  Hist.  Votn/.,  fol.  ()8,  .3.>,  37.  A  slinc 
'clal»i)ratc'ly  dressed'  was  a  proiiiinoiit  feature  of  tlie  banquet.  Pirnrnfl's 
M"j:,  vol.  i.,  p.  155.  They  ate  tlie  arms  and  le;j8  of  the  Spaniards  cjip- 
tured.  Gcniclli  Careri,  in  ChinrhiIVs  Col.  Vtii/iiffrs,  vol.  iv.,  p.  527.  'Tiny 
draw  so  much  hlood,  as  in  stead  of  hike  warnie  water  may  sutiice  to  teniiK'r 
the  lunipc,  which  hy  the  hellish  butchers  of  that  art,  witliout  any  iHitiiilpii- 
tiou  of  tiic  stomacke  beinj^  sutliciently  kneaded,  while  it  is  moyst,  iiinl  suit 
eucn  as  a  jiottcr  of  the  clay,  or  a  wax  chandler  of  wax,  so  doth  thi*  iiiiMji- 
maker,  admitted  and  chosen  to  be  nuiister  of  thisdamne<I  and  cursed  wniki'.' 
J'c/rr  Mfir/i/i;  dec.  v.,  lib.  iv.,  i.  'C'ocian  aouella  carnc  con  maiz,  y  ilalniii 
&  cada  uiio  nn  netlazo  de  clla  en  uinv  e.scudilla  6  caiete  con  su  caldo,  y  "ii 
nniiz  cocida,  y  liamaban  aiiuella  comida  tlunitldolli.  SnhiKjun,  Ui.il.  <!'  n., 
tom.  i.,  lib.  ii.,  pp.  8!(,  14,  84,  JW,  97.     'La,  tenian  por  cosa,  como  8a;,Tiulii.  v 


nuis  se  niovian  a  esto  por  Hcli^ion,  qne  por  vicio.'  Tiirijwmndn,  Miiiuu'/. 

Irnzhtnrf 
p  48S;  jCtiitzo,  fiirfn,  in  Jil.,  pp.  .S(i3,  HOii;  Afofn/inin,  Jli.it.  I  mix 


Jiiil.,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  58t-5.     Sei 
tom.  i.,  p  48S;  Zunzn,  Curln, 


Sec  also  Alboriioz,  in  Ic 


irtn,  Vol.  (If  /' 


in  III.,  \)\i.  40-1,  5!(;  Jir/iiciaii  tlr  .t/ifiniii.i  dman,  in  /»/.,  p.  3!KS;    I'l'i/rni, 
Hist.  Aid.  MvJ.,  tom.  iii.,  pp.  282-3;  Gaiul,  in  I'crnaujc-L'ompaiis,  V"'/., 


DIIINKS  AND  DllUNKENNESS. 


860 


The  most  popular  Nahua  beveraofes  were  those  since 
known  as  pulque  and  chocolate.  The  former,  called 
l»y  the  natives  octli — pulque,  or  pulcre,  being  a  South 
American  aboriginal  term  applied  to  the  li<juor  in 
some  unaccountable  way  by  the  Spaniards — was  the 
fermented  juice  of  the  maguey.  One  plant  is  said  to 
yield  about  one  hundred  jmunds  in  a  month.  A  cavity 
is  cut  at  the  base  of  the  larger  leaves,  and  allowi'd 
to  fill  with  juice,  which  is  removed  to  a  vessel  of 
earthen  ware  or  of  skin,  where  it  ferments  rapidly 
and  is  ready  for  use.  In  a  pure  state  it  is  of  a 
light  color,  wholesome,  and  somewhat  less  intox- 
icating than  gr-'pe  wine;  but  the  aborigines  mixed 
witli  it  various  herbs,  some  to  merely  change  its  color 
or  liavor,  and  others  to  increase  its  intoxicating  j>rop- 
erties.  This  national  drink  was  honored  with  a  spe- 
cial divinity,  Ometochtli,  one  of  the  numerous  Nahua 
gods  of  wine.  According  to  some  traditions  the 
Qiiinames,  or  giants,  knew  how  to  j)repare  it,  but  its 
invention  is  oftener  attributed  to  the  Toltecs,  its  first 
recorded  use  having  been  to  aid  in  the  seduction  of 
a  mighty  monarch  from  his  royal  duties." 

C/iocolat I— the  foundation  of  our  chocolate — was 
made  by  pounding  cacao  to  a  powder,  adding  an  ecpial 
(jiiantity  of  a  seed  called  pochotl,  also  powdered,  and 
stirring  or  beating  the  mixture  briskly  in  a  dish  of 
water.     The  oily  foam  which  rose  to  the  surface  was 

si-rio  i.,  torn.  x.,n.  107;  lioloffiir,  in  Iff.,  n.  215;  Diiran,  Hist.  Iin/ins,  MS., 
loiii.  iii.,  appeiidix,  cap.  iii. ;  (.'urhujul,  iHsnir.to,  p.  (iO;  ('liii\'ijint,  Stovin 
Ant.  i/il  ^[^■s.^<iro,  t(tm.  ii.,  J).  47;  lintannir  <lr  Jionrlioiirif,  /list.  Xnt.  ('ir., 
tiiiii.  iii.,  |(p.  5U2-3,  torn,  iv.,  p.  90;  Las  C'".s7f.v,  Ili.sf.  Apo/oiji'fini,  MS., 
cap.  17.">-(i. 

"  Ti  iriifrrrin,  fi'.n'dlrrrifi),  iiiiil  iii'i/nhifi/ft  iwc  WKtiii'  of  f ln'  iiaiiu's  ;,'iv»Mi 
til  jiiili^iie  a('('<)riiiii<;  to  it.s  liiio  and  coiiilitioii.  SiiIkhjiiii,  Hist.  (Im..  torn, 
i.,  iili.  li.,  pp,  17"),  I7D,  1S(>.  l*uli|iio  from  ("hiiiaii  laiiiriia','(',  '  V'M'/'/c/v),  ,s7(j- 
rii(  All/.  (It/  .Mi'.snirn,  toiii.  ii.,  p|).  '2'2\'2.  Sec  i'lirhnj'il  K'l/iiiiiiiii.  Ili.st. 
M'-.r.,  titiii.  i.,  pp.  (i7l)-8();  /trii.i.sriir  i/r  /ioiir/innnf,  llisf.  Xnt.  Cii:,  toin. 
iii.,  ]ip.  (ilH-l,  torn.  !.,  ]>p.  .SlOrt;  Ititrnn,  list.  Iinliiis,  MS.,  toiii  iii., 
(nji.  .v.xii;  Viijtiit,  Hist.  All/.  M<j..  toui.  i..  p.  I.'il.  '^Aiiti's  <|iic  li  mi  vino  lo 
<'iic/aii  coll  Unas  raiccs  ((ue  Ic  eciian,  cs  daro  y  diiicc  <'oirio  a;;iniiiiicl.  I)i?s- 
]i;ii-<  il(!  co!'i(lo,  liiicesc  alifo  cspt'sit  v  ticnc  nial  olor.  y  los  <|iic  con  id  sc  cm- 
iicidiin,  ninclio  pc!or.'  Mri'oliiiin,  His/.  Imlitts,  in  friLz/m/rr/'i,  <'<>/.  i/i  /tor., 
tmn.  i.,  ]ip,  '2^2-'^•,  and  /i<Vav  Aiifi;/iii)s,  pp.  1(!-I7,  in  Kiiii/.sliiiniinf/i'.i  .l/cr. 
.lii/ii.,  vol.  i.\.  'No  hay  pt'rro.s  innerto.s,  ni  ixtinha,  one  a.-tsi  liicdan  cuuio 
c'l  hulicuto  del  borruchu  dtytc  viuo.'  Goiiutra,  Cuikj.  AIi::.,  fol.  31i). 


3G0 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


!' 


then  separated,  a  small  quantity  of  maize  flour  was 
added,  and  the  liquid  which  was  set  before  the  Hrt-. 
The  oily  portion  was  finally  restored  and  the  beverage 
was  drunk  lukewarm,  sweetened  with  honey  and  oi'tcii 
seasoned  with  vanilla.  This  drink  was  nutritious, 
refresliinj^,  ard  cooling,  and  was  especially  a  favorite 
witii  tliose  call»3d  upon  to  perform  fatiguing  labor- with 
scant  food.'" 

Miscellaneous  drinks  were  water,  plantain -juico, 
the  various  kinds  of  porridge  known  as  atolli,  already 
mentioned,  the  juice  of  maize-stalks,  those  prepared 
from  chian  and  otlier  seeds  by  boiling,  and  fermentiMl 
water  in  which  corn  had  been  boiled — a  favorite  Ta- 
rasco  drink.  Among  the  ingredients  used  to  niaku 
their  drinks  more  intoxicating  the  most  powerful  was 
the  teonanacatl,  'flesh  of  god,'  a  kind  of  muslnooin 
which  excited  the  passions  and  caused  the  partaker 
to  see  snakes  and  divers  other  visions.^^ 

The  Aztec  laws  against  drunkenness  were  very  se- 
vere, yet  nearly  all  the  author  •  represent  tl»e  pe(>i»le 
as  deligliting  in  all  manner  of  intoxication,  and  as 
giving  way  on  every  opportunity  to  the  vice  when 
the  j)ower  of  their  rulers  over  them  was  destroyed 
by  the  coming  of  the  Spaniards.     Drinking    to  ex- 

*"  'K.sta  l>el»i(lii  cs  cl  mas  sano  y  mas  sustancioso  alimciito  de  niantos  sc 
conoccii  en  el  iiuiiido,  |)iies  cl  (|iie  beltc  una  taza  de  ella,  aiini|iu>  liiiua  una 
Jornada,  ituede  pasarse  titdo  el  dia  sin  toniar  otra  I'osa;  y  siendo  fiio  |mii' 
8U  naturauv.a,  es  mcjor  en  tieni|i()  calicnte  que  frio.'  Jirlnrioii  </<■  A/f/min-i 
Cosax,  in  Inizhalrclti.,  i'ol.  tlf  line,  toni.  i.,  \i.  381.  'La  niejor,  mas  dcjii'ada 
y  cara  Iteiiida  (pie  tienen  es  de  Inirina  <le  cacao  y  aj^iia.  Aljjunas  vc/cs  Ic 
mezclan  miel,  y  liarina  de  otras  le;;unihrcs.  Ksto  no  enilMirraclia,  antes  rc- 
fresca  mnclio.'  Goinani,  Coiiq.  Mrx.,  fol.  310.  'Of  certaine  ainiondcs. . . . 
they  make  wondcrfnil  drinke.'  I'cfcr  M.irtyr,  dec.  v.,  lili.  ii.,  iv.  'I'icii.i 
behida  iieclia  clel  mismo  cacao,  que  de/.ian  ,cra  para  tener  acccso  con  iiiii- 
geres.'  Itvnial  JHtiz,  Hist.  Coii'/.,  fol.  (iS.  Red,  vermilion,  oran;,'c,  Idiick, 
and  white.  Sdhnriiin,  Hist,  (fru.,  torn,  ii.,  Ill>.  viii.,  ]>\k  .S((1-'2.  Sec  Amsin, 
Hist,  ill'  /liJi  Ynil.,  \t.'17t\\  C/iiri(/rri>  Sturin  Ant.  ifcl  .)fis.\tro,  toni.  ii.,  pp. 
21D-'2();  lirKs.si'ur  (li:  lioiir/ioiuy,  Ilisf.  Sat.  dr.,  toni.  iii.,  pp.  (!12-:{. 

"  Chirliii  and  xviii/irhd,  fermented  tirinks.  C/ariijrro,  Sforin  Ant.  ifd 
Mcssiio,  toni.  ii.,  p.  '1'2\.  Seiidccho,  an  Otonii  <lrink,  for  a  full  dcscriiiliiMi 
Bee  Moii/ozci,  in  Son.  Mfx.  Gi'oi).,  liulctin,  '2da  epo(a,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  iJ.VS. 
'Ale,  and  syder.'  I'rtir  Mnrti/r,  dec.  v.,  Iil».  iv.  'i'anicap  (pic  cs  cicrtu 
Lreliaje  ([ue  ellos  Uehcn.'  Vorti.s,  Cartas,  n.  7f>.  Sec  liesitles  rcfciciucs  in 
note  10;  Motoliiiia,  Ifist.  Iniiio.t,  in  Icazualrcta,  Col.  ilc  I>i>r.,  toni.  i.,  p. 
23;  Sahngiin,  lli.it.  Gen.,  toni.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  pp.  118,  131);  Mi'mllrtu,  Hint. 
Edca.,  p.  131);  Carbajal  Enpiuona,  Hist.  Mex.,  toiu.  i.,  pp.  070,  078-9. 


MEALS  OF  THE  COMMON  PEOPLE. 


3G1 


coss  soeras  to  have  been  with  tlieiii  a  social  vice, 
(•(Mitiiit'd  mostly  to  public  feasts  and  private  ban- 
(HR'ts.  It  may  have  been  chietly  a,i»'ainst  intem[)erance 
Hiiionj,'  the  workin*^  classes,  and  officials  when  on  duty, 
that  tiie  stringent  laws  were  directed.  Afendieta 
sj)oaks  of  the  people  as  very  temperate,  usini^-  puhpie 
only  under  the  direction  of  the  chiefs  hvaI  judL;es  ior 
iiK(li('inal  purposes  chiefly.  The  nobles  n-ade  it  a 
j)()iiit  of  honor  not  to  drink  to  excess,  and  all  I'eared 
punishment.  But  Motolinia  and  other  good  author- 
ities take  an  opposite  view  of  the  native  character  in 
this  respect.'" 

Concerning  the  manner  of  serving  the  king's  meals, 
as  well  as  the  bau(juets  and  feasts  of  nobles  and  the 
rirlicr  classes,  enough  has  been  already  said.  ( )f  the 
daily  meals  among  the  masses  little  is  known.  The 
Nahuas  seem  to  have  confined  their  indulgence  in  rich 
and  varied  viands  to  the  oft-recurriny:  feasts,  while  at 
their  liomes  they  were  content  with  plain  i'are.  This 
is  a  [)eculiarity  that  is  still  observable  in  the  country, 
hoth  among  the  descendants  of  the  Nahuas  and  of 
their  con([uerors.  The  poorer  people  had  in  each 
house  a  metate  for  grinding  maize,  and  a  few  t^arthcn 
dishes  for  cooking  tortillas  and  frijoles.  'I'hey  ate 
three  meals  a  day,  morning,  noon,  and  night,  using 
the  ground  for  taVde,  table-cloth,  naj»kins,  and  chairs, 
(•(»iivevin<r  their  tlaxcalli  and  chile  to  the  mouth  with 
the  fingers,  and  washing  down  their  sin»])le  food  with 
water  or  atole.  The  richer  Nahuas  were  s<'i\ed  with 
a  i^ieatcr  variety  on  palm-nuits  often  richly  decorated, 


'■  }fi')iiltrfa,  Hist.  EdcH.,  pp.  l.TS-40.  Tomnnnioiitc  roiiiciiziilnui  A  lie- 
tier  (li's|iiics  (le  vis|K.>riis,  y  tlaliiinsi'  taiita  jiri.sa  i'l  ln-ltcr  di-  ilif/.  i-ii  liiez,  o 
ijiiiin'c  I'M  <|iiiii('o,  y  lo)4  csi'aiK'iailori's  ipu>  no  rfsaliaii,  y  la  ciniiiila  c|ii»>  mt 
I'l'ii  iiuirlia,  .'i  priiiia  iiuclu!  ya  van  pfrdifmlo  el  scntidn,  ya  cavfrnln  yn  ascn- 
taiidd. cantaniloy  •lainlo  viK'i's  llanumdual  ili'inonio.'  Moto/iiiiu,  llisl.  Imlins, 
in  Inirjid/irfd,  Col.  til'.  Doc,  toni.  i.,  ]>p.  "iH,  'A'l.  'lU'lten  «'»in  tanto  exci-so, 
i|ii('  no  |iaiaii  liasta  cacr  rtmio  niiuTfos  de  piiro  elirios,  y  ticniMi  a  ;:ranil<> 
li'iiira  licUtT  niuclio  y  cniliriaj^arse.'  Jli/nrioii  ife  Alijiaiux  i'osns,  in  /«/.,  pp. 
■">sj.  .js7.  Drinkers  und  drunkards  Intd  sovt-ral  special  divinitit's.  linissnir 
ill-  Itimrliiiiini,  Hixf.  Sat.  Cir.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  4!>.'{.  Prank  less  lii'fore  tin;  coii- 
iiucst.  Ihinni,  Hist.  Inilids,  MS.,  toni.  iii.,  cap.  .\xii. ;  t'laciycro,  SlonuAnt. 
ill  I  .)[issifo,  toni.  i.,  p.  111). 


3C2 


THE  NAHL'A  NATIONS. 


around  which  low  seats  wore  })laced  for  their  conveni- 
ence; napkins  were  also  furnished.^^ 

"  'Comcn  en  cl  suclo,  y  suziamcntc partcn  los  Iiucuoh  en  vii  cnlM-llo 

que  80  arnincan,'  wluitcvcr  that  operation  niaylte.  Goiauni,  Cunq.  Mij-.,  (dI. 
319.  '  Ks  ;;i>iite  que  con  niuy  piico  niantcniuiicnto  vive,  y  lu  que  nienos  conif 
de  cuantas  hay cu  el  inuiido.  It'luriou  ih:  Ahjanus  Cosas,  in  Iriizhiilcetu.  I'ol. 
tie  Dor.,  toni.  i.,  ]>p.  370-80.  '  iMolto  sohrj  ncl  numgiare.'  Cluriijiro,  S/orin 
A  nt.  del  Mrsniro,  torn,  i.,  p.  1 19.  '  It  i.s  not  hiwfull  for  any  that  is  vnniarit-il  (» 
Hit  at  tahle  with  Huch  as  arc  marled,  ur  toeatcof  the  mime  dish,  or  ilrinkc  nF 
the  winie  cup,  and  make  tiiem.sehies  cquail  with  sncli  as  are  married.'  J'l/n- 
M(trhn;  dc;.  iv.,  lib.  iv.  The  nobles  ^ave  feasts  at  certain  jieriods  of  tlus 
year  ifor  the  relief  of  the  poor.  Turqiinnuifn,  Moiiarq.  Iiid.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  '.!7ii. 
See  also  Sahai/uii,  Ilixf.  Hen.,  tom.  iii.,  lih.  x.,  p.  138;  Oricdu,  Hist.  Iliii., 
torn,  iii.,  i».  53,">;  Brassciir tie  liuurhourff,  Ilinf.  Nut.  t'ii:,  lorn,  iii.,  j)p.  (111-.'), 
A<!ditional  references  for  the  whole  snlijectof  Nahua  food  ixK-.—Montmniit, 
NicHWc  U'lcrild,  jjp.  74,  80,  247,  'i.'il;  Dapper,  Xciic  Welt,  pp.  83,  91, 
278-9,  283;  Klemm,  CiUlur-deschichte,  tom.  v.,  pj).  10-13,  20-G,  102.  I(t4, 
180-3,  1S9,  I'.K};  Wiippnus,  Geoff,  u.  Stat.,  pp.  44-9;  Tiflor's  Analnmr,  pp. 
(52,  10.3,  14.")-(),  173-4;  Fosscij,  Mexi/ur,  pp.  44,  215,  48r)-();  Malte-Ikiui,  I'lr- 
CIS  de  la  Oroi/.,  tom.  vi.,  p.  4.')(5;  Moinflair,  Resumf,  pp.  37-8,  201;  hr/njutrlc 
Jieiseii,  torn,  x.,  pp.  257,  2G3-9;  Dillon,  Hist.  Mr.c,  p.  45;  Chendirr,  .lA.r. 
Anrieii  y  Mod.,  i)p.  15-27;  Midler,  Amrriknnische  Urrrlitjionen,  |>.  i)',]9i; 
Ji'jyic's  Ride,  vol  i.,  pp.  278-9;  Murrfregor's  Proifre.ss  of  Amrr.,  vol.  i., 
p.  22;  Gihlm,  in  Hint.  Mntj.,  vol.  vii.,  p.  99;  llazart,  Kirr/ien-Gisr/iir/dr, 
torn,  ii.,  J).  5;(J;  Ifrf/hi'  Span.  Conq.,  vol.  ii.,  p.  4.'>5;  Lafond,  Voi/ri<ii:i,  turn. 
i.,  p.  107;  liiril,  Mxique,  pp.  20S-9;  Jiiissierre,  L'Empire  Mr.c.,  pp.  Kll-ti, 
17vS,  23:);  Lenoir,  J'arall  le,  [t.  3.(;  Lon;/,  Porter,  and  Tucker's  A mcri(.u,  |i. 
102;  Sodcn,  Sjtanicr  in  Peru,  tom.  ii.,  jip.  lC-17. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

DRESS   OF   THE    NAIIUA   NATIONS. 
PitofiRESs  IN  Dress— Dress  of  the  Pre-Aztec  Nations— Garments 

OK    the    ClIlCIIIMECS    AND    Tol.TECS— INTUODIHTION    OK    CoTTON — 

Tin:  Maxtli— The  Tii-matli— Dress  of  the  AtcfuirAs  Origin 
OK  the  Tarascan  Costume— Dress  ok  the  Zatoteis  and  Taiias- 
CANS— Dress  of  Women— The  H'ii-il  and  Cueiti, -Sandals- 
Manner  OF  Wearing  the  Hair— Paintin(;  and  Tattooing  Or- 
naments rsED  nv  THE  Naiuas— (JoRGEovs  Dress  of  the  Noiiles- 
Dress  of  the  1{oyal  Attendants— Names  of  the  Various 
Mantees— The  Koval  Diadem— The  Ucyal  Wardroue— Costly 
Decorations. 


With  but  few  exceptions  tlie  dress  of  al!  tlie  civi- 
lized nations  of  Mexico  appears  to  have  been  tiie  same. 
Tilt;  earliest  people,  the  historians  inform  us,  went  en- 
tirc'ly  naked  or  covered  only  the  lower  j)ortion  of  the 
body  with  the  skins  of  wild  animals.  Afterwards,  as 
by  decrees  civilization  advanced,  this  scanty  coverinof 
jjfrcw  into  a  re<^ular  costume,  thouoh  still,  at  first, 
made  only  of  skins.  From  this  we  can  note  a  iarthtr 
advance  to  garments  manufactured  first  out  of  tanned 
and  j)re])ared  skins,  later  of  maguey  and  palm-tree 
til>res,  and  lastly  of  cotton.  From  the  latter  no  further 
jironress  was  made,  excepting  in  the  various  modes  of 
unianienting  and  enriching  the  garments  with  feather- 
work,  ] tainting,  embroidery,  golu-work,  and  jewelry. 
The  common  peo})le  were  oidiged  to  content  them- 
selves with  plain  clothing,  but  the  dress  of  the  richer 


(3l>3) 


304 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


<;luHsos,  noMes,  princes,  and  sovereigns,  was  of  finer 
texture  and  richer  ornamentation.' 

Tlie  descriptions  of  tlie  dresses  of  the  nations  wliic  li 
occnpied  the  Valley  of  Mexico  hefore  tlie  Azttcs 
vary  accordijii^  to  different  autliors.  Wliile  some  dc- 
scril)e  tliem  as  gorjijeonsly  decked  out  in  painted  hikI 
end)rv»i(lered  garments  of  cotton  and  nec^uen,  otli<  is 
say,  tliat  they  went  either  wholly  nnked  or  were  only 
]>artially  covered  with  skins.  Thus  Sahagun  and 
Br.'isseur  de  Bourbourg  describe  the  Toltecs  as  dressid 
in  underyfarments  and  mantles  on  which  blue  scoi- 
pions  were  painted,'*  while  the  latter  author  ni  anotlicr 
j)lace  says  that  they  went  entirely  naked.^  Vtytia 
goes  even  farther  than  Sahagun,  affirming  that  they 
knew  well  how  to  manufacture  clothing  of  cotton,  that 
a  great  difference  existed  between  the  dress  of  the 
nobles  and  that  of  the  plebeians,  and  that  they  even 
varied  their  clothing  with  the  seasons.  He  descrihcs 
them  as  wearinijf  in  summer  a  kind  of  breech-clotli  or 
drawers  and  a  square  mantle  tied  across  the  bitiast 
and  descending  to  the  ankles,  wliile  in  winter  in  addi- 
tion  to  the  above  they  clothed  themselves  in  a  kind  of 
sack,  which  reached  down  as  far  as  the  thighs,  with- 
out sleeves  but  with  a  hole  for  the  head  and  two 
others  for  the  arms.* 

The  Chichimecs,  generally  mentioned  as  the  src- 
cessors  of  the  Toltecs,  are  mostly  descril)ed  as  going 
naked,  or  only  partly  dressed  in  skins.*     This  ap[>cais, 

'  'La  <icnie  pohrc  vcstia  dc  ncqnen,  que  es  la  tela  qnc  se  haze  «U1  ma- 
guey, y  los  ricoM  veMtian  «le  alpMlon,  etiii  orlas  laliradasde  pluiiia,  y  |i('ln  ilc 
e<iiej(»s.'  Ilrrirni,  Hist,  (icn.,  dec.  ii.,  HI),  vii.,  eap.  ii. 

i  SiifHi(/i!ii,  llixt.  Gr.n.,  toiii.  iii.,  lil>.  x.,  j).  \V1;  lirnssntr  <h'  Ihnir- 
hnurq,  llisf.  Xiit.  (Jii\,  toin.  i.,  p.  28H.  '.Maxtli  eiirieliide  hroderies,  ct .. . . 
tiiiui|ue  iruiie  ;?randc  fiiiesHe.'  /'/.,  p.  .'}5().  'Km  tieiiipo  de  calor  cnii  mis 
iiiaiitas  y  pafielcM  de  alj^odoii,  y  en  tiempo  de  frio  so  pimiaii  uikis  jiii|iii'- 
toiien  sill  niaii^^Ms  (|iie  los  llevahau  hasta  las  roilillas  (oii  siis  iiiaiitas  y  \>:i- 
fletes.'  Ixllilxuchitl,  liclacioncs,  \i\  KiiujsbttroiKjICii  Mcx.  Antiij.,  vol.  i.\.,  i'. 
327. 

'  'Nil  suivant  la  couttimc  des  indij;cnoa  qui  vrav.aillaient  aux  eliaiiijp.-'.' 
Jirassfur  f/r  Iloiirlioiir;/,  Hist.  Nat.  Cir.,  ton',  i.,  |!.  lyS. 

*  '  Al;^oiI<iii,  ([ue  saliian  iKJiiel'ieiar  y  faltricar  de  el  las  rop.as  (\v.  quo  m' 
vcstian.'   I'ci/fin,  llisl.  Ant.  MiJ.,  toni.  ii.,  ii.  4.%  Id.,  toiii.  i.,  ]i.  'IXX. 

1 'Su  vestuario  eraii  las  pieles. . .  .(pie  las  ablaiidalian  y  euralmit  inir.i 
cl  efocio,  trayiuido  cu  ticnipo  de  frios  el  pelo  adeiitro,  y  en  tienipu  de  talo- 


\ 


DRESS  OF  TIIK  AZTKCS,  TAKASCOS,  AND  IIl'ASTECS.    305 

however,  only  to  relate  to  tlie  people  spoken  of  us 
^viltl  (yliichiniees;  those  who  inluibited  Tezcuco  and 
others  in  that  neighhorhood  as  civiUzed  as  tlie  Aztecs, 
(hcssed  probahly  in  a  similar  tasliion  to  theirs;  at 
hast,  as  wo  shall  presently  see,  tliis  was  the  case  with 
their  sovereig!is  and  nol)les.  All  the  Nahuas,  witli  the 
t'Mcption  of  the  Tarascos  and  Huastecs,  made  use  of 
the  hreech-cloth,  or  maxtli."  This  with  the  Mexicans 
ill  very  early  times  is  said  to  have  been  a  kind  of  mat, 
woven  of  tlie  roots  of  a  j)lant  wliich  grew  in  tlie  Lake 
(»f  Mexico,  and  was  called  amoxtli?  Later,  the  Hl>io 
(if  the  palm-tree  and  the  maguey  furnished  the  mate- 
ri;il  for  their  clothing,  and  it  was  only  during  the  reign 
of   KiniT   Huitzilihuitl  that   cotton  was    introduced." 


res ol  polo  jMir  la  parte  afiiora.'  I.rflUrorhitl,  Hint.  Chick. ,'m  Kii)ij.thor- 

oin/li's  Mix.  Aiiti'/.,  vol.  ix.,  )>.  '214;  .Mo/otiiiiii,  Ili.-<t.  IiiUio.f,  in  Iviizhnlvctu, 
{'ill.  ill-  Ihir.,  toiil.  i.,  p.  4;  doinnni,  i'luii/.  Mcj:,  foi.  'J',»,S;  tldi'iijrro,  Storia 
Ant.  ilil  Mi-ssirn,  toin.  i.,  p.  l.'W;  T<tr>/nr/nni/ii,  Jlloixtri/.  fin/.,  tttiii.  i.,  p.  38. 
I'lirli)  trio  (It!  sii  cliiiia  V(;stimi  todos  pioli's  du  aiiiinules  tidohatliisyfiirtidaH, 
sin  (|iii>  |ii>rdicseii  td  polo,  las  i|iie  acomodal)aii  a  iiianera  di;  iiii  sayo,  (iiio  ])or 
di'tras  Ics  ll(!;;al)a  liasta  las  rorvas,  y  por  dclaiite  li  )iu>dio  iiiuhIo.'  Vvytia, 
Ilixt.  Ant.  Mi'J.,  torn.  11.,  i».  r>,  toiii.  1.,  p.  '25.  'S'liahillaieiit. . .  .dc  peaii.x  du 
lu'li's  tuuvcs,  Ic  poll  en  lienors  diirant  lete,  el  en  dedans  en  liiver. . .  .("hex 
li's  classes  aisees. . .  .res  ])eanx  etaient  tannees  on  nianxjnint'es  avee  art;  on 
y  \isii\i  aiissi  lies  toiles  de  neijnen,  et  ([ueliinefois  dcs  eotonnaiK  s  d'une  j^randc 
tiiii'sst'.'  Itrii.isr.ur  (Ir,  Hiturlitiunj,  lli.it.  .\iit.  Cir.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  18(i. 

•'  'Maxtlatl,  hraf^as,  o  eosa  scnieiante.'  Molina,  Vornlntlnrin.  Tlie 
Tarascos  'n'adopterent  jamais  Tusa^je  desealei,'ons.'  Cnmnryo,  lli.it.  Tliix., 
\u  Xtiiirdlc.1  Ainutlrs  tir.i  V)ty.,  1S4.'{,  toni.  xeviii.,  p.  13'2.  The  niaxtli  is 
fn'i|H('iitly  spoken  of  as  drawers  or  pantaloons.  The  Hnastees 'no  traen 
iiiaxtlcs  eon  que  cuhrir  sus  veryiienza.s. '  Sa/taijun,  Jlisl.  Gen.,  toni.  iii., 
lil..  X.,  p.  134. 

'  Ton/itrinnda,  Mnnnrq.  Intf.,  torn,  i.,  p.  84. 

'*  ToniiniMaroni)  in  <inesti)  tempo  a  vestirsi  di  ootone,  del  qimle  ernno 
iniiaii/i  allatti)  i)rivi  i)er  la  loro  miseria,  uh  d'altro  vestivansi,  se  non  ilelie 
tele  ^Tdsse  di  lilo  di  nia<;iiei,  o  di '|ialma  salvatica.'  Ctarii/rro,  Sftirin  Ant. 
)/'/  .\fis.iifo,  tom.  i.,  p.  181.  'Les  Mexicains,  les  Tei'pan('i|iies  et  lesantrcs 
triliiis  ijiii  resterent  en  arritiro,  eonserverent  riisa;,'e  ilt's  I'toll'cs  de  coton,  d(! 
Ill  <\f  ]>almier,  de  maguey  ixehele,  de  poil  de  la])in  et  de  lievre,  ainsi  tjiu! 
ili'-i  [pfaux  d'animaux.'  Cunuinjo,  lli.it.  'J'/ii.r.,  in  Noiinllis  Anmilf.i  ilr.i 
Villi-,  IS43,  xeviii.,  p.  132.  'Son  aveano  lana,  ne  seta  eoniune,  ne  lino, 
iii'CMuapa;  ma  supplivano  alia  lana  eol  I'otone,  alia  si'ta  eoila  piunia,  e  eol 
])clo  del  eoni;i;lio,  e  della  lepre,  ed  al  lino,  ed  alia  eanapa  roll'  Ir.rofl,  o 
naliiia  niontana,  col  Qiirtznlir/it/i,  eol  l'iiti,c  eon  altre  speziedi  .Maj^uei.  . .  . 

11  1 lo,  elie  avevano  di  jjreparar  questi  niateriali,  era  iiuello  stesso,  rlie 

liatiiio  <r|i  Kuropei  nel  lino,  e  nella  I'anapa.  Maeeravano  in  aeoua  le  foglie, 
0  I'oi  Ic  nettavano,  le  inettevano  al  Side,  e  le  ammaceavano,  finattantorliii 
le  inettevano  in  istatodi  poterle  lilare.'  Clitvi'jcro,  Slorin  Ant.  <lrl  Mi:i.iiro, 
tiiiii.  ii.,  j)|).  '207-8.  Yecotl,  I'alnia  Montana.  'Xon  videlur  lilendiim,  ii 
folijs  liiiins  arboris  fila  parari,  linteis,  storisq.  intexenilis  )iei-quam  aeeoni- 
laoda,  pulitiura,  lirmiurai|.  eis  qua;  e\  Metl  passim  lieri  euusueuere,  nm- 


36G 


THE  XAIIUA  NATIONS. 


The  raaxtli  was  about  twenty-four  feet  lonj,'  niul 
nine  inelies  wide,  and  was  t^onerallv  more  or  less  oina- 
niented  at  the  ends  with  colored  fringes  and  tassels, 
the  hitter  sometimes  nine  inches  long.  The  manner 
of  wearing  it  was  to  pass  the  middle  between  the 
legs  and  to  wind  it  about  the  hips,  leaving  the  ends 
hanging  one  in  front  and  the  other  at  the  l)ack,  .is 
is  done  at  this  day  by  the  Malays  and  other  East 
Indian  natives.  It  was  at  the  ends  usually  that  the 
greatest  display  of  embroidery,  fancy  fringes,  and  tas- 
sels was  made.' 

As  a  furtlier  covering  the  men  wore  the  tilmafli,  or 
aj/dtl,  a  mantle,  which  was  nothing  more  than  a  s(|iiai\; 
piece  of  cloth  about  four  feet  long.  If  worn  ovir 
both  shoidders,  the  two  upper  ends  were  tied  in  a  knot 
across  the  breast,  but  more  frequently  it  was  only 
thrown  over  one  shoulder  and  knotted  under  one  of 
the  arms.  Sometimes  two  or  three  of  these  mantles 
were  worn  at  one  time.  This,  however,  was  only  done 
by  the  better  classes.  The  older  Spanish  writers  gen- 
erally compare  this  mantle  to  the  Moorish  albonioz. 
It  was  usually  colored  or  jiainted,  frequently  richly 
embroidered  or  ornamented  with  feathers  and  furs. 

dentilHis  in  priniis  aqua,  mox  protritis,  ac  lotis,  itenimq.  et  itcriini  inaciTii- 
tis,  et  iiiMdlati.s,  doiici-  upta  reddaiitiir,  vt  m>ri  possiiit,  ct  iu  ustis  ueeuiiiiiuiilari 
'Mtttorics  est  leiiis,  ac  lento.'  Jliriiniii/iz,  Xorn.  Plant.,  p.  7<>. 

9  '  Miix'.les,  f'est  uin'Mi  qu'oii  iioiiiiiie  eii  laii;j;uc  iiicxicaiiic  des  espi'cfs 
lYaliiini/siilci  qui  sunt  louyues  de  (jiuitre  liras.ses,  lar;,'es  d'une  palnic  ct 
dciiiie  et  teriuiiiecs  par  des  hroderics  de  diversesoouleurH,  qui  out  plus  (rune 
paline  et  deiiiie  de  liuut.'  Camanjo.  Hint.  Tlax.,  in  Noiiirllrs  Aiiiiiilrs  »A,v 
Vol/.,  ISW,  t(tni.  xcviii.,  p.  1.32.  'Cuoprono  le  loro  parti  verj^oj^no  sc  insi 
di  dietro  cunie  dinaiizi,  eonccrti  sciu^atuiiuoltogalanti,  chcHono  ctinu'^.'raii 
fa/zuuli  elie  si  Ic>;an<i  il  eapo  ])er  via<;gi(>,  di  diiiersi  eolori,  c  orlati  di  Mirie 
fojIK'".  c  di  eolori  siuiilinentc  diuersi,  eon  i  aiuti  fioechi,  elie  nel  eiiijrersc;,'!!. 
viene  I'un  eaiH)  dauanti  c  I'altro  <li  dietro.'  Relatione  fatta  par  rii  iji'iitir 
huiiitio  (kl  Siffiwr  Fcniaiulo  L'ortcur,  in  Jiamunio,  Xaritfatioiii,  toui.  ill.,  fnl. 
.3i)5.  In  Meztitlan,  'lea  un.s  et  les  autres  eouvrnient  leur  nudites  (rmii" 
lonjjue  bande  d'etolFe,  seniblublc  d  uii  almaizar  ,qui  leur  fuisait  plusieurs  fnis 
le  toar  du  corps  ct  passuit  cnsuitc  entre  les  jaiubes,  les  extrciiiiti's  rctuiji- 
li.mt  par-dcvaiit  jusqu'auxfjemuix.'  Chares,  Rapport,  in  Tenia n.r-l'i>iii/i<i us. 
Vol/.,  sJrie  ii.,  toni.  v.,  p.  310.  'Los  vest idos  que  traeu  (Totonacs)  es  eoimnle 
alniaizales  uiuy  pintados,  y  los  honibrestraen  tapadassus  verjiuenzas.'  '«,/•- 
^',•,  Carta/i,  ]>.  2,3.  In  Oajaca,  'Maxtles  conque  se  enbrian  sus  ver;ciieiizii>.' 
Sa/iaijHii,  Hist.  Gen.,  toni.  iii.,  lib.x.,  pp.  130,  12.3,  131.  The  Mi/tecs  '\»\t 
caragiielles  trahian  nuitzles,  que  los  CastcUanos  dizen  nijistiles.'  Ilrrnvn, 
lUsf.  Gen.,  dee.  iii.,  lib.  iii.,  cap.  xii. ;  Claeigcro,  Storia  Ant.  del  Messieo, 
torn,  ii.,  p.  223. 


GARMENTS  OF  THE  TARASCOS. 


88r 


The  ctlijos  wore  scolloped  or  frin«:fed  with  tufts  of  cot- 
ton Jiiul  sometimes  with  ,1,'oid.  Rich  people  hud,  l)e- 
si(Ks  these,  mantles  made  of  rabhit  or  other  skins,  or  of 
hL'aiitiful  feathers,  and  others  of  tine  cotton  into  which 
was  woven  rabbit-hair,  which  latter  were  used  in  cold 
weather.'" 

In  only  one  instance  j^arments  with  sleeves  are 
iiieiitioned.  Ixtlilxochitl,  in  describinjr  the  dress  of 
tht'  Acolhuas,  says  that  they  wore  a  kind  of  long 
coat  reachinjjf  to  the  heels  with  lon<»'  sleeves." 

The  dress  of  the  Tarascos  dittered  considerably 
from  that  of  the  other  Nahua  nations.    This  diti'erence 

'"  11  Tilinatli  era  un  iimntcllo  qimdrn,  lun;;o  qimttro  piedi  in  circft;  duo 
ostri'iiiitii  d'esso  aiinodavtiiio  siil  iiotto,  it  snjira  iiiiii  H|ialla.  . .  .(ili  ('oiiiiiii 
niltviiiio  |iiirtar  due,  o  tro  luautolli.'  Cftirii/rro,  Storitt  Aiif.  ilil  Mrs-tiro, 
toiii.  ii.,  ]).  'J'J.S,  and  |>late,  p.  '224.  'I  vi-stiuuuiti  loro  himi  c-t-rti  luaiiti  di 
lKtiiil>at.'ia  ciiuK'  liMt/iuda,  iiui  iiou  cosi  ;,'rande,  laiuirati>ri  di  ^'ontili  luuori  di 
diiK'i'sc  niaiiitMT,  e  con  lu  lor  frauzc  e  urU'tti,  edi  iim^Hti  riasi'uu  n  'lia  diioi  h 
tic  c  sc  }.'li  li^ii  I't'r  dauanti  ui  petto.'  Hflnfiom;  fu/tn  per  un  ijrntil  '/iiiuitio 
il>l  SiijiiDi-  FmiuDilit  t'oitcKC,  in  Hamusio,  Soriijntiuiii,  toni.  iii.,  fol.  S()r>; 
CinKiinio,  lli.it.  T/iiu:.,  in  Xoii relict  A II ii(il<-ii(/fs  I'vj/.,  1S43,  toni.  xcviii.,  p. 
i;il.  '  Todos  tracii  al)Kiruoce.s  euciiua  de  la  otru  ropa,  aun(|ue  son  diferen- 
ciaijiis  dc  U»*  do  Africa,  pori|ue  tieneu  nuineras;  pero  on  la  hecliura  y  tela  y 
In-i  rapaccjoM  son  niuy  seuiejables.'  Curtis,  Vartn.i,  pp.  ".'),  -H.  'Leur  veto- 
iiiciit  cousistait  ancieuncnient  dans  deu.K  on  trois  inauteau.x  d'nne  vare  et 
ficiiii  en  carre,  noucs  par  en  liaut,  le  no>ud  so  niettant  pour  les  uns  sur  la 
|H.itiiiic,  |iour  les  autres  ii  I'epaule  gauche,  et  souvent  purderriere.'  C/iiire.f, 
Jiiji/iurl,  in  Teriniii.r-t'oiiijiitii.s,  Vol/.,  serie  ii.,  toni.  v.,  pp.  Sl.'i-lO.  'Nin- 
;;iiii  jilciicyo  vestia  de  al^'odoii,  con  franju,  ni  guarnicion,  ni  ro])a  roxa- 
piiitc,  siiio  senziiia,  liana,  corta,  y  sin  riliete,  y  a.ssi  era  eonocido  cada  vno 
cii  d  tni^'e.'  I/erirrii,  lli.st.  Gen.,  dee.  ii.,  lih.  vi.,  cap.  .wii;  Jiru.s.ieur  ile 
/liiirhiiiiri/,  Hint.  Silt.  Cir.,  toin.  iv.,  p.  174.  'Otnis  liacjan  de  pelo  do 
Cimcjii,  entretexido  dc  hilo  de  Alyodon. . .  .con  mie  se  dcleiidiau  del  frio." 
T'li- jii'  iii'i'lii,  Moiiiirq.  Ind.,  toni.  ii.,  j).  4SH;  IHaz,  Itiiiernriu,  in  /enz- 
liiilr,'ii_  I'ol.  lie  J),),;,  toni.  i.,  p.  2!)8.  The  T<itonacs;  'al<;iinos  con  ropn.i 
lie  al;.'M(lon,  ricas  a  su  costuinbre.  Los  otros  casi  desnudos.'  (iiniinrii,  I'oiiij. 
Mr.,  fol.  W.),  *.>.');  Sii/iiiifiin,  Ili.it.  (fen.,  toni.  iii.,  lih.  .\.,  p.  l.'il.  Iluas- 
ti'c-i  •aiidan  hien  vestith>s:  y  siis  ropas  y  niantas  son  iiiiiy  pulidasy  curiosa.s 
cdii  JiiiiiaH  lahores,  por<|ue  en  su  tierra  liaceii  las  niantas  i|iic  Ihiiiiaii  rent- 
ziiiililiniilli,  reiizoni/uii^/itli,  (|ue  <[iii«'rc  dczir,  niantas  ile  mil  ealdn.s:  dc  alia 
Fic  tracii  las  ninntas  (|uc  tieneii  iiiias  cal>e/as  di;  inonstruos  piiita<las,  y  hus 
(Ic  rciiii»liiio8  deajjua  enj^eridas  iiiias  coii  otras,  en  las  cuales  y  en  otiiis  niii- 
clia<.  se  esnierahan  la-s  tejedoras.'  /(/.,  p.  1,14.  'I'na  iiiaiita  cuadraila 
aiuidada  sohre  el  pcclio,  luicia  el  hoinhni  sinicstro,  que  dcscendia  liasta  his 
tiiliiljiis;  pcro  en  tiein|io  de  invieruo  culuian  mas  el  cuerpo  con  nil  sayo  cer- 
rado  >iii  iiiaii;.;as,  y  con  una  sola  ahertiira  en  la  suniida  jiara  cntrar  la  ca- 
lic/a.  y  (los  ii  los  ladospara  loshra/os,  y  con  el  se  cnhriuii  liasta  his  luuslos.* 
Vi'llliti,  Hi.ll.  Ant.  Mej.,  toni.  i.,  p.  l!r>3;  Zuazo,  Carta,  in  leuzbale.ctu,  Cul. 
dc  Hoe.,  toni.,  i.,  p.  .StiO. 

"  'Vcstian.se  unas  ti'inica»  hirpas  de  pcllejos  curtidos  ha.sta  los  carcaila- 
les.  aliit^rtas  (lor  delantc  y  iitadas  con  nna.s  li  inanera  de  a};ii;;etas,  y  suh 
maims  (|iic  llej;alian  hasta  las  inunecas,  y  las  nuiiios.'  Ixtlilxochitl,  liela- 
cioiies,  in  Kinijsburouijlis  Mcx.  Aiiiiq.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  341. 


868 


TIIK  XAIIIA  NATIONS. 


is  waul  to  liavo  oriij^iiiiitt'd  in  ancient  times,  wlien  tli(  \' 
t<)<^otlier  witliothor  triln's,  an  tlio  lti<^enil  relates,  iniini- 
j(rateil  into  Mexico,  Wliile  on  tlieir  wan{lenn«,rs  !.<  - 
'u\*r  oliljnft'd  to  cross  a  river,  and  havin;^  no  ropes  with 
which  to  t'onstruct  rafts,  tiiey  used  for  this  purpose 
their  maxtlis  and  mantles.  Not  i)ein;(ahle  toprocun- 
otiier  dothinsj^  immediately,  they  were  under  the  ih 
cessity  of  puttiiiLj  on  the  hnijkilc'*,  or  chemises,  of  tin- 
women,  leavin;^  to  the  latter  only  their  h«t(/iias,  or 
petticoats.  Jn  commemoration  of  this  event,  they 
later  adoj)ted  this  as  their  national  costume,  disciiid 
in<(  the  maxtli  and  wearing'  the  huipil  and  a  niiiMtlf.' 
The  tilmatli,  or  ayatl,  was  by  the  Tarascos  ciilli.! 
thiiHit-J.  It  was  worn  over  one  shoulder  and  was 
knotted  under  the  other  arm.  They  freipiently  triniiiK d 
it  with  hare-skins  and  painted  it  gaudily.  The  youn.; 
wore  it  coiisicU'rahly  shorter  than  old  people.  The 
manufac'tuie  of  feather  jj-arnients  seems  to  have  heiii 
a  specialty  of  the  Tarascos." 

The  Zain)tecs  chieHy  dressed  in  skins,  while  others 
in  Oajaca  are  said  to  have  worn  small  jackets,  and 
Cortes  n'p(»rts  these  people  to  have  heen  better  tlnsst d 
than  any  \\v.  had  previously  seen."  In  Tabasco  Imt 
little  covi  rino'  was  used,  the  greater  j  u*t  of  the  pojui- 
lation  n'tiin^-  almost  naked." 

There  was  no  difi'erence  in  the  dress  of  the  women 
throughout  Anilhuac.  The  huipil  and  cuciti  were  thr 
the  chief  articles,  and  were  universally  used.  I'x- 
sides  these,  mantles  of  various  shapes  and  materials 
were  wi)ni.     The  huipil  was  a  kind  of  chemise,  with 

'*  Cuniitrijit,  Ill.if.  Tlnr.,  in  Nourrllrs  Annalcs  dcs  Vuif.,  1S43,  tcmi. 
xcviii.,  p.  i:{.';  Uni.s.sriir  </i:  Boiirhoiny,  Hist.  Mnf.  Cir.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  .")7. 

''  CiiiiHinf  I.  Hi  fit.  T/ii.r.,  in  Xonrvllrs  Aniialcs  ilvs  Vo;/.,  1S4.S,  linii. 
xcviii..  p|i,  l.ii)  1;  iliiniiiiuHf,  Cniii.  Mtrhuuvaii,  }ilH.,  \>i^.  W-HO;  JIi III I'l, 
Hill.  (Irii.,  (!(•,•.  iii.,  lili.  iii.,  mp.  ix. 

'^  'Ml  tni;»'  lit-  I'lliis  era  dc  divcrsas  iDtiiieras,  iiiios  traian  inaiitas,  otnis 
I'oiiio  uiia.s  xai|ii('tilla«.'  Sn/iiujini,  Hist,  (ini.,  torn,  iii.,  lib.  x.,  |>.  l.'i'' 
'  Era  mas  vostiila  (iiu!  estotra  i\\\v:  lialioimts  viwto.'  Cor/is,  Cnr/ns,  \\.  'XX 
'La  mayor  parte  auiiuuaii  I'll  ciu'ros.'  Hn-nnt,  Hist,  (im.,  ilcc.  iii..  Ill),  iii. 
ca]>.  xiv.  The  .Mi/.tccs  'vestiaii  iiiaiitas  lilaiicas  do  aljfodoii,  tcxidaH,  |iiiii;i' 
das,  y  matizadas  (^mi  lloro.s,  rosas,  y  aves  do  diforeiitt's  (-(dores:  no  tralii.iii 
camisas.'  /»/.,  cait.   xii. 

'*  'Aiidau  ca.-ii  dusaudos,'  Gunutra,  Conq.  Mex.,  fol.  3C. 


DKESS  OF  WOMKX. 

fitlicr  no  sleeves  at  all  or  very  short  ones;  it  oov- 
iivtl  tlio  upper  part  of  the  hotly  to  a  Httle  helow 
till'  thiy:hs.  The  lower  part  of  tlie  h<Kly  was  covered 
hy  the  eiieitl,  a  petticoat,  reaching  to  about  half-way 
hitweeii  the  knees  and  a»:khs  -rid  often  nicely  eni- 
liioidtivd  and  ornamented.  Skin?;,  ixcotl,  or  pahn- 
lilirc,  nei|uen,  and  cotton  were  the  materials  used  lor 
tluse  ^^anuents.  Out  of  doors  they  fre<juently  put 
oil  another  over-dress  similar  to  the  huipil,  only 
JDii'^r  and  with  more  ornamental  frinj'es  aiul  tassels. 
S(»nietiin«;s  they  wore  two  or  three  of  these  at  the 
MUie  tinu',  one  over  the  other,  hut  in  that  case  they 
Wire  of  ditlerent  len«:fths,  the  longest  one  heing  worn 
uiMKniiath.  A  mantle  similar  in  size  and  sha)>e  to 
that  ust'd  hy  the  men,  white  and  ])ainted  in  various 
tlt'siiriis  on  the  out^i.M  .  was  also  used  hy  the  feniales. 
To  the  upper  edge  of  this,  on  that  portion  which  was 
111  the  hack  oi  the  neck,  a  capuchin,  like  that  worn 
hy  the  Dominican  and  other  monks,  was  fastened, 
witli  which  they  covered  their  head.'* 

To  protect  their  feet  they  used  sandals,  hy  the  Az- 
tecs called  cactll,  which  were  nuide  of  deer  or  otlur 
skins,  and  frecpiently  also  of  nequen  and  cotton.  The 
stiings  or  strajis  used  to  fasten  them  were  of  the  same 
iiiatirial."  i  do  not  find  any  description  of  the  manner 
ill  which  they  were  fastened,  hut  in  an  oUl  Mexican 
lujuiiisciipt  on  maguey  paper,  in  which  some  of  the 

"'  'Trai'ii  caniiHnsilo  ii)c<lin>«  ninnpiH.'  (loniftrti,  Cont/.  .^fl^.r.,  fol.  .117;  /i«'- 
hili'iiir  fiittii  fiir  nil  (tnidriiiiiniin  ilrl  Siifiinr  /-'i  rii(iii(/o  I'urfisf,  in  Iliiiiiiisiii, 
.\iiiiiiiitii,iu\  toin.  iii.,  fol. :)().');  l.rlHlxiirliitl,  Jifliiriniiix,  in  Kiii<isliiir(iiiiili',t 
Mj\  Aii/ii/.,  vol.  ix.,  ]).  .'VJ7;  Cortrs,  Cortus,  \\.  "I'X  In  .Jalisco  tlicy  Imd 
"vii  lliii|iilillo  corto,  (iu(>  llanian  Ixtincniitl,  o  foapxulotoii.'  Ton/iK  itiin/n, 
Mmniri/.  IikI.,  Unn.  i.,  p.  339.  'I'nasopravvi-sta.  .  .con  nianiclic|)iii  hinj;lic.' 
I  Inriijin),  Sforin  Ant.  ilil  Mrsxiro,  toin.  ii.,  |).  "J'JS;  Viijlia,  llisr.  Aiif.  M'J-, 
tiiiii.  ii.,  |).  (■(,  toni.  i.,  \>\t.  •J.')3-4;  Jims.ii'iir  ilr  liinivhiiinuj,  Ilisf.  Xdt.  Cn., 
Imii.  i.,  p.  "JSIl.  In  Micli-mcan  'notraian  vipiics.'  Sii/iii<iiii>,  Hist.  (Icii.,  toni. 
iii.,  lilt.  X.,  111).  1,'VS,  I'J.S;  SjiiffinzioHr  ilillr  Ttiiuli'  ihl  ('m/irr  Ali.rirtnm  {\t\- 
tii'aiml.  in  kiniisliormidfin  Mr.r.  Aiiti'j.,  vol.  v.,  pp.  '2(13-4;  llrrrcra,  lli.st. 
(jin.,  (Ice.  iii.,  iih.  iii.,  cap.  -xii. 

'"  Sii/iminH,  Hist.  (Int.,  toin.  iii.,  lil>.  .\.,  \<\\.  112,  1'23;  IxtliUnrh'l,  llrln- 
•■iiiiii:i,  ill  h'iiit/shorniiijh'n  Mrx.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  IX.,  jiji.  .3,30,  341;  llrrrrnt,  llitl. 
Hill.,  (Ice.  ii.,  iili.  vi.,  cap.  xvii. ;  /</.,  dec.  iii.,  lili.  iii.,  cap.  ix.,  xii. ;  lUiiiiiiiniit 
I'niii  Mir/iniirdii,  MS.,  p.  .'»0;  Vrytin,  Ili.sf.  Ant.  Mrj.,  toin.  i.,  p.  *2.">*,1;  iln- 
miin(,  t'liiiq.  Mcx.,  fol.  317;  Vharrs,  Hiifiport,  in  Tenia lU'-Coiiiptnix,  Vni/., 
ncriu  ii. ,  tiiiii.  v.,  II.  31G;  Vlavimrv,  Sluria  Ant.  dd  Mcumcv,  torn,  ii.,  p.  -23. 
YuL.  II.    21 


Pili! 


s^i 


870 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


natives  are  painted  in  various  colors,  I  find  tliat  tlio 
sandals  were  fastened  in  three  i>laees;  first  by  a  stiaji 
runnin*^  across  the  toot  immediately  behind  the  tois, 
then  another  over  the  instep  and  runnin<^  toward  tlie 
heel,  and  lastly  by  a  strap  from  the  heel  round  tliu 
ankle. 

As  a  njeneral  thing  Mexicans  wore  the  hair  loutjf, 
and  in  many  parts  of  the  em})ire  it  was  consideiid 
a  disgrace  to  cut  the  hair  of  a  free  man  or  woman.'*' 
Unlike  most  of  the  American  natives  they  wore  mous- 
taches, but  in  other  parts  of  the  body  they  eradi- 
cated all  hair  very  carefully.'®  There  were  public 
barber-shops  and  baths  in  all  the  })rincipal  cities.-" 
The  Aztecs  had  various  wavs  of  dressinyf  the  hair, 
dittcring  according  to  rank  and  office.  Generally  it 
was  left  hanijfing  loose  down  the  back.  The  women  also 
freipiently  wore  it  in  this  way,  but  oftener  had  it  done 
up  or  trinuned  after  various  fashions;  thus  .some 
wore  it  long  on  the  temples  and  had  the  rest  of  tlu- 
head  shaved,  others  twisted  it  with  dark  cotton 
thread,  others  again  had  almost  the  whole  head 
shaved.  Among  them  it  was  also  fashionable  to  dyo 
the  hair  with  a  species  of  black  clay,  or  with  an  herb 
called  xiuhpiHitl,  the  latter  giving  it  a  vit)let  shade. 
Unmarried  ijirls  wore  the  hair  aiwavs  loose;  thev  con- 
sidered  it  as  esi)ecially  graceful  to  wear  the  hair  low" 


"  'Aveano  a  (lisonorc  I'esscr  tosati.'  Claviijrro,  Storin  Aiit.  del  jl/l.v.v/c/, 
toin.  ii. ,  i>.  '2"24. 

^^  Jirii.ssciir  lie  lioitrhoin-if,  Hist.  Nat.  Cii\,  toni.  i.,  p.  3.">().  'Ni  l)itMi 
1)ania(l(>s,  porniio  se  arraiicaii  v  viitaii  los  jii'los  iiara  i\\u'.  iii»  iiazfun.'  Hn- 
'iiiiini,  I'onij.  Slra:,  io\.  317.  Tlie  Mistocs  'las  tmrbas  w  arraiicaiiaii  imi 
tciia/iliaH  (fe  or<i.'  Ilrnrrn,  Ili.st.  (ini.,  dvi'.  iii..  lii>.  iii.,  caii.   xii. 

«o  V„rfi%  Cartas,  pp.  (i8,  104;  Ovieilo,  Hi.if.  Gn,.,  toiii.  iii.,  p.  :«)(). 

*'  '  Hazel)  lo  nt'}irt>  con  ticrra  por  jjeiitiioza  y  jjoniuo  les  matt'  l<is  pioj«w. 
Las  ('asa<las  sc  lo  nuleaii  a  la  oabeva  con  vn  nmlo  a  la  frcnfo.  J.as  vir^^'iin'-* 
y  por  casar,  lo  (raen  siielto,  yediailo  atrasy  adclanlo.  IVlan  sc  y  viitan  so 
todas  ])ara  no  toner  jjcIo  sino  en  la  caheva  y  cejas,  y  assi  tieiien  jior  licninp- 
Hiira  tener  cliica  fieiite,  y  llena  de  cahello,  y  no  teiier  colodrlllo.'  {uiiiiiini, 
Coil)/.  Mix.,  fol.  .317;  Sa/iai/ini,  Hist,  (ini.,  toni.  ii.,  lib.  viii.,  pp.  .SOlt-lO, 
toin.  iii.,  lil>.  x.,  ])p.  113,  l'20,  lib.  xi.,  ]>.  3(M»;  I'lnriifiro,  S/nrin  Aiif.  ild 
Mi'.isiro,  toin.  ii.,  p.  'i'24;  Chairs,  Rii/iport,  in  'rrriiini.r-Ciiiii/iaiis,  I'c//., 
eerie  ii.,  toin.  v.,  p.  316.  The  Cliicliinieeswore  it,  'larfjoliasfa  iasespiildas, 
y  |M(r  (lelante  sc  \»  cortan.'  Jxliilxorhitl,  Jiiiavioius,  iit  Kiiigsburuiiijli's 
Mcx.  Antiij.,  vol.  L\.,  p.  335. 


HAIll-DUESSIXG  AND  PAINTING. 


371 


t   tllO 

strap 

toi'S, 

a  the 
a  tho 

kk'ivd 

mail." 

inoiis- 

eradi- 

public 

•ities.-" 
hair, 

ally  it 

en  also 

it  aono 

\   some 
of  tlu' 
fottdll 
head 
to  live 
n  lu'i-h 
shade. 
V  <'<»n- 
;•  loNV^' 

1/  Mis.\-ic(i, 

'Ni  liifii 
Iciiii.'  ''"- 
luuaii  fill 

l«)0. 

|(is  piojiw. 

■  viitaii  so 
Lr  litMiiMi- 

i.  :«»•.»•  10. 
A  lit.  'I' I 

MIS,      Vi'll-. 

lospaltlas, 
Iburuiiijli'i 


on  the  forehoaa.  Tlio  vir<»ins  wlio  served  in  the  teni- 
jiits  luul  their  hair  cut  short.*^ 

The  Otoniis  shavea  the  fore  part  of  the  heads  of 
cliihhen,  leavin*^  oidy  a  tuft  behind,  which  they  calka 
plin'lit/i,  while  the  men  wore  the  hair  cut  short  as  far 
as  tlie  miaaie  of  the  back  of  the  heaa,  but  left  it  to 
i^row  long  behina;  ana  these  long  locks  they  called 
l»iorlit'(i(«'.  Girls  did  not  have  their  hair  cut  until 
after  marriage,  when  it  was  worn  in  the  same  style  as 
l»y  the  men.'^  Tho  Tarascos,  or  as  they  were  also 
calloa  Quaochpanme,  derived  this  last  name  from  an 
old  fashion  of  having  their  heads  shaved,  both  men 
and  wonien.'^*  Later  they  wore  the  hair  long,  the 
I'oniinon  people  simply  letting  it  hang  down  the  back, 
while  the  rich  braided  it  with  cotton  threads  of  vari- 
ous colors.^'  The  ^[iztecs  wt)re  the  hair  braided,  and 
ornamented  with  many  feathers.*' 

The  Nahua  women  used  paint  freely  to  beautify 
tlieir  j)erson,  and  among  some  nations  they  also 
tatt()0(!d.  Among  the  Aztecs  they  painted  their 
faces  with  a  red,  yellow,  or  black  color,  made, 
as  Sahagun  tells  us,  of  burnt  incense  mixed  with 
dye.  They  also  dyed  their  feet  black  with  the  same 
mixture.  Their  teeth  they  cleaned  and  painted  with 
roiliineal;  hands,  neck,  and  breast  were  also  })ainted.-^ 
Among  the  Tlascaltecs  the  men  paintvd  their  faces 
with  a  dye  made  of  the  xatjua  and  hijcu."^  The  Oto- 
mi's  tattooed  their  breasts  and  arms  by  making  in- 
cisions with  a  knife  and  rubbing  a  blue  powder 
therein.     They   also   covered  the  body  with   a   spe- 


5-2 
2.1 
51 

r:»iiai 
allies 
HiM. 
tVc, 
•It 

21 

r, 
Siih'i 


CUiviffcro,  Sfnrin  Ant.  ih'l  Mcssico,  torn,  ii.,  p.  224. 
Sii/iiii/iiii,  Hint.  (Irii.,  tdiii.  iii.,  lilt   x.,  p.  124. 

'Milmase  taiiihioii  Quaorhpiiiiiiu',  (jiic  (iiiiore  diM'ir  homl»ros  ile  caliozii 
la  <)  raiila,  poniuc  aiitij^uaiiieiito  estos  taU's  no  traiaii  calicllos  larj,'os, 
sc  rapahaii  la  caltoza  asi  los  lii>iiil>r.'s,  vdino  las  iiiujj;t'res.'  Sahtiipiv, 
Hill.,  tuiii,  iii.,  lilt.  X,,  p.  1H7;  Urti.s.iciir  dr  ISourhuunj,  Hint.  Aiif. 
toiii.  iii.,  p.  57. 

Iliinimont,  Crdn.  Mcrhoi>r<tii,  MS.,  p.  !\0. 
H'l-imi,  llisl.  (fni.,  (U'c.  iii.,  lili.  iii.,  cap.  xiv. 

'Sc  raialtan  Ian  l^ira.s.'  Tunjiii'iiuuin,    Moiutrq.  Intl.,  toni.   i.,  p.  2r)5; 
,'/'"',  Ifi.tt.  (till.,  tt»ni.  ii.,  lih.  viii.,  p.  310. 
Uuiiutra,  (Junq.  J/ix. ,  fol.  75. 


I' 


372 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


»;ies  of  pitch  callod  tcoeauu'itl,  and  over  this  nij^aiii 
they  applied  some  other  color.  Their  teetli  tlicv 
dyed  black,'* 

The  Naliuas,  like  all  senii-harharoiis  people,  had  a 
])assion  for  loading  themselves  Avitli  oriiainents.  Tiio.su 
worn  hy  tlie  kini^s,  nobles,  and  rich  i»ersons,  weie  of 
i^old  or  silver,  set  with  i)reciou8  stones;  those  of  tliu 
poorer  classes  were  of  cop})er,  stone,  or  bone,  set  with 
imitations  in  crystal  of  the  rarer  jewels.  These  orna- 
ments took  the  shape  of  bracelets,  armlets,  anklets, 
and  rings  for  the  nose,  ears,  and  fingers.  The  lower 
lip  was  also  pierced,  and  precious  stones,  or  crystals, 
inserted.  The  richer  classes  used  principally  for  this 
purpose  the  chalchiuite,  which  is  generally  desig- 
nated as  an  emerald.  There  existed  very  stringent 
laws  regarding  the  class  of  ornaments  which  the  dif- 
ferent classes  of  people  were  allowed  to  wear,  and  it 
w^as  prohibited,  on  j)ain  of  death,  for  a  subject  to  use 
the  same  dress  <^r  ornanients  as  the  king.  Duraii  re- 
lates that  to  certain  very  bravo  but  low-born  warriors 
j)ermission  was  accorded  to  wear  a  chea})  garland  or 
crown  on  the  head,  but  on  no  account  might  it  he 
made  of  gold,'^  Gomara  tells  us  that  the  claws  and 
beaks  of  the  eagle  and  also  fish-bones  were  worn  as 
ornaments  in  the  ears,  nose,  and  lips,"* 

The  Otomi's  used  ear-ornaments  made  of  burmd 
clay,  nicely  browned,  and  others  of  canc^"'*  The  Ta- 
rascos  chiefly  relied  on  feathers  for  their  ])ersoiial 
adornment, '^^     Of  the  natives  encountered  bv  Cortes 

5^  Snhnqiin,  Tlisf.  Gi)i.,  toiii.  iii. ,  lib.  x.,  pp.  124-r». 

^o  Diiraii,  Hist.  Iiidins,  MS.,  toin.  i.,  cap.  ,\xvi. 

'■"  (loiiiorii,  (Jonq.  Mcx.,  fol.  ,31";  llirirm,  lli.st.  Gcti.,  tier,  iii.,  iili.  iii., 
c.ip.  xii.;  l'liivi;;oro,  Sforia  Ant.  (/if  JA'.v.vtVv/,  toni.  ii.,  p.  "J'J-l,  (IcscrilwN  tlic 
oniaiiRMits,  lint  in  his  ai'conijuinyin;^'  plate  fails  to  hIhiw  ati>  of  tlicni.  '/'• 
zizoiiioc,  i'niiu'ri)  Mr.r.,  in  hiiiffshoruii(f/i\s  Mtx.  Aiitiq.,  vol.,  ix.  pp.  7'.'- 
S:>;   J'nrrfi<ifi  /lis  f'i(i/rinii:s,  vol.  iv.,  p.   1 1  H). 

3'^  '  IJe  hario  cociiht  bien  binfiida.><,  I'xle  i-afia.'  Sa/inguii,  Hist  (Ini.,  tuiu. 
iii.,  lib.  X.,  p.  124. 

^^  fi/.,  ]).  137.  Tbc  Totonacs  'traian  vnos  >ji'anil('saf;ni<''.»seM  los  Imth-i 
til!  abaxo,  y  on  cllos  vnas  lodajaM  do  pie(Iia«  pintadilla.stlc  a/.iil,  y  otms  rem 
Mias  liojaH  dc  oro  dfl^iadas,  yon  la.s  orojas  niny  i^rando-s  aKiijoro.s,  y  t'li  clln-i 
|)lll'^*t,as  otras  roilajan  de  oro,  y  piedras.'  licriiul  Dia.z,  I/isl.  Comi.,  fol.  iS; 
<  'orli'n,  Cartas,  p.  123, 


DUESS  OF  THE  NOBLES. 


873 


wlien  he  landed  at  Vera  Cruz,  Peter  ^fartyr  tells  us 
tlmt  ill  the  "hole  of  the  lippes,  they  weare  a  hroad 
plate  withhi  fastened  to  another  on  the  outside  of  the 
li[)[te,  and  the  iewell  they  hanj^  thereat  is  as  great  as 
a  sihier  Caroline  doller  and  as  tliicke  as  a  mans 
hii.ner. 

In  Oajaca  more  ornaments  were  \vorn  tiian  in  any 
other  part  of  tlie  country,  owing,  j)erha|)s,  as  the  Al  h  '• 
IJiasseur  de  Bourhourg  remarks,  to  the  plentil'ul  sup- 
ply of  })reeious  metals  in  tliat  state.*' 

The  dress  of  the  nobles  and  memhers  of  the  royal 
li(tusuliold  differed  from  that  of  the  lower  classes  only 
in  Hneiiess  of  material  and  profusion  of  ornaments. 
'fho  kings  appear  to  have  worn  garments  of  the  same 
shape  as  those  of  their  suhjeots,  Init,  in  otlier  respects, 
a  particular  style  of  dress  was  reserved  for  royalty, 
and  he  who  presumed  to  imitate  it  was  i)ut  to  death. 
( )ii  occasions,  however,  when  the  monarch  wished  to 
hestow  a  special  mark  of  favor  upon  a  hrave  soldier  or 
distinguished  statesman,  he  would  graciously  bestow 
upon  him  one  of  his  garments,  which,  even  though 
the  reci})ient  were  a  great  noble,  was  received  with 
joy,  and  the  wearer  respected  as  a  man  whom  the 
king  (leliohted  to  hi^nor.^"  in  Tlascala  ditferences  of 
rank  anioiig  the  nobles  were  easily  recognized  by  the 
stylo  of  dress.  The  connnon  j)eople  were  strictly  Ibr- 
hiddi'U  to  wear  cotton  dotlies  M'ith  fringes  or  other 
ti-ininiings,  unless  with  special  permission,  granted  in 
consideration  of  services  rendered. ^^ 

The  court  laws  of  etiquette  jtrescribed  the  dress  to 
he  Worn  by  the  royal  attendants,  wlio  could  only  a]i[»ear 
without    sandals,  barefooted,  and   in    coarse    mantles 

14  Pitcr  Miirit/r,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  vii. 

''  'I'lu'  Mi/ti'i's  'tnuMi  iiiii'iii,  axoicasiniiy  iiiK'liasdcoro,  y  sartalfs  dc  ]>!('- 
•Ira  ii  las  itiiifii'cas.  y  joyolt's  dc  c'stas  y  dc  oni  al  nudlo.'  Sn/iiiiiiui,  lli.\f. 
<!'ii.,  tdiii.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  i».  I'M);  JSnis.s(iir  de  liniirljiuif;/.  Hist.  \ii/.  dr., 
tmu.  iii..  |».  ;«». 

'■"'  'Niii;,'tiiia  IVrsniiii  (aiiii(|iio  fuosoii  siis  propiiis  llijos)  ]i<)<liu  vi'stirli>,  so 
iM'iia  dc  la  vida.'  Turf/iicniin/ii,  Mniifinj.  Iiul.,  Ut\\\.  ii.,  p.  "il'J;  Iha-ni, 
Jli.tl.  li/ifiti.\\  MS.,  tiiiii.  i.,  i-ap.   xxvi. 

^''  I'liiniiri/o,  Jlist.  Tlttx.,  in  Auiifilloi  Amitiks  (hs  Voy.,  1843,  lorn. 
xi'viii.,  p.  198. 


374 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


f: 


before  the  kiiiij,  and  even  the  apparel  of  the  soveri'ii;ii 
was  in  like  manner  fixed  l>y  custom,  if  not  by  law. 
Tlie  different  kinds  of  tilmatlis,  or  mantles,  had  eadi 
its  appropriate  name,  and  varied  in  material  as  well 
as  in  ornament  and  color.  The  cotton  mantles  aro 
described  as  beinyf  of  exceedinyf  fineness  of  texture,  so 
much  so  that  it  required  an  expert  to  deterniiiiu 
whether  they  were  cotton  or  silk.'*  The  mantle  worn 
as  every-day  dress  in  the  ])alace  was  white  and  Id  no 
and  called  the  xmhtUnmfJi^  There  were  many  otliir 
kinds  of  mantles,  of  which  the  following  are  the 
principal:  A  yellowish,  heavily  friui^ed  mantle,  on 
which  monstrous  heads  were  painted,  was  calitd 
coazaijdcidotibniitli;  another,  blue,  ornamented  with 
red  shells,  with  three  borders,  one  light,  .'mother 
dark  blue,  and  a  third  of  white  feather-work,  and 
fringed  with  the  same  kind  of  shells,  was  nanud 
fjrncu'iotihiuif/i;  another,  dark  yellow,  with  alteinatc 
black  and  white  circles  j)ainted  on  it,  and  a  border 
representing  eyes,  was  the  tonalcitatiofilmaflifcitisin; 
a  simihir  one,  differing  only  in  the  figures  and  shape 
of  the  ornaments,  was  the  itzcdijotUinatli;  a  very 
gaudy  one,  worked  in  many  colors,  was  the  iniicfrrli- 
fccoitudofi/mitfli;  another,  with  a  yellow  ground,  <»ii 
which  were  butterflies  made  of  feathers,  and  with 
si'olloped  edges,  was  called  jxt/Kfloiofilniatlifciiisio;  the 
XdonlquaN/iioflhiKtthfrnisio,  was  embroidered  with  de- 
signs representing  the  flower  called  ccitctitcafl,  and 
further  ornamented  with  white  feather- work  and  featli- 
er  edges;  the  ocelot ('nflopadiuifici/ctwocclof I  was  an 
imitation  of  a  tiger-skin,  also  oinamented  Avith  an 
lidge  t)f  white  feathers;  the  irni'xtlavinlolli  was 
worked  in  many  colors,  and  had  a  sun  j)ainted  on  it.*" 
Other  mantles,  differing  mainly  in  their  style  of  orna- 

'"  'Tan  (Irlfiixlas  y  l)ipti  toxidas  que  ncrcsifabaii  ilcl  tacto  ]>aia  (lifcnii- 
ciursc  (Ic  la  f*f<la.'  Sulis,  J/ist.  t'oiiij.  Mr.r.,  tttiii.  i.,  p.  \'S'2;  Anisto,  llixt- 
dr.  Ills  Villi.,  i».  .')07. 

^'>  Cfiin'i/no,  Stitriii  Aiif.  fA7  JA'.v.sv'fo,  timi.  ii.,  j)]).  lir)-l(5;  Turquniiin/i', 
Moiifiri/.,  /hi/.,  foin.  ii.,  p.  M'2. 

*"  Sa/itiijiiii,  Hint.  Urn.,  torn,  ii.,  lib.  viii.,  pp.  280-8. 


DKESS  OF  THE  KINGS. 


375 


inintation,  were  the  coaxactfi/o  and  tI(icaUniaztilhi<it/i, 
the  liittor  worn  when  the  king  went  into  his  gardens 
or  to  tlie  chase.  In  the  same  manner  there  are  also 
various  kinds  of  maxtlis  mentioned,  such  as  the  i/nt/a- 
(»ii'i.i'((/li<li(it(i.,  (/(zahuazahiautlafl  and  uactthiia/lin/ul.*^ 
Ill  iJU't  tliere  appears  to  liave  heen  a  ditt'erent  (hess 
i'ttr  every  occasion.  We  are  told,  for  instance,  that 
when  going  to  the  temple  the  king  wore  a  white 
jiiiiiitle,  another  when  going  to  preside  at  the  court 
of  justice,  and  here  he  again  changed  his  dress,  ac- 
cordiiiiir  as  the  case  before  the  court  was  a  civil  or 
criminal  suit."  The  sandals  of  the  kings  were  always 
riciily  ornamented  with  precious  stones,  and  had  gt)lden 
sole> 


ii 


he 
of 

ix.. 


AVhenever   the    sovereign    aftpeared    in    ]>ul)lic 
wore  the  royal  crow'n,   called  vvplUl^  which  was 

<•  Trzozomnr,   Crdnirn  Mcx.,  in  KhigshorouijJi's  Mrx.  Atitiq.,  vkI. 

<■■*  'Para  salir  de  I'alaciit  low  Hoit's  .'i  visitar  Ins  Teiiiplos,  se  vcstiaii  do 
lilaiu'o;  [uTo  para  t'litrar  t'li  Kw  ('iinst'jdn,  y  asistireii  citros  Actos  iiiiMirns,  .se 
vi'stiaii  <li'  (liforoiiti's  colores,  fiiiiforiiio  la  ocasioii.'  riir'/iiiniiii/ii,  Mniiiirii. 
III'/.,  toll),  ii.,  p.  r>4.'{.  'Los  rois  .s'liabillait'iit  taiitot  tic  ItlaiM-,  taiiti'it  il'f- 
tiill'cs  (I'liii  jaiiiit*  (ihsriir  (»riu''t's  «le  fraii^rus  dt'  iiiille  coidciii's.'  linissnir  ilf. 
}iiiiifli(iiirfi,  /list.  X<if.  ('if.,  tiiiii.  i.,  i>.  "JSI,  toiii.  iv.,  |ip.  '210-11.  '.Maiila.s 
<!('  A  dits  liafos,  laUradas  do  pliiiiias  do  papos  <!(>  avos,  tan  siiavcs,  (nic  Iray- 
imhIii  la  iiiaiio  por  oiiciiiia  a  polo  y  a  pospolo,  iioora  iiiaH<(iu>  una  niarta  roliol- 
liiia  niuy  Mon  adtdtada:  iiico  posar  una  dolla.s,  no  ]ics(i  mas  do  sris  mi/as.' 
Ziiiizo,  ('iirtd,  in  Irnzlmlirln,  (Jul.  (If  l>iii\,  toni.  i.,  |t.  'M'A\.  N'oslidos  do 
jiolo  do  conojo  y  do  al^odon  de  innolia  onriosidad,  y  oslas  oran  vostidmas  lU; 
<'ai'ii[iios  y  «lo  ;;onto  niuy  prinoipal '  in  Mioiioaoan.  liiiimniml,  CkU,.  Milm- 
Oiiniii,  MS.,  pp.  4'.>-.')0;  l.rllil.ntrhitl,  Hist.  C/u'r/i.,  in  Kiiii/slKiriiiiij/i'.s  Mr.,-. 
Ailtiij.,  V(d.  ix.,  Jip.  ;{.'{(>,  '240,  'Jd.');  Iif.,  Uiliirioiiis,  in  hi.,  |i.  '.V,\i\\  (h-inhi,  llisl. 
(Int.,  tola,  iii.,  p. '2!KS.  Dosoription  of  Monlo/nina'sdross  whon  nn'otini;  ("nr- 
ti's,  in  S(i/i.s,  Hint.  Coiiq.  Mix.,  toni.  i.,  ]».  ',W.>\  ('Inriijini,  Sturin  Anl.  ilil 
,l/(.v.s7<v(,  loin,  iii.,  j>.  77;  \'('i//iii.  Hist.  Aiil.  M'j-,  tnni.  iii.,  |>.  .'tSd;  I'n .-.iiiU's 
M'.r..  vol.  ii.,  ]).  'Ml.  Ko|ii'osoritations  of  tin  drossos  of  tlio  .Mosicaii  kiiijxs 
and  noliles  are  ulsi  '  'he  t'udix  Mvmhizit,  in  KiiKislninniiili's  Mix.  Antiq., 
vol.  i.  ^  ^ 

■•''  'Traia  oal(,'iidos  vnos  oonio  ootaras,  quo  assi  so  di/.o  loqno  so  oaloan.  las 
suolas  do  oro,  y  niny  prooiadii  jiodroria  onoiina  on  ollas.'  lirniii/  J>iiiz,  Hist. 
('i)iiil.,  fol.  ().").  'I'oi'toit  niu'  ohaussnro  th'  poan  do  olu-vrouil.'  Xnini/tis 
Aiiiiiifis  i/is  Volt.,  18'J4,  toni.  .\xiv.,  ]>.  1^7.  '(,'apatos  do  oro,  qiu'  olios 
llaniaii  xa^dos,  y  son  a  In  inanora  anti^^ua  <lo  los  Uonianos,  tonian  ;;ran  po- 
ilrcria  do  ninolio  valor,  las  sindas  ostauan  prondidas  con  corroas.'  tin nru, 
y//,s/.  f /<■//.,  (loo.  ii.,  lih.  vii.,  cap.  V.  'Cotaras  do  onoro  do  ti;;ros.'  Tiznzn- 
vini;  Cniiiirii  .Mix,,  in  /\ini/sliiiriiiii/fi''s  Mr.r.  .[nliii.,  vol.  i.\.,  p.  7'.l;  Sulis, 
Ui.st.  Ciiiii/.  Mi:r.,  toni.  i.,  p.  .'<(!!>;  J'tiri/Hi'iiKiiln,  MoiKirii.  Iinf.,  toni.  i.,  )». 
M'v,  /Sriis.i-in  )/r  /{iiiirhi.iirit.  Hist.  Xnl.  Cii:,  toni.  iv.,  jip.  '210-1I;  Cnrlis, 
<'iir/iis,  p.  S,");  I'lifliii,  Hist.  Aiit.  .1/';/.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  'ASi'r,  Ixllilxnrliill,  H'lu- 
•'i'liiis,  in  KiiiifsliiirniKjIi'ii  Mix.  Aiiliij.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  327;  I'rrsrott'ti  Mix., 
Vol.  ii.,  pp.  73-4,  ai7. 


876 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


solid  gold,  and  is  described  by  most  wiiters  as  havim; 
been  shaped  like  a  bisho})'H  mitre;  but  in  the  hiero- 
glyphical  paintings,  in  which  the  Mexican  kings  arc 
re}>resented,  it  is  simply  a  golden  band,  wider  in  front 
than  at  the  back,  the  front  running  up  to  a  i)oint;  on 
some  occasions  it  was  ornamented  with  long  feathers." 
The  following  descrii)tion  of  ornaments,  worn  by  the 
Mexican  kings  and  nobles,  I  extract  from  Sahagun: — 
The  quetzalalpitoai  consisted  of  two  tassels  of  iiiR- 
feathers  garnished  with  gold,  which  they  wore  bound 
to  the  hair  on  the  crown  of  the  head,  and  hangin<j^ 
down  to  the  temples.  The  tlanhquccltoffzontli  was  a 
liandsome  garment  of  feathers  worn  on  the  slioulders. 
On  the  arms  they  placed  gold  rings;  on  the  wri.sts  a 
thick  black  strap  made  soft  with  balsam,  and  ujton  it 
a  large  chalchiuite  or  other  precious  stone.  Tlu  y 
also  had  a  harhote,  or  chin-piece,  of  chalchiuite  or  otlur 
precious  stone,  set  in  gold,  inserted  in  tlio  cliiii. 
These  chin-ornaments  were  made  long,  of  crystal, 
with  some  blue  feathers  in  the  centre,  wliich  niadu 
them  look  like  sapphire.  The  lip  li.'id  a  hole  bored  in 
it,  from  which  precious  stones  or  gold  crescents  were 
suspended.  The  great  lords  likewise  hud  holes  in 
their  nose,  and  placed  therein  very  fine  tur(j[Uoises  or 
other  precious  stones,  one  on  each  side  of  tlie  nose. 
On  their  necks  they  wore  strings  of  precious  stones,  or 
a  medal  susi)ended  by  a  gold  diain,  witli  i)earl  jiend- 
ants  hanging  from  its  edge,  and  a  flat  jewel  in  V\c 
centre  of  it.     They  used    bracelets   of  mosaic   work 

**  '  La  corona  dc  Rcy,  quo  tiene  sempjancj-a  a  la  poroiia  do  la  Sofioria  df 
Venecia,'  Avosfa,  Hist,  dc  las  YiitL,  p.  471.  'I'na.s  tiaras  de  oro  v  |KMlri'- 
ria.'  I.rtlilxochUl,  Hist.  Chirh.,  in  KiDgsborouglCs  Mi.r.  Aiillij.,  vol.  ix.,  ii. 
205.  'En  la  Cahe^a  vnos  Pliimajes  ricos,  que  ataimn  tantos  calicllos  dc  In 
Corona,  (|iiantotoniaclcs|>aciode  la  Corona  Clerical:  cstos  I'lnniajcs  |ircii(li- 
an  y  atabaii  con  vna  corroa  colorada,  y  do  ella  colfrabaii  con  siis  iiinjaiitcs  t\i- 
Oro,  (pic  jjcndian  il  nianera  do  chiaH  de  Mitra  de  (Miispo.'  lori/iniiiiK/fi, 
Moiiarq.  Iik/.,  toni.  ii.,  itj).  54'2-3.  'Era  di  varie  matcric  ^'iiista  il  piarcrc 
dei  Ue,  or  di  lame  sottili  d'oro  or  tessnta  di  filo  d'oro,  c  li^^nrata  con  va;.'lic 
j)cnMe.  Cliiriffrro,  Storin  Ant.  del  Mrssiro,  torn,  ii.,  p.  Il.">,  toni.  iii.,  ]).  77. 
'IJefore  liivc  a  .Myter,  ami  hehinde  it  waw  cut,  so  a.s  it  was  not  round,  for  tiic 
forepart  was  lii^xliPi")  "ud  did  rise  like  a  point.'  Ptnrfins,  /(/.v  l'i/ifriiiir.\,  torn. 
iy.,  p.  1(K»2;  Vci/tiit,  Hist.  Ant.  Mrj.,  ton\.  iii.,  jt.  H8(J;  I'nsroft's  .lA.c,  v<il. 
ii,,  i».  317;  Brasscur  dc  liourbutinj,  Hist.  \'i.U.  Cic,  toni.  iv.,  p.  210. 


ABORIGINAL  DIIESS. 


877 


iiiaJo  witli  turquoises.  On  their  lojj^s  they  wore,  from 
the  knee  down,  <^reaves  of  very  thin  gold.  They  car- 
ried ii»  the  riglit  hand  a  little  golden  Hag  with  a  tuft 
of  gaudy  feathers  on  the  top.  Upon  their  lieads  they 
Wore  a  hird  made  of  rieh  feathers,  with  its  liead  and 
hoak  resting  on  tlie  forehead,  its  tail  toward  the  back 
of  the  head,  its  wings  falling  over  the  temples.*" 

*^  fldhnfftin.  Hist.  Grn.,{nm.  vii.,  lil>.  ii.,  pji.  28.S-00;  Tczozomor,  Crduirn 
.)fix.,  ill  KuKjslioriUKjIis  Mex.  Autiq.,  vol.  ix.,  jip.  57,  7'.*;  Ixtlil.ntfliHI, 
Jli.sl.  Cliiili.,  ill  M.,  j).  3'.'7;  Torqitemadii,  Motiitrq.  Im/.,  U>u\.  i.,  |>.  5i!.'»; 
I'll/fill,  Hist.  Aiif.  MiJ.,  toin.  i.,  i>.  "i.")!),  torn,  iii.,  p.  WXl;  ('(iiiiiiniii,  Hist. 
Tlii.f.,  ill  Xoiiirlh'H  AniKilfs  t/es  Voij.,  1843,  toiii.  xcix.,  )>.  ITS.  i-'iir- 
tlicf  iiiciitioii  of  oriiiimeiits  in  the  oiiuiiitM'tition  of  ]iiTsciits  ^'ivt-ii  l)y  Moiiti'- 
ziiiiiii  to  Cortt'.s  ill  t'ltirigcro,  Storin  Ant.  del  Mcnniro,  toiii.  iii.,  jip.  0."),  80; 
Hrrnra,  llisl.  (!<'».,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  v.,  cap.  v.;  Oriri/a,  Hist,  (lin.,  toiii.  iii., 
].)).  -JTit,  '-'S;!,  'iS.'i,  Sft-i,  208;  Soils,  Hist.  Voiiq.  Mr.i:,  toiii.  i.,  i)p.  \-l\  l:{2-3; 
l'>nr/,tis,  fiis  J'i/iiriiws,  vol.  iv.,  pp.  1118-i),  Il'-M;  CortAi,  Ciirttts,  pp.  (i't.  8.'>; 
llnissriir  <lr  Jiuiirlionrfi,  Hist.  X<it.  Cii:,  toiii.  iv.,  pp.  7(>,  84,  214,  2(>3-l; 
I'irsi-iitt's  Mix.,  vol.  ii.,  p.  8.*?.  Ainong  the  inodern  authors  who  In'.ve  writ- 
ten upon  the  subject  of  aress  may  be  mentioned:  ('avhujol  Ksjiinosii,  Hist. 
JA.j'.,  toiii.  i.,  pp.  S2(!,  080  2,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  91,  224-.">,  witli  iiiiiiicroiis  iii»s; 
Jtiissirrrr.  L'Eitipiiv  Mc.r..,  p.  14.'>;  C/irrntirr,  Mi:r.,  Aiirini  rt  Moil.,  pp.  .')7-H; 
IHIl'iii,  Hist.  Mix.,  p.  47;  Kkiiim,  Cultur-trfsrhichti:,  tom.  v.,  pp.  13-14,  22, 
■JS,  ISit;  Mniifilinr,  llfsumf,  p.  3(5;  BnnnuIVs  Iiiil.  Rnris,  pp.  (>.'>,  7'J;  Jiaril, 
Mcxiquc,  p.  209;  Fiithentd,  Mem.  sobrc  la  Raza  Indigcnu,  p.  (51. 


:i.  Vi 


CHAPTER  XII. 


COMMERCE    OF    THE    NAIIUA   NATIONS. 


The  Main  Fkaturks  of  Nahua  Commerce— Commerce  in  Pre-Aztec 
Times— OtTRAGEs  Committed  uy  Aztec  Merchants— ri;ivii.i:(;i;s 
OF  the  Merchants  of  ThATELULCo— Jealousy  ketween  Mku- 

CHANTS  AND  NoilI.ES  —  ARTICLES  ISED  AS  CURRENCY  -  THE  M  AH- 
KETS  OF  AnAHLAC  — ARRANOEMENT  AND  llEtJULATIONS  OK  THE 
MARKET-PLAriCS  — NLMIIER  OF   BUYERS   AND   SELLERS— TRANSI'Olt- 

TATioN  OK  Wares— Traveling  Merchants— Commercial  IJoi  ti:.s 
—  Setting  out  on  a  Journey- Caravans  of  Traders  -  Tin: 
Return  — Customs  and  Feasts  of  the  Merchants— Nahia 
HoATS  and  Navigation. 


ill 

! ,  .1  ■ 


Tmditional  history  tells  us  but  little  rospcctiiif,' 
Anioricau  coniineree  jn'ovious  to  the  formation  of  the 
j^reat  Aztec  alliance,  or  empire,  but  the  faint  light 
thrown  on  the  subject  would  indicate  little  or  no 
chau'^e  in  the  wystem  within  the  limits  of  Nahua  his- 
tory.  The  main  features  of  the  connnercial  system  in 
the  fifteenth  and  sixteenth  centuries,  were:  markets 
in  one  or  more  of  the  public  scjuares  of  every  town, 
where  eatables  and  other  articles  of  immediate  neces- 
sity were  daily  sold — shops  proper  being  unknown: 
fre(juently  recurring  fairs  in  each  of  the  large  towns, 
where  the  j>roducts  of  agriculture,  manufacture,  and 
art  in  the  surrounding  country  were  disi)layed  before 
consumers  and  merchants  from  home  and  from  abro.ul; 
similar  fairs  but  on  a  o'rander  scale  in  the  ti^reat  com- 
mercial  centres,  where  home  products  were  exchangcu 


COMMERCE  IN  PUE-AZTEC  TIMES. 


379 


for  foroit^n  merchandise,  or  sold  for  export  to  mer- 
cliiiiits  from  distant  nations  who  attended  these  fairs 
ill  lari^'e  nunihers;  itinerant  traders  ct)ntimially  tra- 
versiiiij^  the  country  in  companies,  or  caravans  ;  and  tlie 
existence  of  a  separate  class  exclusively  devoted  to 
foiiunerce. 

From  the  earliest  times  the  two  southern  Anahuacs 
of  Ayotlan  and  Xicalanco,  correspoiidini^  to  what  are 
now  tlie  southern  coast  of  Oajaca  and  the  tierracaliente 
of  Tabasco  and  southern  Vera  Cruz,  were  inhaltited 
by  commercial  peoples,  and  were  noted  for  their  fairs 
and  the  rich  wares  therein  exposed  for  sale.  These 
nations,  the  Xicalancas,  Mijes,  Huaves,  and  Zapotecs 
even  enira<jfed  to  some  extent  in  a  maritime  coastiuir 
trade,  mostly  confined,  however,  as  it  would  appear, 
to  the  coasts  of  their  own  territories  and  those  imme- 
diately adjacent;  and  in  this  branch  of  commerce  little 
or  no  advance  had  been  made  at  the  time  when  the 
S[)aiiiards  came.^ 

The  Toltecs  are  reported  to  have  excelled  in  com- 
merce as  in  all  other  respects,  and  the  markets  of 
Tollan  and  Cholula  are  pictured  in glowinj^  colors;  but 
all  traditi(ms  on  this  subject  are  exceedingly  vague. '^ 
111  the  new  era  of  prosperity  that  followed  the  Toltec 
disasters  Cholula  seems  to  have  held  the  first  place 
as  a  commercial  centre,  her  fairs  were  the  most  famous, 
and  lier  merchants  controlled  the  trade  of  the  south- 
cni  coasts  on  either  ocean.  After  the  coming  of  the 
Tco-Chichimec  hordes  to  the  eastern  plateau,  Tlascala 
hi^ame  in  her  turn  the  connnercial  metroj)olis  of  the 
north,  a  position  which  she  retained  until  forced  to 
yield  it  to  the  merchants  of  the  j\[exican  valley,  who 
Were  supported  by  the  warlike  hordes  of  the  Aztec 
confederacy.  Before  the  Aztec  supremacy,  trade 
scciiis  to  have  been  conducted  with  some  show  of  faii- 
ness,  and  commerce  and  politics  were  kept  to  a  great 

'  Bnrrfon,  Geoff.  Dr.srrip.,  toin.  i.,  ])t  ii.,  fol.  181;  Brassrnr  dr  Dour- 
honrij,  Ifisf.  A'dt.  (Jir.,  toiii.  iii..  pp.  4--3. 

i  lirti.ssnir  i/c  lioiirlttnirif,  llisl.  Nat.  Ch:,  torn,  i.,  pp.  271-3;  lullilxo- 
clii/l,  lielmuuiicn,  hi  Kiii(j>iburouijlC)s  Mi x.  Aiiliij.,  \iA.  ix.,  p.  3;{'2. 


880 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


I  .    ■; 


extent  scpamto.  But  the  Aztoos  iiitroducotl  a  now 
onki"  of  thinijfs.  Their  nicri'liants,  instuatl  of  }»eati - 
fill,  industrious,  unassuniinjjf  travelers,  became  insolent 
and  overbearinj^,  nieddlint;  without  seruple  in  the  |>ul) 
lie  attiiirs  of  the  nations  throu«^h  whose  territory  tiiey 
liad  to  }>ass,  and  tristin*^  to  the  dread  of  the  arniiis 
of  Mexico  for  their  own  safety;  caravans  became  litt!< 
less  than  armed  bodies  of  rol>bers.  The  confederate 
kini^s  were  ever  ready  to  extend  by  war  the  Held  of 
their  commerce,  and  to  avenge  by  the  hands  of  thi'ii' 
warriors  any  insult,  real  or  ima«,nnary,  ottered  to  their 
merchants.  The  travelinijr  bandir'  A'  traders  were  in- 
Btructed  to  prepare  maps  of  countries  traversed,  to 
ob.serve  carefully  their  condition  for  defence,  and  their 
resources.  If  any  province  was  reported  rich  and  de- 
Hirable,  its  peojtle  were  easily  ajj^jj^ravated  to  commit 
some  act  of  insolence  which  served  as  a  pretext  to  lay 
waste  their  lands,  and  make  them  tributary  to  tlie 
l<in«j^s  of  Anahuac.  Within  the  provinces  that  were 
i)ermanently  and  submissively  tributary  to  Mexico, 
Tezcuco,  and  Tlacoj^an,  trattic  may  be  supposed  to  have 
been  as  a  rule  fairlv  conducted.  The  merchants  had 
in  turn  to  })ay  into  tlie  royal  treasury  a  large  percent- 
asj^e  of  their  gains,  but  this,  under  the  circumstances, 
tliey  could  well  attbrd. 

Tlatelulco  while  an  independent  city  was  noted  for 
lier  commerce,  as  was  Tenoclititlan  for  the  prowess  of 
lier  warriors,  and  when  mercantile  enteri)rise  was 
forced  to  yield  to  the  })ower  of  arms,  Tlatelulco,  as  a 
part  of  Mexico,  retained  her  former  preeminence  in 
trade,  and  became  the  commercial  centre  of  Aniilmac. 
Her  merchants,  who  were  a  separate  class  of  the 
populatiijn,  were  highly  honored,  and,  so  far  as  the 
liigher  grades  were  concerned,  the  merchant  princes, 
the  />(H-/it(ras,  dwellers  in  the  aristocratic  quarter  of 
Pochtlan,  had  privileges  fully  equal  to  those  of  the 
nol)les.  They  had  tribunals  of  their  own,  to  which 
alone  they  were  res])onsible,  for  the  regulation  of  all 
matters  of  trade.     They  formed  indeed,  to  all  intents 


TIIF-:  TLATKLIUAN  COMPANV 


881 


;iii(l  [>iirj)()sos,  a  coininL'n'ijil  forporatioii  conti'oliniLj  tlio 
wliole  tnulo  of  tho  country,  «t'  wliicli  nil  the  K-adiiiL^ 
iiKrclmnts  of  other  ritios  wero  in  ii  Heiisr  Huhordiimto 
iiit'inlK'is.  Jealousy  lietwceii  this  honored  elass  of 
iiuiiliauts  and  tho  nohility  ])roper,  hron«,dit  ahout  tho 
iiianv  eonndioations  durini'"  the  last  years  of  the  Az- 
tic  empire,  to  which  I  have  referred  in  a  i>re('edini»' 
tliaitter.  Throughout  the  Nahua  dominion  commeni' 
was  in  the  hands  of  a  distinct  elass,  educated  for  their 
(ailing,  and  eveiywhere  honored  hoth  hy  people  and 
liy  kinu^s;  in  many  rej^ions  the  hii>hest  nohles  t]u)Ught 
it  no  disgrace  to  en^aije  in  oonunercial  pursuits. 

Besides  the  ])ochtecas,  two  other  classes  of  mercli- 
aiits  are  nientione<l  in  Tlatehdco,  the  naliinflvifoiiH'' 
(vf.s,  those  who  made  a  specialty  of  visitinj.;'  the  lands 
uf  enemies  in  disi»uise,  and  tho  fci/intlnia/ohmdil  or 
traders  in  shives.'  The  merchants  Mere  exempt  from 
military  and  other  j)ul)lie  service,  an<l  had  the  riyht 
not  oidy  to  make  laws  for  the  re<'ulation  of  trade,  hut 
to  punish  even  those  who  wei.  not  of  their  class  for 
utft'iises  against  such  laws.  Sahajjcun  skives  an  account 
of  tlie  gradual  develo])ment  and  history  of  the  Tlate- 
lulcan  comi)any,  stating  the  names  of  the  leading 
niLivhants  under  the  successive  kings,  with  details 
iispocting  the  various  articles  dealt  in  at  ditfertint 
jicriods,  all  of  which  is  not  deemed  of  sufficient  in- 
teiest  to  be  reproduced  in  these  pages. 

Nahua  trade  was  as  a  rule  carried  on  hy  means  of 
l»arter,  one  article  of  merchandise  being  exchanged 
lor  an<jther  of  ec^uivalent  value.  Still,  regular  })ur- 
cliase  and  sale  were  not  unc<Mnmon,  particulaily  in  the 
itusiness  of  retailing  the  various  commodities  to  con- 
sumers. Although  no  regular  coined  money  was 
Used,  yet  several  more  or  less  convenient  substitutes 
furnished  a  medium  of  circulation.  Chief  among 
these  were  nibs,  or  grains,  of  the  cacao,  of  a  species 
somewhat  different  from  that  employed  in  making  the 
favorite  drink,  chocolate.     This  money,  known  as  pat- 

^  'Tey;it)jaUiiloaiii.  ol  ({uc  ccrcu  a  loss  euciiiitjos.'  Mulina,  Vurabulano. 


'II' 


383 


TliK  NAIIIA  NATIONS. 


hu'hfi^,  passed  current  ftny\vlu;ro,  and  pavnicnts  of  it 
wort!  made  l>y  toiint  up  to  ui«^ht  thouHand,  whidi  con- 
stituted a  ju'tjiiljtilli  In  larjj^e  transactions  sarks 
containinj^  three  xirpiipilli  were  used  to  save  lal)or  in 
countiiijjf.  J'<if(thjn(h/it/i  were  small  pieces  of  cotton 
cloth  used  as  money  in  the  purchase  of  articles  of  iiu- 
me<liate  necessity  or  of  little  value.  Another  circn- 
latin<^  medium  was  j^old-dust  kept  in  translucent 
«juills,  that  the  <piantity  mij^dit  be  readily  seen.  ( '( »ii- 
j)er  was  also  cut  into  small  pieces  shaped  like  a  |  , 
which  constituted  perhaps  the  nearest  aj)proacli  to 
coined  money.  Cortes,  in  search  of  materials  foi-  tlio 
manufacture  of  artillery,  fouiul  that  in  several  prov- 
inci'S  pieces  of  tin  circulated  as  money,  and  that  a 
mine  of  that  metal  was  worked  in  Taxco.  Sahai,qm 
says  the  Mexican  kinjif  gave  to  the  merchant-soldiers, 
disj>atc]ied  on  one  of  their  politico-commercial  expedi- 
tions, sixteen  hundred  quauhtli,  or  eagles,  to  trade 
with.  Bustamante,  Sahagun's  editor,  su])[)oses  tluso 
to  have  been  the  cop})er  pieces  already  mentioned,  Imt 
Brasseur  believes,  from  the  suudl  value  of  the  cojipcr 
and  the  large  amount  of  rich  fabrics  purchased  with 
the  eagles,  that  they  were  of  gold.  The  same  au- 
thority believes  that  the  golden  quoits  with  wliitli 
Montezuma  paid  his  losses  at  gambling  also  served  us 
money.* 

Tile  Nahuas  bought  and  sold  their  merchandise  by 
count  and  by  measures  both  of  length  and  ca})acity, 
but  not  by  weight;  at  lepst,  such  is  the  ge.\eral  o]iin- 

*  TlicToltccs  'usftbandeunaoin  vmonedaclecnhrcdc  largo  dcdosdcdds 
y  do  aiicl»()  uno  A  innncra  deaehihu  ^qiiefias,  y  de  griieso,  coiiui  iiii  ri-al  ili; 
A  iK'lin.  Ksta  muiieda  no  lia  iinicli'  'ciiipu  que  la  lian  dcjado  Ins  t\e  I'miii- 
I)e<!  del  mar  del  siir.'  Ixftihor/u'ff,  RilacioHCS,  in  Kin(fsl)ofoii(//i'.i  M'.i: 
Aiifii/.,  vol.  ix.,  ]).  .'{.32.  'No  salton  ,ie  co^Mls  ca  inoneda  batida  tie  im'l;il 
nitijiimo.'  (ionuira,  ('o)iq.  Mm.,  fol.  ,  342.  The  cacao  nibs  '  val  ciasciiiiK 
come  vn  me/zo  niarclietto  (abont  tlire  cents)  fra  uoi.'  Rclatiouffottu  jur  ni 
ffnitiriuKiitib  del  Siffiior  Frrixindo  (  rfcse,  in  licnmisio,  Naritfntioni,  torn. 
iii.,  fnl.  .SOG.  See  CorUs,  Cnrtas,  p.  311;  SahfKjnn,  Hist.  Gen.,  tom.  ii.,  lil'. 
ix.,  1).  .34'2;  lirnsseiir  de  linurboiirq.  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  tom.  iii.,  pp.  <'"-""; 
/(/.  Qiiafre  Lettrcs,  p.  27<>;  ClnHgero,  Storin  Ant.  del  Messieo,  tom.  ii,  I'- 
()(!(}.  Salt  used  as  money.  Chaves,  in  Ternnux-Compans,  Vvy.,  S(''rif  ii., 
tom.  v.,  p.  328.  I  omit  a  long  list  of  references  to  authors  who  merely 
mention  cacuo  uud  the  other  urticlvii  u»  ubc-d  fur  money. 


THE  MAKKKTS  OF  ANAIirAC. 


n8:j 


Ion  <>r  the  nutluiritii'S.  Saluij,nni,  lioWL'Vor,  says  of  the 
skillful  iMorclmnt  that  lie  knows  "tlu;  value  of  uoUl 
;i)i<l  silver,  accordinj^-  to  the  weiijrlit  and  finemss,  is 
(liliut'iit  and  solicitous  in  Ins  duty,  and  defrauds  not  in 
\vrii;hin<j^,  hut  rather  j^ives  over\vei*(ht,"  and  this  too 
ill  the  "time  of  tlieir  infidelity."  Native  words  also 
;i|)jtLar  in  several  vocahularies  for  weij^hts  and  scales. 
Ihasscur  de  Bourhourj;  re«>^ards  this  as  anijile  proof 
that  scales  were  used.  ('lavi«iccro  thinks  »»ei_niits  may 
liiivi'  heen  employed  and  mention  of  the  fact  omitted 
in  the  narratives."  The  market,  funnjiiiztli,  of  'I'late- 
liilco  \va.s  the  jjfrandest  in  the  country  and  may  he 
taken  as  a  representative  of  all.  Its  ^raruleur  con- 
sisted, however,  in  the  abundance  and  variety  of  the 
iiicrchandise  offered  for  sale  and  in  the  crowd  of  huy- 
cis  and  sellers,  not  in  the  maj^nificence  of  the  huildinnj^s 
coiiiiected  with  it;  for  the  market-place  was  simply  an 
ojicn  ])l}iza,  surnmnded  as  all  the  authorities  say  with 
'[lurticoes'  where  merchandise  was  exhihited.  What 
tlu  su  })orticoes  were  we  are  left  to  conjecture.  Proh- 
altly  they  were  nothinjjf  more  than  simple  hootlis 
anaiined  in  streets  and  coverinj^  the  whole  plaza, 
wliciv  merchants  and  their  wares  were  sheltered  I'rom 
the  lays  of  a  tropical  sun.  Whatever  may  have  heen 
till-  nature  and  arranirement  of  these  shelters,  we  know^ 
that  the  space  was  systematically  apportioned  anionic 
the  <lirt'erent  industries  represented.  Fishermen,  hunt- 
ers, farmers,  and  artists,  each  had  their  allotted  s[)ace 
for  tlie  transaction  of  business.  Hither,  as  Tonpie- 
iiiada  tells  us,  came  the  jiotters  and  jewelers  from 
C  holula,  the  workers  in  gold  from  Azcai)uzalco,  the 
l>aiiiters  from  Tezcuco,  the  shoe-makers  from  Tenayo- 
•  aii,  the  huntsmen  from  Xilotej)ec,  the  fishermen  from 
C'uitlahuac,  the  fruit-growers  of  the  tierra  caliente,  the 

5  'X(i  tcnian  peso  (que  yo  sepn)  los  Mcxicanos,  fulta  f^randissinia  jmra 
111  contnitacidii.  l^uieii  tlize  que  no  lo  vMiiiaii  itoresciisar  low  en;,'afi<>M,  qiiicii 
I"ir  (|iin  no  lo  auiiin  nienester,  quien  por  ipioranc-ia,  que  es  lo  tierto.  I'or 
iliMiili-  paret'C  que  no  auian  oido  couio  liizo  DioH  totios  la8  coHtis  eii  cueuto, 
peso,  y  nietliiia.'  Gnmnra,  t'ouq.  Mvx.,  fol.  .34'2;  Cluriacro,  Storid  Ant.  (/el 
i!i.s.iin,,  torn,  ii.,  p.  100;  Sfthnifun,  Hist.  Gen.,  toni.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  pp.  42,  40; 
Jirunmiir  Ue  Bourhourg,  Hist.  Aat.  Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  pp.  02tf-30. 


384 


THE  jNAHL  A  NATIONS. 


mat-makers  of  Quauhtitlan,  tlie  flower-dealers  of  Xo- 
rhimilco,  and  yet  so  ji^reat  was  the  market  that  to  eadi 
nf  these  was  afforded  an  opportunity  to  display  liis 
wares. 

All  kinds  of  food,  animal  and  vegetable,  cooked  and 
uncooked,  were  arranged  in  the  most  attractive  man- 
ner; eating-houses  were  also  attached  to  the  tian- 
(juiztli  and  much  patronized  by  the  poorer  classes. 
!iere  were  to  be  found  all  the  native  cloths  and  fal)- 
rics,  in  the  piece  and  made  up  into  garments  coarse 
and  fine,  plain  and  elaborately  embroidered,  to  suit  tlie 
taste  and  means  of  purchasers;  precious  stones,  and 
ornaments  of  metal,  feathers,  or  shells-  implements 
and  weapons  of  metal,  stone,  and  wood;  building  ma- 
terial, lime,  stone,  wood,  and  brick;  articles  of  house- 
hold furniture;  matting  of  various  degrees  of  fineness; 
medicinal  herbs  and  prepared  medicines;  wood  and 
coal ;  incense  and  censers;  cotton  u-.J  cochineal;  tanned 
skins ;  numerous  beverages ;  and  an  infinite  variety  ef 
pottery;  but  to  enumerate  all  the  articles  noticed  in 
the  market-place  l>y  the  conquerors  would  make  a  very 
long  list,  and  would  involve,  beside,  the  repetition  of 
many  names  which  have  been  or  will  be  mentit)ned 
elsewhere. 

Cortes  speaks  of  this  market  as  being  twice  as  largi^ 
as  that  of  Salamanca,  and  all  the  conquistadores  are  en- 
thusiastic in  their  expressions  of  wonder  not  only  at 
the  variety  of  products  offered  for  sale,  but  at  the  jter- 
fect  order  and  system  which  jjrevailed,  notwithstand- 
ing the  crowd  of  buyers  and  sellers.  The  judges  o\' 
the  commercial  tribunal,  twelve  in  number  according" 
to  Torquemada,  four,  according  to  Zuazo,  held  their 
couit  in  connection  with  the  market  buildings,  where 
they  regulated  prices  and  measures,  and  settled  dis- 
putes. Watchmen  acting  under  their  authority,  con- 
stantly patrol ed  the  tianipiiztli  to  [)revent  disordei'. 
Any  attempt  at  extortionate  charges,  or  at  i)as^;ing  nW 
injured  or  inferior  goods,  or  any  infringement  on  anuth- 
ir's  rights  W'^sinnnediately  reported  and  severely  pun- 


BUYERS  AND  SELLERS. 


385 


Uhed.  The  judges  had  even  the  right  to  enforce  the 
death  penalty.  Other  markets  in  the  Nahua  regions 
were  on  a  similar  plan,  those  of  Tlascala  and  Tezcuco 
coming  next  to  that  of  Tlatelulco  in  importance.® 

Trade  was  carried  on  daily  in  the  tiancjuiztli,  chiefly 
for  the  convenience  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  city,  but 
every  fifth  day  was  set  apart  as  a  special  market-day, 
on  which  a  fair  was  held,  crowded  not  only  by  local 
customers,  but  by  buyers  and  sellers  from  all  the 
country  round,  and  from  foreign  lands.  In  Tlatelulco 
these  special  market-dr„ys  were  those  that  fell  under 
the  signs  calli,  tochtli,  acatl,  and  tecpatl.  In  other 
large  cities,  days  with  other  signs  were  chosen,  in 
order  that  the  fairs  might  not  occur  on  the  same  day 
ill  neighboring  towns.  Las  Casas  says  that  each  of 
the  two  market-places  in  the  city  of  Mexico  would 
contain  200,000  persons,  100,000  being  j)resent  each 
fifth  day;  a,nd  Cortes  tells  us  that  more  than  60,000 
ijersons  assemlled  dailv  in  the  Tlatelulco  market. 
According  to  the  same  authority  30,000  was  the 
number  of  daily  visitors  to  the  market  of  Tlascala. 
rer]iaj)s,  however,  he  refers  to  the  fair-days,  on  which 
occasion  at  Tlatelulco,  the  Anonymous  Contjueror  })uts 
the  number  at  50,000  limiting  the  daily  concourse  to 
uhoiit  25,000.^  Considering  the  population  of  the 
cities  and  surrounding  country,  together  with  the 
limited  facilities  for  transportation,  these  accounts  of 
the  daily  attendance  at  the  ujurkets,  as  al'jo  of  the 
ahundance  and  variety  of  the  merchandise,  need  not 
he  regarded  as  exaggerations. 

*  On  the  Nalinn  nmrki-ts  niul  tlio  articles  oH'onMl  for  sale,  spo:  Car/es, 
Ciir/iiM,  pp.  (18,  l()S-r»;  Ikiiml  Ihuz,  Ulsf.  C<nit>.,  fol.  70;  RiIhUihiv  ftilta 
]iir  I'll  ijnitil  ItiKiiim  (Id  Sii/iior  t'iriKiiiiln  t'ltrlisr,  in  Jimini.sii),  Xariifn- 
ti'iiii,  turn,  iii.,  fol.  301);  Sa/ifit/iin,  Hist.  (u-h..  toiii.  ii.,  lilt,  viii.,  pp.  ;{_';j-5, 
lili.  i\.,  ji.  ;{.')7;  Lxs  Cii.ias,  Hist,  A/io/fii^t/irfi,  MS.,  cai).  l.\x;  '/'ori/iitiiKit/ti, 
Miiiiiirij.  fill/.,  loni.  ii.,  pj).  r)r)4-(iO;  Oriiifn,  Hist,  (liii.,  toni.  iii.,  pp.  'J72, 
•J'.t;i-:iiil;  (Ionium,  CoiKj.  Mix.,  fol.  87  8,  IKi-lS;  llrnrm,  Ifist.  Uiii.,  (Ice. 
ii.,  Iil>.  vii.,  cap.  xv.,  xvi.;  I'ctir  Miirtijf,  dec.  v.,  lili.  iii.,  iv. ;  Xiin:it, 
Ciir/ii,  ill  Ifiizlin/irtd,  Vol.  ilr  Dor.,  (oni.  i.,  jip.   .'i.'ilMil. 

'I'lirli's,  Citrtds,   ]ip.    ion,  <iS;  Ililntioii'   fidlii  jiir  ni  fimtiVhiioiiio  drl 
Si'iiiiir  ['iriiiniilo  Cor/r.sr,  iu  liiiiiiiisio,   Xiiriifntiinii,  toin.  iii.,  fol.  .'{0!)       'Ms 
liiiita  la  licnlo  (|no  poncurro  li  vemU'r  y  coniprar,  <(ue  no  pucilo  facilnicntu 
ili'claratsc'  f.as  Cii.mdi,  Hint.  Ajiuhaclica,  MS.,  cai)  Ixx. 
Vol..  II.    26 


386 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


On  the  lakes  about  the  city  of  Mexico  merchandise 
of  all  kinds  was  transported  to  and  from  the  markets 
by  boats,  50,000  of  which,  as  Ziiazo  tells  us,  weru 
employed  daily  in  bringing  provisions  to  the  city  •* 
The  heavier  or  more  bulky  articles  of  trade,  such  as 
building  material,  were  often  offered  for  sale  in  tlie 
boats  to  save  the  labor  of  repeated  handling.  Boats 
were  also  used  for  transportation  on  the  southern 
coasts,  to  some  extent  on  navigable  rivers,  and  also 
by  traveling  merchants  in  crossing  such  streams  as 
could  not  conveniently  be  bridged.  The  only  other 
means  of  transportation  known  in  the  country  was 
that  afforded  by  the  carriers.  Large  numbers  of  these 
carriers,  or  porters,  were  in  attendance  at  the  markets 
to  move  goods  to  and  from  the  boats,  or  to  carry  par- 
cels to  the  houses  of  consumers.  For  transportation 
from  town  to  town,  or  to  distant  lands,  merchandise 
was  packed  in  bales,  wrapped  in  skins  and  mats,  or  in 
bamboo  cases  covered  with  skin,  known  as  jx'tlacnUi 
Cases,  or  cages,  for  the  transportation  of  the  more 
fragile  wares  were  called  cacnxtH.  The  t lama  ma,  or 
regular  carriers,  were  trained  to  their  work  of  carrying 
burdens  from  childhood,  seventy  or  eighty  pounds  was 
the  usual  burden  carried,  placed  on  the  back  and  sup- 
ported by  the  mecapaUi,  a  strap  passing  round  the  ibie- 
head :  twelve  or  fifteen  miles  was  the  oidinarv  dav  s 
journey.  The  tlamama,  clad  in  a  inaxtli,  carried  on 
long  trips,  })esides  his  bale  of  mercliandise,  a  sort  of" 
palm-leaf  umbrella,  a  bag  of  provision;-,  and  a  blanket. 

Expeditions  to  distant  provinces  were  undertaken 
by  the  company  of  Tlatelulco  for  purposes  of  com- 
mercial gain;  or  by  order  of  the  king,  when  political 
gains  were  the  object  in  view,  and  the  traders  in 
reality  armed  soldiers;  or  more  rarely  by  individual 
merdiants  on  their  own  private  account.  For  j)ro- 
tection  large  numbers  usually  traveled  in  company, 

«  Carta,  in  Irnzhuhria,  Col.  dr  Dor.,  torn,  i.,  p.  .S.')9.  'Sobre  fiiii'iieiilii 
mill  ciiiioaM  v  rioiit  mill  se};tiii  ho  rreo.'  Iai.i  (.'n.sns,  Ifisf.  A/iD/ut/r/ini,  MS., 
rap.  Ixx.  ''riie  hike  day  aixl  iii;;ht  is  plyt'd  with  boutes  going  and  return- 
ing.' I'ckr  Martyr,  dec.  v.,  lib.  iii. 


TRAVELING  MERCHANTS. 


887 


clioosing  some  one  of  the  company  to  act  as  loader. 
Previous  to  duparturo  they  gave  a  banquet  to  the  t)ld 
merchants  of  the  town,  who  by  reason  of  their  age 
liad  ceased  to  travel ;  at  this  feast  they  made  known 
their  plans,  and  spoke  of  the  places  they  intended  to 
visit  and  roads  by  which  they  would  travel.  The  old 
merchants  applauded  the  spirit  and  enterjnxse  of 
tliose  who  were  going  on  the  expedition,  and,  if  tliey 
were  young  and  inexperienced,  encouraged  tlieni 
and  spoke  of  the  fame  they  would  gain  for  having 
left  their  homes  to  undertake  a  dangerous  journey  and 
suffer  privations  and  hardsliips.  They  reminded  theni 
of  the  wealth  and  honored  name  acquired  by  their 
fathers  in  similar  expeditions,  and  gave  them  advice 
as  to  the  best  manner  of  conducting  themselves  on 
the  road." 

On  the  route  the  carriers  marched  in  single  file,  and 
at  every  camping-place  tlie  strictest  watch  was  kept 
against  enemies,  and  especially  against  robbers,  who 
thcu  as  now  infested  the  dangerous  passes  to  lie  in 
wait  for  the  richly  laden  caravans.  Rulers  of  the 
(Htferent  friendly  provinces,  mindful  of  the  benefits 
resulting  from  such  expeditions,  constructed  roads  and 
kept  them  in  repair;  furnished  bridges  or  boats  for 
crossing  unfordable  streams;  and  at  certain  points, 
remote  from  towns,  placed  houses  for  the  travelers' 
aciMjunnodation.  Ex})editions  in  hostile  jtrovinces 
were  undertaken  by  the  nahualoztomecas,  who  dis- 
guised themselves  in  tlie  dress  of  the  })rovince  visited, 
and  endeavored  to  imitate  the  manners  and  to  speak 
the  language  of  its  i)eople,  with  wliieh  it  was  a  (piali- 
tication  of  tlieir  profession  to  make  themselves  ac- 
(juaiiited.  Extraordinary  pains  was  taken  to  guaid 
against  robbers  on  the  return  to  ^texico,  and  it  is  also 
said  to  have  been  customary  for  the  merchants  on 
Hearing  the  city,  to  dress  in  rags,  affecting  poverty, 


^  For  sperinicna  of  the  exliortatioiis  of  oM  inerclmnts  to  young  men  sec 
S'l/iiniiiii,  Hist,  (fill.,  (oni.  i.,  lib.  iv.,  jip.  310-314;  Torqueiniida,  Moiianj. 
J  nil.,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  585-4). 


388 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


rt. 


and  an  unsuccessful  trip.  The  motiv'e  for  this  latter 
j)roceeding  is  not  very  apparent,  nor  for  the  invariultle 
introduction  of  goods  into  the  city  by  night;  tluy 
had  not  even  tlie  hope  of  evading  the  payment  of 
taxes  which  in  later  times  prompts  men  to  similar 
conduct,  since  merchandise  could  only  he  sold  in  tliu 
j)ublic  market,  where  it  could  not  be  offered  without 
paying  the  royal  percentage  of  duties. 

The  usual  route  of  commercial  expeditions  was 
south-eastward  to  Tochtepec  near  the  banks  of  tlie 
Rio  Alvarado,  whence  the  caravans  took  separate 
roads  according^  as  their  destination  was  the  coast  re- 
gion  of  Goazacoalco,  the  Miztec  and  Zapotec  towns 
Oil  the  Pacific,  or  the  still  more  distant  regions  across 
the  isthmus  of  Tehuantepec.  Tlie  southern  limit 
reached  by  the  traders  of  the  Aztec  em})ire,  it  is  im- 
possible accurately  to  determine.  The  merchants  ot" 
Xicalanco  furnished  Cortes,  w^ien  about  to  undertake 
the  conquest  of  Honduras,  tolerably  correct  maps  of 
the  whole  rejjfion  as  far  south  as  the  isthmus  of  Pa- 
nama;^"  the  raiders  from  Anahuac  are  known  to  have 
penetrated  to  Chiapa,  Soconusco,  and  Guatemala;  it 
is  by  no  means  improbable  that  her  merchants  reached 
on  more  than  one  occasion  the  Isthmus." 

The  })receding  pages  contain  all  that  has  been  pre- 
served concerning  Nahua  trade  and  traders  except 
what  may  be  termed  the  mythology  of  commerce,  a 
branch  of  the  subject  not  without  importance,  cm- 
bracing  the  ceremonies,  sacrifices,  and  superstitions 
connected  with  the  setting-out,  journey,  and  return  of 
the  Tlatelulcan  caravans.     Conunerce,  like  every  other 

10  ffrrrrrn,  ITi.if.  Gen.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  vi.,  cap.  xii.;  Bcrnal  Din:,  Hint. 
Com/.,  fol.  l'.)7. 

''  .\  very  full  acponnt  of  the  Nahiia  oitnunerce  is  {^ivoii  in  Cfnn'i/rrn, 
S'tiriti  A)it'.  del  Mrssirn,  torn,  ii.,  ]»|>.  lO.'J-TO,  and  the  same  is  traiisiiit<ci 
witli  slji^lit  ehaii<j;eM,  in  t'<irli<ij<d  KsjtiiioHti,  Hist.  Mi:k.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  (!'2S  :!."). 
ill  llr/is.sriir  ifc  lii)iirhourij,  itisf.  Xaf.  Civ.,  Utu\.  iii.,  pp.  r»l'2-.3'2,  anil  in  A' . 
in  Xoiirr/li'.s  Aiiii'ifr.s  (ii:i  ]'oi/.,  18.")8,  toni.  cli.N.,  ])]>.  4.")-r>8.  See  also //'//- v' 
Sjinii.  Conii.,  vol.  'i.,  pp.  .'V2!)  31;  (r'tiijr\'<  Xrir  Siirrrif,  pp.  10!(-1'J;  Miilir, 
A iiirrilcinii.ir/ir  Crrrfi</i<iiirii,  p.  ty4\;  KfniiDi,  Ciiftiir-Cis<-hirhlr,  toni.  \'., 
jt)).  •J'j-S;  ]\'i:if-fin/i.sr/n'  S/>if(//irf,  jip.  247-8;  liii.s.sirrir,  l.'Kiniiiri'  Mi.f., 
pp.  ICG-Tl;  Toiiru/i,  Hint.  Ucit.,  toiii.  iii.,  pp.  43-1).     Sec  altio  Nutc  1-. 


m 


1 


SETTING-OUT  OF  THE  MERCHANTS. 


889 


latter 
ixrial  »k' 
;  they 
lent  of 
Bimiliir 
in  the 
without 

IS   was 
of  the 
eparate 
)ast  re- 
!  towns 
i  aeross 
n   limit 
t  U  ini- 
lants  of 
dertake 
naps  of 
of  Pa- 
to  have 
lala;  it 
eaelied 

|en  prc- 

exec'i^t 

lieree,  a 

['0,  eni- 

Istitioiis 

ituin  of 

[y  other 


iinz 


llUf. 


lloviiji-ro, 
jtraiisiati'<l 
Ip.  (WS-:i.'), 
Iiid  in  /''  . 
lilso  ll'h-^' 

\;  Miill'i; 
tmu.  v., 
■//•(•  ,)/<.(•., 
Ve  1.2. 


feature  of  Nahua  civilization,  was  under  the  care  of  a 
special  deity,  and  no  niercliant  dared  to  set  out  on  an 
expedition  in  quest  of  gain,  without  fully  complying 
with  all  the  requirements  of  the  god  as  interpreted 
hy  the  priesthood.  The  particular  divinity  of  the 
traders  was  lyacatecutli,  or  lyacacoliuhqui,  'lord  with 
the  aquiline  nose' — that  nasal  type  being,  as  the  Abbe 
Brasseur  thinks,  symbolic  of  mercantile  cunning  and 
skill.  Services  in  his  honor  were  held  regularly  in  the 
month  of  Tlaxochimaco ;  but  the  ceremonies  performed 
by  traveling  merchants,  seem  to  have  been  mostly  de- 
voted to  the  god  of  fire  and  the  god  of  the  roads. 

First  a  day  was  selected  for  the  start  whose  sign 
was  deemed  favorable — Ce  Cohuatl,  'one  serj)ent,' 
was  a  favorite.  The  day  before  they  departed  the 
hair  was  cropped  close,  and  the  head  soaped;  during 
all  their  absence,  even  should  it  last  for  years,  these 
operations  must  not  be  repeated,  nor  might  they  wasli 
more  than  the  neck,  face,  and  hands,  bathing  the  body 
being  strictly  prohibited.  At  midnight  they  cut  Hag- 
shaped  papers  for  Xiuhtecutli,  the  god  of  fire,  fastened 
them  to  sticks  painted  with  vermilion,  and  marked  on 
them  the  face  of  the  god  with  drops  of  melted  ulll, 
or  India-rubber.  Other  papers  also  marked  with  ulli, 
were  cut  in  honor  of  Tlaltecutli,  to  be  worn  on  the 
breast.  Others,  for  the  god  of  the  merchants,  were 
used  to  cover  a  bamboo  stick,  which  they  worshi})ed 
and  carried  with  them.  The  gods  of  the  roads,  Za- 
catzontli  and  Tlacotzontli,  also  had  their  papers  orna- 
mented with  uUi-drops  and  painted  butterflies;  while 
the  papers  for  Cecoatlutlimelaoatl,  one  of  the  signs 
of  tlie  divining  art,  were  decorated  with  snake-like 
tigures.  When  all  the  papers  were  ready,  those  of  the 
fire-god  were  placed  before  the  fire  in  the  house,  the 
others  being  arranged  in  systematic  order  in  the  court- 
yard. Then  the  merchants,  standing  before  the  fire, 
offered  to  it  some  quails  which  they  first  beheaded, 
and  forthwith,  drawing  blood  from  their  own  ears  and 
tongue,  they  repeated  some  mystic  word  and  sprinkled 


890 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


the  l)lood  four  timos  on  the  fire.  Blood  was  tlion 
sprinkled  in  turn  on  the  papers  in  die  house,  towards 
the  heavens  and  cardinal  points,  and  finally  on  tlii' 
])apers  in  the  courtyard.  The  fire-god's  papers,  afttr 
a  few  appropriate  words  to  the  deity,  were  hurned  in 
a  brasier  with  pure  white  copal.  If  they  burned  with 
a  clear  flame,  it  was  a  good  omen;  otherwise  ill  for- 
tune and  disaster  were  betokened.  The  papers  Itt't 
outside  were  burned  tooether — save  those  of  the  nier- 
chants'  god — in  a  fire  which  was  kindled  in  the  court, 
and  the  ashes  were  carefully  buried  there. 

All  this  at  midnight.  At  early  dawn  the  princij)al 
merchants  of  the  city  or  of  the  neighborhood,  or 
simply  friends  and  relatives  of  the  party  about  to  set 
out  on  the  journey,  according  to  the  wealth  of  the 
j)arty,  with  youths  and  old  women,  were  invited  to 
assemble  and,  after  a  washing  of  mouths  and  han«ls, 
to  partake  of  food.  After  the  repast,  concluded  l)y 
another  washing  and  by  smoking  of  pipes  and  drink- 
ing of  chocolate,  the  host  spoke  a  few  words  of  wel- 
come to  the  guests,  and  explained  his  plans.  To  this 
some  one  of  the  chief  merchants  briefly  responded 
with  wishes  for  the  success  of  the  expedition,  {  ivicu 
respecting  the  route  to  be  followed  and  behavior  while 
abroad,  applause  for  the  si)irit  and  enterprise  shown, 
ntid  words  of  encouragement  tt)  those  about  to  under- 
take their  first  commercial  journey,  picturing  to  them 
iu  vivid  colors  both  the  hardships  and  the  honors  that 
were  before  them.  Then  the  merchandise  and  pro- 
visions for  the  trijT  were  made  ready  in  bales  and 
placed  in  the  canoes,  if  the  start  was  to  be  made  by 
water,  under  the  direction  of  the  leader  who,  after 
attending  to  this  matter,  made  a  farewell  address  of 
thanl.s  for  advice  and  good  wislies,  recommending  to 
the  care  of  those  that  remained  behind  their  wives 
and  children.  The  friends  .again  replied  briefly  and 
•ill  wa^  ready  for  the  departure.  A  fire  was  built  in 
t!u  courtyard  and  a  vase  of  copal  was  placed  near  it. 
As  a  final  parting  ceremony  each  of  the  departing 


ill 


CARAVANS  OF  TRADERS. 


.891 


merchants  took  a  portion  of  the  copal  and  threw  it 
on  the  fire,  stepping  at  once  toward  his  canoe.  Not 
iinother  word  of  farewell  must  be  spoken,  nor  a  part- 
iiiLT  Cflance  be  directed  backward  to  friends  behind. 
To  look  back  or  speak  would  be  a  most  unpropitious 
augury. 

Thus  they  set  out,  generally  at  night,  as  Sahagun 
implies.  On  the  journey  each  merchant  carried  con- 
tinually in  his  hand  a  smooth  black  stick  representing 
his  god  I yacatecutli— probably  the  same  sticks  that 
have  been  mentioned  as  being  covered  with  papers  in 
honor  of  this  god  the  night  before  the  departure  from 
liome.  When  they  halted  for  the  night  the  sticks  of 
the  company  were  bound  together  in  a  bundle,  form- 
ing a  kind  of  combination  divinity  to  wliose  j)rotect- 
iiig  care  the  encampment  was  piously  entrusted.  To 
this  god  offerings  of  ulli  and  paper  were  made  by  the 
leaders,  and  to  the  gods  of  the  roads  as  well.  Blood 
must  also  be  drawn  and  mingled  with  the  offering, 
else  it  were  of  no  avail;  and,  a  most  inconvenient  rule 
for  poor  weak  humanity,  the  sacrificial  offering  had  to 
he  re[)eated  twice  again  each  night,  so  that  one  or 
iinother  of  the  chiefs  must  be  continually  on  the  watch. 
The  caravans,  when  their  destination  was  a  friendly 
province,  usually  bore  some  presents  from  the  sov- 
ereigns of  Mexico  as  tokens  of  their  good  will,  anil 
they  were  received  by  the  authorities  of  such  })rov- 
inces  with  some  public  ceremonies  n<jt  definitely  de- 
scribed. 

When  the  merchants  returned  home,  after  consulta- 
tion with  a tonalpoaliqu't,  they  awaited  a  favoraV)le  sign, 
such  as  Ce  Calli,  or  Chicome  Calli,  'one,  or  seven  house,' 
and  then  entered  the  city  under  shade  of  night. 
They  repaired  immediately  to  the  house  of  the  lead- 
ing merchant  of  the  corporation,  or  to  that  of  tlie 
merchant  under  whose  direction  their  trip  had  been 
made,  formally  announcing  their  safe  arrival,  and  also 
their  intention  to  invite  all  the  merchants  on  the  fol- 
lowing day  to  partake  of  "a  little  chocolate  in  their 


392 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS, 


Hi? 


1 


\i  :>i 


I 


poor  house,"  that  is,  to  bo  present  at  a  most  sumptu- 
ous banquet.  Papers  were  then  cut  and  at  midnij^lit 
offered  with  ulH,  much  after  the  manner  already  de- 
scril)ed,  to  the  gods  as  a  thank-offering  for  their  j)r()- 
tection.  The  feast  that  took  place  next  day,  when  all 
the  guests  were  assembled,  was  accompanied  by  addi- 
tional offerings  to  the  gods  of  fire  and  trade,  and,  of 
course,  by  speeches  of  the  returned  travelers  and  their 
guests,  but  presented  no  particularly  noticeable  con- 
trasts with  the  many  feasts  that  have  been  described. 

Not  only  was  the  traveler  obliged,  according  to  the 
Nahua  superstition,  to  abstain  from  baths  during  his 
absence,  but  even  his  family  during  the  same  period, 
while  allowed  to  bathe  the  body,  nmst  not  wash  the 
head  or  face  oftener  than  once  in  eighty  days;  thus 
were  the  gods  propitiated  to  watch  kindly  over  theii* 
absent  relative  wandering  in  distant  lands.  If  a  mer- 
chant died  while  on  a  journey,  his  body,  at  least  if 
he  belonged  to  the  highest  rank,  was  neither  buried 
nor  burned,  but,  clad  in  fine  apparel,  and  decorated 
with  certain  mystical  papers  and  painted  devices,  it 
was  put  in  a  wooden  cage,  or  cacaxtli,  and  secured  to 
a  tree  on  the  top  of  a  high  mountain.  Advice  of  tlio 
death  was  forwarded  to  the  old  merchants,  who  in 
turn  informed  the  family  of  the  deceased,  and  regu- 
lar funeral  ceremonies  were  performed  either  immedi- 
ately or  on  the  return  of  the  caravan.  If  the  deceased 
met  his  death  at  the  hands  of  an  enemy,  a  wooden 
image  was  prepared,  dressed  in  the  clothing  of  the 
dead  merchant,  and  made  the  subject  of  the  usual 
funeral  rites. 

Besides  the  regular  feasts  attending  the  departure 
and  return  of  caravans,  many  others  took  place  under 
the  auspices  of  the  mercantile  class.  We  have  noticed 
the  fondness  of  the  Nahua  people  for  entertainments 
of  this  kind,  and  it  is  natural  that  the  merchants,  as 
the  richest  class  in  the  community,  should  have  been 
foremost  ii  contributing  to  this  popular  taste.  Each 
merchant,  when    he    had    acquired   great  wealth  by 


I  kit. 


FEASTS  OF  THE  MERCHANTS. 


393 


ffood  fortune  in  his  trading  ventures,  deemed  it,  as 
Sahaijfun  tells  us,  a  most  disj^raceful  thinjr  "to  die 
without  having  made  some  splendid  expenditure"  by 
entertaining  his  friends  and  fellow-merchants  in  a 
hanquet,  which  should  be  remembered  as  the  event 
of  Jiis  career.  A  lonjjf  time  was  devoted  to  making 
roiuly  for  the  feast,  to  the  purcliase  of  provisions  and 
decorations,  and  to  engajjinuf  dancers  and  siny^crs,  that 
no  item  might  be  neglected,  nor  any  oversight  be 
allowed  to  mar  the  perfect  enjoyment  of  the  invited 
^•iiests.  All  being  ready,  a  propitious  sign  was  se- 
lected, and  invitations  issued.  The  object  of  the  dis- 
play of  hospitality  being  not  only  the  entertainment 
of  friends,  but  a  thanksgiving  to  the  gods  for  favors 
shown  to  the  host,  the  first  ceremonies  were  naturally 
in  honor  of  the  deities.  These  bejjan  in  the  night 
preceding  the  feast-day,  with  offerings  of  flowers  in 
the  shrine  of  Huitzilopochtli,  in  the  chapels  of  other 
gods,  and  finally  in  the  courtyard  of  the  host,  where 
wore  placed  drums  and  two  plates,  on  which  perfumed 
canes  were  burning.  Those  officiating  whistled  in  a 
peculiar  manner,  and  all,  stooping,  put  some  earth  m 
their  mouth,  crying  "our  lord  has  sounded."  Then 
all  burned  perfumed  copal,  and  a  priest  beheaded  a 
quail  before  the  drum,  throwing  it  on  the  ground  and 
watching  in  what  direction  it  mijjht  flutter.  If  north- 
ward,  it  was  a  bad  omen,  foretelling  sickness,  or  per- 
haps death.  But  the  west  and  south  were  fortunate 
directions,  indicating  a  peaceful  and  friendly  disposi- 
tion on  the  part  of  the  gods.  Jncense  was  burned 
toward  the  cardinal  points,  the  burning  coals  were 
thrown  from  the  censer  into  the  fire,  and  then  the 
jjerformers  engaged  for  the  areito,  including,  it  would 
seein,  soldiers  of  several  classes,  led  by  the  tlacatecatl, 
began  to  dance  and  sing.  Neither  the  host  nor  mer- 
chant guests  joined  in  the  dance,  but  remained  in  the 
house  to  receive  the  company  and  present  them  with 
bouquets  of  flowers.  At  midnight  ulli-marked  paper 
was  offered  to  the  gods,  and  its  ashes  buried  to  pro- 


i:m 


■iiil 


u 


<■!    1.:! 


I' i<iS'^^''  :ii!' 


894 


THE  XAHUA  NATIONS. 


mote  the  prosperity  of  future  generations.  Before 
the  lit^lit  of  day  cliocolate  was  drunk  and  tlie  laUKtcdtl, 
or  intoxicatinj^  mushroom,  was  eaten,  which  caused 
some  to  dance,  others  to  sing,  and  yet  others  to  sit  j>en- 
sive  in  their  rooms  dreaming  drctams  and  seeing  visions 
of  horrid  import,  whose  narration  at  a  hiter  hour,  when 
the  effects  of  the  drug  had  passed  away,  formed  a 
prominent  feature  of  the  entertainment.  At  the  aj)- 
pearance  of  the  morning  star  all  the  ashes  of  tlie 
sacrifices,  the  flowers,  the  burning  canes,  and  all  the 
implements  used  in  the  foregoing  ceremonies,  were 
huried,  that  they  might  not  be  seen  by  any  visitor 
j>olluted  by  any  kind  of  vice  or  uncleanness.  Tlie 
rising  sun  was  greeted  with  songs,  dancing,  and  heut- 
ing  of  the  tei>onaztli.  The  day  was  passed  in  feust- 
ing  and  music,  and  at  the  close  of  the  day's  bancpiet 
food  was  distributed  to  the  common  people.  The 
lianquet  was  often  continued  more  than  one  day,  and 
if  after  the  first  day's  feast  the  provision  of  food  was 
exhausted,  it  was  regarded  by  the  guests  as  a  bad 
sign — a  very  sensible  superstition  truly. 

There  was  another  merchant's  feast  in  the  month  of 
Panquetzaliztli,  in  which  a  number  of  slaves  were  killed 
and  eaten.  The  victims  were  purchased  sometime  he- 
forehand  at  the  slave  mart  in  Azcapuzalco,  kept  clean, 
— being  therefore  called  tlaaltilzin,  'washed' — and  fat- 
tened for  the  occasion.  The  male  slaves  meantime 
had  no  work  but  to  dance  daily  on  the  housetop,  hut 
the  women  had  to  spin.  The  articles  collected  for 
this  feast  embraced  large  numbers  of  rich  mantles, 
maxtlis,  and  huipiles,  which  were  to  be  presented  t<t 
guests.  Not  only  the  residents  of  Mexico  were  in- 
vited but  members  of  the  Tlatelulcan  company  wlm 
lived  in  other  towns.  The  giver  of  the  feast  went 
]>ersonally  to  many  towns,  especially  to  Toch tepee,  to 
issue  invitations  and  distribute  gifts.  On  his  arrival 
he  went  first  to  the  shrine  of  lyacatecutli,  before  whose 
ima^e  he  performed  certain  ceremonies  and  left  some 
offerings.     Then  he  went  to  the  house  of  the  Tlate- 


SACRIFICE  OF  SLaVFS 

I  /'c,  of  the.  l,e«t  sneakers    K'"  "'™"'"-'  '""■"■-'1 

"f  tl't.ir  visitor  tok  1  a  1„  '   '"""'}"";^<i  tl.o  ,,„„„,,,; 

-  i;.-..'*"t  ,.t  the  ,,le„s""   ,  «/::    ""■•  r'"'"'"^  '" 
'!'«    ""..an  flesh  and  ether  d  nl        •'  "'!''  '""■'•'''"^  "I' 
T-aker  responde^d  in  a  s Xh      '?    '"l"^"-     ^^""^''"■ 
'«;ft-gn-er  directed  In's  ^Z  '    1  '"'''•l"","™'  ""J  ".>-■ 
-    te,-  resting  awinle  the  Xc    .'  "t''?"'''  '"  ^l'^^''"- 
^'twl  those  of  ],is  own  <-ilJ     i  ^'uroinoi,,,,  |y  ;„. 

:""'  "-  latter,  aftj  'n.Irf- tee.,''r™'.'''  "-'  •^™  • 
".;i-t,o„  hy  the  oldcT^eh  '''';""'  ""■'"''"'^'  »» 
"■l^es  that  food  enoind,  1,11  *"  •""""'y  tl'wi.- 

• '-;  "ffi.i.-  could  not  %  a  1  i":','  T""''"''  «>'d  «."t 
;|l  l."..J,'h  they  ,va,-ned  the  wo.  '  i'^'^'^  '»  "'''^''Pt. 
!"'  .osponsihility  he  woiddTn"       ."  '",'f  "*^  "«■  f™'- 

X..ol.itI,  and' O^'clrtlf  r:^!'-    ,^'«  Calli;  ol; 
'^'''«t.  *''"'  ^^t,ie  ^ood  signs  for  tJiis 

'-"!^^'ztt:z:!':S'rfy  ««->  -d 

""■y...-  2ra,-Ia„ds  of  flower",  ,i    I  ^  "'■"""  ""^  "■■'-■it". 

;."  "!"Hiiy  .-ich  attirc^C  in?',"  f    ""^  '■•■■"'•■■'-. 

;""l  '"  »"e  of  the  roonrwh,  "'  ","''  l''""ty  o f 

""""■     The  eatin,.  d"    kin  ,"'  ■  ""''^  'oadily  see 

"-■«  koi't  «p  all';,  ;,'  """I, ,;""  ;  '«t,;ilH,tio„  ofl,i,i 

;;•■'■;■•'  repetitfon  of  thofirst  .  ,d  t' '""■'''-, ''j'y's  least 
"'■" '>f  the  third  day  was  edhd  7T  'f  "'  ""<■""■■'■!": 

m,ng  on  wigs  of  n,a>,y  5,k  ed^r  'I'"''  "*^  '.''o  ■^'^"■-^. 
"•'PN  stone  "ose-ornanfents   i;i.         r''"'  ''■•''"'«<'  oa.- 


MM 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


i  M 


:.H   i 


ca.rfli,  on  the  arinn,  stained  Handals,  and  girdles  callrd 
irinhf/afpilll.  From  tliis  tinio  forward  ntrii-t  <,niard  was 
kojit  over  tliein  day  and  nij,dit  until  tlieir  death. 

On  yet  a  fourth  occasion,  apparently  some  days,  cir 
perhaps  weeks,  later,  the  merchant  asseml)led  liis 
quests,  and  then  just  before  sunset  the  victims  were 
made  drunk  with  trnvctii,  and  carried  to  Huitzilu- 
juH'htli's  temjde,  wliere  they  were  made  to  dance  and 
sinuf,  and  kej)t  awake  all  night.  At  midnitiht  thiy 
were  placed  on  a  mat  before  the  fire,  and  the  mastir 
of  the  bancjuet,  dressed  nmch  like  the  slaves  them- 
selves, put  out  the  fire,  and  in  the  darkness  «^ave  to 
each  four  mouthfuls  of  a  doujjfh  moistened  witli  hoiicv, 
called  tzoalli.  Then  a  man  dancing  before  thoiii 
])layed  upon  an  instrument  called  chichfH,  hairs  were 
j)ulled  out  of  the  top  of  each  slave's  head  and  j)ut  in 
a  plate,  qmtcaxiti,  held  by  the  dancer,  and  the  master 
threw  incense  toward  the  east,  west,  north,  and  south. 
Tlie  slaves  were  oftered  food,  but  could  not  be  in- 
duced to  eat,  expecting  each  moment  the  mt'ss«;iigc'r 
of  deatli.  They  were  first  taken  to  the  ward  of  Co- 
atlan,  and  in  the  courtyard  of  the  teni})le  of  Huitz- 
calco  were  forced  to  fight  against  certain  j)ersons,  tlio 
most  valiant  of  whom  were  called  tktamaviqucs.  It' 
by  force  of  arms  these  persons  captured  any  of  tlio 
slaves,  they  were  entitled  to  receive  their  full  value 
from  the  owner,  or  in  default  of  such  payment  to 
take  the  bodies  after  the  sacrifice  and  eat  the  same. 
After  the  contest  the  victimis  vvcrc  sacrificed  on  tho 
shrine  of  Huitzilopochtli,  the  cora'/licated  details  of 
the  ceremonies  which  followed  aiffering  only  very 
slightly  from  those  of  similar  sacrifices  already  several 
times  described.  The  bodies  were  thrown  down  tlie 
steps  as  usual,  carried  home  by  the  owner,  cooked 
with  maize,  seasoned  with  salt  without  chile,  and 
were  finally  eaten  by  the  guests.  With  this  horriI)le 
repast  the  great  feast  of  the  month  of  Panquetzaliztli 
ended;  but  he  who  had  given  it  carefully  jjreserved 
the  clothing,  and  other  relics  of  the  slaughtered  slaves. 


BOATS  AND  NAVIGATION. 


397 


;^U!inlin<^  thoni  in  n  luiskot  as  most  jn'trious  and  j)k'as- 
aiit  souvoiiirs  all  tlio  tlavs  of  Ins  lilb:  and  al'ttr  liis 
(If.itli  the  basket  and  its  contents  were  l)urned  at  his 
()Iisi'((uies. 

Acosta  tells  us  that  in  Cholula  the  nierohants,  es- 
jitciMlly  tliose  that  dealt  in  slaves,  furnislicd  each  year 
ii  slave  of  tine  |)hysi(jue  to  refU'esent  tlu'ir  i^od  Quet- 
zalcoatl,  in  whose  lunior  he  was  sacrificed,  with  appro- 
jiiiate  and  complicated  ceremonies,  his  Hesh  beiny; 
afterwards  eaten  in  a  bancjiiet." 

Tlie  little  to  be  said  of  Nahua  watorcraft  may  be 
as  appropriately  inserted  luie  as  elsewhere.  I  have 
already  referred  to  the  important  use  made  of  canoes 
in  the  transportation  of  mercliandise  upon  the  lakes 
(if  Aiuliuuic.  In  the  art  of  navioation,  however,  no 
jiroi^ress  was  made  by  the  Nahuas  at  all  in  projmrtion 
to  their  advr'icement  in  other  respects.  As  navi- 
gators they  were  altogether  inferior  to  their  savage 
lircthrcn  of  the  Cokunbian  and  Hyperborean  grouj>s 
on  the  north-west  coasts,  whose  skill  in  tlie  manu- 
facture and  management  of  boats  has  been  described 
ill  a  preceding  volume  of  this  work.  Tlic  reason  is 
tiltvioiis:  tiieir  progress  in  agriculture  enabled  tliem 
to  obtain  a  food  supply  without  risking  their  lives 
habitually  on  the  sea;  their  suimy  clime  obviated  tlie 
necessity  of  wlude-blubber  and  seal-skins.  In  tlie 
culler  stages  of  civilization  men  make  ])rooress  oidv 
Aviieu  impelled  by  some  actual  necessity;  consiMpiently 
among  the  Nahuas,  when  means  were  su}>plied  of 
<  Tossing  streams,  and  of  transporting  goods  on  the 
lakes  and  for  short  distances  along  tlie  coast  at  the 
niouth  of  larofe  river.^,  iiroufress  in  this  direction  ceased. 

Clavigero's  investigations  led  him  to  believe  that 
tlie  use  of  sails  was  unknown,  and  although  Brasseur 

'-On  iiu'rcli.ints'  feasts,  cereiiionios,  ami  siiiu'r.stitioiiH,  st'i-  S(i/iii;/iin, 
Hist.  (Ini.,  toiii.  ii.,  lih.  ix.,  jij).  3;i.^>-S(),  toin.  i.,  lih.  iv.,  jip.  .'U(f-I."); 
Arii.sfii,  Hist,  (/f  /it.s  Yiiil.,  i»p.  SSH-lhJ;  TorqiiiDiiii/i',  Mondri/.  liia..  toiii.  ii., 
li|i,  .'iS.V;,  See  also  account  of  ii  feast  of  IIo\vcr-ili  ;ilcrs  in  tills  voliiiiic,  y. 
"il"',  iii-'i  account  of  tile  Cliolultcc  feast  in  hunuruf  Ciuctzulcoatl,  in  vol.  iii., 
\>\h  L'SC-T  of  this  work. 


308 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


de  Bourbourg  in  one  place  speaks  of  such  aids  to  nav- 
igation, yet  he  gives  no  authority  for  his  statement."' 

Rafts  and  *  dug-out'  canoes  were  the  vessels  em- 
ployed; the  former  were  used  for  the  most  part  in 
crossing  streams  and  were  of  various  material  and 
construction.  Those  of  the  ruder  kind  were  simply  a 
number  of  poles  tied  together  with  strings."  Thonu 
called  by  the  Spaniards  balsas  were  of  superior  con- 
struction, made  of  otlatl  reeds,  or  tides,  and  rushes  of 
different  kinds  in  bundles.  The  best  balsas  were 
about  five  feet  square,  made  of  bamboos  and  supported 
by  hollow  gourds  closed  by  a  water  and  air  tight  cov- 
ering. The  rafts  were  propelled  by  swimmers,  one  in 
front  and  another  behind.^' 

The  canoes — acalli,  'water-houses'  among  the  Az- 
tecs, called  also  tahucup  in  Tabasco — were  holloAved 
out  from  the  trunk  of  a  single  tree,  were  generally 
flat-bottomed  and  without  keel,  somewhat  narrower 
at  the  bow  than  at  the  stern  as  Las  Casas  says,  and 
Avould  carry  from  two  to  sixty  persons.  As  to  the  in- 
struments employed  in  hollowing  out  and  finish in«j^ 
the  acalli  we  have  no  information,  neither  do  we  know 
whether  fire  was  one  of  the  agents  made  use  of.^" 


"  Clavif^oro's  description  of  Naliua  boats  and  navigation  is  in  his  Sinritt 
Ant.  ilcl  Mcssivo,  toin.  ii.,  pp.  1(58-1>.  'Lenrs  barques,  dont  les  i)his  {.'ran- 
(les  niesiii'iiient  juc^u'ii  .<oi.\un(e  nieds  de  longueur,  couvertes  et  aliritecs 
COD  re  le  nuiuvnis  temps,  niarcliaient  h.  la  voile  et  h  la  ranie,"  probably  re- 
ferring to  a  boat  met  l\v  Ct>luinbus  sonic  distance  out  at  sea.  Bruxsi'ur  <k. 
JioiirlioHVfi,  Hint.  Nat.  Cir.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  632. 

'*  Invented,  according  to  tradition,  by  the  Tarascosof  Michoacan  duriii;,' 
their  early  migrations.  Camarqo,  Hist.  Tlax.,  in  Nouvclks  Anuidcs  dis 
Vol/.,  1843,  tom.  xcviii.,  i)p.  131-2. 

'^  'Mettevansi  a  sedere  in  quosta  niacchina  qnattro,  o  sci  pnssaggicri 
alia  voha.'  C/ariffcro,  Sloria  Ant.  del  Messico,  tom.  ii.,  j).  lt!8.  'Ci'^ 
radeuux  sont  fort  lugers  et  trfes-solides;  ils  sont  encore  en  usage  dans  rAiiii'- 
riqiir,  et  iu>us  avons  pass6  ainsi  idus  d'unerivitre.'  liraascttr  dc  ISoiirl/oiini, 
}I'.,f.  Nat.  dr.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  295. 

'c  f.it.s  C«.f(i.i,  Hist.  Afioluffvtica,  MS.,  cap.  Ixx.  'En  cada  vna  caliiaii 
sescnta  Hombres.'  2'orqvcmado,  Moiiorq.  Ind.,  tom.  i.,  p.  4()0,  aii<l  //"• 
rrni,  l/i.st.  Gen.,  dee.  ii.,  lib.  viii.,  cup.  iv.  'The  Canowes  are  litic  Imrkcs, 
made  of  one  tree.'  Peter  Mnrtyr,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  iii.  C&WcA  Aeafes.  Id.,  Aw. 
v.,  lib.  ii.  'Estas  acallis  6  barcas  cada  una  es  de  una  sola  jtie/a,  lic  uu 
arbol  tan  grande  y  tan  grucso  como  lo  denuindu  la  longitud,  y  conforiiu'  al 
anciio  ([ue  le  pneden  dar,  que  es  de  'o  grucso  del  Arbid  tie  que  se  lia<'cii,  y 
para  esto  hay  sus  maestros  como  en  Vizcaya  los  hay  de  navios.'  Mutulinin, 
Jlisl.  Jndios,  in  Icazbidcetu,  Vol,  de  Doc,  torn,  i.,  p.  200. 


BOATS  USED  IN  WAR, 


309 


to  nav- 
!inont/'' 
3ls  em- 
part  in 
al    and 
imply  a 
Those 
lor  con- 
ishes  of 
IS    were 
pported 
yhi  cov- 


3,  one  111 


the  Az- 

loUowed 
•enerally 
larroAver 

lays,  and 
3  the  in- 
finishino; 

■^ve  know 
ri6 


his  Slorlii 

])l»is  {rnm- 

let  uhlittTs 

rolial)ly  ic- 

iruKsriir  ik 

dean  (luring' 
lituahx  (/'■>' 

|passa^';;ii'r'. 
litis.  'I'm 
Liis  rAme- 
tSoiirlioiini, 

1,-na  caliiiiii 

ami   //'/•• 

Itlo  Imiki's, 

I<l.,dvi: 

jza,  ill'  ">' 

loiiforiiir  al 

iiact'ii.  y 

Mutvliiiio, 


Tlie  use  of  boats  was  not  altogether  confined  to 
tiaffic,  but  extended  to  war  and  the  transportation  of 
tioops.  Fierce  conflicts  on  the  waters  of  the  lakes 
are  recorded  in  the  ancient  annals  of  Andhuac;  canoe 
Heets  of  armed  natives  came  out  to  meet  the  Span- 
iards at  various  points  along  the  coast ;  and  we  read 
of  the  vain  efforts  to  defend  the  approaches  to  the 
Aztec  capital,  by  thousands  of  boats  which  could  offer 
little  resistance  to  the  advance  of  Cortes'  brigantines." 

These  fleets,  so  inefficient  against  Si:)anish  vessels 
and  arms,  must  have  been  of  great  service  to  the  Az- 
tecs ill  maintaining  their  domination  over  the  many 
towns  on  the  lake  shores.  To  increase  the  efficiency 
of  boats  and  boatmen,  races  and  sham  fights  Avere  es- 
tablished, which,  besides  affording  useful  training  t»j 
paddlers  and  warriors,  furnished  an  additional  means 
of  entertainment  to  the  people  who  gathered  in  crowds 
to  watch  the  struggles  of  the  competitois,  ai>plaud 
the  ducking  of  each  vanquished  boat's  crew,  and  to 
reward  the  victors  with  honors  and  prizes 


18 


'1^  'Tho  sides  of  the  Iniliiin  hoats  were  fortified  with  hulwarks.'  Prrs- 
mtl's  Mcx.,  vol.  iii.,  p.  100;  Berttal  Diaz,  Hist.  Conq.,  fol.  140;  Cortes, 
C(iii((s,  \).  'ill. 

i*  'Spcsso  s'esercitavano  in  <]uesto  geiiere  di  comhattiineiiti.'  Clnrixjrm, 
Stori/i  A  lit.  del  Mcssico,  torn.  ii. ,  p.  151;  Wcst-Iiidische  Spicijhrl,  p.  251. 
•JOO.OIM)  canoes  on  the  lake  about  Mexico.  Goiiiiim,  Cum/.  Mcj:,  fol.  Il">. 
Set;  iilsti  note  8  of  this  chanter.  Additional  notes  on  Nalina  boats.  'Hal/ia 
CM  Mexico  nuichas  acallis  o  barcas  i)ara  ^:<Jrvi<;io  do  las  casa.s,  y  otras  nin- 
clias  (Ic  tnitantes  <iue  venian  con  bastinien^os  ;i  la  ciudiul,  \  todos  los  pre- 
liiiis  lie  la  redonda,  qnc  estan  Uenos  de  barcas  niw  nunca  ccsan  de  entrar  y 
.silir  ii  la  ciudud,  las  cuales  eran  innunierablci.  '('on  estas  salen  li  la  niiir, 
y  Clin  las  },'randes  de  estas  aciiilis  navejjan  de  \ii\t)  isia  ii  otnt,  y  se  iitrevjn  ii 
iitriivcsiir  alyungolfo  pequcno.'  Mofotiiiia,  Hint.  Jiii/ins;  in  Imzlinlrifn,  Co/. 
lie  I)(j<\,  tiini.  i..  pp.  187,  200.  'Lo  mas  del  tiiiin,  v  ciunino  de  los  Indios,  en 
iii|iiclla  'I'ierra,  es  por  Agua,  en  Aeales,  o  Canoiis.  Toriniemfn^d,  Miiuarq. 
hid.  tiiin.  ii.,  p.  61.1;  Hrrrera,  Hist.  Gcii.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  viii.,  caj).  iv.; 
Miiii/innis,  Xicitwc  Weerelil,  p.  247;  Carbnjnl  JJ.f/iiinmi,  Hist.  Mf.c.,iuni. 
i.,  p.  033,  torn,  ii.,  p.  591;  Kleinm,  C ultur-Geschichte,  toni.  v.,  pp.  "b-iS. 


CHAPTER    XIII. 

WAR   CUSTOMS    OF   THE    NAHUAS. 

Importance  of  the  Military  Profession— Indications  of  Rank— 
EnucATioN  OF  Warriors— Rewards  for  Valor— Militakv  Or- 
ders AND  THEIR  DRESS— GORGEOUS  WAR-DRESSES  OF  MoNTKZIMA 

AND  THE  Aztec  Nokility— DrEo^  of  the  Common  Soldiers— Ak- 
MOR  AND  Defensive  Weapons— Offensive  Weapons— St  am  )A1!I).s 
—  Ambassadors  and  Couriers — Fortifications — The  Military 
Council— Arttcles  of  War— Declaration  of  War— Si-ies— Or- 
der OK  March  and  Battle— War  Customs  of  the  Tlascvltkcs 
and  Taras( OS— Return  of  the  Conquering  Army— Celeuka- 
tion  of  Feats  of  Arms. 


As  might  be  expected  from  a  people  so  warlike  ami 
ambitious  as  tne  Naliuas,  the  profession  of  arms 
ranked  hioh  above  all  other  callings,  save  that  of  the 
priests.  This  was  especially  th'  case  in  the  later 
days,  under  the  Aztec  kings,  whose  unscrupulous  am- 
bition and  passion  for  conquest  could  only  be  gratified 
by  their  warriors.  Huitzilopochtli,  god  of  war,  pro- 
tector of  the  empire,  was  glorified  and  honored  above 
all  other  gods;  his  altars  must  be  red  with  blood,  fur 
blood  alone  could  extort  his  favor,  and  wars  were 
frequently  waged  solely  for  his  pro})itiatioii;  valor 
was  the  loftiest  virtue,  the  highest  honois  ^^(U•e  jiaid 
to  those  who  distinguished  themselves  in  battle;  no 
dignities,  positions,  or  decorations,  under  the  govern- 
ment, were  given  to  any  but  a})jiroved  soldiers.  ( "liil- 
dren  were  taught  by  parent  and  priest  the  chivalrous 


THE  MILITARY  PROFESSION. 


401 


deeds  of  their  ancestors,  whom  they  were  urged  to 
tiiuilate  in  daring;  titkis,  rewards,  and  posts  of  honor 
were  offered  to  stimulate  the  am'jition  of  the  young 
men.  The  king  might  not  receive  his  crown  until 
with  his  own  hand  he  had  taken  captives  to  be  sacri- 
ficed at  the  feast  of  his  coronation.  The  priests  were 
the  foremost  inciters  to  war  and  carnage.  All  wars 
were  religious  crusades.  The  highest  earthly  rewards 
were  in  store  for  the  victor,  while  the  soul  of  him  that 
fell  in  battle  took  immediate  flight  to  heaven.  Only 
defeat  and  cowardice  were  to  be  dreaded. 

Ti:w  Nahua  warrior's  services  were  rewarded  only 
l)y  ■!'  >ii  ion,  since  no  paid  troops  were  employed. 
liul,  [  ivjmotion  was  sure  to  follow  brilliant  exploits 
peifuiiiied  by  even  the  humblest  soldier,  while  with- 
out such  daring  deeds  the  sons  of  the  highest  nobles 
could  hope  for  no  advancement.  Dress  and  orna- 
ments were  the  indications  of  rank,  and  were  changed 
in  some  detail  for  every  new  achievement.  To  escape 
l'i',:r!  the  coarse  nequen  garments  of  the  common 
.soldier,  and  to  put  on  successively  the  decorative 
man  ties  of  the  higher  grades,  was  deemed  a  sufficient 
reward  and  incentive.  The  costume  of  each  warrior 
indicated  the  exact  number  of  prisoners  ca})tured  by 
the  wearer. 

Especial  onv  \\  's  taken,  however,  with  the  sons  of 
lords  intenfleil  1' >r  the  profession  of  arms.  At  an  early 
age  their  hc.ui  vv^;lt^  shaved,  except  a  tuft  on  the  back 
vtf  the  lioad  CcJIe  •  ;)7'\'<('.fy>r(///(f,  a  designation  changed 
to  cii<',rpi(tchicu('pul  when  the  boy  wiiS  fifteen  years  old. 
At  this  age  he  was  sent  to  war  in  charge  of  veteran 
warriors,  and  if  with  their  aid  he  took  a  prisoner^  the 
tuft  was  cut  off  and  anotlior  giv»3n  to  be  worn  over 
the  car  with  feather  i)hnncs;  on  his  return  he  was 
addressed  n^ter  the  following  maimer  by  his  grand - 
|tarents  o!  "ncles:  "My  child,  the  Sun  and  the 
Kartli  hav  ^  ashed  and  renewed  thy  face,  because 
thou  didst  d.i.  !  to  attempt  the  capture  of  an  enemy 
in  company  with  others.     Lo,  now  it  were  better  to 


Vol.  II.    20 


III 


402 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


i 


i 


abandon  thee  to  the  mercies  of  the  enemy  than  tliat 
thou  shouldst  again  take  a  prisoner  with  tlie  aid  of 
others,  because,  should  it  so  happen,  they  will  j)]ace 
another  tuft  over  thine  other  ear  and  thou  wilt  appear 
like  a  girl;  truly,  it  were  better  thou  shouldst  die  than 
that  this  should  happen  to  thee."  If  after  a  fair  trial 
the  youth  failed  to  take  a  captive,  he  was  disgrjiccd, 
and  ceased  to  be  a  warrior  in  the  eyes  of  his  com- 
rades: but  if,  unaided,  he  was  successful,  he  ^vas 
called  a  warlike  youth,  t^lpuchtlitaquitlamani,  and 
was  presented  l^  ^"^^  ^  ^'ing;  whose  stewards  dyed  his 
face  red,  his  temp.  nd  body  yellow,  and  bestowed 
upon  him  mantles  a.. J  maxtlis  of  the  colors  and  de- 
signs which  his  achievements  gave  him  the  right  to 
wear.  If  he  took  two  captives,  the  honors  were  of 
course  greater;  three  entitled  him  to  a  connnand  over 
others;  four  made  him  a  captain  who  might  wear  long 
lip-ornaments,  leathern  ear-rings,  and  gaudy  tassels, 
Witli  five  prisoners  the  young  man  became  a  qunuh- 
iacatl,  'eagle  that  guides,'  with  corresponding  insignia, 
a  head-plume  with  silver  threads,  the  mantle  called 
cuechintli,  another  called  chicoapahiacazm'uiqui  of 
two  colors,  and  still  another  decorated  with  straps. 
The  prisoners  must,  however,  be  from  nations  of  ac- 
knowledged prowess,  such  as  those  of  Atlixco,  the 
Huexotzhicas,  or  Tlascaltecs;  double  or  tri}>le  tlio 
number  of  Cuextecas  or  Tenimes  must  be  captured, 
and  no  number  of  these  could  entitle  a  youth  to  the 
highest  honors.^ 

In  the  Mexican  picture-writings  are  delineated  the 
successive  grades  by  which  a  graduate  from  the  tem- 
ple school  advanced,  with  the  costumes  and  defensive 
armor  he  was  permitted  to  wear.  First  we  see  him 
leaving  for  the  war,  carrying  the  impeclrmenfa  of  the- 
chief  priest,  who  goes  into  the  field  to  embolden  the 
troops,  enforce  orders,  and  perform  other  duties.  Tlie 
pictures  that  follow  portray  the  devices  on  the  shields, 
manner  of  painting,    armor,  head-dresses,  and  orna- 

^  Sahagun,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  ii.,  lib.  viii.,  pp.  329-32. 


TIIUEE  MILITARY  ORDr.RS. 


403 


ments  they  were  allowed  to  assume,  according  to  the 
number  of  captives  each  had  taken.  The  warrior- 
priests  were  rewarded,  in  like  manner,  with  accoiitrc- 


designs, 


and    with 


ments   and   insignia   of  peculiar 
important  commands  in  the  army. 

Three  military  orders  were  established  by  the  Aztec 
monarchs,  the  members  of  which  were  granted  cer- 
tain privileges,  and  entitled  to  wear  badges  of  distinc- 
tion; they  also  had  apartments  allotted  to  them  in  the 
royal  palace  and  formed  the  royal  guard.  Promotion 
to  the  order  was  open  to  ai^ ,  but  could  only  be  won  hy 
some  notable  feat  of  arms,  ihe  members  of  the  first 
of  these  three  orders  were  called  Achcauhtin,or  Princes, 
of  the  second,  Quauhtin,  or  Eagles,  of  tlie  third,  Oce- 
lome,  or  Tigers.  The  distinctive  mark  of  the  Princes 
was  their  manner  of  dressing  the  hair,  which  was  tied 
on  the  erown  of  the  head  with  a  red  thong,  and  worked 
into  as  many  braids,  each  terminating  in  a  cotton  tas- 
sel, as  were  the  deeds  of  valor  performed  by  the 
wearer;  the  Eagles  wore  a  kind  of  casque,  in  the  form 
of  an  eagle's  head;  the  Tigers  wore  a  particular  armor, 
s})otted  like  the  skin  of  the  animal  whose  name  they 
bore.  These  insignia  were  only  used  in  war;  at  court 
all  military  officers  wore  the  tlachquanhi/o,  a  dress  of 
many  colors.  The  members  of  these  three  military 
orders  had  the  privilege  of  wearing  garments  of  much 
liner  texture  than  the  common  people,  as  well  as  such 
feathers  and  jewels  as  they  could  afford  to  buy.  An 
inferior  order  of  knighthood  appears  also  to  have  ex- 
isted, the  members  of  which  had  their  hair  crop[)ed 
close  about  their  ears,  and  wore  skull-caps  and  split 
collars;  these  were  only  armed  for  defence  from  the 
girdle  upwards,  whereas  their  superiors  fought  in  com- 

J  Codex  Mendoza,  in  Kinqshorouijfi^s  Mcx.  And'o.,  v,,!.  i.,  pi.  Ixiv- 
K'vi.  Ill  cx|)Iiiii»tioii  of  plate  Ixv.,  No.  19,  it  is  stated  that  tlie  warrior  wan 
culliilQuaehic  by  reawon  of  having  taken  five  prisoners  in  war.  'llaluT 
cir.itivailo  en  la  gnerra  cineo,  denias  <le  que  en  otras  j^iierras  a  cautivado 
otnis  inuuhos  de  sus  encniigos.'  Explanation  of  Jd.,  vol.  v.,  p.    104;  wiiiie 

1'uirha.s  savH  such  a  one  was  'called  Qiiagchil shewin;j;  that  hee  had 

tiiki'ii  fine  at  the  Wars  of  CJuexo,  liesides  that  in  other  Wars  he  tooke  many 
of  hiseuemiea.'  Purchas  his  Pilgrimcs,  vol.  iv.,  p.  1110-11. 


404 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


j)lete  armor.  All  these  privileged  warriors  were  por- 
luitted  to  use  painted  and  gilt  vessels,  but  the  common 
Boldiers  might  use  none  but  plain  earthen  ones.** 

Montezuma,  who  was  a  member  of  the  order  of 
I^rinces,  when  he  went  in  person  against  the  enemy, 
wore  upon  his  legs  greaves  of  gold,  and  upon  his  arms 
thin  plates  of  the  same  metal,  as  well  as  bracelets; 
about  his  neck  were  a  collar  and  chains  of  gold  and 
})recious  stones;  from  his  ears  and  lower  lip  hung  or- 
naments of  gold  set  with  precious  chalchiuites;  and 
from  the  back  of  his  head  to  his  waist  was  suspended 
the  glittering  decoration  of  royalty,  only  worn  by 
kings,  the  qnachictU.  This  was  an  ornament  of  ex- 
(juisite  workmanship,  wrought  with  great  labor  of 
t:ostly  feathers  and  jewels,  and  shaped  somewhat  like 
a  butterfly,  in  addition  to  this  he  was  distinguished 
from  his  retinue  by  a  shield  upon  which  was  displayed 
the  roval  coat  of  arms  in  feather- work ;  and  he  car- 
ried  also  a  small  drum,  upon  which  he  beat  the  sig- 
nal for  battle.* 

On  the  occasion  when  the  sovereigns  and  nobility 
f  Mexico,  Tezcuco,  and  Tlacopan  came  out  to  receive 


o 


(!!ortes,  there  was  little,  so  far  as  dress  was  concerned, 
by  which  king  might  be  distinguished  from  subject; 
the  only  difference  was  that  the  monarchs  wore  crowns 


^  Torqiieniiula  and  BrasHeur  speak  of  a  yet  hi^lier  rank  among  tlie 
princeH.  'Vnailelas  niaiore»  grantlctjas,  h  que  llegaUa,  era  atarse  el  ca- 
iiello,  que  era  denionstracion  de  Cirau  Oapitan,  y  estos  «e  llauialiaii  liuauliir- 
t  ill,  que  era  el  nias  houroso  iionibre,  que  a  los  Capitanes  we  los  dalni,  y  pocos 
1 1  alcan«;ai)an.'  Torqiionmla,  Moiiarq.  Iiiil.,  toui.  ii.,  j).  543.  'Doiit  Ics 
liieuibres  se  noinmaient  "Quachictin,"  c'est-Ji-dire,  (Jouronues.  Lciirs  in- 
h'!j;iios  consiHtaiout  dans  la  courroie  ik'arlate  dont  nousavoiis  parle  plus  liaut, 
iiiais  dont  le  Iwut,  avec  sa  liouppe  de  i)hiniea,  pendait  alors  jusqua  la  triii- 
t  ire.'  Branscur  de  liourbourf/,  nisi.  Nat.  Civ.,  toni.  iii.,  pp.  5!X)-1.  Herrcni 
!Mul  Aeosta  both  mention  a  fourth  (<rder:  'Aula  otros  eonio  caualleros  I'ai- 
<los,  (lue  no  eran  de  tanta  cuenta,  eonu>  csto.s,  los  qualcs  tenian  vnas  eolotas 
r.))-tadas  por  encinui  de  la  oreia  en  redondo.'  Aro.f(a,  Hist,  rir  las  Ymf.,  pp. 
4  13-4;  llrrrrnt,  Hist.  Gen.,  (fee.  iii.,  lib.  ii.,  ca]).  xix;  West  niiil  (Ml  In- 
iHsr.ker  Litstffart,  pt  i.,  p.  99;  Montnuus,  Nicnwe  Wcereld,  pp.  '2(i7-!S; 
I 'mritir.ro,  Storia  Ant.  dd  Mrssir.o,  toni.  ii.,  p.  140. 

*  The  greaves  were  called  cozchnntl,  tlie  brachials  matcmccntl,  flic 
bracelets  malzopetzfli,  the  lip  urnanient  trntetl,  the  ear-rings  iirifor/illi, 
:m:I  the  collar  or  necklace  cozrapctlatl.  T<tri[aeiimda.,  Muiirin/.  In(f.,  toin. 
ii.,  p.  543;  Iira.i.scnr  dc  lionrhoiirff,  Hist.  Not.  Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  595;  Clu- 
viyero,  Storia  Ant.  del  Mynnico,  toai.  ii.,  p.  141. 


MILITARY  DRESS  AND  ORNAMENTS. 


405 


of  i^old  and  precious  stones,  bejcwoled  sandals  with 
('olden  solos,  and  tassels  at  the  end  of  the  nl)bon  with 
which  their  hair  was  hound."  A  })rinee  of  the  blood- 
loyul,  on  his  debut  upon  the  baotle-field,  was  clad  in 
plain  white;  his  behavior  was  closely  watched,  an«l 
iit'ter  the  action  such  insignia  and  colors  as  he  had 
nieritod  by  his  conduct  were  bestowed  upon  him. 

Sahagun  gives  an  extended  description  of  the  gor- 
geous war-costumes  of  the  noble  Aztec  warriors,  with 
the  native  name  for  each  fraction  of  the  ecpiipments. 
Here  are  described  head-dresses  composed  of  rich 
feathers,  prominent  among  which  were  the  quetzal ; 
corselets  of  red  and  green  feathers,  worked  with  gold 
thread;  head-dresses  of  green  feathers  set  in  gold 
bands,  or  of  tiger-skin;  helmets  of  silver;  a  garment 
called  tociiitl  reaching  to  the  knees,  made  of  yellow 
macaw-feathers,  embroidered  with  gold,  and  worn  with 
a  golden  casque  plumed  with  quetzal-feathers;  and 
other  e(jually  gorgeous  attire.  As  a  means  of  direct- 
ing their  men  some  officers  bore  small  drums,  painted 
and  ornamented  with  feathers  so  as  to  correspond  with 
their  dress,  in  a  net  at  their  backs;  others  carried  lit- 
tle flags  made  of  feathers  held  too-ether  with  bands 
of  gold  or  silver.  Many  noble  warriors  had  their 
armorial  bearings,  devils,  monsters,  and  what  not, 
painted  or  embroidered  upon  their  l)acks.  Truly  such 
xpoliii  opima  were  worthy  of  a  hero's  toil." 

Tlie  rank  and  file  of  the  Aztec  army  wore  no  cloth- 
ing but  the  maxtli  in  battle,  but  by  painting  their 
faces  and  bodies  in  grotesque  patterns  with  brilliant 
colors,  and  coveriiiij  their  heads  with  raw  cotton,  thev 
presented  a  sufficiently  fierce  and  gaudy  ap[)earance.^ 

The  Tlascaltec  leaders  wore  a  <piilted  cotton  tunic 
two  fingers  in  thickness  that  fitted  closely  to  tlie  body 


2orM 


5  Iztlilxochitl,  Hist.  Chich.,  hi  Kin jsborough^s  Hex.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix,,  \i\h 


^  Sithftgnn,  Hint.  Gcii.,  torn,  ii.,  lib.  viii.,  jjp.  29.V7. 

'  Liis  T'ksiis,  Hist.  ApoliKjctirii,  MS.,  call.  Ixvi.;  lirrt.tseiir  tip  Bow- 
liniiri/.  Hint.  Xiit.  ('if.,'Ut\\\.  iii.,  |).  .")!):{;  L'l(irnjrr<i,  Storin  Ant.  dd  Mcssicii, 
tuiii.  ii.,  p.  143;  Tortjiicinada,  Munarj.  Ind.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  543. 


406 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


and  also  protected  the  shoulders  and  thighs;  tlie 
wealtliier  class  wore  over  tlie  tunic  a  cuirass  of  thin 
gold  or  silver  plates,  and  over  all  they  threw  a  rich 
mantle  of  feather- work  elegantly  emhroidered;  to  pro- 
tect their  legs  they  put  on  leathern  hoots  or  wooden 
greaves  ornamented  with  gold.  On  their  heads  they 
wore  a  morion  made  of  hide  or  wood  representing  the 
head  of  some  animal,  bird,  or  serpent.  From  tliu 
crown  waved  a  magnificent  tuft  of  richly  variegated 
plumes,  a  conspicuous  mark,  that  served  to  denote  the 
warrior's  rank. 

Tlie  armor  and  defensive  weapons  of  the  Naliiia 
knights,  thoujjh  of  little  service  ati^ainst  the  fireaiins 
and  swordsmanship  of  the  Spaniards,  yet  were  admi- 
rably suited  for  pi'otection  from  the  Aveapons  in  use 
among  themselves.  The  cJiimcdli,  or  Mexican  shield, 
was  made  of  various  materials  and  in  divers  forms; 
sometimes  it  was  round,  sometimes  oval,  sometimes 
rounded  only  on  the  lower  side;  it  was  commonly 
constructed  of  flexible  bamboo  canes,  bound  firndy 
together,  and  covered  with  hide.  The  face  of  tho 
shield  was  ornamented  accordinjx  to  the  rank  and  taste 
of  the  bearer;  that  of  a  noble  was  generally  covered 
with  thin  plates  of  gold,  with  a  heavy  boss  in  tlie 
centre.  In  Tabasco,  and  along  the  coast,  tortoise- 
shells,  inlaid  with  gold,  silver,  or  copper,  were  com- 
monly used  as  shields.  Reed-grass,  hides,  or  iic- 
quen-cloth,  coated  with  India-rubber,  served  to  protect 
an  Aztec  common  soldier.  Some  shields  were  of 
an  ordinary  size,  others  were  intended  to  cover  the 
entire  body,  and  were  so  constructed  that  when  not  in 
use  they  could  be  folded  up  and  carried  under  the 
arm.  The  body-armor  of  the  nobles  and  higher  grades 
of  warriors  consisted  of  a  breast-piece  made  of  (piilted 
cotton,  one  or  two  fingers  in  thickness,  called  iclica- 
huepiUi;  over  this  was  a  thick  cotton  coat,  which 
covered  part  of  the  arms  and  thighs,  made  in  one 
piece,  fastened  l>ehind,  and  decorated  with  feathers  et' 
whatever  colors  the  uniform  of  the  company  to  which 


AllMOll  AND  DEFENSIVE  WEAPONS. 


407 


;lis;  tlie 
\  of  til  ill 
v^  a  ricli 
;  to  }>ni- 
'  wooden 
ids  tliuy 
iting  the 
'roin  tlic 
iricgatfd 
Biiotu  tlio 

e  Nuluia 
firciirms 
3re  adini- 
is  in  use 
m  shield, 
srs  fornis; 
ometinie;^ 
;omnu)iily 
jid   linuly 
.•e  of*  the 
and  taste 
covered 
hs  in  the 
tortoise- 
ere  com- 
or   iie- 
;o  protect 
wore  of 
;over  the 
leii  not  in 
inder  the 
ler  oTudes 
M  (juilted 
jd  iclicii- 
.,    which 
ill  one 
lathers  of 
Ito  which 


the  wearer  belonged  might  be.  Tliis  cotton  armor 
was  completely  arrow-proof,  and  was  of  great  service 
to  the  Spanish  Conquerors,  who  lost  no  time  in  adopt- 
ing it  in  [)lace  of  their  heavy  steel  armor.  Arm  and 
leg  guards  made  of  wood  covered  with  leather  or  gold 
plates  and  trimmed  with  feathers,  and  morions  of  the 
same  material  sha[)ed  and  painted  to  rei)resent  the 
head  of  a  tiger,  ser})ent,  or  monster,  with  mouth  open 
and  teeth  bared,  complete  the  defensive  ixpiipment. 
Over  a  cuirass  of  gold  and  silver  plates  some  lords 
wore  a  garment  of  feathers  which  is  said  to  have  been 
proof  against  arrows  and  javelins.  Nobles  and  otti- 
cers  also  wore  lofty  [dumes  so  as  to  present  the  appear- 
ance of  increased  stature.* 

The  shields  used  by  the  Toltecs  were  made  of  skins 
ornamented  with  feathers  of  various  colors;  on  their 
heads  they  wore  lielmets  of  gold,  silver,  or  skins. 
The  body-armor  worn  by  the  jjrincipal  warriors  was 
made  of  double  cloth  padded  with  cot^')n;  it  differed 
from  that  of  the  Aztecs  imisnmch  as  it  reached  down 
to  the  ankles  and  was  worn  over  a  thin  white  tunic. 
The  })rivate  soldiers,  like  thcjse  of  the  Aztec  army,  also 
painted  the  u})per  part  of  the  body  to  re})resont  ar- 
mor, l)ut  from  the  waist  to  the  thighs  they  w»)re  slu)rt 
drawers  and  over  them,  fastened  round  the  waist,  a 
kind  of  kilt  that  reached  to  the  knees  and  availed 
them  somewhat  for  defence.  Across  the  body  was  a 
sash  made  of  feathers  that  passed  from  the  right 
shoulder  to  the  left  side  of  the  waist.  They  wore 
sandals  on  their  feet  and  had  feather-ornaments  u})on 
their  heads,  more  or  less  rich  accoi'ding  to  the  quality 
of  the  warrior.  When  going  to  battle  they  adorned 
their  necks,  breasts,  arms,  and  legs  \vith  their  most 
valuable  trinkets  of  gold  or  precious  stones,"  Tezozo- 
moc  mentions  that  the  Tarascos  wore  steel  helmets, 
hut,  as  1  have  already  stated,  none  of  these  nations 

*  C/nrii/rrn,  S/oria  Ant.  del  Mrsniv.o,  Uiiii.  ii.,  ]ip.  141-.3;  Rdutionr fdtln 
perm  tjciiliriiitniito  ilrl  Si</ii')r  Fcrnuin/o  Citrtrsc,  \\\  llainusiu,  Auciijulioni^ 
torn,  iii.,  fol.  ;i(l5. 

«  I'cj/tiu,  Uisl.  Ant.  M<j.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  28D-90. 


Ill  I' 
ill  %- 


l! 


408 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


10 


were  acquainted  witli  the  use  of  iron  in  any  sliap( 
Some  of  tlie  armor  in  use  amon<^  the  Tabascuiis  nuist 
have  heen  exceedingly  rich,  judging  by  tluit  Avhich 
way  presented  to  Juan  de  Grijalva  by  the  caci(|ue  of 
that  province.  It  consisted  of  greaves  for  tlie  knees 
and  legs  made  of  wood  and  covered  with  sheets  ef 
gold,  head-pieces  covered  with  gold  plates  and  pre- 
cious stones,  among  which  was  a  visor,  of  which  the 
upper  half  was  of  jewels  linked  together,  and  tlie 
lower  half  of  gold  plates ;  then  there  were  cuirasses  (jf 
solid  gold,  besides  a  quantity  of  armor-plates  sufficient 
to  cover  the  whole  body." 

The  offensive  weapons  of  the  Aztecs  consisted  of 
bows  and  arrows,  slings,  clubs,  spears,  light  javeHiis, 
and  swords;  find  in  the  use  of  all  of  these  the  soldiers 
were  well  skilled.  The  bows  were  made  of  tougli, 
elastic  wood,  and  were  about  five  feet  in  length;  tor 
strings  they  used  the  sinews  of  animals  or  stags' 
hair  twisted.  The  arrows  were  light  canes,  witli 
about  six  inches  of  oak  or  other  hard  wood  inserted 
in  tlie  end;  at  the  extremity  a  piece  of  iztli  was  fast- 
ened with  twisted  nequen-tibre,  and  further  secured 
by  a  paste  of  resin  or  other  adliesive  substance.  Some- 
times instead  of  iztli  they  used  the  bones  of  animals 
or  fish;  the  bone  of  a  fish  called  lihisa  is  said  to  have 
caused  by  its  venomous  properties'^  a  wound  very  dif- 
ficult to  heal.  It  is  well  known  that  none  of  the 
Nahua  nations  used  poisoned  arrows;  such  weapons 


83. 


10  Tcznzomoc,  CrdnicaMcx.,  in  KlngshorougKs  Mex.  Antiq.,  \o\.  ix.,  ji. 


'1  Carli,  Cartas,  pt  i.,  pp.  17-21;  Tor(j^i(cmHda,  Hfoiiarq.  Intl.,  toiu.  i.,  ]'. 
354;  Ifrrrrra,  Hint.  Got.,  iwc.  ii.,  lib.  ill.,  a\]h  ii.;  (rotiiara,  Coinj.  Mi.r., 
fol.  37;  Oria/n,  Hint.  Gen.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  olO;  Vofiolludo,  Hist.  Ym 


W: 


14. 


For  furtlicr  refereiu'c  to  defensive  weapons  and  armor,  see:  Ctirhnud  Kxjii- 
vosa,  Hist.  M<\r..,  toni.  i.,  pp.  f)(>8-l!»;  Wcst-In(li.i('Iie.  Spirrj/irl,  p.  '-'IC); 
Moiitainis,  XiridiT  Wccrcld,  p.  207;  Klcmm,  Cullitr-Gr.sc/iir/itr,  toin.  v., 
])p.  81-3;  M:\ii'jU(\  Etiidrs  Hist.,  p.  8;  Leon  y  Gama,  J)os  Pinlrus,  ]it  ii., 
]).  28;  J!ii.ssii;-r>;  I/Empirr  Mex.,  p.  Ifil;  Caitiari/o,  Hist.  Tlax.,  in  Xnii- 
relics  Aiuiales  (tes  Vojj.,  1843,  ton>.  xcviii.,  i>.  133;  Mullet;  Amerikaiiisihe 
Unrlif/iniien,  ]>.  .542. 

'2  Ifrrrrra,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  vii.,  cap.  xi. ;  Gage's  New  Siinrij, 
pp.  99-100. 


OFFENSIVl';  W^LVPOXS. 


409 


s   Ullist 

uhuli 
i(|Ut'  of 
B  knocK 
icets  of 
id  pre- 
ifli  tilt' 
md  tl\c 
asses  of 
afficiciit 


stcd  of 
avuliiis, 
soldiers 
'  tougli, 
.•th;  Vor 
V   sta<;'s' 
s,  Avitli 
nscrted 
as  fast- 
sccured 
Soiiie- 
niiuals 
o  luivo 
ny  dif- 
of  the 
reapoiis 

|ol.  ix.,  p. 

Itoiu.  i..  p. 

-•.,  p.  14. 

\/itl  />;"- 

p.   '->lCi; 

toiii.  v., 

I'.v,  pt  ii., 

ill  Xoii- 

\kuiiiiiche 

Siiriri/, 


Avoiild  have  defeated  tlio  olijcct  for  which  they  often 
eiiiiii^ed  ill  war,  namely  that  of  takin*,^  their  enemies 
alive  for  the  purpose  of  immolating  them  upon  the 
nltars  of  their  gods.  Tt  is  reasonahio  to  helieve  that 
iiiaiiy  of  them  attained  to  great  accuracy  in  shooting 
with  tlie  how,  hut  there  is  room  to  d<»ul)t  the  asser- 
tion tliat  some  of  them  were  ahle  to  shoot  with  three 
or  four  arrows  at  a  time;  or  to  throw  an  ear  of  corn 
into  the  air  and  pierce  every  kernel  hefore  it  reached 
the  ground;  or  to  throw  up  a  coin  of  the  si/e  of  half 
a  dollar,  and  keep  it  in  the  air  as  long  as  they  pleased 
with  tlieir  arrows."  The  sling  was  a  1)raid  of  pita- 
tliread  or  other  fihre,  hroader  in  the  middle  than  at 
the  ends,  with  which  stones  were  thrown  with  much 
force  and  accuracy;  the  missiles  were  carried  in  a 
])ouch  filled  with  stones  and  suspended  from  the  waist 
ill  front.  The  maza  was  a  cluh  similar  to  the  IJoman 
t7(//v^  tapering  from  the  handle  towards  the  end  and 
terniinating  in  a  knotty  head,  filled  with  pohits  of 
iztli  or  temi)ered  copper."  The  macaita,  or  macaa- 
hulf/,  called  hy  the  Spaniards,  efipada,  a  sword,  was 
iiKule  of  touiifh  wood,  ahout  three  and  a  half  fe(.;t  l<jn<jf, 
witli  a  flat  hlade  four  fingers  in  width  armed  U2)on 
hoth  sides  with  sharp  pieces  of  iztli  ahout  three 
fingers  long  hy  three  wide,  which  were  inserted  into 
the  urooved  edyre  at  intervals,  and  cemented  with 
some  adhesive  compound.'^     This  weapon,  when  not 

''  'I  TL'liUiioanosi  eraiio  siii^olarniciite  riiioiiinti  per  la  lor  (Icstrczza  iicl 
tiriir  trc,  o  <niatn)  fnMicc  iiisioiiio. . .  .I-a  dcstrcz/a  <li  i\w\  I'oimli  lu-l  tirar  In 
frcccc  111)11  sarclibc  credihilc,  sc  iinii  fiissc  accortata  ]iiT  la  (Icposizione  di 
ci'Mtiiiiijii  <li  tcstiiiioiij  ociilati.  Il'iduiiatisi  parccclij  ficc<'iat(iii  j^cttaiio  in 
sii  una  iiaiinoccliia  di  frunuMitoiie,  e  si  iiiottoiioa  sat'ttarla  cim  una  tal  proii- 
tczzii,  I'  con  una  tal  destcritK,  clic  iion  la  lasciaiio  vciiitc  a  luna,  finaOan- 
fiiili(''  111)11  Ic  liaiiiio  Icvati  tutti  i  <;raiii.  (Jettano  siniilniento  una  inoiictii 
(raijrcntu  iion  piii  jiraiidc  d'un  {jiiilio,  e  sacttandola  la  traltonjrono  in  aria, 
(liuuili)  vov'lioni.'  Clorir/vro,  S/aria  Ant.  <lil  Mcssivo,  toin.  ii.,  j).  U.S. 

"  Ixllilxocliitl  montions  cliiliH  stiwldcd  with  iron,  hut  it  is  well  known 
tliiit  tlio  .\zt('c  iiationis  had  no  knowledjr)'  of  that  niinoial,  alt lioii;;li  it  is  said 
tlicv  possosscd  the  art  of  heiny;  ahle  to  temper  cojijier  to  the  hardness  of 
steel,  '|ii)rras  elaveteadas  de  liierro,  eohrc  y  oro.'  IxtliLcovhitl,  Jli/arimien, 
\\\  KliiiialxiroiKjICs  Mrx.  Aiifi'/.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  ^H2. 

'■'  .Xccordin;^  to  (ioniara  it  was  inatlc  of  'eierta  my/,  que  Ilaiian  (,'aeotl, 
Vile  tciixalli,  que  es  viia  arena  rezia,  y  coino  de  vena  iic  diainantes,  que 
tiiczcliui  y  aninssan  eon  sangrc  do  nioreielagos,  y  no  se  ([iie  otra.s  aiies.'  (Ju- 
maru,  Vumj.  Mcx.,  fol.  110. 


i     ' 


410 


Tin:  XAIIUA  NATIONS. 


|li     !j 


in  IinuR'diatc  use,  wan  carried  sliin^  to  the  ;inii  with 
a  coi'd.  ^Taiiy  of  these  swords  were  two-haiulfd  and 
very  lieavy,  and  it  is  asserted  that  with  tlieiii  tliu 
Aztec  warrior  could  at  one  hlow  cut  a  man  in  twd  (ir 
sever  a  liorse's  liead.  The  one  with  wliich  tho  f'u- 
inous  Tlascahec  commander  Thdiuicol  ft)U^ht  was  so 
weiylity  tliat  a  man  of  ordinary  stren<4th  could  liardly 
raise  it  from  the  ground.'"  Tlio  Mexican  spears  weru 
very  strong,  and  were  jwinted  with  iztli  or  co|)j)er. 
Speai's  were  the  j)rincipal  weapon  used  by  the  Zapo- 
tecs  and  other  tribes  of  Oajaca.  The  t/acoc/if/i,  or 
^Mexican  javelin,  was  like  a  long  arrow  made  of  otlatl 
or  l)and)oo;  the  point  was  usually  hardened  in  the  firo 
or  armed  with  iztli,  coj)})er,  or  bone;  many  had  three 
points,  thus  inflicting  a  very  severe  wound;  they  were 
hurled  with  great  force,  and  had  a  cord  attached,  so 
that  when  thrown  they  could  be  recovered  for  another 
cast.  Some  writers  mention  a  ballista  as  being  used 
with  which  to  launch  the  javelin,  but  I  do  not  liiid 
any  descrii)tion  of  its  form  or  of  the  manner  of  usiiijf 
it;"  certainly  the  javelin  was  projected  with  great  vc- 

16  Til  rtfi  rciico  to  the  nincanu,  wliifli  ull  assert  to  linvc  hceii  n  iiinst  fnrinid- 
al)lo  \v(;ii"iii,  I  4111)10  only  a  fi'W  autlioriticM.  'Sus  es|ia(laH  de  ]ialii  liir;;:is,  de 
Ull  |iaIo  limy  fiu'i'tc,  ciiiii'iiilas  We  jiederiialcH  aKiulisiiiios,  (puMlc  una  ciu'liil- 
lada  cfirtiiliaii  a  ceiroii  el  jieseiiezo  de  uii  caballo.'  Motoliiii'it,  Hial.  Jik/Iiji, 
in  IrazliKl'-iiii,  Vul.  lie  Dor.,  toni.  i.,  p.  188.  IJernal  ])iaz  desciiliiiij,'  a  lint- 
tie  with  the  'J'lasealtees  where  Pedro  de  Moron  wa.s  Moiuuied  and  had  liin 
htiise  killed,  says  'dieion  vnu  eiuhillada  A  la  ycjiua,  que  le  eortaion  el  lu'v 
cueyo  redondo,  y  alli  (jiiedo  inucrta.'  lUrtial  Diaz,  lllst.  Com/.,  !•<].  41. 
*Ta;{lia  come  vn  ra.soio  di  Tolo.sa.  lo  viddi  ehe  eoinliatteiuhiKi  vii  di,  dicile 
vii  Indiaiio  viia  cortellata  a  vn  eauallo  sojira  il  qual  era  vn  euualiiero  ctiii  riii 
eoinliatteiia,  iicl  jietto,  die  (,'lielo  apmse  tin  alle  intcriora,  et  eadde  iiicdiilaii- 
ente  iiiorto,  \'  il  niedewinio  j^iorno  viddi  elie  vn'altro  eortelluta  u  vn'altro  i  aiuil- 
lo  Kii  il  ridloelie  jse  lo  yettii  niorto  a  i  jiiedi.'  Rclutiunefatlu  jicr  rii  (jnt/ir/im,. 
nun  ({(!  Si(jHor  FvriKiinIo  Cvrtese,  in  Ramnsio,  Navigafioni,  toni.  iii.,  f(i!. 
3((r».  The  Anonymous  Conqueror  does  not  say  the  head  was  cut  oH',  hut 
that  one  liorse  was  killed  with  a  cut  on  the  lireast  that  onened  it  to  the  en- 
trails, and  the  other  from  a  cut  on  the  neck  was  laid  deaii  at  his  feet,  'l-o 
«iue  nodrau  efectnar  con  aqncllu  csjiada  en  el  jtescuezodel  ealiallo  f<eia  ile  la 
lierida  eiianto  entraren  los  filos  en  hi  came,  quo  no  pasanin  de  an  cant"  dr 
real  de  jdata,  jiorquc  todo  lootro.es  grueso,  por  tener  el  lomo  que  arrilin 
referimos  las  navajas.'  Las  Casus,  Hist.  Apologctica,  MS.,  caji.  l.wi.;  Uir- 
iiaiii/rz.  Nova,  J'laut.,  p.  340;  Purrhus  kisPtlffrimes,  vol.  iv.,  ]».  ll'J'.l. 

1'  It  may  he  that  this  hallesta  was  a  somewhat  similar  imiilenient  tij  that 
used  liy  the  Aleuts  and  Isthmians.  See  vol.  i.,  jut.  ilO,  7()1.  'Danli  clic 
essi  tiraii<>con  vn  maii<;a  nofattoili  vn'altro  hastone.  Iirlationc/ii//ii /nr  m 
fli ii/i/'/ini)iiio  (frl  Sii/iior  Fcriinni'o  Cortcsc,  in  Ramv.slo,  Xui-if/atiuiii,  torn. 
iii.,  fol.  'M');  Lrassciir  ik  JJvitrOouif/,  Hist.  Nut.  Cic,  torn,  iii.,  pp.  o'Jl-J. 


THE  nLOW-PIPE  AND  STANDARDS. 


4U 


■d  and 
111  tlio 
two  (ir 

tliO    fil- 

Wiis  so 
liaiilly 
rs  WL'ii! 

!  Zaiio- 
hfli,  or 
f  otlatl 
tilt'  tiro 
(1  tliroo 
ey  ^vero 
L'liL'd,  so 
aiidthcr 
.ii_o-  used 
not  tiiid 
of  usiii},' 
rent  vc- 


ist  fiiriniil- 
liiv;;iis,  (In 
iia  ciicliil- 
/,  Jiidinn, 
in;,'  a  lint- 

I  liiul  liw 
on  1-1  I'l'^- 

,  ,   f..l.  41. 

11  d'l,  tlic'li; 

■o  coll  rlii 

iiicdutiiii- 

iltnitiiuiil- 

ijniHrhiii- 

II.  iii-,  fill- 

lit  till',  liiit 

to  the  I'll- 

foft.     'I." 

M'la  iU;  li' 

II  ciilito  lie 
nut!  iuril''» 
xvi.;  -"'■'■ 
ll-».l. 

lit  to  tliat 
Dartli  il'c 
illn  jirr  '•» 
iviii,  toin. 
pp.  5'Jl-J. 


Idtlty,  if  it  1)0  true,  an  asserted,  that  tlioy  would  pass 
thidu^h  a  inau's  body;  they  were  mueh  dreaded  by 
the  Sjtniiisli  Con(|ueror.s. 

AVhen  the  Chiehiniecs  first  settled  in  the  valley  of 
Aiiilhuao  the  only  weajions  were  the  how  and  arrow 
and  hlow-pijie,  in  the  useof  uhieh  they  uere  wry  ex- 
pert. The  l)low-j)i})e  was  a  lon<^  hollow  tuhe  through 
wliich  flay  pellets  Avere  projected,  and  it  is  aflinned 
that  with  them  the  Chichiinecs  could  kill  a  man  (»r 
wild  heast  at  a  moderate  distance;  afterwards  this 
Weapon  came  to  bo  generally  used  by  other  nations, 
hut  was  only  employed  for  shooting  small  birds. 
Among  other  things,  Cortes  was  presented  by  Mon- 
tczuma  with  a  dozen  blow-j»ipes  beautifully  orna- 
uuuted  and  painted  with  figures  of  birds  and  animals; 
the  mouth-iiiece  of  each  was  made  of  gold,  five  or  six 
inches  lotig;  they  were  also  ornamented  in  the  centre 
svith  gold,  and  accompanying  them  were  gold  net-work 
niches  to  carry  the  jiellets.'^  The  Matlaltzincas  and 
fahascans  used  weapons  similar  to  those  of  tlu  na- 
tions of  the  Aniihuac  valley ;  the  former  were  especially 
dexterous  in  their  practice  with  the  sling,  which,  when 
not  ill  actual  use,  was  carried  wound  about  the  head.'''' 
Tlic  Hghting  men  among  the  Jaliscans,  were  similarly 
armed,  but  the  lords  and  captains  carried  only  long 
staves  with  whicli  to  urge  their  men  to  fight  and  pun- 
ish any  who  were  disorderly  or  showed  symptoms  of 
cowai-dice.^ 

Each  nation  had  its  own  particular  standard  on 
which  were  painted  or  embroidered  the  armorial 
hearings  of  the  state.  That  of  the  ]\[exican  emjiire, 
as  We  have  seen,  bore  an  eagle  in  the  act  <jf  seizing  a 
tiger,  or  jaguar.  Tliat  of  the  repul)lic  of  Tlascala, 
a  l)ird  witli  its  wings  spread  as  in  the  act  of  ily- 
ing,  which  some  authors  call  an  eagle,  others  a  white 
bird  or  crane.     Each  of  the  four  lordships  of  the  re- 

''  I'lirfrs,  Cartas,  p.  101;    Vet/fi'a,  Hint.  Aiif.  MJ.,  tttni.  ii.,  \).  .1;  (In'n/o, 
llisl.  ilrii.,  toiii.  iii.,  i>.  2!)!);   Toviinrninila,  Mitiiani.  Ind.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  4(J0, 
^'>  Sii/i(i</nii,  llisl.  (irn.,  toin.  iii.,  lil>.  x.,  jip.  128-9. 
''U  Tur'^initiuila,  Monanj.  Ind.,  torn,  i.,  p.  339. 


ill 


412 


TIIK  .SATITA  NATIONS. 


Ji 


'pul)lic'  had  Jilso  its  a] (propria to  ensiiicn;  Tizatlan  had  ;i 
crane  upon  a  rock,  Tcj)otit'])ac  a  M'olf  Avitli  a  hunch  of 
arrows  in  his  paws,  Ocotchik'o  a  jjcrcen  hird  upon  a 
rock,  and  Quialuiizthin  a  parasol  :nade  of  L»'rcon  Icatli- 
ors.^'  Each  company  or  conunand  liad  also  a  distinct 
standard,  the  colors  of  wliich  corrcsjuaidcd  to  that  of 
the  armor  and  jtlunies  of  the  chief  The  great  stand- 
ard of  tlie  Tlascaltec  army  was  carried  h}^  the  general 
commanding,  and  the  smaller  hanners  of  the  compa- 
nies hy  their  res[)ective  captains;  they  were  carried  on 
the  back  and  were  so  iirndy  tied  there  that  they  could 
not  he  detached  without  jj^reat  difiicultv.^'  AVhcn 
upon  a  march  and  not  in  presence  of  the  enemy  the 
standard  of  the  Tlascaltecs  was  carried  in  the  van,  hut 
in  action  it  was  alwa\'s  ])laced  in  th*  rejii.  The  \Iex- 
ican  standard  was  borne  in  the  centre  of  the  army. 
Instruments  of  nnisic,  consisting  of  drums,  horns,  and 
lari>e  sea-shells,  were  sounded  while  fi<»htini>'  to  en- 
courage  and  animate  the  men. 

The  office  of  and)assador  was  one  of  nuich  conse- 
quence, and  i)ersons  of  the  highest  rank,  selected  lui- 
their  courteous  ]nanners  and  oratorical  jmwers,  were 
appointed  to  tlie  position.  Their  })ersons  were  held 
sacred  and  they  were  usually  received   by  those  to 


21  Tn  rotrard  to  tlio  armorial  Oiisi^ru  <>f  flio  Tlascaltecs,  nutliors  did'cr  It 
is  admit lc(l  tliat  tlic  f.'ciicnii-'''.-c!iicf  carried  the  standard  of  tlie  rc|iuiii'c, 
and  im|i(irlaiit  aiitlioiitics  say  liiat  (he  one  liorne  hy  Xicotencati  in  In^ 
halth-  with  Cortes  had  emidazoned  iiitoii  it  a  white  hinl  resemliiin;:  an 
ostrich  or  heron,  but  Clavij^'cro  and  I'rescolt  iui-Iine  tti  the  opinion  that  the 
cMilih-in  was  ail  ea;rle.  In  rc^jard  to  this  Me  Innethe  followin;^  acconMl>. 
IJernal  Diaz,  an  actor  in  the  iiattie,  says  tiie  Tlascaltec  arjiiv  Via:  ranu'cd 
iiniU-r  the  lianner  of  .Xicotencati,  '(|ua  er:i  \  u  aiie  hhn^ca  teiididas  his  ii!;i>, 
coino  (|iie  c|neria  holar,  (iiie  ])arece  como  aneslniz.'  Hist.  Cum:.,  fol.  I."i. 
'Id»'iiaiiae!estaiidiirte  de  iaciinhid,  tine  es  vna  ;r|-||a  de  oro  con  lasahis  tciidi 
das.'  ii'iiiiiiirii.  CoiK/.  Mr,r.,  fol.  7o.  '  I''sta  handi'ra  di  'I'ascaltccle  es  una  .;;r;ui 
([lie  trae  ])or  divisa,  6  annas  al  natural,  de  oro,  e  I  'iididas  las  alas.'  cr.  f/.i, 
Jlisf.  (Irii.,  tom.  iii.,  [1.  ■^!t!>.  '.Xicotencati.  ..llevaha  A  Kstaiidarte  (!<•  la 
l»e[)iil)lic.i.  line  ira  vn  .\;;nihi  <lc  <  )ro,  con  las  .Mas  estciiilidas.'  Tiin/in  ntuflu, 
Mdii.ir'j.  IihI.,  toin.  i.,  p.  -t'J.'!;  C/iirii/iro,  Shniu  Ant.  (/</  Mrs.sicd,  tom.  ii., 
;■.  ! 4.");  i'lrxm.'f.s  .l/c;-,,  vid.    i.,   |t.  -i'M);   itiissiirir,  l/Kin/iirr  Mi.>\,   \>.  '2'M. 

'''  'lla  o;,qii  coin](a;,'nia  il  siio  Alliere  con  la  sua  iiise(.'na  inha>.tata,  v^  i^i 
tal  modo  li;:ata  sopra  Ic  siialle,  die  non  j^di  da  alcnn  dislnrho  di  polcr  i'<  iii- 
hatlere  lie  far  cio  che  viiole.  iV'  la  porta  cosi  li^^ala  hene  al  I'orpo,  clie  ^■l•  iii>ii 


did 


inno  del  siio  I'orpo  pc/zi,  non  sej;li  piio  s 


li''aic,  ne  tornliida  mai.'   Il.laliu 


llli: 


fii  r  I'll  ifi'i 


an, . 


,lrl  N, 


tom.  iii.,  fol.  30'). 


<J" 


ilu  t 


'urlc.t 


ill  il 


1,1(111  II  t>iO, 


A( 


AMBASSADORS  AND  COl'KIKRS. 


413 


had  a 

lU'll   of 

ipon  ii 

l"e:itli- 
listiiu't 
that  of 

stand- 
vcncral 
I'oiiqia- 
licd  oil 
y  could 
.AVlu'i". 
iny  tlio 
•an,  hut 

u  :nkx- 

e  army, 
nis,  aud 
;  to  (.'U- 

i  t'onso- 
ctod  lor 
■s,  WtiV 
ro  hi.' id 
hose  to 

Idinvr    It 

l('|iulil'l', 

all  ill  lii-< 

|iil)liii;-'  iiii 

t\  tliiii  til"' 

accoiiiiN. 

lii;   raii.^t'il 

las  i^hiN 

,  una  ur.ia 
lute  ill-  lii 


1/ 


iniiiiii'". 


toiii.  n  , 

..  1..  •::u. 

jata.  iV  I'l 
Idtrr  II  in- 
lla-  M'  1"'!' 

\io,  Ac'i- 


wliom  they  were  sent  with  lionor  and  respect,  per- 
fumed witli  incense,  presented  witli  Howers,  and  well 
lodged  and  entertahied;  in  case  any  insult  or  indio- 
iiity  was  oliered  them,  it  constituted  a  suflicient  ^  ause 
of  war,  Such  an  instance  occurred  when  the  T(.'j)a- 
uecs,  duriui^  the  I'eioii  of  their  kinjj^  !Maxtlaton,  in- 
vited the  ]\lexican  monarch  Itzcoatl  and  liis  chiefs  to 
Aisit  their  province  and  partake  of  their  hos]»itality. 
Itzcoatl  declined  at  the  advice  of  his  chieis,  hut  the 
latter  went,  carryino-  presents.  They  were  accejtted 
ly  the  Tepanecs  and  the  chiefs  sent  hack  in  wt)men's 
apparel,  whicli  they  were  coni})elled  to  Avear;  the* 
indignity  hrouo-ht  ahout  a  war  hi'tween  the  two  na- 
tions. The  proper  courtesy  and  protection  due  to 
their  position  was,  however,  only  accordetl  them  when 
on  the  hio'h  road  that  led  to  their  destination;  if  they 
deviated  from  it  they  lost  their  rii>hts  and  i)rivilei>es 
as  amhassadors.  When  on  duty  they  wore  a  special 
i;arh  that  denoted  their  office;  it  cotisisted  of  a  <»reen 
liahit  resend)lin_ij^  a  scapulary,  or  small  cloak;  handsome 
feathers  were  twisted  in  the  Iniir  with  tults  of  divers 
colois;  in  the  rioht  hand  thev  carried  an  arrow  with 
the  |)oint  towards  the  jy^round,  and  i>i  the  left  a  shield; 
a  small  net  containino-  provisioiis  liuno-  from  the  left 
aim. 

.V  comjdete  courier-system  was  estahli.shed  tlu'ouoh- 
out  the  em[)ire;  t'lese  couriers  were  employed  to  cany 
laessao-es  in  peace  and  war,  and  fresh  provisions  lor  the 
kind's  tahle;  as  we  have  seen  in  a  former  chajiter,  it  is 
asserted  that  Montezuma  had  fresh  tish  hr(»u_oht  to  his 
palace  daily  from  the  m'ulf  coast.  They  were  exceed- 
iiiijiy  swift  runners,  heino' exercised  from  childhood  and 
ciK'ourao-ed  hy  rewards  to  excel  in  speed.  Stations  were 
tixed  at  distances  of  ahout  si\  miles  ajiait,  Aviiere 
small  towers  were  huilt,  in  which  dwelt  one  or  more 
iiniriers  readv  at  all  times  to  set  out  with  disi)atches. 
As  soon  as  a  ct)urier  arrived  at  t)ne  of  these  towers, 
one  of  those  waitino-  received  from  him  the  message 
he  hoiv,  usually  expressed  in  paintings,  and  at  once 


i 


r!  i''|. 

km 


414 


THE  NAHIJA  WTIONS. 


■.!■    : 


ii 


started  for  the  next  stage,  and  thus  the  tidings  \veic 
conveyed  to  the  capital  in  an  incredibly  short  time. 
Wlien  the  dispatches  were  of  an  important  natiuv, 
the  courier  wore  some  badge  or  was  dressed  in  a  man- 
ner indicative  of  the  intelligence  entrusted  to  hiiii. 
For  instance,  if  it  related  to  a  defeat  in  battle,  liu 
traveled  with  hair  dishevelled,  preserving  a  strut 
silence  until  the  message  was  delivered  to  the  person 
to  whom  it  was  directed;  on  the  other  hand,  if  lie 
])r()ught  news  of  a  victory,  his  hair  was  neatly  tied 
with  a  colored  string,  about  his  body  was  wrapped  a 
wliite  cotton  cloth,  on  his  left  arm  he  carried  a  shield 
and  in  his  right  hand  a  sword  which  he  brandished  as 
if  in  combat,  singing  at  the  some  time  the  glorious 
deeds  of  the  victors.^ 

The  Mexicans  and  other  Nahua  nations,  favored  by 
the  general  features  of  the  country,  adopted  a  sysstcin 
of  fortifications  and  entrenchments  admirably  ada})te(l 
to  secure  them  from  the  attacks  of  internal  enemies, 
though  insufficient  as  a  defense  against  the  superior 
tactics  and  indomitable  perseverance  of  Cortt's.  The 
position  of  the  city  of  Tenochtitlan,  or  Mexico,  gave  it 
tall  the  advantajjes  of  a  fortified  town.  There  was  no 
avenue  of  ai)proach  to  it  but  the  causeways,  which 
w'ere  defended  by  towers  and  ditches  s})anned  liy 
draw-bridges;  it  was  the  untimely  raising  of  one  of 
these  draw-bridges  that  caused  such  destruction  to  tlio 
S])aniards  and  their  allies  on  the  'noche  triste.'  Bo- 
sides  this,  the  inhabitants  prepared  themselves  to 
defend  their  city  by  means  of  boats,  and  were  frc- 
({uently  exercised  in  sham  naval  engagements.  The 
temples  of  Mexico  served  all  the  purposes  of  citadels, 
esjtecially  the  great  temple  built  by  the  Emi)eror 
Tizoc.     It  occupied  the  centre  of  the  city  and  was 


^  'Rc's]icin1>an  h  los  Enilmxndoros  do  sur  THortales  cDcmigo.s,  coino  ii 
I)ioscs,  tiMiiiMido  por  iiiejor  violar  ()iiulnnier  rito  dc  sii  Hi'lij;i<iii,  i\\w  |iri;ir 
contra  la  foe  dada  11  los  limhiixmhtrcs.  J'or(/urin(i<l(i,  Moiiuni.  IikL,  Ii'Iu. 
ji.,  lip.  .^Ho-O.  'Los  Corrt'OH,  o  Monsajjft'roH,  que  8e  de8i)a<^lial)uii  <li'  li|^ 
(iiioiras,  tambien  pasabaii  Bef^iiros,  por  todas  partes.'  lb.:  Claviyerv,  Staria 
Anl.dcl  Mcnnico,  toiii.  ii.,  pp.  118-:I0. 


NAIIUA  FORTIFICATIONS. 


415 


surroimded  by  a  stone  wall  eight  feet  high  and  very 
thick,  having  turrets  and  stone  figures  ui)on  it;  the 
wall  was  pierced  by  four  princii)al  entrances,  over  each 
of  which  were  fortified  apartments,  well  stocked  with 
wea])ons,  offensive  and  defensive,  ready  for  immediate 
service;  here,  in  case  of  a  revolt  or  sudden  alarm, 
the  ufarrison  went  and  armed  themselves.'-*  ( )ne  of 
the  royal  palaces  also  contained  a  largo  armory  where 
great  quantities  of  arms  were  kept  and  armorers  em- 
ployed in  their  manufacture.  The  peculiar  archi- 
tecture of  the  temple  rendered  the  ascent  to  its  toj) 
very  slow  and  difficult;  during  the  battles  of  the 
Mexicans  with  Cortes'  trooj>s  after  IVIontezuma's 
death,  five  hundred  Mexican  nobles  took  possession 
of  this  summit,  whence  they  hurled  darts,  arrows,  and 
stones  against  the  Spaniards,  many  of  whom  lost  their 
li\es  during  the  assault  before  the  position  was  taken 
l)y  Cortes  in  person.  In  his  dispatcli  to  the  Em})eror 
('hiirles  the  Fifth  he  says:  "so  arduous  was  the  at- 
tempt to  take  this  tower  that  if  God  had  not  broken 
their  spirits,  twenty  of  them  Avould  have  been  suffi- 
cient to  resist  the  ascent  of  a  thousand  n)en,  although 
tliev  fought  with  the  greatest  valor  even  unto 
death.""" 

Besides  the  arsenal  and  general  rendezvous  there 
were  many  turreted  towers  and  strong  buildings 
throughout  the  city,  from  the  top  of  which  men  could 
shoot  their  arrows  and  hurl  darts  and  stones  with 
<»Teiit  effect.  Tl'.e  lofty  teocalli  served  as  watch- 
towers,  whence  the  movements  of  the  ei'emy  could  bo 
ohserved.  Naturally  im}>regnable  localities,  such  as 
tlio  vicinity  of  impassai)le  rivers  or  ravines  were  se- 
lected as  sites  for  cities,  which  they  further  strength- 

*'  'A  ciula  parte  y  |mcrt,i  do  las  <Miatro  del  patio  del  toinplo  frraiide  ya 
(lii'lid  lialiiji  una  <;raii  sala  c  .i  iiiuy  Imoiios  aposeiitos  allow  y  liajos  en  ri'ilc- 
ilir.  llii  I'stos  toniaii  iiiiichus  annas,  jMinine  ronio  los  Tcnijilos  trii;;an  jior 
fiirlMlczas  il«>  los  pueblos  ticiicu  eii  olios  toda  su  nimiicion.'  Lus  Ciisas,  Hist. 
A/t(i/t)i/i  tint,  MS.,  eap.  li. 

"  'Si  Dios  no  les  qucbrnrn  las  alas.'  Corffs,  Cartas,  p.  IH'2  See  also 
Cliii'ii/rro,  Sliiria  Ant.  del  Mensico,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  151-2;  Ortega  lu  Vcytin, 
Jlint.'Ant.  MiJ.,  toiu.  iii.,  p.  31». 


416 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


oned  with  forts  or  siuTounded  witli  stone  walls. 
The  city  of  Guacachula,  taken  by  Cortes  shortly 
after  his  retreat  from  Mexico  on  the  'noche  triste,' 
is  thus  described  by  him  in  his  letter  to  Chaiks 
the  Fifth:  "This  city  of  Guacachula  is  situated 
upon  a  plain  bounded  upon  one  side  by  some  very 
lofty  and  craggy  hills;  encircling  the  plain,  on  the 
other  sides,  about  two  cross-bow  shots  apart,  arc 
two  rivers  that  run  through  large  and  deej)  raviiits. 
There  are  but  few  means  of  entrance  to  the  city, 
and  those  extremely  difficult  both  in  the  ascent  and 
descent  so  that  they  can  hardly  be  passed  on  liorse- 
back.  The  whole  city  is  surrounded  by  a  very  stroiiir 
Avail  of  stone  and  lime  about  twenty-two  feet  high  un 
the  outside  and  almost  level  with  the  ground  upon 
the  inside.  Around  the  whole  wall  runs  a  battle- 
ment, half  the  height  of  a  man,  as  a  protection  when 
tjiifhtinof;  it  has  four  entrances  of  sufficient  width  to 
admit  a  man  on  horse'back,  and  in  each  entrance  aie 
three  or  four  curves  in  the  wall  that  lap  one  over  the 
other  and  in  the  course  of  the  curves,  on  the  top  of 
the  wall  are  parapets  for  fighting.  In  tlie  whole  cir- 
cuit of  the  wall  is  a  large  quantity  of  stones  large 
and  small  and  of  different  shapes  for  use  in  action." 
Four  leagues  distant  from  Guacachula  was  anotlicr 
<'ity  called  Izucan,  also  strongly  fortified  with  breast- 
works, towers,  and  a  deep  river  that  encircled  a  great 
part  of  the  city.^" 

One  of  the  most  celebrated  structures  built  for  de- 
fence was  the  stone  wall  erected  l)y  the  Tlascaltccs  to 
secure  themselves  from  the  incursions  of  the  Mexicans. 
This  wall  was  six  miles  long,  extending  acro.ss  a  val- 
ley from  one  mountain  to  another;  it  was  nearly  nino 
feet  high  and  twenty  feet  thick,  surmounted  along  its 
whole  length  by  a  breastwork  that  enabled  its  defend- 
ers to  fight  in  comparative  security  from  the  t.'ji. 
There  was  only  one  entrance,  about  ten  paces  wide, 
where  one  jjart  of  the  wall  overlapped  the  other  in 

26  Curtis,  Cartas,  pp.  150,  152. 


NAHUA  F0UTIFICATI0M8. 


417 


curvilinear  form  in  the  inanner  of  a  ravelin  for  a  dis- 
tiiiice  of  forty  paces.  Bernal  Diaz  and  Cortes  differ 
as  to  the  materials  of  Avliicli  the  wall  was  built.  The 
former  affirms  that  it  was  built  of  stones  cemented 
together  with  lime  and  a  bitumen  so  strongly  that  it 
was  necessary  to  use  })ick-axes  to  se])arate  them,  while 
the  latter  says  it  was  built  of  dry  stone. 

Coi't  ;s,  describing  the  residence  of  the  cacique  of 
Iztacniaxtitlan,  a  garrison  of  the  !^[exicans,  says  it 
was  situated  on  a  lofty  eminence,  with  a  l>etter  fort- 
ress than  there  was  in  half  8i)ain,  defended  by  a  wall, 
larbican,  and  moats. ''^  In  many  other  })arts  of  the 
country  were  stone  fortifications,  wooden  stockades 
and  intrenchments.  A  short  distance  from  the  vil- 
lage of  Molcaxac  stood  a  strony"  fortress  built  on  the 
toj)  of  a  mountain;  it  was  surrounded  by  four  walls, 
erected  at  certain  intervals  l)etween  the  base  of  the 
mountain  and  the  top.  T\,enty-five  miles  from  Cor- 
dova was  the  fortress  of  Quauhtochco,  now  Guatusco, 
encircled  by  high  stone  walls  in  which  were  no  en- 
trance gates;  the  interior  could  only  be  gained  by 
means  of  steep  narrow  steps,  a  method  commonly 
adooted  in  the  country.^**  The  nations  of  ^Fichoacan 
and  Jalisco  employed  heavy  tree-trunks  in  fortifying 
their  positicms  against  the  Spanish  invaders,  or  cut 
dec])  intrenchments  in  which  they  fixed  s]iarj)ened 
irtalvcs.  Previous  to  an  attack  led  by  Pedro  Alvarado 
a^^•linst  the  inhabitants  <jf  Jalisco,  the  latter  took  up 
a  strong  positi-^u  on  a  hill  which  they  fortified  by 
})lacing  large  stones  in  such  a  nuumer,  that  uj)(»n  cut- 
ting the  cords  that  held  them  they  would  be  })recipi- 
tatcd  upon  the  assailants;  in  the  assault  many  Span- 
iards were  killed  and  Alvai'ado  was  thrown  from  his 

'^'  'I'liii  j,'ran  (•er<'ii(li'i)ie(lra  si'ca.'  Cur/rs,  ('(irfnx,  \)\>.  '>\^-(]{).  '  I'lia  fiK'iru 
liii'ii  fiicrtc  lu'clia  lie  cal  y  raiito,  y  <lt'  <>tni  lictiiii  tan  re/in,  <nn'  con  \i\fim 
(Ic  liicrri)  era  t'lnroso  (leMliazoila.'  liiriml  hin-.  His/.  Com/.,  UA.  -i'A;  Tmi/iii'- 
)iiiii/(f,  MntKin/.  Intl.,  toni.  i.,  pji.  4IS-1!);  linssiirrr,  1.  Kinjiirr  Mv.v.,  \\\i. 
'.iJ'.l,  'I'Xl;  llriis.stuir  ilr  lintirhoiinj.  Hist.  X<it.  dr.,  toni.  iv.,  \^\).  I.'U  ."); 
diiiiiiini,  I'liini.  Mi.r.,  fol.  7<>;  J'c/tr  Mitrhfr,  dt'c.  v..  lil).  i.;  i'litriiji m,  S/o- 
rin  .[lit.  ilrl  Mf.s.sii-u,  toiu.  ii.,  I).  l.V);  Siilis,  Hist.  Lotni.  Mij\,  tuni.  i.,  p. 
i!4l 

'•''  Cfdri'irri).  Sforid  A  lit.  (f'.l  J/t',M/co,  toni.  ii.,  i).   150. 
Vol.  II.    27 


l 


lit;;  i 


■■<:.  I'; 


418 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


horse  with  such  violence  that  he  died  two  days  after- 


wards.^ 


Under  the  tripartite  treaty  made  })y  the  kingdoms 
of  Mexico,  Tezcuco,  and  Thicopan,  a  niihtary  couiitil 
was  established  consistiiif^  of  a  president  and  twenty- 
one  members.  During  the  reign  of  the  emperor  Ne- 
zahualcvoyotl  their  deliberations  were  held  in  a  hall  of 
his  palace  in  Tezcuco.  The  president  belonged  to  the 
highest  rank  of  the  nobility  and  commanders  of  tho 
army,  the  other  members  were  composed  of  six  of  the 
princijml  men  of  Tezcuco,  three  nobles  and  three  com- 
moners, and  fifteen  selected  from  the  other  chief  prov- 
inces. Ail  were  veteran  offic(  s  of  recognized  couram; 
and  good  conduct.  To  this  court  were  referred  all  mat- 
ters relating  to  war.  The  council  assembled  when  re- 
quired, to  discuss  and  decide  all  affairs  of  the  service, 
whether  for  the  punishment  of  offenses  subversive  of 
military  discipline,  or  to  transact  the  business  relative; 
to  a  declaration  of  war  against  other  powers.  In  the 
latter  case  the  consultation  always  took  place  in  ])ivs- 
ence  of  the  sovereisjfn,  or  of  the  three  heads  of  tlie 
empire.  All  aml)assadors  and  soldiers  were  su1>jcct 
to  this  tribunal,  which  meted  out  reward  as  well  us 
punishment.     The  following  were  the  articles  of  war: 

First:  any  general  or  other  military  ofTic-ec  wlio, 
accompanying  the  king  on  a  campaign,  should  orsakc 
him,  or  leave  him  in  the  power  of  the  enemy,  t'lurchy 
failing  in  his  dutv,  which  was  to  briniif  back  iiis  sov- 
ereign  dead  or  alive,  suffered  death  by  decapitation. 

Second:  any  officer  who  formed  the  ])riiice's  guard 
and  deserted  his  trust,  suffered  death  by  deca])itati()ii. 

Third:  any  soldier  who  disobeyed  his  su])erior  offi- 
cer, or  al)andoned  his  post,  or  turned  his  back  upon 
the  enemy,  or  showed  them  favor,  suffered  death  by 
decapitation. 

s"  TiriKoni,  ITist.  Mnuiln  Nunrn,  p.  107;  Orinfo,  Ifisf.  Gni.,  tmii.  iii., 
p.  ."id?;  CiuiKirijn,  Hist.  Thix.,  in  XouvclUs  Annuhs  dr.s  Vnij.,  ISi:!,  tniii. 
xcviii.,  p.   133. 


ARTICLES  OF  WAR. 


419 


Fourth:  any  officer  or  soldier  who  usurped  tlic 
captive  or  spoil  of  Jinother,  or  who  ceded  to  another 
tlic  prisoner  he  himself  had  taken,  sutt'ered  death  hy 


lliUlL''"lJ,^ 


Fifth:  any  soldier  who  in  war  caused  injury  to  the 
enemy  without  permission  of  his  officer,  or  who  at- 
tacked before  the  siiiiial  was  mven,  or  who  abandoned 
the  standard  or  headquarters,  or  broke  or  violated  any 
Older  issued  by  his  captain,  suffered  death  by  decapi- 
tation. 

Sixth:  the  traitor  who  revealed  to  the  enemy  the 
secrets  of  the  army  or  orders  communicated  for  the 
success  thereof,  sufi'ered  death  by  bein*,''  torn  to  ])ieces; 
liis  ])roperty  was  forfeited  to  the  crown  and  all  his 
children  and  relations  were  made  slaves  in  jterpetuity. 

Seventh:  any  person  who  })rotected  or  concealed 
an  enemy  in  time  of  war,  whether  noble  or  plebeian, 
hiuffered  death  by  beinif  torn  to  j)ieces  in  the  middle  of 
the  jtublic  square,  and  his  limbs  were  _oiven  to  the 
pojtulace  to  be  treated  as  objects  of  derision  and  con- 
tenijtt. 

Eighth:  any  noble  or  })er^^on  of  distinction  who,  in 
action,  or  at  any  dance  or  festival,  exhibited  the  in- 
signia or  bado'os  of  the  kings  of  Mexico,  Tezcuco,  or 
Tlacopan,  suffered  death  and  forfeiture  of  property. 

Ninth:  any  nobleman  who,  being  ca})tured  by  the 
enemy  fled  from  i)rison  and  returned  to  his  country 
suH'ered  death  by  decapitation ;  but,  if  he  fought  and 
vancjuished  seven  soldiers  in  gladiatorial  comliat  })re- 
vious  to  return,  he  was  free  and  was  rewarded  as  a 
brave  man.  The  private  soldier  who  Hed  Irom  an 
enemy's  prison  and  returned  to  his  country  was  well 
received. 

Tenth:  any  ambassador  who  failed  to  disctiarge  his 
trust  in  accordance  with  the  ordei's  and  instructions 
given  to  him  or  who  returned  without  an  answer,  suf- 
fered death  by  decapitation.* 


30 


""'  Vnf/>(t,   Jfisf.   A)it.    Mij.,    tmn.   iii..    jip.    203-4.   422-.3;   Tor>/iirt)i,i(/(i, 
Mmnirr/.  I  ml.,  torn,  ii.,  [ip.  3S4-5,  r)40;  Las  Casus,  Ilisl.  A/iolui/cdnx,  MS., 


120 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


ill 


As  T  have  already  stated,  the  piiinary  ohjoct  of 
most  wars  was  to  j)roL'ure  victims  for  sacritices  to 
Huitzilopoc'litli  and  otlier  j^ods,  and  tlio  Mexitaiis 
were  never  at  a  loss  for  an  excuse  to  pick  a  <|uarrLl. 
Tlie  refusal  of  a  nei,o"hborin<^  power  to  receive  in  its 
temple  one  of  the  Mexican  j^^'ods,  nei^lect  to  i)ay  tiih- 
iite  demanded,  insults  ottered  to  am])assadors  or  trav- 
elin<^'  merchants,  or  synn)toms  of  rebellion  in  a  city 
or  a  i)rovince,  i'urnished  sufficient  pretext  to  take  u}> 
arms.  The  rulers  of  Mexico,  however,  always  en- 
deavored to  justify  their  conduct  before  they  made 
Avar,  and  never  connnenced  hostilities  without  send- 
'm<f  due  notice  of  their  intention  to  the  adversai y. 
Before  an  actual  challenge  was  sent  or  war  declared 
against  any  nation,  the  council  met  in  presence  of  the 
three  heads  of  the  empire,  and  gravely  discussed  the 
ecpiity  of  the  case.  If  the  difficulty  lay  with  a  })i()v- 
ince  subject  to  tlie  enn)ire,  secret  emissaries  were  sent 
to  incpiire  whether  the  fault  originated  solely  with 
the  governor  or  if  he  was  sustained  by  his  subjects. 
If  it  a])peared  that  the  whole  blame  rested  with  tlie 
governor,  a  force  was  sent  to  arrest  him,  and  he  was 
publicly  punished,  together  with  all  others  implicated; 
but  if  the  rising  was  with  the  consent  of  the  })eo]»]e, 
they  were  summoned  to  submit  and  })lace  themselves 
in  obedience  to  the  king  whose  vassals  they  were,  and 
a  fine,  j)roportionate  to  the  magnitude  of  the  case, 
Mas  imposed.  It  was  customary  for  the  rulers  of 
Mexico  or  Tezcuco  to  send  messengers  to  distant 
])rovinces  with  a  demand  that  they  should  receive  one 
or  more  of  their  gods  and  worship  them  in  their  teni- 
])les.  If  the  messenger  was  killed  or  the  proposed 
god  rejected,  a  war  ensued. 

As  I  have  said,  it  was  a  breach  of  international 
eti(pietto  to  proceed  to  war  without  giving  due  notice 
to  the  enemy,  and  military  law  prescribed  that  three 
embassies  should  be  des})atched   before    commenciiiL,^ 

cap.  coxv;  Tjcflilxorhifl,  Hist.  Chirh.,  in  Khi'jshorowjli's  Mcx.  Anliii.,  vol. 
ix.,  pp.  243,  24G;  Mcii'licta,  Hid.  Eclcs.,  p.  132. 


DECLARATION  OF  WAR. 


421 


liostilities.  The  nuinlier  of  anibassadors  varied  ac- 
cording' to  the  circuinstaneos  and  rank  of  the  jtrinces 
iii^ainst  whoni  war  was  to  be  made,  for  the  higlier  hin 
r.iuk  the  fewer  in  number  were  the  envoys.  If  lie 
was  a  great  king  only  one  was  sent,  and  he  was 
H'enerally  of  the  blood-royal  or  a  ftuuous  general. 
Sometimes  the  ambassadors  were  instructed  to  de- 
liver their  message  directly  to  the  hostile  prince,  at 
other  times  to  the  people  of  the  province.  In  the 
first  case  upon  entering  into  the  prince's  i)resence 
they  paid  their  respects  with  reverence,  and  having 
seated  themselves  in  the  centre  of  the  audience- 
hall,  waited  till  permission  was  given  them  to  s})eak. 
The  signal  made,  the  principal  among  them  deliv- 
ered his  messa<jfe  in  a  low  tone  of  voice  and  with  a 
studied  address,  the  .audience  preserving  a  decorous 
silence,  and  listening  attentively.  As  a  general  thing, 
in  all  embassies  an  interchange  of  i>resents  was  made, 
and  if  the  message  was  from  one  friendly  })ower  to 
iinother,  a  refusal  of  such  gifts  was  a  serious  affront. 
If,  however,  it  was  to  an  enemy,  the  ambassador  could 
not  receive  a  present  without  express  orders  from  his 
master.  When  the  three  powers  of  Mexico,  Tezcuco, 
and  Tlacopan  acted  in  unison,  in  the  exent  of  a  diffi- 
cidty  with  another  nation,  the  first  and)assadors  sent 
were  of  the  Mexican  nation  and  were  called  qiKHjtiaaJi- 
iioi'htzin.  Upon  arriving  at  the  capital  of  the  king- 
dom or  province  they  })roceeded  at  once  to  the  public 
sjuare  and  summoned  before  them  the  ministers  and 
aged  men,  to  whom  they  made  known  the  several  cir- 
cumstances of  the  case,  warning  them  that,  in  case 
their  lord  refused  to  accede  to  their  propositions,  upon 
them  and  their  families  would  fall  the  evils  and  hard- 
shi[)s  produced  by  war,  and  exliorting  them  to  counsel 
and  persuade  their  lord  to  maintain  the  good  will  and 
protection  of  the  empire ;  for  this  purpose  they  granted 
twenty  days,  within  which  time  they  would  expect 
an  answer,  and  in  order  that  there  might  be  no  com- 
plaint of  being  surprised  and  taken  unprepared  tliey 


a 


422 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


loft  a  sni)i)ly  of  weapons  and  tlion  rotind  outside 
the  town  to  await  the  answer.  If  within  tlie  twenty 
(lays  it  was  decided  to  accept  the  terms  of  the  anihas 
sadors,  the  ministers  went  to  the  j)lace  where  thiy 
were  in  waitin<if  and  conducted  them  into  tlie  citv, 
where  they  were  received  with  every  mark  of  respect, 
and  in  a  short  time  were  sent  hack  to  their  own  couii 
try,  laccomj^'inied  hy  otiier  amhassadors,  hearinj^'  costly 
j)rescnts  in  token  of  friendship  and  esteem.  If  ]u»\. 
ever,  twenty  days  passed  without  a  satisfactory  ad 
justment  of  the  difficidty,  a  second  set  of  aml)assa- 
dors,  held  in  readiness  for  tlie  occasion,  who  had  to  he 
of  the  kinj^dom  of  Tezcnco  and  were  called  arlira- 
c<tnhtzln,  were  sent  into  the  city.  These  carried  with 
them  a  cpiantity  of  arms,  some  feathers  of  a  hird 
called  tccpi/otf,  and  a  small  earthen-ware  jar  coii- 
tainiiii*'  a  certain  halsamic  and  aromatic  ointment, 
(■om})ounded  of  various  herhs  and  gums.  They  went 
directly  to  the  palace  of  the  j)rince  and  in  })resence  ol" 
the  ij^entlemen  of  his  court  delivered  their  message. 
They  then  represented  to  him  the  miseries  of  war, 
and  warned  him,  that  if  within  the  space  of  twenty 
days  he  did  not  agree  to  their  terms,  in  the  event  of 
his  heing  taken  captive  during-  the  war  which  would 
(Uisue  he  would  he  put  to  death  under  the  penalty  of 
the  law,  which  sentenced  him  to  have  his  head 
smashed  with  a  cluh,  and  that  his  vassals  would  he 
chastised  in  proportion  to  the  offence  each  had  com- 
mitted. \f^  the  refractory  prince  or  nohle  refused 
immediate  comjdiance,  the  and)assadors  anointed  his 
right  arm  and  his  head  with  the  ointment  hrouglit 
with  them,  telling  him  to  he  stron'^  and  of  go(id 
courage  and  to  fight  hravely  against  the  trot)})s  ot' 
the  eiapire,  whose  valor  in  war  they  greatly  extolled. 
They  tlien  tied  the  tecpilotl-plumes  at  the  hack  of 
his  head  with  red  strings,  handed  him  the  weapons 
they  had  hrought  with  them,  and  retired  to  the 
[)lac;e  wdiere  the  first  ambassadors  were,  to  await  the 
expiration  of  the  twenty  days.      If  he    surrendered 


DKCLAUATION  OK  WAH. 


438 


Avitliiii  the  titno,  lio  was  ru(|iiiiL'd  to  pny  a  stipulatuil 
iiiiiiiial  trihute  of  small  ainouiit,  but  it"  lie  rol'iisuil  to 
suri'omler,  tliore  caiiio  a  tliird  set  of  ambassadors,  who 
were  of  the  kinj^dom  of  Tlaeopan;  they  a[»|)eared  he- 
lore  tlio  lord  ill  tlio  preseiieu  of  his  ministers  and 
court,  and  delivered  their  messao-o  with  stronj^er 
threats  and  wai'ninj,»'s,  to  the  effect  that  if  he  did  not 
sinreuder  at  the  exjuration  of  a  further  twenty  days, 
the  army  of  the  empire  would  march  against  his 
territory  and  punish  the  inhabitants  regardless  of 
age  or  sex,  and  that  although  they  might  im])lore  its 
clemency  they  would  not  be  heard;  they  then  gave 
tlieni  a  larger  sup[)ly  of  arms  than  on  the  })reced- 
iiig  occasions,  telling  them  to  avail  themselves  of 
tliem  and  not  to  say  at  a  future  time  that  they  had 
belli  assailed  unpre})ared.  If  the  lord  of  the  prov- 
iiue  surrendered  within  the  last  twenty  days,  he  was 
punished  according  to  the  j)leasure  oi'  the  three  pow- 
ers, but  not  with  death  nor  with  the  conliscation  of 
his  rank  or  property;  he  was  usually  condenmed  to 
j)ay  an  extraordinary  tribute  out  of  his  own  revemies; 
should  ho  continue  rebellious,  war  broke  out,  and  the 
army  of  the  empire,  already  prepared  on  the  frontiers, 
oomnu'uced  its  operations.^' 

It  was  usual  to  send  a  formal  challenge  or  declara- 
ti(»n  of  war,  acccunpanied  by  some  })resents,  either  of 
arms,  clothing,  or  food,  as  it  was  held  to  be  a  discredit- 
altle  act  to  attack  any  unarmed  or  defenseless  people. 
A  notable  instance  of  this  spirit  was  shown  by  tho 
Tlascaltecs  when  they  confronted  the  army  of  Cortes; 

''  T<as  Casas  says  that  very  olil  woiupti  wore  admitted  to  war  councils. 
'Nuiini  iiioviaii  j^uerra  «in  dar  ]>tivtt'  al  |iuetdi>,  \  sin  niuciio  conscjo  de  Um 
iiiiis  ancianos  y  caballeros  ejcrcitados  en  la  j^ucrra,  al  cual  conscjo  so  ad- 
iiiiliaa  las  ninjeres  niuy  virjas  coinii  persoiias  i|n(>  lialiian  visto  y  oido 
iMiiclias  cDsas  y  awi  esperinii'iitadas  dn  io  pasado."  J.iin  Cusiis,  lli.st.  A/mttt- 
iji  /"•'!,  MS.,  cap.  Ixvi.  According.;  to  tiic  ( 'lu-valier  ISotiirini  the  tir.st  anilias- 
sadurs  were  accredited  to  the  kin^'  or  lord  of  the  jirovince,  the  .second  wcrs 
(lisputclu'd  to  the  n(diilitv  re<inirin{^  them  to  persuade  their  lord,  and  the 
tliird  convoked  the  peoi>fe  and  advised  tlieni  of  the  motives  their  monarcli 
liail  for  \va;<in|.;  war  aj;ainst  them.  Jiotiiriiii,  Itit'o,  j»i>.  U>"2-.'{.  See  also  IV//- 
ti'i,  llinf.  A)it.  Mi'j.,  t<un.  iii.,  i)|i.  424-7;  Ijllil.iijchitl,  Hist.  Vh'uh.,  in 
KiiiiiufxtrinKfh'ii  Me.r.  A)>ti<i.,  vol.  ix.,  jjp.  ■24(J-7;  Tfzozoitioc,  Crriiiicn  Mrj., 
u  /(/.,  pp.  40,73;  Tvrqmiiimlu,  Munuri£.  luil.,  toni.  ii,,  pp.  382-3,  534-5. 


•1  ■-n 

'I     u 


I 


m 


421 


THE  N'AIIUA  NATIONS. 


t?l 


tliL'ir  rrcMioral  is  reported  to  have  exclaimod:  "Wli-i 
are  these  jtresumptuoiis  men,  so  few  in  nunilier  iluit 
they  atteinj)t  to  eiiti^r  our  ooimtry  in  spite  of  us  ?  Lest 
tht  y  think  we  want  to  take  tiieni  hy  liun<»'er  ratlin- 
than  hy  force  of  arms,  let  us  send  tliem  food,  tliat  we 
may  tin<l  tlieni  savory  after  the  sacrifice,  i'or  they  conu' 
starved  and  worn  out."  iJefore  tlie  hattle  tht'y  scut 
three  hunthi^d  turkevs  and  two  liundred  haskets  of 
centH  or  tamales,  eadi  l)asket  weinliim^  ahout  twenty- 
live  pounds,  a  i^ift  most  acceptahle  to  tlie  C'astihaiis." 
When  warau^ainst  another  nation  was  decided  upon, 
tlie  first  care  of  the  Mexicans  was  to  investii^'ate  the 
character  and  resources  of  the  region  they  were  ahout 
to  illv^•lde.  Certain  spies  called  <jui)tiicliti>i,  who  weic 
selected  for  their  knowledge  of  the  language  and 
customs  of  the  enemy's  country,  were  sent  thitlui-, 
dressed  after  the  manner  of  the  inhahitants.  These 
8]>ies  were  directed  to  pre[)are  maps  of  the  districts 
they  passed  through,  showing  the  plains,  rivers,  mount- 
ains, and  dangerous  passes  as  well  as  the  most  practi- 
cahle  routes,  and  were  to  take  notice  of  all  means  of 
defense  possessed  hy  the  enemy.  The  sketches  and 
information  thus  ohtained  were  yfiven  to  the  chiefs  of 
the  army  to  guide  them  in  their  march  and  enal)le 
them  to  make  the  hest  disposition  of  their  forces. 
Such  spies  as  hrought  valuahle  news  were  reward- 
ed with  the  grant  of  a  piece  of  land,  and  if  one 
came  over  from  the  enemy's  side  and  gave  advice  of 
their  preparations  and  force,  he  was  well  paid  and 
giv^en  presents  of  mantles.**  When  a  war  was  to  \>c 
conducted  jointly  hy  the  three  allied  powers,  procl;i- 
maticm  was  made  hy  heralds  in  the  public  thorou'.'i 
fiires  of  the  capital  cities.  Commissariat  oft 
called  caJjyixqiies  collected  the  necessary  stores 
provisions  for  the  campaign,  and  distributed  weapm 

32  Torqucmnda,  Monarq.  Ltd.,  toin.  i.,  p.  42.*};  Gomara,  Conq.  Mex.,  M- 
75;  Ilrrrcm,  Hisf.  Grn.,  dec.  ii.,  IH).  vi.,  «i|t.  vi. 

3'  'A  estiis  EH])ias,  que  emltitiluiii  delaiitc,  Ilaiiiabim  Ratones,  one  uihImu 
dc  nofhe,  6  cscundidus,  y  il  liurtudillus.'  Torqucmada,  Monarq.  lud.,  tuiu. 
ii.,  p.  538. 


I<!     :l 


.  !    i 


OUDEIl  OF  MAIICU  AND  IIATTLE. 


425 


and  coarse  mantli's  of  iio(|ut'n  to  tho  nnuy.  Tlio 
ti(t()|».s  then  went  to  tho  toniplo  and  pci'loniicd  tliu 
ccivmony  of  H('ariryiii»^  their  h(»<lies,  whiU'  the  ciistoin- 
jiiy  sacritit'cs  were  oti'ured  liy  the  priests  to  lluitzilo- 
jtuchtli. 

If  the  expedition  was  an  important  one  and  the 
army  hirijfe,  it  was  composed  of  several  divisions, 
called  .i'l<in{jnl/i,  each  coiisistini^  of  eii'i'ht  thousand 
111(11  nnder  tlieir  respective  connnanders.  When  all 
was  in  readiness  the  order  of  inarch  was  thns  formed: 
tilt  ]iriests  with  their  idols  started  one  day's  march  in 
advance;  next  came  tl'o  captains  and  Hower  of  the 
army,  followed  by  the  soldiers  of  jVfexico;  after  them 
the  Tezcucans,  and  then  those  of  Tlacojian,  the  rear 
iK'iiiuf  closed  by  the  troojis  of  other  j)roviiM-es;  one 
(lay's  march  separated  each  division.  Perfect  order 
was  maintained  on  the  route,  and  when  near  the  ene- 
my's country  the  chiefs  tra(!ed  out  the  campiniif-_<»r()und 
each  iliision  should  occupy,  and  directed  all  to  en- 
tivii.  I    cvud  fortify  their  positions.** 

The  battle  was  sometimes  foui^ht  on  a  piece  of 
iiciitral  ufround  Ivinsjf  between  the  confines  of  two  ter- 
ritniics.  Such  a  place  was  known  Ity  the  name  i/aii/i- 
thil/1,  and  was  especially  reserved  for  the  jturpose, 
and  always  left  luicultivated.'"  Before  the  action 
(•(iiiimenced  each  soldier  received  from  the  loyal  mai^- 
azim;  a  handful  of  j)inole  and  a  kind  of  cake  called 
flii.rfa/fofopochf/i;  afterwards  the  hi^h-priest  or  chief 
addressed  the  troops,  reminding-  them  of  the  L;lory  to 
I'e  u-ained  by  victory,  and  the  eternal  bliss  in  store  for 
uiose  who  fell,  and  concluded  bv  counseliiii'"  them  to 
I'lace  their  trust  in  Huitzilopochtli  and  fi^ht  valiantly. 

the  king  was  present  on  the   field  the  signal   for 

'*  Caniargo  says:  'L'l.mnie  titait  divisi'P  par  Imtaillons  do  cent  lioiiiiiies.' 
Ilisl.  Tliir.,  in  Nonvelles  Antntlcs  tics  Vinj.,  1843,  toiii.  xirviii.,  p.  I.S4. 
'tjiiiaiiilo  res€'rc'iti(  era  iiiinieroao,  si  (•(tiitava  per  Xiqin'/iilli:  ml  oj^iii  A'i(/ui- 
pi/li  si  i'oin|HHU'  d'otto  inila  iioiiiiiii.'  Clufiijcro,  Sloriu  Ant.  del  Mn.s.siro, 
tiiin.  ii.,  p.  147. 

'^■>  Also  sjx'lt  qitiahtlalc,  jaotlnlU,  meaiiin}?  ii  place  for  war.  Cltirifffro, 
fjldriii  Aut.  dd  Mf.sniro,  tinii.  ii.,  1>J).  147-S;  Ooitttiia,  Vuntj.  Mcx.,  fol.  322; 
TuripiciitaiUi,  Monarq.  lad.,  toin.  ii.,  p.  538. 


i 


if  n 


42G 


THE  N.*iirA  NATIONS. 


attack  was  j^iven  by  him.  The  Mexican  moiuucli 
iKSSued  his  orders  to  conimence  the  action  by  sound! ni> 
on  a  lary^c  sliell  making  a  noise  ^'ke  a  trumpet;  thu 
lords  of  Tezcuco  beat  upon  a  small  drum,  and  lords  of 
(^ther  provinces  struck  two  bones  together.  The  sio-- 
nals  for  retreat  were  given  upon  similar  instruments. 
When  the  battle  connnenced,  the  shrieking  of  musical 
instrum«;nts,  the  clashing  of  swords  against  bucklers, 
and  shoutiuij:  of  the  combatants  made  a  noise  so  <>icat 
as  to  strike  terror  into  those  unused  to  it.  AVliilc 
tiohtino'  the  warriors  shouted  the  names  of  their  re- 
s})ective  towns  or  districts  to  enable  them  to  recognize 
each  other  and  prevent  confusion.*' 

In  lighting  there  appears  to  have  been  no  special 
tactics;  the  commanders  of  divisions  and  the  captains 
used  every  effort  to  keep  their  men  together,  and  were 
very  careful  to  j>r«)tect  the  standard,  as,  if  that  was 
taken,  the  battle  was  considered  lost  and  all  Hed. 
They  observed  the  wise  policy  of  keeping  a  nuniher 
of  nien  in  reserve  to  replace  any  who  were  wearied  ttr 
had  exhausted  their  weapons.  The  archers,  slingers, 
and  javelin  men  commenced  the  action  at  a  distance 
and  gradually  drew  nearer,  until  they  came  to  cKise 
tpiarters,  when  they  took  to  their  swords  and  s})ears. 
All  movements,  both  in  advance  and  retreat,  were 
rapidly  executed;  sometimes  a  retreat  was  feigned  in 
order  to  draw  the  enemy  into  an  ambuscade  wliidi 
had  been  prepared  beforehand.  The  chief  object  was 
to  take  prisoners  and  not  to  slay;  when  an  enemy  re- 
fu.sed  to  surrender,  they  endeavored  to  wound  tlKin 
in  the  foot  or  leg  so  as  to  prevent  escape,  but  tliey 
never  accei)ted  a  ransom  for  a  prisoner.  Certain  men 
were  attachetl  to  the  army  whose  duty  it  was  to  re- 
move the  killed  and  wounded  during  the  action,  mi 
that  the  enemy  might  not  know  the  losses  and  take 
fresh  heart.^'' 

'6  Tczozomor,  Crdirira  lifex.,  in  Kiiigsborongh's  Mix.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix.,  pp. 
31,  41,  mi,  147. 

'"  For  fiirtlier  iioi'ount  of  tlieir  niaiiiicr  i)f  »'t)H(luctiii^' ii  war,  sec:  clan- 
ijrro,  .s7o;/f(  Aiil.  del  Mcnaicu,  twin,  ii.,  pii.  1  IT-'J;  ^iiImijiih,  Hint.  G't/r,  tmii. 


TLASCALTECS  AND  TARASCOS, 


427 


Tlie  Tlascaltecs  formed  their  army  into  battalions, 
t'iU'li  liaviui''  its  appointed  cliief,  tlie  whole  being  under 
the  command  of  a  general-in-chief,  who  was  elected 
from  among  those  of  the  four  seigniories  into  wliich 
the  republic  was  divided.  Their  mode  of  fighting 
(lillirod  little  from  thoc  of  the  Mexicans,  with  the  ex- 
ivjttion  of  a  certain  practice  wliich  they  observed 
iij»Mii  first  'oniing  in  contact  with  the  enemy.  This 
roiisisted  in  '-arrying  with  them  two  darts  which  thev 
lielieved  would  })resage  victory  or  tlefeat  according  to 
tlic  result  of  their  delivery  into  the  hostile  ranks. 
According  to  Motolinia  the  tradition  among  them  in 
regard  to  this  belief  was,  that  their  ancestors  came 
t'loiu  the  north-west,  and  that  in  order  to  reach  the 
land  they  navigated  eiyhc  or  ten  days:  from  the 
>ldcr<t  among  them  they  then  received  two  darts 
wliich  they  guarded  as  precious  relics,  and  regarded 
as  an  infallible  auiifury  by  which  to  know  whether 
thiv  would  gain  a  victory  or  ought  to  retreat  in  time.'** 
When  a  victory  was  won  the  lifreat  standard  was 
hrouglit  to  the  front  and  placed  upon  a  rising  ground 
or  in  some  conspicuous  positiori,  and  all  were  obliged 
to  asst.'nible  around  it;  he  who  neglected  to  do  so  was 
]»uiii-;hed. 

The  Tarascos  fought  with  great  courage  to  the 
sound  of  munerous  horns  and  sea-shells,  and  carried 
ti)  hattle  banners  made  of  feathers  of  many  >'olors. 
Tlieir  skill  and  valor  is  best  ]n<)ven  by  the  I'act  that 
the  ^[exicans  were  never  able  to  sul)due  them.  They 
sJiDwed  esi)ecial  strategy  in  luring  the  foe  into  ambu.sh, 
bike  the  Mexicans  their  chief  ol)ject  in  l)attle  was  t.) 
take  iirisonei's  to  saci-itice  to  their  gods.'*' 

ii, 'ill.  viii.,  |i|(.  .'Ul-l-i;  f.(i\  ('(imi.i.  IIImI.  A/)ii/ii(irfirii,  MS.,  cap.  Ixvii  ; 
-ir,<, ;,/,,,  y/,\7.  /•;,/,•,<..  pi,.  I-JD  ;{|;  (liumini,  ('i>ii>/.  .U-',;-.,  fill.  :{■_'_'  M;  /Irif.s- 
^<iiri  I  Iliiiirhiiiiri/,  lllst.  Xnf.  Cir.,  tolii.  iii..  ]i]).  ri'.tS-C'.M  ;  Ti>niiiriiiiii/ii.  Mn- 
""/■/.  //»/.,  tiilii.  ii  ,  ji]!.  .")l$7-40;  ('/iiiciM,  I'li/i/nir/, \li  7'i  riiiiii.r-Ciiiii/tfiiis,  \  oif., 
>irii'    i.,  toll',  v.,  iip.  ;U.S-I4:   Klinnii,  <'it/li(r-(i'i.sr/iirfifi,  tniii.  v.,  pp.  8ti  S. 

'■^  Mdliiliniii,  lli.sf.  fiii/iits,  Ul  Jriizlitllrr/ii,  Ciil.  ilr  /tor.,  timi.  i.,  p.  II; 
/[■rrrni,  lli.it.  (irii.,  iloc.  ii.,  lib.  vi.,  ca|).  .wii.;  (loiinnui,  <.'i)ii'/.  Mij\,  fol. 
■*i;  Tiii'/Hioiiifiii,  .)fi)tiitri/.  1)1(1.,  torn,  i.,  p.  34;  G'uijc'.s  XticSiinn/,  p.  77; 
lli'isirrrc,  I/Einiiirr  Mr.i.,  p.   '2M). 

''J  IlrauiJiDiit,  ('run    Mrr/ionrnii,  MS.,  |ip.  ol,  CO-1. 


428 


THE  XAHUA  NATIONS. 


Among  the  Mexicans,  when  the  battle  was  over, 
the  first  prisoners  taken  were  given  to  the  i)riL'st,s  tu 
he  sacrificed  before  tlie  idols  they  carried  with  tlitin. 
An  account  was  taken  of  the  losses  sustained  and  of 
tiie  number  of  prisoners  and  other  booty  gained.  lie- 
wards  were  distributed  to  all  who  had  distinguislnd 
themselves  and  punishment  inflicted  on  any  wlio  liad 
misbeliaved.  All  disputes  relative  to  the  capture  of 
prisoners  were  inquired  into  and  adjusted.  If  a  cuse 
arose  where  neither  of  the  disputants  could  })r(»ve 
their  title,  the  prisoner  was  taken  from  them  and 
given  to  the  priests  to  be  sacrificed.  Those  inhal»i- 
tants  of  the  concjuered  province  who  could  prove  that 
they  had  taken  no  active  i)art  in  the  war  were  ])im- 
ished  at  the  discretion  of  their  conqueror;  usually 
they  wer3  condemned  to  pay  a  certain  annual  trihute, 
or  to  construct  public  works;  meantime,  the  vaii- 
(piislied  province  v/as  supplied  with  a  governor  and 
otticers,  appt)inted  from  among  the  con(juerors.*'' 

Wiien  tlie  king  or  a  feudatory  lord  ca}>tured  a  ])iis- 
oner  for  the  first  time,  his  success  was  made  the  oi't'a- 
sion  of  much  rejoicing.  The  captive,  dressed  in  siiowy 
apparel  and  mounted  on  a  litter,  was  borne  to  the 
town  in  great  triunq>h,  accompanied  by  a  liost  of  v.ai- 
riors  shouting  and  singing;  at  the  outskirts  of  the 
city  the  procession  was  met  by  the  inhabitants,  some 
i^laviniif  on  musical  instruments,  others  danciuiif  and 
singing  songs  composed  for  the  occasion.  Tlie  jnis- 
oner  was  saluted  with  mimic  hon(»rs,  and  his  cajitor 
greatly  extolled  and  congratulated.  Numbers  of  peo- 
ple arrived  from  the  adjoining  towns  and  village's  to 
assist  in  the  general  hilarity,  Ijringing  with  tlniii 
]>resents  of  gtdd,  jewels,  and  rich  dresses.  Upon  the 
<lay  ap})ointed  for  tlie  sacrifice  a  grand  festival  was 
held,  })revious  to  and  after  which  the  lord  fasted  and 
])erf()rmed  certain  ])rescr".bed  ceremonies.  The  victim 
was  usually  dressed  for  the  occasion  in  the  rcjbcs  of 

*"  Sft/iiiffun,  Hist.  Grn.,  toiu.  ii.,  lib.  viii.,  p.  313;  Lan  Canas,  lliil. 
Apologctivn,  JUS,,  cap.  Ixvii. 


GLADIATORIAL  COMBAT. 


429 


the  L:()fl  of  the  sun,  and  sacrificed  in  tlio  usual  luan- 
iicr.  With  some  of  tlio  blood  that  flowed,  the  priest 
^[diiilded  the  four  sides  of  the  teui[)le;  the  remainder 
\v;i.-;  collected  in  a  vessel  and  sent  to  the  noble 
c;i{;l()r,  Avho  with  it  sj)rinkled  all  the  gods  in  the 
court  yard  of  the  temple  as  a  thank-otteiing  for  the 
victoiy  he  h-.d  gained.  After  the  heart  was  taken 
out  the  l)ody  was  rolled  down  the  steps  and  rei-eived 
IkIow;  the  head  was  then  cut  off  and  placed  u])on  a 
]ii;;h  pole,  afterwards  the  body  was  Hayed,  and  the 
skin  stuffed  with  cotton  and  hung  up  in  the  captor's 
house  as  a  meniento  of  his  j)rowess/^ 

When  a  renowned  ca})tain  or  noble  was  made  pris- 
oner, tlie  rioht  of  tiohtiuo-  for  his  liberty  was  onuited 
liini — an  honor  not  permitted  to  warriors  <»f  an  inferior 
rank.  Near  the  tenn)le  was  an  ojten  s})ace  ca[)ablc  of 
containing  a  large  multitude;  in  the  middle  was  a  cir- 
cular mound  built  of  stone  and  mortar,  about  eight 
fli't  liigh,  with  stej)s  leading  to  the  to[>,  wliere  was 
H\c(l  a  huge  round  stone,  three  feet  high,  smooth,  and 
adorned  with  figures.  This  stone  was  called  tlie  tr- 
hi<tf<ic((fl;  upon  it  the  prisoner  was  jtlaced,  tied  at  the 
anklu  with  a  cord,  which  passed  through  a  hole  in  the 
centre  of  the  stone.  His  wea[)ons  consisted  of  a 
shield  and  macana."  He  who  had  taken  him  })ris- 
(iiicr  then  mounted  the  stone,  better  armed,  to  combat 
with  liim.  Both  the  coml)atants  were  animated  with 
the  strongest  motives  to  figlit  tlesperately.  Tlie  pris- 
oner fought  for  his  life  and  lil)erty,  and  Jiis  adversary 
to  sustain    his    rei)utation.      If   the   foi-mer  was  eou- 

"  Miiiliilii ^  llisf.  /'.'('/('.v.,  ])|i.  KU  -4;  Tnriiiiiiiiiiilii^  Mmitirij.  Ind.,  tmii. 
ii.,  |ip.  .">1I  '1;  Clurifimi,  Shiriii  An/,  drl  Mrssiin.  Imn.  ii.,  |i.  ll'.t. 

^•' < 'aiiiiir;;o  says  tlio  priMiiuT  was  ^'ixcn  liis  cliuirf  of  every  kiml  of 
(illfiisive  and  defensive  weajioiis.  Ilisl.  T/ii.r.,  in  \itiirillt.s  Aiiimlrs  t/i.s 
I".'/.  IS4,S,  tout,  xeviii.,  \)\>.  ISS-<,»,  Itut  ail  otiier  aiitiiorn  state  tiiat  lie  was 
tiiilv  ;,'iveii  a  short  swoid  and  sliield.      Itotiirini    :a>s  a  ser\aMl   wlio  was 

midir  liie  stone  drew  the  rord  and  so  eontndled  the  prisoner  tiiat   iu uid 

Mill  luove.  li/iii,  ]>.  Kit.  Diiran  says:  'el  niodo  i|iie  en  eelelirarlo  teiiian; 
i|U;'  era  atar  li  los  I'resos  con  nna  sii;:a  al  ide  jior  nn  aiiu;^(  ro  (lue  a(|ntdla 
]>ii'dra  tenia  por  medio,  y  desnndo  en  eneros  le  dahan  una  rodela  y  una 
r^lNnla  (le  solo  palo  enipluinado  en  las  inanos,  y  Unas  jielotasile  |>alo  eon  ipiti 
si'  diiciidimi  de  los  tjiie  salian  a  ronitiatir  eon  el,  i[ue  crau  eiiatro  niuy 
liii.li  iiiinadus.'  Jli.sl.  Iiidiii.s,  MS.,  toni.  i.,  eap.  30. 


430 


THE  NAHIA  NATIONS. 


'm 


W  "'\ 


(|i!M'ccl,  a  priest,  called  chcdchiiihtopclnia,  inimedi- 
utely  seized  him,  hurried  him  dead  or  alive  te  the 
sacrificial  stone  and  tore  out  his  heart.  The  victor 
was  then  publicly  congratulated  and  rewarded  witli 
military  honors.  If,  however,  the  prisoner  vaii- 
(juished  his  tirst  opponent  and  six  others,  by  whom,  in 
succession,  he  was  attacked,  he  was  granted  his  IVct - 
dom,  all  spoil  taken  from  him  in  battle  was  restored 
to  him,  and  he  returned  to  his  country  covered  witli 
ijflorv.  A  notable  violatitm  of  this  law  is  recorded  of 
the  Huexotzincas.  In  a  battle  between  them  and 
the  Cholultecs,  the  leader  of  the  latter  nation  became 
separated  from  his  own  people  during  the  heat  of 
battle,  and  was,  after  a  gallant  resistance,  made  ] iris- 
oner  and  conducted  to  the  capital.  Being  placed  on 
the  gladiatorial  stone  he  contpiered  the  seven  ad^el•- 
saries  that  were  brought  against  him,  but  the  Huex- 
otzincas, dreading  to  lil)erate  so  famous  a  waii'ior, 
contrary  to  their  imiversal  law,  put  him  to  death,  and 
thereby  covered  themselves  with  ignominy.*^ 

if  the  prisoner  was  a  person  of  very  high  rank,  lie 
was  takeit  before  the  king,  who  ordered  that  he  sliould 
be  sum})tuously  fed  and  lodged  for  forty  da^s.  At 
the  end  of  that  time  he  was  accorded  the  riglit  of 
coml)at,  and  if  conquered,  after  the  usual  sacriticial 
ceremonies  the  Um\y  was  cut  into  small  pieces;  these 
were  sent  to  the  relations  and  friends  of  the  deceased, 
who  received  them  as  relics  of  great  value  and  nc 
knowledged  the  favor  by  returning  gold,  jewels,  and 
rich  plumes."  If  we  are  to  believe  (Honiara  and 
others,  the  number  of  victims,  chiefly  prisoneis  of 
war,  sacrificed  at  some  of  the  festivals,  Avas  eiioi- 
mous.  The  historians  relate  that  in  front  of  tlie 
princij)al  gate  of  the  temjde  there  was  a  mound 
built  of  stone  and  linie  \\\i\\  innumerable  skulls 
of  prisoners    inserted   l)etween  the   stones.     At   the 

*'  Urhitionr  fntta  per  vti  (frulir/iiiot/io  del  Si'ipifir  Firuiiiido  ('arfcr.  in 
I'miiiisiu,  \an)iit(iuiu,  ti)in.  ili.,  M.  30.");  i'lavig-ro,  Sioria  Aid.  ikl  M  ^■^ii'", 
toni.  ii.,  |i|>.  47  8. 

<i  Tiirqiicinada,  Monan/.  Iiid.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  riJVi. 


PRISONERS  OF  WAR. 


431 


lioful  and  foot  of  the  inoimd  wore  two  towers  l)iiilt 
entirely  of  skulls  and  lime;  on  the  top  of  the  mound 
wore  seventy  or  more  upright  poles,  each  witli  many 
other  sticks  fastened  crossways  to  it,  at  intervals, 
from  top  to  bottom;  on  the  points  of  each  cross  stick 
■were  five  skulls.  They  go  on  to  say  that  two  soldiers 
of  Cortes  counted  these  skulls  and  found  them  to 
amount  to  one  hundred  and  thirty-six  thousand. 
Tliosi'  that  composed  the  towers  they  could  not  count.*' 

Tlie  nations  contiguous  to  the  Mexicans  imitated  to 
<a  great  extent  their  manner  of  disj)(>si!ig  ei'  ])ris- 
oners  of  war,  and  kept  them  to  be  saci'ificed  at  their 
festivals.  The  first  prisoner  taken  in  battle  by  the 
Tlasoaltecs  was  flayed  alive  and  he  who  ca})tured 
liini  dressed  himself  in  the  horrid  trophy,  and  so  cov- 
ered served  the  god  of  battles  during  a  certain  nuni- 
l)er  of  days.  He  paraded  frtan  one  temjde  to  anotiier 
followed  by  a  crowd  that  shrieked  for  joy;  but  had, 
however,  to  run  from  his  jiursuers,  for  if  they  caught 
him  they  beat  him  till  he  was  nearly  dead.  This  cere- 
mony was  called  ejrquinan,  and  was  sometimes  observed 
hv  two  or  three  at  the  same  time.*'"'  At  one  of  their 
festivals  they  bound  their  prisoners  to  high  crosses  and 
shot  them  to  death  with  arrows;  at  other  times  they 
killed  them  with  the  bastinado.  They  had  also  solemn 
haiKjuets,  at  which  they  ate  the  flesh  of  their  prisoiieis. 
At  tlie  taking  of  Mexico,  the  Tlascaltec  soldieiy 
feasted  upon  the  bodies  of  the  slain  Mexicans,  and 
<  oi'tes,  although  shocked  at  the  revolting  practice, 
was  unable  to  prevent  it.*^ 

Tlie  Mexicans,  Tlascaltecs,  and  neighboring  nations 


*■' C'nmnrn,  Conq.  Mi\r.,  fol.  121  2;  Ariista,  Hist,  d,  Ins  Yml.,  \,\\.  :i?,^-'i; 
JliiTii-'i,  Hint,  lieu,,  tloi'.  ii.,  lib.  viL,  fii|i.  xviii.;  Mon/nmis,  Siriare 
]\'nir/il,  |i.  242. 

*'•  I'dinor;/!),  llisf.  Tlitx.,  ill  Xoiirr/lrs  Anitiilrs  i/rs  Vojl.,  I8i;{,  tnin. 
xeix.,  j).  i;{4'. 

*^  ( fiirii/rri),  S/o>'i'i  A  lit.  ilrf  ,}fissii-i),  tmii.  ii.,  p.  ,'»! ;  'run/Ill  iiiiii/ii.  Mil- 
viirij.  IikL,  torn,  i.,  p.  A'lX  For  fiii'tinT  rcfori'iicc  to  treatment  of  jirisoii- 
ers,  M'c:  LrtliLvdihill,  Hist,  t'hirh.,  in  Kiiiffs/idroHij/i's  .Mir.  Aiitii/.,  vol.  i.\., 
]>\y  '.'."lO-l ;  Tizuzoinor,  I'rdm'fi  .M'j:.,  in  lit.,  p.  Iti4;  Klrniin,  t'lilliir-Hr- 
■v''/()V/,/.,  toni.  v.,  ])p.  102  ;{;  }fii/f'r,  Ann  rihiiiiisclii  I'm  l/i/aiiicii,  p.  (134; 
i'fv.v-  y,  Mcxium,  pp.  215-10;  I'dir  Murti/r,  dt-c.  v.,  lib.  viii. 


''■urn 


432 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


always  made  tlie  ruturii  of  a  successful  army  tlie  occa- 
siuu  of  j^reat  Icstivity  and  rojoicinj^;  the  loud  sound 
of  drums  and  musical  instruments  jj^reeted  the  entry 
of  the  victorious  troo})s  into  tiie  capital;  triunijilial 
arches  were  erected  in  the  streets  and  the  lictuscis 
decorated  with  tlowers;  an  abundance  of  copal  was 
burned  and  sumptuous  bantjuets  were  pre})arcil;  all 
were  dressed  in  their  gayest  attire,  and  the  warriors  put 
on  all  the  insignia  of  their  rank;  gifts  were  distributed 
to  tliose  who  had  performed  any  deed  of  gallantry, 
and  minstrels  sung  or  recited  poems  in  their  j)rui,'5t'. 
Many  went  to  the  temples  to  observe  especial  acts  of 
devotion  to  the  gods,  and  numbers  of  the  prisoners 
Were  then  sacrificed.  All  these  ceremonies  tended  to 
insjjire  the  youths  with  courage  and  make  them  am- 
bitious to  gain  distinction  in  war.*" 

**  Tnstaiicps  of  lidw  the  Mi-xicaiiH  rot'civeil  their  victorums  armies  nra 
•riven  ill  'J'rziiziiiiior,  (Jninini  Mv.e.,  in  Kiii(/slit)n)iiij/i\s  Mi.r.  Aiifii/.,  vol.  ix., 
]i|>.  'A'.),  (51,  177-8;  JiniHsctir  <lc  Jloiirl/oiin/,  hist.  Not.  Cic,  toiii.  iii.,  pji. 
3'21-2.  See  further,  CaiiKir;/!),  Hist.  T/a.r.,  in  Xouirllrn  Atiniilc.s  tf(s  I'm/., 
184.S,  toin.  xeix.,  ]>.  13(5;  Ifcrrrra,  Hist,  (rcii.,  dee.  ii.,  lih.  vi.,  cap  xvii.; 
Tiiri/i'riiutdu,  Moiuinj.  IniL,  toui.  ii.,  p.  574;  Acuntu,  Hint,  lie  las  1  ml.,  jip. 
489-'J0. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


NAHUA    LAWS   AND    LAW   COURTS. 

General  Remarks— the  Cihuacoatl,  or  Supreme  Judge— the  Court 
OK  THE  Tlacatecatl— Jurisdiction  of  the  Tecutlis— the  Cen- 

TK(TLAI'IX(iUE.S  AND  Toi'II.LIS— LaW  CoUUTS  AND  JUDGES  OF  TEZ- 

(ICO  — Eighty-Day  Council  — Tribunal  of  the  King  — Court 

I'KOCKEDINGS — LAWYERS — WITNESSES— REML'NERATION   OF  JUDGES 

—Justice  of  King  Nezahualpilli— He  orders  his  Son's  Execu- 
tion—Montezuma  AND  THE  Farmer  —  Jails  — Laws  against 
Theft,  Murder,  Treason,  Kidnai'I'INg,  Drunkenness,  Witch- 
cuAFT,  Adultery,  Incest,  Sodomy,  Fornication,  and  other 
Crimes— Story  of  Nezahualcoyotl  and  the  Boy. 


Tt  has  already  been  stated  that  among  the  Naliuas 
tlie  supreme  legislative  power  belonged  to  the  king; 
the  lawful  share  that  he  took  in  the  administration  of 
justice  we  shall  see  as  we  examine  the  system  of  juris- 
jjiudonce  adopted  by  them. 

When  treating  of  the  Nahua  judiciary  the  majority 
of  liistorians  have  preferred  to  discuss  almost  exclu- 
si\ijly  tlie  system  in  vogue  at  Tezcuco,  pai-tly,  per- 
liiips,  l)ecause  it  presents  a  nicer  gradation  of  legal 
tiiliuuals,  and  consequently  a  cltjser  resemblance  to 
Einopuan  institutions  than  did  the  more  simple  rou- 
tine of  the  Mexicans,  but  mainly  because  the  niiite- 
rials  of  information  were  more  accessible  and  abundant. 
Many  writers,  however,  have  not  followed  this  rule, 
l>ut  throwing  all  the  information  tliey  could  obtain 
into  .1  general  fund,  they  have  ai)plied  the  wliole  in- 


VoL.  II.— 28 


U33) 


434 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


ifH: 


(liscriminately  to  the  'Mexicans,'  by  which  term  tlity 
mean  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  regions  conquered  liy 
Cortes.  Las  Casas,  speaking  of  the  allied  kingdoms 
of  Mexico,  Tezcuco,  and  TIacopan,  says  that  "their 
goverimient  and  laws  scarcely  differed,  so  that  wliat- 
ever  may  be  said  of  those  parts  concerning  which  tin- 
most  information  can  be  obtained,  may  be  understood. 
and  perhaps  it  is  best  to  say  it,  as  .applying  to  all."'^ 
Although  the  number  and  jurisdiction  of  the  law- 
courts  of  Mexico  and  Tezcuco  differed,  there  is  reason 
to  believe  that  the  laws  themselves  and  the  penalties 
inflicted  were  the  same,  or  nearly  so. 

In  Mexico,  and  in  each  of  the  principal  cities  of  tlie 
empire,  there  was  a  supreme  judge,  called  ciliuacoatl} 
who  was  considered  second  only  to  the  king  in  rank 
and  authority.  He  heard  appeals  in  criminal  oasis 
from  the  court  innnediatelv  below  him,  and  from  Jiis 
decision  no  appeal  was  allowed,  not  even  to  the  king.' 


*  'El  {jovierno  y  las  Icycs  quasi  no  diferiaii,  por  maiiera  que  ]M)r  Id  (|iii' 
«lc  Unas  partes  ilijeronios,  y  adonde  tuvinitm  mayor  noticia,  se  jM)(lra  ciitcii- 
<ler,  y  (juiza  sera  niejor,  deeirlo  en  conuin  y  f,'eiieralniente.'  V.'^.v  Cusas, 
Jtist.  Ajiolotjrtirit,  MS.,  cap.  cexii.  It  is  also  stated  that  many  Mexirmi 
••ases,  jircsentiii)^  more  than  ordinary  dillienlty,  were  tried  in  the  'i'ezcuciiii 
law-eonrts;  see  Ziirifa,  liu/iiiorf,  in  TcnniKx-Conijimis,  ]'(>>/.,  serie  ii.,  torn. 
1.,  p.  93;  Las  Casas,  Jlist.  Ajtohxjftica,  MS.,  cap.  cexii.;  Torqiirnnnld,  Mn- 
iiarq.  IiuL,  tom.  ii.,  p.  354.  Spealiing  of  Mexico,  Tezcuco,  and  'riaci)|iiiii, 
Znrila  says:  'Les  lois  ct  la  jiroeednre  etaient  les  meiiies  daiiscestrnisc'liils, 
de  sorte  qn'cn  exposant  les  nsa;;es  etaltlis  <lans  I'un  d'enx,  on  fera  coiiiiaitre 
CO  (jui  se  ])assait  dans  les  autres.'  liuj}2)urt,  in  Tentuux-CoiiipuiiK,  Vini., 
serie  ii.,  torn,  i.,  pp.  O.S-4. 

*  The  title  cduiacoatl,  meanin;?  '.scrpent-wonian,'  appears  inconiiirc- 
liensihle  as  apjdied  to  ii  .indite,  lint  M.  I'Ahhe  llrasseurdelSonrliourj,',  Hist. 
N((t.  fVc,  torn,  iii.,  pp.  570-8(),  sees  reason  to  hclieve  that  the  .Mcxiciiiis, 
■when  they  succeeded  to  tiie rifjhts  of  the  Tolteckinj,'sof  Culiinacaii,  adoptcil 
also  tiie  titles  of  tlie  court,  and  tliat  the  name  cihuacoatl  liad  liecii  j^ivcii 
to  tlie  ])rinie  niiinster  in  memory  of  Cihuacoatl,  tlie  sister  of  ('aiiiiixlli. 
wlio  cared  for  tlie  infancy  of  l^uetzalcoatl.  Tlie  learned  Alilie  traiislntc-i 
cihuacoatl,  serpent  fin) ic lie,  which  is  literally  a  serpent  of  the  feiiuilc  sex. 
Molina,  however,  in  his  Vord/iii/orio,  gives  'ciua'  as  a  sultHtaiitive,  inclin- 
ing 'women'  (mugeres),  and  'coatl'  as  another  substantive,  meaning  'm  r- 
]ient' (ciilehra),  the  two  as  a  compound  he  does  not  give.  I  translate  t  he 
word  'serpent-woman,'  because  the  sister  of  Camaxtli  Avould  more  ]iniliii- 
lily  be  tlins  distingiiislied  among  women,  than  among  serpents  as  the  'wn- 
man-serjient.' 

3  Although  all  other  historians  agree  that  the  judgment  of  the  cilnin- 
coatl  was  liiial,  the  interpreter  of  Meiidoza's  collection  states  tliat  an  ji]i|m':i! 
lay  from  the  judges  (he  does  not  state  which)  to  the  king.  F.jjiUeaelnh  ile. 
laCule.ceioii  de  Mendozn,  in  Kiii(f.sltorotirih\i  Me.r.  Autii/.,  vol.  v.,  ji.  It'll. 
Prescott,  Mcx.,  vol.  i.,  p.  20,  attributes  this  to  the  changes  made  during 


THE  CIHUACOATL,  SUPREME  JUDGE. 


4:35 


"Whether  or  not  the  cihuacoatl  pronounced  ju(l<^nient 
ill  civil  cases  is  uncertain.  AccordinjL^  to  Chivinero 
lie  (lid;*  Prescott/  Brasseur  do  liourbour*,'',"  and  C'ar- 
hajul  Esj)inoHa''  agree  with  Clavigero,  and  Leon  Car- 
l)ajaP  cites  Torqueniada  as  an  authority  for  tliis  statc- 
iiieut,  but  the  fact  is  Torijueniada  distinctly  atlirnis 
the  contrary,*  as  does  Las  Casas,^"  from  whom  Tor- 
(jueinada  takes  his  information.  It  a])jK'ars,  however, 
reiisonahle  to  su2)i)ose  that  in  some  excei)tional  casis, 
as,  for  instance,  where  the  title  to  large  possessions 
was  involved,  or  when  the  litigants  were  powerful  no- 
Mcs,  the  supreme  judge  may  have  taken  cognizance 
of  civil  affairs.  Whether  the  jurisdiction  of  the  ci- 
huacoatl was  ever  original,  as  well  as  final,  as  Pres- 
cott"  asserts  it  to  have  been,  I  do  not  find  stated  l-y 
the  earlier  authorities,  although  this  may  have  haj)- 
})ened  exceptionally,  but  in  that  case  there  could  have 
heen  but  one  hearing,  for  the  kiniif,  who  was  the  only 
superior  of  the  supreme^  j'i<li^*^>  ^^'^''^  ^^^  authority  to 
reverse  the  decisions  of  the  latter.  The  cihuacoatl 
was  appointed  by  the  king,  and  he  in  turn  appointed 


Miiiitt'zuina's  rei;,'u,  the  period  which  the  Areiuhiza  ])jiiiitiii;;s  represent,  and 
I.t'iin  Ciirhajal,  I)isriir,so,  ]>.  ilS,  totally  denies  the  trnth  of  tiie  stiitenient. 

■• 'Dalle  scntenze  ihi  lui  proniinziate  o  nel  eivile,  o  nel  eriniinale,  non 
>i  [Miteva  appellare  ad  un  altro  trihunale,'  &c.  Hturia  Ant.  del  JA.v.wco, 
tiini,  ii  ,  ]>.  127. 

'■>  Ml. I'.,  v.d.  i.,  p.  20. 

*■'  Hist.  Xiit.  dr.,  ton)    .u.,  p.  580. 

'  Hint.  Mix.,  toni.  i.,  p.  fll»3. 

^  liisntr.so,  )).  97. 

' 'Oia  de  eausas,  qne  .ie  deholvian,  y  reniitian  .^  el,  jior  npelacion:  y 
f.-itiiK  crioi,  ,sn/(is  la.s  crii/iinnfi  .f,  jion/iti'  dr  ^^s'  riri/r.s-  no  .vf  iijirlalni  ifr  .v/^v 
Jiixliiiii.i  (ir(liiH(ri«.s.'  MuiiKVii.  Iiiil.,  \im\.  ii.,  p.  .V>2.  It  is  possihh;  that 
Scfiur  ("arhajal  may  have  read  only  a  snl)se(|ut!nt  |iassa;L;(,'  in  the  sjinie  chap- 
ti'r,  where  Tonineniada,  upeakinj?  of  the  triluinal  of  the  tlaeuteeatl,  says: 
'l>e  este  se  apelaha,  i>arii  el  Trihnnal,  y  Andiencia  del  Cihnaeohuatl,  (pie 
era  .Inez  Snpreino,  des[nies  del  I'ei.'  From  what  has^one  hefore,  it  is,  how- 
ever, evident  that  the  anthor  here  refers  oidv  to  the  eriniinal  cases  that 
veri'  apiiealed  from  the  eonrt  of  the  llaeateeatl. 

'"  Ifixf.  A/wlit(/('tirii,  MS.,  eap.  eexii. 

"  .W'.c,  vol.  i.,  ji.  •2',).  Clavi^fero,  Slarla  Ant.  del  Mr.svim,  tom.  ii.,  i)p. 
127-S,  also  atlirms,  indirectly,  that  eas(!s  wtTC  sometimes  laid  in  the  first  in- 
siaiiic  hefore  the  supreme  jiulj;e,  inasmuch  as  he  first  says  that  the  ciliua- 
ciiail  took  eo;;nizanee  of  hoth  civil  and  criminal  cases,  and  afterwards, 
wiien  speakinj;  of  the  court  of  the  tlaeatecatl,  he  writes:  'Se  la  causa  em 
iiiirMiiiente  civile,  non  v'eni  a|i]iellazione.'  The  same  apj)lies  to  IJrasseur  de 
Buiirijoury.  Hist.  A'at.  Civ.,  tom.  iii.,  p.  580. 


'I 

i 


480 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


riia 


tliu  inferior  judsjces.  Ho  hold  his  office  for  Hfe,  and 
ill  addition  to  hi.s  re<,ndar  judicial  duties  had  char;4t'  of 
the  moat  important  affairs  of  government,  and  of  the 
royal  revenues.  He  was  without  a  colleague,  and 
must  administer  justice  in  person.  Such  was  tliu 
res})ect  paid  to  tliis  exalted  person.age,  that  whoe\cr 
had  the  audacity  to  usurp  his  power  or  insignia  suf- 
fered death,  his  property  was  confiscated  and  his 
family  enslaved.''* 

The  nex.t  court  was  supreme  in  civil  m.atters  and 
could  only  he  ai)})ealed  from  to  the  cihuacoatl  in  casus 
of  a  criminal  nature.  It  was  presided  over  by  three 
judges,  the  chief  of  whom  was  styled  tlacatecatl,  and 
from  him  the  court  took  its  name;  his  colleagues  were 
called  qiKHtJiiiochtU  and  tkinothic}^  Each  of  these 
had  his  deputies  and  assistants.  Affairs  of  im]M)rt- 
ance  were  laid  in  the  first  instance  before  this  tri- 
bunal, but  ap})eals  from  the  inferior  courts  were  also 
heard.  Sentence  was  pronounced  by  a  crier  entitled 
tecpoijotl  in  the  name  of  the  tlacatecatl,  and  was 
carried  into  execution  by  the  quauhnochtli  with  liis 
own  hands.     The  office  of  tecpoyotl  was  considered 

'2  Herein  lies  the  only  (liffercnre  between  Las  C.isas  and  Torqiicniiula  on 
tlie  subject  of  tlie  (Mliiiueoiitl.  Tlie  former  writes:  'liuabiniera  (jue  e.stc 
olicio  para  si  usiirpara,  o  \n  eoncediera  a  otro,  avia  tic  iiiorir  jior  eUo,  //  .sc.v 
jiKi/rrs  >/  (liiidds  cnni  thxiiittiirdtlos  ilil  piichlo  (loiidc  aciuviv.ie  himlti  la 
ijiiiirfii  (ii/icriirioii.  Alleiiile  ([Ue  todos  losbieiies avian  de  ser  coiiliscailos,  y 
ajilicadoH  para  la  re|iulilii'a.'  Hist.  A/iolui/ctica,  MS.,  cap.  ccxii,  Toriiutiiiaila 
says:  'era  tan  aiitori(,-ado  esto  oticio,  tpie  el  (lue  lo  vsurpara  ])ara  .si,  n  Ik 
I'oiiiiiiiicara  h  otro  en  ai^'una  parte  del  lleino,  nuiriera  j)or  ello,  (/  siis  llij'is, 
y  Mmjiirfuvraii  rciiditlos,  jior  pcrpcfiins  cicliivun,  y  eonliscados  sus  liiciir-, 
jior  Lei,  <[ue  ))ara  esto  liavia.  Mniuirq.  lud.,  Unn.  ii.,  p.  35'2.  Notwiili- 
Htandin;;  all  otiier  historians  distinctly  aHirn*  that  the  cihuacoatl  \va>.  in 
the  exercise  of  his  functions  perfectly  indejiendent  of  the  kin;;,  lJra»fiir 
de  llourbour;,',  Ilist.  Nut.  Cir.,  toni.  iii.,  \).  580,  nnikes  the  following,'  cMia- 
onlinary  statement:  'U  ju;j;eait  en  clernier  re.s.sort  ct  dounait  des  ordro  m 
Hill  ct  place  (III  soHVcrulii,  r/utqucfois  que  ccltii-ci  lie  lefriisitU  pas  i/irnii- 
yiriit  etpiir  liii-iiieiiir.'  This  must  he  from  one  of  the  original  manusciipls 
in  tlie  possession  of  AL  I'Abbe. 

'3  Las  Casas,  I  fist.  Ajiufiti/i'tina,  MS.,  cap.  ccxii.,  spells  these  names  Taia- 
tecatl,  acoahunotl,  and  tlaylotlat;  Tonjuemada,  Miiiinrq.  Iiiif.,  toni.  ii.,  I'. 
352,  tlacateccatl,  <juauhnuchtli,  and  tlaylotlac;  au<l  Clavi^'ero,  Storin  .Inf. 
(ill  Mcs.wu,  torn,  ii.,  p.  V2~,  tlacalcca'tl,  nuauhnochtli,  and  tlanotlac  "r 
tlaiiotlac,  ii  defect  in  the  impression  makes  it  ditficult  to  tell  wliiih. 
Scarcely  two  of  the  old  writers  follow  the  same  system  of  ortho;;r,i|iliy, 
and  in  future  I  shall  follow  the  style  which  appears"  simplest,  endeavmiiia' 
only  to  be  cousisteut  with  myself. 


THE  TECUIITLI  AND  CEXTECTLAPIXQUE. 


487 


,r<»'(j  i)t' 
of  the 
e,  and 
IS  tliu 
hoover 
iii\  suf- 
ud   his 

;rs  and 
11  cases 
y  thive 
Atl,  and 
.es  ^vel•e 
f  these 
impoit- 
uhis  tri- 
'ui'c  also 
ontitlfd 
lul     WilS 

,vith  his 
isideied 

\.<ir  hiixt<i  I" 
|ntisciiili».  y 

para  m,  i\  1" 

[/  ,S7fN    //''/"S 

Notwitli- 
.atl  ^va^.  i" 
ir,  Ura»ciii' 

Is  ()r(lii'>  '" 

l)»,y  dii-ri-tf- 

luanusciil'l^ 

lauH'f*  Tiiia- 
Itoiii.  ii  .  r- 
isUivi'i  .!"'• 
aiii'itlai',  "t 

Itlio^'vapUv, 
luiloavoniio' 


one  of  hiy^h  honor  because  he  dechirod  the  ^vill  of  tho 
V\\\)f  as  represented  by  liis  judj^'es. 

In  each  ward  of  the  city  there  was  a  mati^istrate 
called  tecuhtU  who  was  annually  elected  by  the  in- 
hal)itants  of  his  district;  he  judj^ed  minor  cases  in 
the  first  instance  only,  and  probably  the  office  some- 
what resembled  that  of  our  police  judge.  Appeal 
lay  from  him  to  the  tlacatecatl."  It  was  the  duty 
of  the  tecuhtlis  to  give  a  daily  report  of  affairs  that 
had  been  submitted  to  them,  and  of  the  judgments 
they  had  rendered  thereon,  to  the  tlacatecatl,  who 
reviewed  their  proceedings.  Whether  the  tlacatecatl 
could  reverse  the  decision  of  a  teuchtli  when  no 
appeal  had  been  made,  is  uncertain,  but  it  appears 
iiiil)robable,  inasmuch  as  a  failure  to  exercise  tho 
right  of  appeal  would  imply  recognition  of  justice  in 
the  judgment  passed  by  the  lower  tribunal.  In  each 
ward,  and  elected  in  the  same  manner  as  the  tecuh- 
tlis, were  officers  whose  title  was  ccutectlapixqu(\ 
wliose  province  it  was  to  watch  over  the  behavior  and 
Welfare  of  a  certain  number  of  families  conmiitted  to 
their  charge,  and  to  acijuaint  the  magistrates  with 
everything  that  passed.  Although  the  centectla- 
]»ix(iues  could  not  exercise  judicial  authority,  yet  it 
is  probable  that  petty  disputes  were  often  submitted 
to  them  for  .arbitration,  and  that  their  arbitrament 
was  abided  by.  In  case  the  parties  could  not  he 
hroiight  to  any  friendly  settlement,  however,  tho 
eentectlapixipie  immediately  reported  the  matter  to 
tli(j  tecuhtli  of  his  district,  and  a  regular  trial  ensued. 

Tho  tecuhtlis  had  their  bailiffs,  who  carried  their 
messages  and  served  summonses.  In  addition  to 
these  there  were  constaldes  styled  topilU,  who  ar- 
rested prisoners  and  enfoxced  order.^ 


15 


"  Clavifjero,  Sfnria  Ant.  del.  Mrmtirn,  torn,  ii.,  p.  128,  writes  'ejrioriial- 
iiii'iiti-  si  jH.rtava  al  L'iluiaroatl,  od  al  Tlucateratl  ])or  avvertirlo  di  tutto  cio, 
clu-  iiccorrcva,  e  ricevcr  gli  ordini  da  liii;'  but  it  would  iirohaMy  Ik'  only  in 
cases  of  jfroat  imiwrtanco  that  the  rei)oits  of  the  teuchtli  would  lie  fairifd 
til  tin-  cihuacoatl. 

!■*  Las  Cu.sas,  Hist.  Ajiolo'jctic(t,  MS.,  cap.  cc.\ii. ;  Turqueiiutda,  Muinmj. 


m 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


1  ^  k 


III  Tuzc'uco,  altli<)ui,'li  the  kinj^doin  was  divided  into 
many  proviiict's/"  the  higliur  courts  of  justice  were 
j>laced  in  six  of  tlie  princij)al  cities  only."  Eat'li  of 
these  tribunals  was  presided  over  hy  two  judges,  who 
were  very  high  niagnate.s  and  usually  nihitives  of  llu; 
king,  and  from  these  an  a})peal  lay  to  two  su}»renic 
judges  who  resided  at  the  capital."*  These  twelvu 
judges  were  assisted  hy  twelve  sheriffs,'"  whose  duty 
it  was  to  arrest  prisoners  of  exalted  rank  in  tlitir 
own  district,  or  to  go  in  search  of  offenders  in  otiur 
l)rovinces.  The  peculiar  badge  of  these  ofticurs 
was  a  certain  ornamented  mantle;  wherever  they 
went  they  were  held  in  great  awo  and  respict, 
as  lepresentatives  of  the  king,  and  seldom  entoun- 
tojod  resistance  in  the  exercise  of  their  functions. 
I'here  were  also  constables  in  .attendance  on  the 
courts,  who  acted  with  great  diligence  in  carrying 
messages  or  making  arrests.  Every  ten  or  twelve 
days  all  the  judges  met  in  council  with  the  king,-' 


20 


Iiiif.,  toin.  ii.,  i».  .3.");  Clamgcro,  Slorin  Ant.  del  Mcssico,  torn,  ii.,  ])\<. 
1-7-8. 

""  Tonjuomadii,  MoiKini.  finf.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  3.")4,  says  that  there  were  lif- 
leeii  ])r<)vinceH  miliject  to  tiK!  Iciii;;  of  Tczeueo. 

'7  Tiie  Eii^iisii  edition  of  <"lavi}'ero  reads:  'the  jndieial  power  was  tli- 
vided  ainoii;;Ht.s7'(r/(,  ]iriiieipal  eities,  p.  .3.'>4;  ])iit  tiie  ori<;iiial  ajrrees  wilii  tiu' 
other  authorities:  'iiel  Uef^no  d'Aeolhiiacan  era  hi  j^itirisdizioiie  eoiiiiiarlit;i 
tra  sri  Citta  priiieiiiali.'  Sfaria  Aiii.  t/cl  Mcssiro,  tojii.  ii.,  ]).  1'28. 

•"  Las  t'limts,  llist.  Apolixjf/irfi,  MS.,  ea]).  eexii.  Torcpieniada,  however, 
asserts  that  tliere  were  'en  hi  Ciudad  de  Tetzetieo  (que  era  la  (Atrte)  deiitw 
de  la  ("asa  Heal  dos  Salas  de  Consejo. . .  .y  en  eada  Sala  dos  Jueees.  lia- 
via  difereneia  eutre  los  diehos  Jueees;  ponjue  losde  la  vna  Sala  eran  de  iiims 
aiitoridad,  ((ue  los  dc  hi  otra;  estos  se  llaniahan  Jueees  niaiores,  y  esiitins 
iiieuores;  los  niaiores  ohm  de  causas  ;;raves,  y  ([ue  jterteneeian  a  la  dclcr- 
iiiinaeion  del  Hei;  los  se<i;undos,  de  otras,  no  tan  j;raves,  sino  mas  levi's,  y 
liviaiias.'  MoiKinj.  IniL,  toin.  ii.,  p.  XA.  The  lowcof  these  two  prolialily 
cidier  formed  one  of  the  six  su|)erior  eourts  ahove  meiitioned,  or  conc- 
spoiided  with  them  in  jnrisdietion.  Aeeording  to  Zurita,  'ehaeuae  dts 
iionilireuses  ])rovinees  .sonndses  h  ces  souverains  entretcnait  Ji  Mexico,  a 
Tezcueo  et  a  Tlaeopan,  qui  etaient  les  trois  eajiitale.s,  deux  ju<.;es,  persmi- 
iics  de  sens  choisies  a  cct  cffet,  et  qui  (luelquefois  etaient  ]iaren,'s  des  son- 
vtM'ains,'  autl  adds:  'les  appels  etaient  portes  devant  t/oiizc  aufirs  jni^/' s 
,\i"ii'ri<'in:i  qui  pronon(,'aient  d'aprfis  I'avis  dn  sou\x'rain.'  litijijwi/,  in  '/"• 
viiiLV-Vonipinis,  Vojj.,  serie  ii.,  toni.  i.,  m).  95,  100. 

'9  Tori|uemaila,  Mininrq.  Intf.,  toni.  li.,  p.  35.'>,  writes:  'Tenia  cada  S:il:i 
de  estas  diehas  otro  Ministro,  que  haeia  ofieiode  Alj?uaeil  Maior,\'v.c.,  wliilo 
other  writei-s  assij;u  one  to  eaeh  judj^e,  of  whom  there  were  two  in  i;uii 
eiuirt. 

5"  Clavigero  differs  on  this  point  from  other  writers,  in  making;  tliis 
meeting  occur  every  Mc.\icttu  mouth  of  twenty  days.     Zuritu,  Rainiort,  iu 


k'} 


THE  EICJHTV-DAY  COUNCFL. 


439 


wlien  cases  of  importiiiico  wore  (.liseussed,  and  eitlier 
liiially  suttlud,  or  laid  over  for  derision  at  a  «ifrand 
council  which  convened  every  four  Mexican  months, 
iuakin<j^  in  all  eighty  days.  On  these  occasions  all 
the  judges,  without  exception,  met  together,  the  king 
]»ivsiding  in  person.  All  being  seated  according  to 
their  order  of  precedence,  an  orator  opened  the  })r(>- 
ceedings  with  a  speech,  in  which  he  praised  virtue 
and  severely  rei)rimanded  vice;  he  reviewed  all  the 
events  of  the  past  eighty  days,  and  commented  very 
severely  even  u})on  the  acts  of  the  king  himself.  In 
tliis  council  all  suits  were  terminated,  the  sentences 
i)eiiig  carried  out  on  the  spot,-^  and  ati'airs  of  state  and 
jtolicy  were  discussed  and  transacted;  it  generally  sat 
(hiring  eight  or  ten  days.*^  In  addition  to  these 
judges  there  were  magistrates  of  a  lower  order  in  all 
the  })rovinces,  who  took  cognizance  of  cases  oi'  minor 
iiiH)(jrtance,  and  who  also  heard  and  considered  those 
of  greater  consecpience  preparatory  to  laying  them 
helbre  the  Eighty-Day  Council.'"     The  historian  Ix- 


TiriKiit.r-Cniiinan.'i,  Voij.,  soric  ii.,  toni.  i.,  p.  101,  writes:  'Touh  los  donzo 
jimis  il  y  aviut  line  aHweiiiltlee  ;,'ent5rale  des  ju^^os  jiresidce  jiar  le  iirincc;'  tn 
this  till!  eilitor  attat'lies  tlio  fiillowiiii^  note:  'il  est  evident,  comiiie  mi  le 
vena  ]iiij,'e  l(M>,  qu'll  v  a  iei  line  erreiir,  et  que  ees  asseinbleeH,  dmit  les  ses- 
siiiMs  diiniient  doii/c  jours,  ne  se  tenaient  (iiu?  tuns  les  (iiiatre-vin;.'ts  jours.' 
It  is,  however,  the  learned  editor  who  is  mistaken,  l»eeaiise,  as  wc  havo 
M'l'ii  ahove,  tliere  were  two  distiuet  nieetin;<s  of  the  judj^es;  a  lesser  oms 
tveiy  ten  or  twelve  days,  and  a  fjreater  every  ei{,dity  days,  and  it  is  of  the 
hitter  that  Zurita  speaks  on  p.  10(5. 

-'  '  Al  (iiie  el  senteneiava  le  arrojava  una  ileclia  de  aiinellas.'  Ti  zozomor, 
f'ninica  Mrx.,  in  Kiiii/sboroi((/h's  Mrw.  Aiitt'i/.,  toni.  i.\.,  p.  57.  'A  capital 
>'.'ntetiee  was  indieatcd  by  a  line  traeed  with  an  arrow  across  the  portrait  of 
the  iirciised.'  J'risrotf's  Mi. v.,  vol.  i.,  p.  33. 

*'^  It  is  probable  that  as  matters  of  f^overnment,  as  well  as  le^'al  ati'airs, 
were  discussed  at  their  Ei<j;hty-I)ay  Council,  it  was  not  exclusively  com- 
]iiiscd  of  jud;;es,  but  that  nobles  and  statesmen  were  admitted  to  niember- 
siiip.  Toniuemada  is,  however,  the  oidy  writer  who  distinctly  states  this: 
tiiiiiiu  Aiidiencia  General,  que  la  llaniaban  NapualtlatoUi,  ciuiio  decir, 
I'lil.iiira  ochentena,  quo  era  Dia,  en  el  qnal  se  juutaban  todos  los  de  la  Ciu- 
iliiil,  y  los  Asistentcs  de  todas  las  Provincias,  con  todoel  I'ueblo,  asi  noiiles, 
ciiiiio  Conmnes,  y  Plebeios,'  «S:c.  Moniirq.  Itiil.,  toni.  i.,  ji.  KiH;  Ixtlilxo- 
I'hitl,  Hist.  Chic.h.,  in  King.iboroiKjh^s  Aiifiq.  Mr.v.,  vol.  ix.,  pj).  '244-'),  says 
that  the  kiii<j  was  accompanied  by  all  his  sons  and  relatives,  with  their 
tutors  and  suites. 

'^^  ( 'oncerning  this  judicial  system  of  Tezcuco,  see:  Las  Casas,  Hist.  Ajio- 
fof/vfii-ii,  MS.,  cap.  ccxii. ;  Torque  mi  idu,  Moiiarq.  IiiiL,  toni.  i.,  ]i.  1()S,  tom. 
li.,  ]i|i.  :t.")t-");  Zurita,  Rapport,  in  TcrnaHX-(Join/iaii.i,  Vol/.,  serie  ii..  torn, 
i.,  pp.  'Jii,  et-seij.;  Claviijcro,  Sloria  Ant,  eld  Mcssico,  tom.  ii.,  pp.  12S-9; 


mi& 


HH 

ilH 

II 

fflH 

Li|-,^ 

440 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


tlilxochitl  gi ,  es  a  i^omewhat  different  account  of  the 
Tezcucan  - '  ibunals,  which,  as  it  contains  the  only  de- 
scription givsn  by  tie  ancient  writers  of  the  halls  in 
which  the  judges  sat,  I  translate  in  full. 

In  the  palace  were  two  principal  courtyards,  tlie 
larger  of  which  served  as  the  market-place.  The 
second  courtyard  was  smaller  than  the  first,  and  was 
situated  more  in  the  interior  of  the  palace;  in  the  cen- 
tre of  it  a  fire  was  kept  continually  burning.  Here 
were  the  two  most  important  tribunals  in  the  king- 
dom. To  the  right  of  this  courtyard,  writes  Ixtlilxo- 
chitl,  was  the  supreme  tribunal,  which  was  called 
teohicpaljmn,  meaning,  Tribunal  of  God.  Here  was 
a  throne  of  gold,  set  with  turquoises  and  other  pre- 
cious stones;  before  the  throne  stood  a  stool,  upon 
which  were  a  shield,  a  macana,  and  a  bow  with  its 
quiver  of  arrows;  upon  these  was  placed  a  skull,  sur- 
mounted by  an  emerald  of  a  pyramidal  shape,  in  the 
apex  of  which  was  fixed  a  plume  of  feathers  and  pre- 
cious stones ;  at  the  sides,  serving  as  carpets,  were  the 
skins  of  tigers  and  lions  (tigres  y  leones),  and  mats 
(mantas)  made  of  the  feathers  of  the  royal  eagle, 
where  a  quantity  of  bracelets  and  anklets  (grevas)  of 
golfl  were  likewise  placed  in  regular  order.^*  The 
walls  were  tapestried  with  cloth  of  all  colors,  made  of 
rabl)its'  hair,  adorned  with  fi-ures  of  divers  birds, 
animals,  and  flowers.^'     Attach'id  to  the  throne  was 

Mcndii'tn,  Hist.  Erics.,  pp.  134-();  Sithrigioi,  TTi.if.  dni.,  toni.  ii.,  lib,  viii., 
])]).  3(>2-5;  Piinentr/,  Mem.  .fnlivr  la  Lazd  IiuliijciKt,  pj).  28-1);  ''(irlnijul  Ks- 
piiio.id,  Hist.  Mex.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  5!)"). 

2*  Thin  sentence  reads  as  folliiwH  in  the  ()ri;/iiial:  'd  his  hido 
alfonihras  unas  pieles  de  tif^rcs  y  leones,  y  n^antas  hei'has  (l< 
iif^uila  real,  en  donde  asiniisnio  estaban  por  su  orden  cantidadi 
y  jj;revas  de  oro.'  IxtUlxorhitl,  Hist.  Chich.,  in  KiiKj.sboroiuj/i'.'i 


serliian  lU; 

pliiiiias  ill! 
'  lira'/elelcs, 
lex.  All  Ii'/., 
'vas  lie  oro' 

i  us  to  uri- 

tlesi'ri|itiiiii 


vol.  ix.,  ji.  243.  It  is  difficult  to  imagine  wliy  'liraceletos,  y  j; 
sliould  he  placed  upon  tiie  tloor,  hut  certainly  the  historian  a'w 
derstand  as  nmch.  Prescott,  wlio  utlects  to  give  Ixtlilxodiitl's 
'in  his  own  words,'  and  who,  furthermore,  encloses  tlie  extract  in  (]uoi;'.tii'U 
marks,  gets  over  this  dirticUy  by  omitting  the  above-4Uoted  sentence  en- 
tirely. MiT.,  vol.  i.,  p,  34;  aiul  Voytia,  Hist.  Ant.  M'j.,  toni.  iii .  p. 
2();i,  adopts  the  same  convenient  but  somewhat  unsatisfactory  coiirsc.  'YhU 
latter  author's  version  of  the  whole  matter  is,  however,  like  much  (itlu  r  ot 
Ins  work,  inextricably  confused,  when  compared  witii  the  origii'al. 

*5  'Laspjiredcs  estaban  eutapizadas  v  adornadas  de  unos  jianos  liochns 
de  pelo  do  couejo,  dc  todos  eolorcs,  cou  figurua  dc  divcrsus  uves,  iiuiniuics  y 


THE  TRIBUNAL  OF  THE  KING. 


441 


lil).  viii., 
')iij(<l  /•.■•>'• 

[■rliiiin  lU; 

Vaieli'ti'>, 
i.Aiiti'j.,^ 
lis  (le  I  lid' 

lis  t"   1111- 

Iscriiitiiiii 

Vi(it;'.liiMi 

leiice  I'U- 

iii  ,  !»• 

sr.    TliiH 

I  Otlll'V  I't 

liccliiiH 
liiiiali  >  y 


a  canopy  of  rich  plumage,  in  the  centre  of  which  was 
a  fiflittering  ornament  of  gold  and  precious  stones. 

The  other  tribunal  was  called  that  of  the  king;  it 
also  had  a  throne,  which  was  lower  than  that  of  the 
Tribunal  of  God,  and  a  canopy  adorned  with  the  royal 
coat  of  arms.  Here  the  kings  transacted  ordinary 
business  and  gave  public  audience;  but  when  they 
rendered  decisions  upon  grave  and  important  *  <-os,  or 
pronounced  sentence  of  death,  they  remcvcd  to  tlio 
Tribunal  of  God,  placing  the  right  ban  1  upon  the 
skull,  and  holding  in  the  left  the  golden  arrow  wliich 
served  as  a  sceptre,  and  on  these  occasions  tliey  put 
on  the  tiara  (tiara)  which  they  used,  which  i-esemblcd 
a  half  mitre.  There  were  on  the  same  stool  three  of 
these  tiaras;  one  was  of  pre»-ious  stones  set  in  gold, 
another  of  feathers,  and  tiie  third  woven  <jf  cotton 
and  rabbit-hair,  of  a  blue  color.  This  tribunal  ".^as 
composed  of  fourteen  grand^'es  of  the  kingdom,  wi  > 
sat  in  three  divisions  of  the  hall,  according  to  their 
rank  and  seniority.  In  the  Hrst  division  was  the 
king;  in  tlie  second  divisioii  were  seated  wix  grandees; 
tlie  Hrst  of  these  six,  on  the  right  hand,  was  the  lord 
of  Teotihuacan,  tlie  second  the  lord  of  Acolmar*,  tbe 
thirri  the  lord  of  'I'e[>etlaoztoc ;  on  the  left  sidt;  wat, 
tirst,  the  lord  of  Huexotla,  liucond,  the  lord  of  Coat- 
liclian,  third,  he  of  Chinialhuacan.  In  fhe  third  di- 
vision of  the  hall,  wIk;  h  was  the  exterior  one,  sat 
tight  other  lords,  according  to  their  rank  and  s.':-ior- 
ity;  on  the  right  side  the  Hrst  was  tl)e  lord  of  <  )tom- 
pan,  the  second  was  the  lord  of  Tollantzinco,  the  third 
tile  lord  of  Quauhchipanco,  the  fourth  the  lord  of  Xi- 
•'otcpL'e,  and  on  the  left  side  were,  Hrst,  the  lord  of  Te- 
jiechpan,  second,  the  lord  of  Chiauhtla,  third,  the 
lord  of  Chiuhnauhtla,  and  fourth,  he  of  Teiotocan. 

Iloii's.'  Tliis  is  rentlercdliy  Prescott:  'The  walls  were  huiij»  with  fapoytry, 
luiiilf  of  tlie  hair  of  ditteront  wild  iiniui:  Is,  of  rich  tiiid  various  coliir-,  /'cv- 
t'lniiid  1)1/  f/ol/f  rings,  iinii  oinhroidcri'd  with  ti;,;iirfs  of  birds  and  tluwcrs. ' 
A  I'fw  lines  above,  'la  silla  y  isHpaldar  era  de  oro,'  is  construed  into  '« 
tlirmie  (if  pure  fifohl,'  It  necnis  scarcely  fair  to  style  the  ancient  (  hichi- 
iiiic  >  (icscviptioii  one  'of  rathera  poetical  cast,'  at  the  nanie  time  niuking 
sui.il  additions  as  these. 


U2 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


t'x.       I      '■  *^  " 


i     !■ 


There  followed,  also,  another  hall,  which  adjoined 
this  on  the  eastern  side,  and  was  divided  into  two 
})arts;  in  the  inner  and  })riih-ipal  division,  were  ei^ht 
judges,  who  were  nobles  and  gentlemen,  and  four  oth- 
ers who  were  of  the  citizen  class  r'"  these  were  followed 
by  fifteen  provincial  judges,  natives  of  all  the  cities 
and  chief  towns  of  Tezcuco;  the  latter  took  cogni- 
zance of  all  suits,  civil  or  criminal,  which  wei'e  em- 
braced in  the  eighty  laws  that  Nezahualcoyotl 
establislied;  the  duration  of  the  most  important  of 
these  cases  was  never  more  than  eighty  days.  In 
the  other,  or  extericjr,  division  of  the  hall,  was  a  tri- 
bunal (•(>Tn])osed  of  four  su])refjie  judges,  who  were 
]>resi(lunts  of  the  councils;  and  thei'e  was  a  wicket, 
througlj  wliich  they  entered  and  went  out  to  Cv>nnnu- 
nii-ate  witJi  the  king." 

Besid>'s  these  various  tribunals  for  the  general  nd- 
niirn'stration  of  jusl*<j«3,  there  were  others  that  had 
jurisdiction  in  cases  (An  jx'culiar  nature  only.  Tlieie 
was  a  court  of  divorce,  mul  another  which  dealt  <'iil 
witli  military  matters;  by  it  military  nwn  were  tried 
and  punishie'i.  and  it  Kid  also  the  j)ower  to  confer 
rewards  aii'd  h^onors  uj.<k  I'm  d.. -serving;  the  especial 
i'lrisdietiou  of  another  tr  '.n.-d  extended  over  mat 
jiert  ining  to  art  and  (^•jeivce,  while  a  fourth  coint 
hatl  charge  of  the  royal  ex«  he<juer.  of  taxes  and  trih- 
utes,  and  <'»f  -.hose  etnploy«.'d  in  collecting  them.  <  *t' 
some  of  r  institutions  I    liave   already  had   ih'- 

casiou  to  ^jii.  -V-  The  nuitlii  of  j»rocedure,  or  daily 
routine,  in  x-jk  Uir  courts  of  M«.^xieo  and  Tezcn  ' 
wax  wtrirt  mt^  inmnaL     At  sunn.sc,  or  a>^  some  say, 

*♦■  TttlilxfloliitI,  tt^ s^tprm,  writei*:  'E«  los  jTMiioros  puoi-i  s  n  Im  jiierts 
mm»-  era*  ^ttUlfy  ^  i>utHtl»er*M!,  y  Iwhi  irr.w  cuatru  cran  <1l  Ui>  i'iinl,i<laiHi- ' 
T<  vtia  tuy*'.  I^»  «-natr«>  |jriiiierrK»  i»riiii  csilxilWriM  ilc  Ja  iKiMir/a  di  |iriiinr 
iinli'ii,  Urn  ♦TWirtn*  MixuienieH  <;iudad-iiioM  (If  Tewucu.'  Hi.sf.  Aut.  M'j  tmii. 
iii..  |).  MW 

i'  Ij-tlil,i<^ktt3   JliM.  Chfk.,  lb  KiiiffsiMnoiigh's  Mcjc.  Anttt/  ,  toI.  i\  .  p. 

242  H.     Til'    -11  •■,■    ,)t  the  aUive  *»^rrif'ti<>ii   Im  very  dittieult  to  frniHliitt! 

litHnillv     •  tilt'   ritiifuMrd  iwyle   iii  whicli  it  is  written:  ninl  n  i'> 

■ '  "■      *    -  *     ^   -it«'lli(/ihle,  the  reader  will  reeollect  thai  I  ti:iii- 

"II'  iitl  tmyn,  atnl  imt  wliat  he  may,  »v  nmy  ii"t      '^« 

t4i>  "   '  '   t  It  .*^  ^ 


COURT  PROCEEDINGS. 


U3 


at  (liiybrcak,  the  judges  took  their  places  in  court, 
sijiiatting  upon  mats  spread  for  the  purpose,  usually 
ujiou  an  elevated  platform.  Here  they  administered 
justice  until  noon,  when  they  partook  of  a  meal 
suj)j)lied  from  the  royal  kitchen.  When  tliis  was  over 
and  they  had  rested  foi  a  short  space,  husiness  was 
ixsunied,  and  carried  on  durin<^  the  ^roater  ])art 
(if  the  afternoon.  Punctuality  on  the  part  of  the 
j  HI  lyes  was  strictly  enforced,  and  he  who  absented 
himself  from  court  without  good  cause,  such  as  ill- 
ness, or  royal  permission,  was  severely  pMiished. 
Tliis  order  ,as  observed  every  d^y,  except  when  the 
jiic'sence  of  the  judges  was  required  at  the  ])ul)lic 
sarritices  or  solemn  festivities,  at  which  time  the 
courts  of  justice  remained  closed.'" 

]\t  .101  ;ases  were  conducted  verhally,  the  parties 
pixlut  iiig  their  witnesses,  who  testified  under  oath 
tui'  the  complaint  or  th<'  defence.  The  testimony, 
under  oath,  of  the  })rincipals  was  also  admitted  as 
rvidence;  and  one  writer  even  asserts  that  the  de- 
t'liidant  could  clear  himself  by  his  oath;^  but  it  is 
lilaiii  that  if  such  were  the  cast'  conviction  would  be 
Very  ,  are.  In  cases  of  greater  importance,  especially 
in  civil  suits  when  the  possession  of  real  estate  was 
involved,  puintin-.-'  in  which  the  j>roperty  in  dispute 
was  re})re.sented,  were  pr(»duced  as  authentic  docu- 
ments, and  the  whole  of  the  proceedings,  such  as  the 
the  tibject  of  the  claim,  the  evidence,  the  names  of 
the  parties  and  their  respective  witnesses,  as  well  as 
the  tlecision  or  sentence,  were  recorded  in  court  by 
notaries,  or  clerks,  appointed  Ibr  that  pi'rpose.'*'     A 

2'  Tiiri/iiniudf'i,  Moiinn/.  Imf.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  3r)4;  Tjis  Cusaf!.  ff/'s/.  A/iu/n- 
;/r//(V(,  Ms.,  fill),  ccxii. ;  '''.'/'«".  //'  '  Aiit.  M  j  tinii.  iii  ,  ]>.  I!t0;  Clini- 
ijirn.  Sliirid  Ant.  i/il  Mrn.si'i'o,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  \'2A;  Ziii  ii"  Rnfifnivl,  in  Trniinu- 
I'liiii/iiiiix,   I'l'!/.,  serii'  ii.,  t<tiii.  i.,  ]i.  KMI;  Mnidirhi,  Ifisf.  Krlcn.,  j).  134. 

**  ''hirifirn),  Storiii  Aiit.  dii  Mfssin,,  toiii.  ii.,  |»,  CJO. 

3"  I'lt'scolt,  Mfx.,  viil.  i.,  ]i.  ,*?;},  nays:  ''I'lu-  iiaiiitiiijr.s  \v(>ro  fxetiitcii 
witli  ^11  iiiucli  acciiracv,  tliat,  in  all  suits  res|it'ctinj,'  icai  prnporty,  tiicy  wcic 
iilliiwcii  to  lie  |ir<)<liii'('il  as  ^.'(mkI  aiillupiity  in  the  Spanish  tiidnnals.  viiy 
l"iV  after  the  <  uinniost,  and  a  rliiiii  lur  tlicir  study  and  intcrpii'lalion  wa.s 
">l;iliiislii'd  at  Mcxiri)  in  \'tX\,  which  lias  hni;;  since  sh.ncd  the  fiilc  nf  must 
t'tiai  ;  ii)\ision»  tor  k'arnini;  in  that  uiifoiUiuutc  country."     li^^turini  thu.s 


M  \ 


SI 


411 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


h  \  I! 


witness  in  an  Aztec  court  of  law  occupied  a  serious 
position.  In  the  first  place  the  judges  are  by  all 
writers  said  to  have  been  particularly  skillful  in  cross- 
examination.  They  seem  to  have  made  it  an  especial 
study  to  harass  witnesses  with  pertinent  questions 
and  minute  details;  in  the  next  place  the  punit^hmuiit 
for  perjury  was  death,  and  perjury  among  these  })eo- 
ple  consisted  in  making  a  false  statement  when  undtr 
oath,  without  the  possibility  of  being  saved  by  a  leoal 
(juibble;  in  addition  to  this,  superstition  attacluJ 
great  weight  to  the  oath  which  every  witness  was 
obli<ifed  to  take,  and  which  consisted  in  touching  tlic 
Toretinger  to  the  earth  and  then  to  the  tongue,  as  if  to 
say,  as  Las  Casas  expresses  it:  By  the  goddess  Earth, 
who  supports  and  affords  me  sustenance,  I  swear  to 
speak  truth.  This  oath  was  considered  to  be  very 
sacred  and  binding,  and  is  said  to  have  been  rarely 
violated.  Whether  counsel  or  advocates  were  em- 
ployed is  a  disputed  point,  some  writers  asserting  dis- 
tinctly that  they  were,  and  others  that  they  ueio 
not.^^     Veytia   states  that   the  complainant  and  dt- 

dcscrihes  the  jMipcr  used  by  the  Aztecs:  'El  Papcl  Indiano  rc  componia  ilc 
hiH  iteiicas  del  Mnffudy,  que  en  Iciigua  Nacional  se  llaiiia  Mi'tl,  y  en  (':istil- 
lano  Pita.  Las  echahau  h,  podrir,  y  lavahau  el  hilo  de  cllas,  el  i|iie  liiivi- 
endose  ahlandadu  estendian,  pava  conipoiier  su  papel  p'uesso,  h  tU'h^H'l\ 
nuc  (lesjmes  bruuian  panv  pintar  en  61.  Tanihien  luiciau  jjapel  de  las  Iicijms 
<le  Palnia,  y  Yo  tenjio  al<?unos  Je  estos  delgados,  y  blandos  tanto  cmno  l;v 
seda.'  Cat.dlogo,  in  Id.,  Idea,  pp.  95-6. 

31  Veytia  writes  very  positively  on  this  point:  '  Habia  tanibien  alxvinlus 
y  procuradores;  &  los  jtrinieros  llanuiban  teiMintlatoani,  que  <iiiiero  ilcrii- •/ 
qur  habla  por  otro,  y  A  los  segundos  tlaucmiUaiii,  que  en  lo  sustancial  cjiT- 

cian  sus  niinisterios  casi  del  nusino  niodo  que  en  nuestros  tribuiiali's 

Dalian  t^rniinos  A  las  partes  para  que  sus  nbogadtts  hahlasen  \)m  clliis,  y 
estos  lo  hacian  del  misnio  niodo  que  en  nuestros  tril»unalc's.'  Hint.  Ant. 
Mrj.,  toui.  iii.,  pp.  207-8.  Sahagun  relates  the  qualities  whieh  were  siiji- 
]»tsed  by  the  Aztecs  to  constitute  a  good  or  bad  }iruriira<lur  or  .sn/ir/l"- 
(lor,  an(l  descril)es  their  duties:  'El  procurador  favorece  h  una  iiuimIm  ile 
los  |)leyteautes,  ]K>r  quieii  en  su  negocio  vuelve  niucho  y  a^)ela,  tiMiicn>lo 
jioder,  y  Uevaii'l'i  salario  por  ello.  El  buen  procurador  es  vivo  y  soliciin, 
osado,  diligeiiti',  constante,  y  perscvernntc  en  los  negocios,  en  los  cualcs  no 
se  di'ja  veneer;  sino  que  alega  de  su  derecho,  apela,  tacha  los  t('sti;:<i>,  lii 
se  causa  hasta  veneer  li  la  jiarte  contraria  y  triunfar  de  ella.  El  niiil  \>'"- 
curador  es  intercsabie,  gran  pedigiieno,  y  de  nialicia  suelo  dilatar  Ins  iir.Li- 
cios:  ha<'c  aliiaracas,  es  nuiy  negligente  y  descuidado  en  el  plcito,  y  fiamlii- 
lento  de  tal  nuido,  que  de  entranibas  partes  lleva  salario.  El  solicii;;"!' r 
nunca  jiara,  anda  Hioni]tre  solicito  y  listo.  El  buen  solicitador  es  niuy  '  i,i- 
dadosu,  deterniinado,  y  solicito  cu  todo,  y  j»or  haeer  bleu  su  oiicio,  inucli..'* 


;         .' 


EXAMINATION  OF  WITNESSES. 


445 


fondant  were  sometimes  confronted  with  each  other, 
and  compelled  to  argue  the  case  before  the  court,  no 
otlier  person  being  allowed  to  speak  the  while.  The 
judges  heard  and  passed  sentence  by  a  majority  of 
Aotes,^'^  each  giving  his  decision  aloud.  If  the  trial 
took  place  in  an  inferior  court,  a  disagreement  sent 
tlio  matter  on  appeal  to  a  higher  court;  if  it  took 
place  in  the  first  instance  before  a  superior  tribunal, 
it  was  appealed  to  the  great  council  of  the  cm})eror. 
The  same  writer  also  says  that  where  a  serious  pul)lic 
offense  had  been  committed,  the  witnesses  were  ex- 
amined, and  sentence  was  innnediately  luissed  without 
i-ivini;  the  accused  time  to  defend  himself.^''  We 
jiave  already  seen  that  the  duration  of  suits  was  lim- 
ited to  eighty  days,  and  generally  the^^  teruiinated 
much  sooner  than  this,  all  ])ossible  exj)edition  being 
always  used.  The  better  to  avoid  bribery  and  cor- 
ruj)tion,  it  was  expressly  forbidden  for  a  judge  to 
receive  presents,  no  matter  how  trilling,  and  I'e  who 
violated  this  rule  was  deposed  from  office,  and  other- 
wise punished  with  exceeding  rigor. 

The  way  in  which  the  judges  were  paid  for  their  serv- 
ices was  peculiar.  A  certain  portion  of  land  was  set 
apart  for  their  exclusive  benefit,  which  was  cultivated 
and  harvested  by  tenants,  who  doubtless  were  allowed 
to  retain  a  part  of  the  produce  in  return  for  their  labor. 
These  lauds  were  not  inherited  by  the  son  on  the 
death  of  the  father,  but  passed  to  the  judge  ap])ointed 

vpi'os  (Icjii  (Ic  comer  y  dc  donnir,  y  amlii  de  rasa  en  ciisa  sdlicitaiulu  Ins 
iut.'iiciiis,  Ids  c'lialus  trata  de  Imt'iia  tiiita,  y  i-<'ii  tciimr  i)  rcct'Io,  lic  (|iic  juir 
Ml  dcsciiido  11(1  tt'ii;;aii  liial  siict'su  los  iii';^i>cii>>.  EI  iiial  solicitador  t's  llojo 
y  clt'scuidado,  Ii.'rdo,  v  eiicaiidiladnr  jiara  ■»;uar  diiicriis.  y  facilmciitc  sc  drja 
coliccliar,  ]i(ii(]iic'  no  lialili'  nial  cI  iio;c"''i'i  "  M'"'  "ii<'i''a,  y  asi  siiclc  ('cliar  a 
]iirilcr  l()s|iU'itos.'  Hist.  (A  /*.,  toiu.  iii.,  Iil>.  \..  i'|i.  •_';{-4.  ('lavi;;i'i(i  taki  s  tlio 
o]iiHisitc  side  of  tlieciuostioii:  'Noi  ;;iiidi/j  del  Mi'^>i(aiii  faccvaim  la  paili  da 
jicr  si>  stcssc  le  loro  allo;,fa/ioiii:  aliiiciio  iioii  sai)])iaiii(i,  ciii'  \  i  fossero  Avvn- 
ciiti."  S/oriii  Aiif.  i/i  /  .M<'sxir<i.  toiii.  ii.,  ]i.  \'2\)  'Nocoiiiisid  was  ciniplovcd; 
llir  |iaiti('s  statcil  tlifir  own  >ii^'.  aird  sii|i|H)i(cd  it  Ii\  tlu'ir  witnesses.'  I'n.\- 
ciit  v  Ml.,-.,  vtd.  i.,  ]>.  ;)2.  !/otlie«'  d"i>\oeat  etait  iinoimii,  les  jiaities  etali- 
ii^-aieiit  elles-iiK'Mii's  Vrtir  eiiUM',  eii  se  faisant  aei(iiiiiiaj:iier  do  leiiis 
tiiMiiins.'  jlrnssiiir  i/i    J-i  •nrhti'ii-^j,  ///>/.  Nut,  '/'■.,  toin.  iii.,  v.  "iSI, 

■■'  riie  reader  will  lia\e  it'«j.:irk<>i  in  a  ]ire\iinis  note  that  \  ey.ia  assi_t,'n« 
lii'iic  jiid;L;('s  to  eaeli  emirt  TKfcn  aii\  other  writer. 

■*J  Vvijliii,  Hint.  Ant.  Mrj,^  Xvm.  iii.,  p.  208. 


m 


446 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


in  the  place  of  the  Latter.**  Yeytia  does  not  mention 
these  lands;  he  says  th.at  the  judges  had  no  fixtd 
salory,  but  were  paid  accordin<i^  to  the  king's  pleasure, 
more  or  less,  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  their  families, 
Viesides  which  the  king  made  valuable  presents  wlieii 
the  Eighty-Day  Council  met,  to  those  who  had  [lur- 
formed  their  duty  to  his  satisfaction.**  The  allowance 
was  in  all  cases  made  amply  sufficient,  that  theie 
migJit  be  no  excuse  on  the  ground  of  poverty  foi-  a 
judge  receiving  presents  or  bribes.  They  held  tlieir 
office  for  life,  and  v/ere  selected  from  the  hieflier 
classes,  especially  the  superior  judges,  who  were  gen- 
erally relatives  of  the  king,  or  even  members  of  tlie 
royal  family.  None  were  eligible  for  the  office  a\]i(» 
were  not  solder,  upright  men,  brought  up  in  tlie  tem- 
ples, and  who  were  well  acquainted  with  court  life  and 
manners.  A  judge  who  became  drunk,  or  received  a 
bribe,  was  three  times  severely  reprimanded  by  liis 
fellow-judges;  if  the  offense  was  repeated,  his  liead 
was  shaved  publicly,  a  great  disgrace  among  the  Az- 
tecs, and  he  was  deprived  of  his  office  with  ignominy. 
A  judge  making  a  false  report  to  the  king,  or  con- 
victed of  receiving  a  large  bribe,  or  of  rendering  a 
manifestly  unjust  decision,  was  punished  with  deatli."' 
All  this  machinery  of  the  law  was  dispensed  with  in 
Tlascala,  where  all  dis[)utes  and  difficulties  were 
promptly  settled  by  certain  oki  men  appointed  for 
that  purpose.^ 

A  love  of  impartial  justice  seems  to  have  cliarac- 
terized  all  the  Aztec  moinirchs,  and,  as  we  have  seen, 
the  laws  they  enacted  to  ensure  this  to  tlieir  sul»jects 


^*  Tnr/]Hcmnr7n,  Monnrq.  Inrl.,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  .^.5.')  O;  Mrnrlirfrt,  Hint.  TJcAv., 
p.  l.Sr>;  I  /arii/i'ru,  Sdirin  Ant.  (hi  !\fc.s^ico,  toin.  ii.,  pp    128-lt. 

35  Vr)/ti(i,^Jlist.  Ant.  MrJ.,  toni.  iii..  p.  'J(HI. 

30  L(t.s-  Ciisds,  Hist.  A/i()/i"trtir(i,  MS.,  cap.  tcxv.,  ccxii.;  Sah'i(/ini,  Hi-'. 
Gen.,  toiii.  ii.,  lib.  viii.,  ])p.  IMH,  .Tl.S;  Mrnt/irta,  hist.  Krlc.s.,  j).  ISa;  \'ij//,i(. 
Hist.  All'.  Mij.,  toiti.  iii.,  j>.  4'2'i;  /iirila,  R'l/i/iorf,  in  Trriinn.r-('ii»i/ii>i  ■^, 
Vol/.,  st'ric  ii.,  toni.  i.,  ])]>.  101-2.  'ror((UiMnii(lii  siiys  the  unjust  .)uilf:f  «;n 
warned  twice,  and  shaved  at  tlie  tliird  otl'en.se.  Monarq.  Ind.,  toni.  ii.,  p 
35(!.     See  also  /(/.,  ]).  385. 

3'  Ciiiiianjo,  Hint.  Thix.,  in  NouvcUcs  Annalcsdes  Voy.,  1843,  toiu.  xcIn., 
p.  136. 


ANECDOTES  OF  NEZAHUALPILLI. 


447 


were  severe  in  tlie  extreme.  No  favoritism  was  al- 
lowed; all,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest  Mere  held 
iimeiiahle  to  the  law.  A  story,  illustrating  this,  is 
rci)eated  by  nearly  all  the  old  writers.  In  the  reign 
of  Nezahualpilli,  the  son  of  Nezahualcoyotl,  who  were 
accounted  the  two  wisest  kings  of  Tezcuco,  a  suit 
sprang  up  between  a  rich  and  powerful  n(»ble  and  a 
])oor  man  of  the  people.  The  judge  decided  against 
the  pool  man,  who  thereby  lost  what  little  he  liad, 
and  was  in  danger  of  having  to  sell  himself  as  a  slave 
to  j)rocure  subsistence  for  his  family.  But  suspiti(»n 
of  foul  play  having  been  aroused,  the  king  ()rdert}d 
the  matter  to  be  thoroughly  investigated,  wlien  it 
transpired  that  the  judge  had  been  guilty  of  collusion 
with  the  rich  man:  so  the  king  commanded  that  the 
unjui!it  judge  should  be  hanged  at  once,  and  that  the 
poor  man's  projierty  should  be  restored  to  him. 

N(nther  were  the  rulers  themselfes,  nor  their  fiinii- 
lies,  exempt  from  observance  of  the  law,  and  instances 
are  not  wanting  where  fatliers  have,  Brutus-like,  con- 
demned their  cliildren  to  death,  rather  than  allow  the 
law  to  be  violated,  and  the  offender  to  go  impunished. 
Xczahualcoyotl  caused  four  of  his  own  sons  to  be  })ub- 
licly  executed  because  they  had  sinned  with  their 
step-mothers,  the  wives  of  their  father.'^  A  very 
touching  incidi'ut  is  narrated  by  Torquemada,  show- 
iii^;  to  what  an  extent  (his  love  of  imi)artial  justice 
\vas  farritnl  by  a  Tezcucan  sovereign. 

Nozahualpilli,  king  of  Tiv.cuco,  had  mai-ried  two 
sisters,  whom  he  dearly  loved,  and  especially  did  he 
ilotc  upon  the  younger,  whose  name  was  Xocotzincat- 
/.iii.  By  her  he  had  several  children,  the  eldest  being 
a  sdii,  nanunl  Huoxotzincatzin,  who  was  beloved  )>y 
all  who  knew  hiui,  <>n  account  of  his  amiable  disposi- 
tion and  noble  (pialities,  and  who  was  besides  a  ve;ry 
valiant  young'  man  ai\d  a  great  warrior.  No  wonJer 
that  ho  was  the  king's  pride,  and  beloved  even  more 


Nil 


"  Turqunnada,  Monarq.  TmL,  torn,  i.,  j). 


1G5. 


' 


148 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


! 


1 


thun  his  In'others  und  sisters,  fur  his  own  and  lii.s 
mothur's  sake.  So  much  had  Huexotzincatzin  dis- 
tint^uished  himself,  that,  although  he  was  but  a  youiii,'' 
iiuui,  his  fatlier  determined  to  bestow  upon  him  tliu 
office  and  title  of  tlacatecatl,  which  was  a  post  of  the 
highest  honor  and  imi)ortance.^''  For  this  purpose  tlic 
king  one  day  ordered  that  the  prince  be  sent  for  and 
brought  into  his  presence.  With  a  light  heai't,  and 
mucli  elated,  Huexotzincatzin,  accompanied  by  bis 
suite,  and  the  nobles  who  were  his  tutors,  set  out  fur 
the  royal  palace.  As  he  was  about  to  enter,  the  ]>rincu 
met  one  of  his  father's  concubines,  attended  by  her 
ladies.  This  concubine  was  a  very  beautiful  and 
proud  woman,  yet  withal  of  a  free  and  easy  carriage, 
that  encouraged  Huexotzincatzin,  who  perhaps  did 
not  know  wJio  she  was,  to  address  her  in  a  familial' 
and  disres[)ectfid  manner.  The  woman,  who,  the  his- 
torian romarks,  coifld  not  have  been  possessed  of  much 
sense,  eitiier  because  she  felt  offended  at  his  conduct 
towards  her,  or  because  she  dreaded  the  consequence 
if  tlie  king  should  discover  what  had  happened,  turned 
from  the  prince  without  a  word,  and  entered  the  ])al- 
ace.  The  king's  concubines,  as  we  have  seen  in  a  f(jr- 
mcr  chapter,  were  always  accompanied  by  certain 
elderly  women,  whose  duty  it  wns  to  instruct  them  in 
discreet  behavior  and  to  watch  continually  over  tlieir 
actions.  One  of  these  women,  who  had  been  witli  tlie 
concul)ine  at  the  time  of  her  meeting  with  Huexot- 
zincatzin, and  had  overheard  the  prince's  remarks, 
went  straightway  to  the  king,  and  informed  him  of  all 
that  had  happened.  The  king  immediately  sent  for 
his  concubine,  and  inquired  of  her  if  the  prince  had 
spoken  lewdly  to  her  publicly  and  in  the  presence  of 
tlie  ladies  and  courtiers,  or  if  he  had  intended  his 

39  Torqnomada  tmnslates  tlacatecatl,  Captu'n  General,  (Cajiitan  Ocn- 
eral).  We  have  already  seen  that  it  was  the  litle  of  the  iiresidiu^'  jiwh^c 
of  the  second  Mexican  court  of  justice,  hut  it  ^^■as  jirohahly  in  (lii-'  iii--i'  i\ 
military  title,  hoth  hecause  military  promotion  would  he  more  likclv  tn  lie 
conferred  n|M)n  a  renowned  warrior  than  a  jud^roNliiii,  and  hecause  tlic 
])riii(e  is  s|iiikcu  of  as  a  younji  man,  while  onlv  men  of  luature  years  ami 
great  e.\iiericnce  were  entrusted  with  the  higher  judicial  uilicus. 


PL'NIhfHMEXT  OF  THE  KING'S  SON. 


m 


Avords  to  reacli  her  ear  alone;  for  Nezalmalpilli  would 
lain  liave  discovered  some  excuse  for  his  son,  the  pun- 
ishment for  speaking  lewdly  in  public  to  the  kind's 
concubines  bein^-,  accordiui,''  to  law,  death;  but  the 
hiyhtened  woman  replied  that  Huexotzincatzin  had 
sj)()ken  openly  to  her,  before  all  that  were  present. 
Then  the  king  dismissed  the  concultine,  and  retired, 
mourning,  into  certain  apartments  which  were  called 
the  'rooms  of  sorrow.' 

When  these  things  came  to  the  ears  of  the  friends 
and  tutors  of  the  })rince,  they  were  much  troubled  on 
his  account,  because  the  severity  of  the  king,  and  his 
strict  adherence  to  the  law  were  as  a  proverb  among 
the  j)eople,  and  their  a}>prehensions  increased  when, 
upon  arriving  at  the  royal  ai)artnients,  the  i)rince  was 
(lcni(xl  admission,  although  his  attendants  were  or- 
dered to  ap})ear  at  once  before  the  king.  There  they 
were  closely  questioned  by  him,  and  although  they 
would  willingly  have  saved  the  prince  from  the  conse- 
(juences  of  his  folly,  yet  they  dared  not  speak  anything 
hut  truth, for  he  who  was  convicted  of  wilfull}' deceiving 
the  king,  suffered  death.  All  they  could  do  was  to 
make  excuses  for  the  jirince,  and  ask  pardon  for  his 
crime,  and  this  they  did  with  many  prayers  and  en- 
treaties, advancing,  as  extenuating  circumstances,  his 
youtli,  his  previous  good  conduct,  and  his  jjossible  ig- 
norance of  the  fact  that  the  lady  was  his  father's 
concubine.  The  king  listened  patiently  to  the  end, 
answering  nothing,  and  then  he  conunanded  that  Hu- 
exotzincatzin be  forthwith  arrested  and  placed  in  con- 
linenient.  Later  in  that  same  day  he  })r()nouuced 
sentence  of  death  against  his  S(jn.  When  it  became 
known  that  Huexotzincatzin  was  to  die,  all  the  jxtw- 
erful  nobles  who  were  at  court  went  in  a  body  to  tlu.' 
king  and  earnestly  conjured  him  not  to  insist  uj)on 
carrying  out  his  sentence,  telling  him  that  it  was  bar- 
barous and  unnatural,  and  that  future  generations 
Would  hold  in  horror  and  hatred  the  memory  of  the 
luan  who  had  condenmed  his  own  son  to  death.    Their 

Vol.  n.    'JU 


460 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


jM 


M. 


l)rfiyt^'r.s  and  iirtjfunients  seemed,  however,  to  render  tlio 
old  kin*4"  only  the  more  implacalde,  and  he  dismissed 
them,  .sayin<^  that  it'  the  hiw  forbade  .such  thin<i;'H,  and 
it'  that  law  was  invicdahly  observed  tliroujjfhout  tliu 
kiiiijidoni,  how  could  he  justify  his  conduct  to  his  sub- 
jects, were  lie  to  allow  the  same  to  be  infrin<»'ed  upon 
in  his  own  palace,  and  the  offender  to  remain  unjiiin- 
ished  merely  because  he  was  his  son;  that  it  should 
never  be  sai<l  of  him  that  he  made  laws  for  his  sub- 
jects which  did  not  apply  to  his  own  family. 

When  Xocotzincatzin,  the  ])rince's  mother,  hciwd 
that  he  was  condenmed  to  death,  she  gatheiud  tiie 
rest  of  her  sons  about  her,  and  coming  suddenly  l>c- 
fore  her  husband,  she  fell  on  her  knees  and  besounht 
him  with  many  tears,  to  spare  the  life  of  her  darlino- 
son,  the  first  i)ledge  of  love  that  she,  his  favorite  wile 
had  given  him.  Finding  nil  her  entreaties  fruitless, 
she  then  imjdored  him  for  the  sake  of  the  love  he  had 
once  borne  her,  to  slav  her  and  her  other  sons  with 
Huexotzincatzin,  since  life  without  her  first-born  was 
nnbearable.  But  the  stern  old  king  still  sat  to  all  aj)- 
pearauce  unmoved  and  innnovable,  and  coldly  directed 
the  attendant  ladies  to  convey  the  wretched  mother  to 
her  ai)artments. 

The  execution  of  the  prince  was  delayed  in  every 
possil)le  manner  by  those  who  had  charge  of  it,  in  the 
hojie  that  the  king  might  even  yet  relent;  but  Neza- 
]iual})illi  having  been  informed  of  this,  immediately 
ordered  that  the  sentence  should  be  carried  out  with- 
out further  delay.  So  Huexotzincatzin  died.  As  suuii 
as  the  news  of  his  son's  death  was  carried  to  the  king, 
he  shut  himself  up  in  certain  apartments  called  the 
'rooms  of  sorrow,'  and  there  remained  forty  days, 
mourning  for  his  first-born  and  seeing  no  one.  Tlic 
liouse  of  the  late  prince  was  then  walled  up,  and 
none  were  allowed  to  enter  it,  and  so  all  tokens  of 
the  unhappy  young  man  were  destroyed.*' 


*"  Torqucmada,  Monarq.  Intl.,  torn,  i.,  pp.  189-90. 


MONTEZUMA  AND  TIIK  FAIP.IEU. 


461 


Another  anecdote,  which  is  written  in  exocrahle 
Sitanish  1)V  tlie  native  historian,  'IVzozonioc,  mjiv  not 
l)u  out  of  j)lace  liere.  It  is  told  of  tlit;  emperor  Mon- 
tezuma of  ^^ex.ico,  and  the  reader  will  at  once  reco«if- 
iiizc  a  resemblance  between  this  and  many  otlui"  anec- 
dotes with  which  he  is  familiar,  where  a  bold  and 
iiurited  rebnke  from  a  subject  to  his  sovereign  is 
received  with  res})ect  and  even  favor. 

It  happened  one  sununer,  that  the  kiny-,  bein<^ 
wearied  with  the  cares  of  jj^overnment,  went  foi'  rest 
and  recreation  to  his  country  palace  at  Tacubaya. 
One  day,  when  out  shootin*,'-  birds,  he  came  to  an  or- 
cliard,  and  havinjr  told  his  attendants  to  remain  out- 
sid ',  be  entered  alone.  He  succeeded  in  killiniic  a 
Iiii'd,  and  as  lie  was  returnino-,  bearinj^^'  his  jL^anu'  in  his 
hand,  he  turned  aside  into  a  Held  where  a  remai'kably 
line  crop  of  corn  was  n^rowin^.  Havinji^  ])hui<ed  a 
few  ears,  he  went  towards  the  house  of  the  owner  of 
the  Held,  which  sto»»d  hard  by,  for  the  purpose  ol"  sbow- 
iiiH'  him  the  ears  that  he  had  i)lucked,  and  of  praising 
Ills  crop,  but  as  by  law  it  was  death  to  look  u]>on  the 
kiiii;''s  face,  the  occupants  of  the  house  had  Hed,  and 
tliere  was  no  one  therein.  Now  the  owner  of  the 
Held  had  seen  the  kinj*-  pluck  the  corn  from  afar  off, 
and,  notwithstanding  it  was  a<^ainst  the  law,  he  ven- 
tured to  approach  the  monarch  in  such  a  way  as  to 
make  the  meeting  appear  accidental.  Making  a  deep 
olieisance,  he  thus  addressed  the  king:  "How  is  it, 
most  high  and  mighty  i)rince,  that  thou  hast  thus 
(stitlen  my  corn?  Didst  thou  not  thyself  establish 
a  law  that  he  who  should  steal  one  ear  of  corn,  or 
its  value,  should  suffer  death?"  And  Montezuma  an- 
swered: "Truly  I  did  make  such  a  law."  Then  said 
the  farmer:  "How  is  it  then,  that  thou  breakest  thine 
own  law?"  And  the  king  replied:  "Here  is  thy  corn, 
take  back  that  which  I  have  stolen  from  thee."  But 
the  owner  of  the  field  began  to  be  alarmed  at  his  own 
boldness,  and  tried  to  excuse  himself,  saying  that  he 
had  spoken  merely  in  jest,  for,  said  he:  "Are  not  my 


I 


4;  V 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0    ;f:i-  1^ 


I.I 


J3,2 


I 


2.2 


M 

1.8 


1.25      1.4 

III  ''^ 

< 

6"     — 

► 

Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


i\ 


«^ 


•N? 


:\ 


\ 


[V 


> 


<^ 


^ 


k  <(^*^ 
^  w 


33  WEST  MAI;4  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  MSSO 

(716)  87a-4503 


■'-'!> '" 
^ 


m 


) 


'<^ 


4, 


^ 


458 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


fields,  and  myself,  and  my  wife,  and  my  children,  all 
thine,  to  do  with  as  thou  wilt;"  and  he  refused  to  take 
hack  the  ears  of  corn.  Then  the  king  took  oft'  his 
mantle  of  net-work  and  precious  stones,  which  was 
called  xiuhayatl  and  was  worth  a  whole  city,  and 
oftered  it  to  the  farmer,  who  at  first  was  afraid  to  ac- 
cept so  precious  a  gift,  but  Montezuma  insisted,  so  lie 
took  the  mantle,  promising  to  preserve  it  with  great 
care  as  a  remembrance  of  the  king.  When  Monte- 
zuma returned  to  his  attendants,  the  precious  niaiitlt; 
was  at  once  missed,  and  they  began  to  inquire  \\\v,\t 
had  become  of  it;  which  the  king  perceiving,  he  told 
them  that  he  had  been  set  upon  by  robbers,  wlu  ii 
alone,  who  had  robbed  him  of  his  nantle,  at  the  same 
time  he  ordered  them,  upon  pain  of  death,  t(^  s;iy 
nothing  more  about  the  matter.  The  next  dav,  lia\  - 
ing  arrived  at  his  royal  palace  in  Mexico,  when  all  liis 
great  nobles  were  about  him,  he  ordered  one  of  his 
captains  to  repair  to  Tacul)aya,  and  incjuire  for  a  cir- 
tain  Xochitlacotzin,  whom  they  should  at  once  biiiin- 
to  his  presence,  but  under  penalty  of  death  they  should 
not  injure  or  abuse  him  in  any  way.  When  the  kind's 
messengers  told  Xochitlacotzin  their  errand,  he  was 
greatly  alarmed,  and  tried  to  escape,  but  they  caught 
him,  and  telling  him  to  fear  nothing,  for  that  the  kiiiif 
was  kindly  disposed  towards  him,  they  brought  him 
before  Montezuma.  The  king,  having  bidden  him  wel- 
come, asked  him  what  had  become  of  his  mantle.  A  t 
this  the  nobles  who  were  present  became  nnieh  ex- 
cited, but  Montezuma  quieted  them,  saying:  "This 
poor  man  has  more  courage  and  boldness  than  any  oi' 
you  who  are  here,  for  he  dared  to  speak  the  truth  and 
tell  me  that  I  had  broken  my  laws.  Of  such  nun 
have  I  greater  need,  than  of  those  who  speak  only 
with  honeyed  words  to  me."  Then  having  in(iuiied 
what  principal  oftices  were  vacant,  he  ordered  his  at- 
tendant lords  to  shelter  and  take  care  of  Xochitlacot- 
zin, who  was  henceforth  his  relative  and  one  of  the 
chief  men  of  the  realm.     Afterwards  he  who  had  su 


PUNISHMENT  OF  CRIMES. 


468 


his  at- 
itlucdt- 

of  tlif 
had  so 


lately  been  a  poor  fanner  was  given  i  principal  house 
<tt"  Olac  for  Ills  own,  and  it  was  long  the  boast  of  his 
descendants  that  they  were  relatives  of  Montezuma." 
The  Aztecs  adopted  numerous  ways  of  punishing 
offenders  against  the  law,  as  we  shall  see  presently, 
hut  I  do  not  think  that  imprisonment  was  largely  re- 
.sorted  to.  They  had  prisons,  it  is  true,  and  very  cruel 
ones,  according  to  all  accounts,  but  it  appears  that 
they  were  more  for  the  purpose  of  confining  jtrisoners 
previous  to  their  trial,  or  between  their  condenniation 
and  execution,  than  permanently,  for  punishment. 
These  jails  were  of  two  classes,  one  called  fci/inloj/aii- 
for  those  imprisoned  on  a  civil  charge,  another  called 
<jii(tiiltcaleo"  ft)r  prisoners  condemned  to  death.  The 
cells  were  made  like  cages,  and  the  prison  was  so  c(in- 
structed  as  to  admit  very  little  light  or  air;*''  the  food 
was  scanty  and  of  a  bad  quality,  so  that,  .as  Las  Casaa 
expresses  it,  the  prisoners  soon  became  thin  and  yel- 
low, a!id  commenced  at  the  prison  to  suffer  the  death 
that  was  afterwards  adjudged  them.  Clavigero,  how- 
ever, asserts  that  those  condenmed  to  the  sacrificial 
stone  were  well  fed  in  order  that  they  might  a})pear 
ill  good  flesh  at  the  sacrifice.**  A  very  close  watch 
was  kept  upon  the  cai)tives,  so  much  so,  indeed,  that 
if  through  the  negligence  of  the  guard  a  j)risoner  of 
war  escaped  from  the  cage,  the  comnuniity  of  the 
district,  whose  duty  it  was  to  supj»ly  the  j)risoners 
with  guards,  was  obliged  to  pay  to  the  owner  of  tlu 
fugitive,  a  female  slave,  a  load  of  cotton  garments, 
and  a  shield.*'  Mendicta  says  that  these  prisons  were 
only  used  for   persons  awaiting  trial   on  very  grave 

*•  Tczozomoe,  Crdnica  Mi'x.,  in  Kingshorough's  Me.r.  Antiq.,  toin.  ix.,  p. 
UC). 

*^  TliL'HC  iinincs  arc  spelled  (Irlpiloia  and  (jini/iiirii/ro  by  Las  CasaH,  and 
T'  i//n7i)ifiiii  and  QiKitihriilli,  l»y  Hrussenr  de  IJourlninr;;. 

*'  l-as  Casas,  llisf.  Apoliinfth-a,  MS.,  cap.  er.xii.,  naya  that  tlje  jailn 
ciilliil  i[iialiueale<)  reseniltled  tlie  stocks;  tlie  other  writers  do  not  notice  this 
ililli'icnce. 

*'  I'liiriijrrn,  Sforiii  Ant.  del  Afrmco,  torn,  ii.,  p.  1.38. 

'•  Clarigrro,  Storin  Ant.  del  .l/it.v.siro,  tou>.  ii.,  pp.  1.38-9;  Tormirmnifa, 
M oiiin/.  Inti.,  torn,  ii.,  p-  iV>^i  /'«•'>'  Ca-ms,  Hist.  Apolotj(t'ca,  MS.,  cai». 
i(\ii.;  MciiJicta,  Hist.  Ecles.,  p.  138. 


464 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


charges;  for,  he  writes,  in  the  case  of  one  held  to 
answer  on  an  ordinary  charge,  "it  was  sufficient  for 
tlie  minister  of  justice  to  place  the  prisoner  in  a  cor- 
ner with  a  few  light  sticks  before  him;  indeed,  1  lie- 
lieve  that  to  have  merely  drawn  a  line  and  told  him 
not  to  pass  it  would  have  sufficed,  even  though  lie 
might  have  reason  to  believe  that  there  was  a  heavy 
punishment  in  store  for  him,  because  to  flee  from 
justice,  and  escape,  was  an  impossibility.  At  all 
events,  I  with  my  own  eyes  have  seen  a  prisoner 
standing  entirely  unguarded  save  for  the  before-men- 
tioned sticks."" 

Like  most  semi -barbarous  nations,  the  Aztecs 
were  more  prone  to  punish  crime  than  to  recom- 
pense virtue,  and  even  when  merit  was  rewarded, 
it  was  of  the  coarser  and  more  material  kind,  such 
as  valor  in  war  or  successful  statesmanship.  The 
greater  part  of  their  code  might,  like  Drac(>n's,  have 
been  written  in  blood — so  severe  were  the  jjenaltics 
inflicted  for  crimes  that  were  comparatively  slii^ht, 
and  so  brutal  and  bloody  were  the  ways  of  carrying 
those  punishments  into  execution.  In  the  stiongest 
sense  of  the  phrase  the  Aztecs  were  ruled  with  a  rod 
of  ir<3n;  but  that  such  severity  was  necessary  1  have 
no  doubt,  inasmuch  as  whatever  form  of  governniLiit 
exists,  be  it  good  or  bad,  that  form  of  government  is 
the  necessary  one,  or  it  could  have  no  existence.  All 
young  states  must  adopt  harsh  laws  to  secure  the 
peace  and  well-being  of  the  community,  while  as  yet 
the  laws  of  habit  and  usjige  are  unestablished;  and  as 
that  community  progresses  and  improves,  it  will  of 
itself  mold  its  system  of  government  to  fit  itself 
The  ct)de  of  Dracon  was  superseded  by  that  of  Solon 
when  the  improved  state  of  the  Athenian  community 
warranted  a  mitigation  of  the  severity  of  the  formei-, 
and  in  like  manner  the  laws  of  Montezuma  and  Neza- 
hualcoyotl  would  have  given  place  to  others  hss 
harsh  had  Aztec  civilization  been  allowed  to  progress. 

*^  MctuUcta,  Hist.  L'clra.,  p.  138. 


CODE  OF  LAWS. 


455 


The  laws  of  the  several  Aztec  kingdoms  were  essen- 
tially the  same;  some  slight  differences  existed,  liow- 
ever,  and  in  these  instances  the  code  of  Tezcuco  proves 
tliu  most  rigid  and  severe,  while  more  of  lenience  is 
exhibited  in  that  of  Mexico.  I  have  before  remarked 
that  the  majority  of  writers  treat  of  the  legislation  of 
Tt'zcuco,  but,  as  in  other  matters,  many  authorities 
who  should  be  reliable  surmount  the  difficulty  of  dis- 
tinguishing that  which  belongs  to  one  sj'stem  of  juris- 
prudence from  that  which  belongs  to  another,  by 
!si)uaking  generally  of  the  cotle  that  existed  in  Nueva 
Espaiia,  or  among  'these  people.*  Most  of  the  sub- 
jected provinces  adopted  the  laws  of  the  state  to  wliieh 
they  became  subject.  But  this  was  by  no  means 
obligatory,  because  as  conquered  nations  were  not 
compelled  to  speak  the  language  of  their  concpiorors, 
neither  were  they  forced  to  nuike  use  of  their  laws." 
Let  us  now  see  what  these  laws  were. 

Theft  was  punished  in  various  ways,  and,  it  ap- 
pears, not  at  all  in  proportion  to  the  magnitude  of 
the  crime.  Thus  he  who  stole  a  certain  number  of 
ears  of  corn,**  suffered  death,  while  he  wlio  broke 
into  the  temples  and  stole  therefrom,  was  enslaved 
for  the  first  offence  and  hanged  for  the  second,  and 
it  is  distinctly  stated*"  that  in  order  to  merit  either 
of  these   punishments  the  theft  must  be   an    exten- 

*^  C/iiri;jrro,  Sfnrin  Ant.  ffel  Mrsftim,  torn.  Si.,  p.  137. 

*■*  Turqiirinudu,  Moixirq.,  Iinl.,  toiii.  i.,  |).  HM»,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  381;  Orlrgn, 
in  Vii/tiii,  Hint.  Ant.  MiJ.,  tuiii.  iii.,  p.  '2'2'i;  llotnrini,  liliii,  p.  'JT.  Tlie 
iiiiiiiln'r  i»f  ears  of  com  varies  arconliii;;  ti>  tiie  iliflereiit  writers  from  three 
or  four  to  seven,  cxecpt  Las  Casas,  who  makes  tlu>  iiiiiiiIkt  tweiit\-i»iie  or 
over,  stating,  liowever,  that  tiiis  ami  some  otlier  laws  tliat  iie  j,'ives  are  pos- 
silily  not  authentic.  Hint.  AjMitnifrlifii,  MS.,  eap.  ecxv.  Tlie  Anoiiynious 
('iiiii|ueror  writes:  'ipiaiiilo  altri  entrauano  iielie  possessioni  altrui  |ier  ruli- 
liarr  friitti,  it  il  ^rano  che  essi  haiino,  die  per  entrar  in  vn  camiio,  e  riiltlxire 
trc  il  (juattro  nuizzocehe  o  spi^rjie  (lt>(|m'!  lon>};rano,  lo  faceuano  schiaiioiiel 
jiatrone  ili  quel  eain|M»ruhliato.'  lirliiliinn-  Jnltn  i>rr  rn  ijrntiriniiiiiin  i/i  f  ,^iti- 
It'll-  Fvriiaiiilo  (Utrtrnc,  in  liiniiiisiu,  Aiini/ntinni,  torn,  iii.,  fol.  ."{(Mi.  t'iiivi- 
p'lo  a;;iees  with  the  Anonymous  ('on(|m'nir,  tluit  the  thief  of  corn  iKM-ame  liie 
clave  of  the  owner  (»f  the  lielil  from  which  lie  had  stolen,  and  adds  in  ti 
fip.it-iiote:  'Toniueniadu  iiy;;iun;te,  ehe  avea  |>ena  di  morte;  niu  eiii  fii  nel 
it(",'iio  d'Aeothuaean,  non  gill  in  quello  di  Messico.'  Sturin  Ant.  tld  .VtA- 
snii,  toiil.  ii.,  p.   13.1. 

*' /,'r.v  t'o.siis,  Hist.  Apolugtlica,  MS.,  cap.  ccxiii. ;  Mi'.ndiitn,  Hint. 
K'hn.,  p.  138. 


466 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


fciive  one.  Tii  cases  not  specially  provided  for,  it 
aippears  that  a  petty  thief  became  the  slave  of  the 
j)eison  from  whom  he  had  stolen;  accordinjj^  to  Or- 
te<^a,  however,  the  injured  l)arty  had  the  ]»riviK<^L' 
of  refusinjjf  to  accept  the  thief  as  a  slave,  in  which 
case  the  latter  was  sold  by  the  jud«,'es,  and  with  tlio 
j)roceeds  of  the  sale  the  com])lainant  was  reimbursed. 
The  same  writer  states  that  in  some  cases  a  compio- 
mise  could  be  effected  by  the  offended  l»arty  aj^reeini,f 
to  be  indenmiKed  by  the  thief,  in  which  case  the  lattir 
jtaid  into  the  treasury  a  sum  e(|ual  to  the  amount 
stolen.  This  statement  is  somewhat  obscure,  inasmuch 
as  it  would  be  but  poor  satisfaction  to  the  party  robbtd 
to  see  the  eijuivalent  of  that  robbery  ]>aid  into  the 
])ul)lic  treasury;  but  I  understand  the  writer  to  mean 
that  the  loser  had  his  loss  made  ^ood,  and  that  lor 
the  satisfaction  of  justice  an  ecjual  amount  was  im- 
posed as  a  line  upon  the  prisoner.**  Thel't  of  a  lari^e 
amount  was  almost  invariably  punished  with  death, 
which  was  inflicted  in  various  ways.  Usually  the 
culprit  was  draj^-^rd  ii^nominiously  through  the  streets 
and  then  hanoed;'^*  sometimes  he  was  st^)nc(l  tn 
death."'^  He  who  robbed  on  the  highway  was  killed 
by  having  his  head  smashed  with  a  club;'^'  he  who 
was  caught  in  the  act  of  pilfering  in  the  market-phuv, 
no  matter  how  trivial  the  theft,  was  beaten  to  death 
with  sticks  on  the  spot  by  the  assembled  nndtitude, 
for  this  was  considered  a  m«>st  heinous  sin;  but  not- 
withstanding the  fearful  risk  incurred,  it  is  asserted 
that  many  were  s*)  light-fingered  that  it  was  only 
neces.sary  for  a  market  wo.nan  to  turn  her  head  away, 
and  her  stall  would  be  robbed  in  a  trice.      'Jhere  was 

*  Orf«'f:irs  HtntoiiU'iit  rcmls:  Tasi  Hiomiiri'  so  ciiMti^'itlxi  con  ]»('iiii  dc 
nuierfi',  li  nu'-iios  ili'<|iie  la  |iarti'  ofcmlida  roiiviiiicso  on  mt  indoinniz  hIm  ihiI' 
rl  lacli'oii,  ('II  cuyo  caso  |)a^al>a  csto  al  lisco  una  ruiitidatl  igiial  li  la  roliinlii.' 
Vtj/tiii,  Hi.sf.  A  III.  Mtj.,  toni.  iii.,  j».  'J'i.'). 

i'  Villi iii'n-t,  Tmliu  Mix.,  pt  li.,  p.  SH;  Torquematia,  Moniiiy.  Ind, 
tflin.  i.,  ]).  l(i<i. 

^*  Kjrjitirdi-iiin  ilr  la  Collcceion  tic  Mendoza,  in  Kiiiffuhoroiitf/i'.i  -'/'■''. 
Aiitiii;  vol.  v.,  |i.  \V1. 

•■•^  Ixtlilxovldtl,  Hist.  Chilli.,  in  King.shoroHgh's  Afcx.  Aniiq.,  toin.  i\., 
p.  246. 


rrxisuMEXT  of  tiikft. 


457 


a  ivi^ular  judicial  trilmn.il  ostai)lislR'(l  for  the  settling 
of  (lisputes  in  the  general  government  t)t'  the  niarket- 
])lii('e,  of  whieh.  1  have  had  uceasion  to  s})eak  helbre; 
Imt  this  trihunal  does  not  appear  to  have  trouhled 
itsilt'  much  with  persons  who  were  caught  in  the  act 
(»t"  stealing,  as  it  seems  to  have  been  tacitly  allowed 
to  the  j)eople  assemhled  in  the  market-jdace  to  exer- 
cise lynch  law  u})on  the  culprit." 

liesitles  these  general  laws  for  the  prevention  of 
tliel't,  there  were  others  which  ])rescril>cd  special  ])en- 
alties  for  those  who  stole  certain  jtarticular  articles. 
For  instance,  Ortega  tells  us  that  the  thief  of  silver 
or  gold  was  skinned  alive  and  sacrificed  to  Xijte,  the 
tutelary  divinity  of  the  workers  in  }>recious  nittals, 
such  a  theft  being  considered  a  direct  insult  to  the 
ydd.'''  In  some  of  these  cases  tints  were  imposed. 
Among  a  collection  of  laws  given  l»y  Las  C'asas.  for 
the  authenticity  of  which  he  does  not  vouch,  "he- 
causi',"  he  says,  "they  were  taken  out  of  a  little  In- 
dian hook  of  no  authority,"  we  fintl  the  folK)wing  relat- 
ing to  theft :  I  f  any  one  stole  the  plants,  called  maguey, 
fiom  which  they  manufactuietl  more  than  twenty 
aiticles,  and  which  were  used  Ibr  making  syruj),  he 
was  compelled  to  pay  as  a  tine  as  many  cotton  cloths 


IS  the  judtrcs  miirht  deer 


ee, 


am 


I  if  1 


le  was  una  I) 


le  to 


pay  the  tine  im}>osed,  or  if  he  had  stolen  more  tliau 
twenty  plants,  he  was  enslaved.  Whoever  stole  a 
tislijiig-net  or  a  canoe  was  j)unished  in  the  same  nian- 
iiif.  Whoever  stole  corn  to  the  amount  of  twenty 
ears  or  upward,  died  for  it,  and  if  he  took  a  less 
t|iiaiitity,  he  ])aid  that  which  he  was  sentenced  to  pay. 
J  If  that  plucked  the  corn  before  it  had  tbrmed  seed, 

■'  Miiidiifn,  Hist.  Evhft.,  p.  13S;  Ortr,/,.,  in  ]',i//;>i,  lllsl.  Ant.  M,j., 
tmii.  iii.,  I).  'J'i.");  Torqiifiiiii(/a,  Mniiiin/.  Iml.,  toiii.  ii..  p.  liSI.  I.as  Caxiis, 
///>'.  .i/iii/i,iii'firit,  Ms.,  call.  (Txiii.  .saystliiit  lit"  wlioNtolc  in  tlic  iiiai'ki't-|ila('C' 
«;is  liiiii;it'(i  fliere  ami  llit'ii  l>v  onirr  nf  tlio  juil;.'i'f<  <'t'  tin-  |ila(c,  ami  in  cap. 
11  \\..  lu' writes:  'Kl  (iiie  on  v\  nu-icmld  al;,'<»  iiurtava.  cia  ley  niic  lm';:n 
IMiliiiraniciitu  nlli  en  el  niisnio  niercailo  lo  niatasen  li  i)al(>H.'     A>:ain  in  tlm 


i'lia]itt'r  he  j;ives  u  law,  for  llie  uiitheiiticily  of  wliicli  1 


not 


^||||l•tI,   iiowever,  wliieli   reads  as  follows:  'el   i|Me  en  el   inereailo  hurtavu 
iil;:>i,  jos  misnios  del  mereado  tenian  liceneia  para  lo  matar  a  pedradas.' 
j'  (ii-ivijit,  in  Veijtia,  hint.  A   t.  Mij.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  'J*J5. 


458 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


suffered  death.  Whoever  stole  a  tecomatl,  "whicli  is 
a  Httle  jyfourd  tied  at  the  top  with  strips  of  red  Indr, 
and  liavinjif  feather  tassels  at  the  end,  used  by  the 
lords  for  earryin«]f  a  j^reen  jmwder,  from  whieh  tli«y 
take  in  smoke  throu«^h  the  mouth,  the  powder  heiiiL,' 
called  in  the  island  of  Espanola  'tabacos' — whoever 
stole  one  of  these  died  for  it."  He  that  stole  preoioiis 
stones,  and  more  especially  the  stone  called  chalchiuito, 
no  matter  from  whence  he  took  it,  was  stoned  t(t 
death  in  the  market-] )lace,  because  no  man  of  thu 
lower  orders  was  allowed  to  possess  this  stone. "^ 

In  Mexico,  a  distinction  seems  to  have  been  mado 
between  the  thief  who  reaj>ed  the  benetit  of  his  ciinic 
and  him  who  did  not;  in  other  words,  if  the  stolon 
j)roperty  was  recovered  intact  from  the  thief  he  was 
only  enslaved,  but  if  he  had  already  disposed  of  liis 
plunder  he  suffered  death."  Whether  the  ultimate 
recovery  of  the  property  after  it  had  passed  from  the 
thief's  hands,  would  answer  the  same  end,  we  ai"e  not 
told,  but  if  not,  then  it  would  aj)pear  that  accord  iiii,' 
to  Aztec  jurisprudence  the  culj)rit  was  punished  not 
so  much  in  proportion  to  the  actual  injury  he  intHcttd 
upon  others,  as  in  accordance  with  the  actual  extent 
of  the  crime  he  committed.  In  Michoacan,  the  Hist 
theft  was  not  severely  punished,  but  for  the  second 
offence  tiie  thief  was  thrown  down  a  precipice  and  his 
carcass  left  to  the  l)irds  of  prey.** 

The  murderer  s:  ftered  death  even  though  he  should 
be  a  noble  and  his  victim  but  a  slave.™     In  Miclioa- 


**  Las  Casa.t,  Hist.  Apolocfftlea,  MS.,  cap.  ocxv. 

"  Tinqnemadd ,  Monnrq.  Ind.,  toiu.  ii.,  p.  381;  Las  Cnsas,  Hist.  A}i<)!o- 
ffHira,  MS.,  cap.  ccxv. 

*"<  llrnrra.  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  iii.,  cap.  x.;  Beaumont,  Cron.  Mc- 
choanui,  MS.,  p.  51. 

59  ' Ii'«iMici<lii  i)a<j;ava  colla  pro|)ria  vita  il  sno  delitto,  qMantunquc  rm- 
ciso  fosse  uiio  schiavo.'  Vlari<jero,  Storia  Ant.  iM  Mrssiro,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  V.W. 
The  iiianner  of  putting  the  iiiuriijrcr  to  death  is  <iitrereiitly  stated:  'Kl  Im- 
iiiicidio,  hieii  fuese  ejeciitado  fior  lohlc  6  plelteyo,  bieii  jior  noiiibre  «'» iiiu};t  r, 
fte  castipiba  con  jiena  de  ni.iertc,  dc|)edaznnd<»  al  honiiciila.'  Orlrnn.  »\ 
Veytia,  Hist.  Ant.  Mej.,  toOi.  iii.,  p.  22().  'Al  que  niataba  h  otro,  liiu  i.iu 
•lejiolhir.'  Torqniinada,  M(  tiarq.  Ind.,  toin.  i.,  p.  Kifi.  'Al  matador  lo  ilc- 
gollaban.'  Vrlnnvvrt,  Tea  roMvx.,  pt  ii.,  p.  .S3.  Other  writers  merely  siy 
that  the  niurdurer  sutfercd  death,  without  utatinu  thu  luauucr  uf  cxecuti'>iii 


THE  FATE  OF  TRAITORS  AND  CONSPIRATORS. 


45J 


can,  we  are  told  by  Herrera,"  that  there  was  no  pun- 
islnueiit  for  niurder,  since,  throutrh  fear,  the  crime  was 
never  conmiittetl.  Beauniunt  allows  that  for  a  time 
tilt  re  were  no  murders,  hut  says  that  afterwards  tiicy 
JKCiime  frequent,  and  then  the  criminal  was  dra«ifi;cd 
alonj,^  the  ground  until  ho  died."*  He  who  adminis- 
tered poison  to  another,  thereby  causinj^  death,  died 
for  it,  and  the  same  ])unishment  was  awarded  to  }iim 
who  furnished  the  poison."" 

Traitors,  conspirators,  and  those  who  stirred  up  sedi- 
tion amont^  the  pe<iple  or  created  ill  feelinuf  between 
nations,  were  broken  to  pieces  at  the  joints,  their 
lioiises  razed  to  the  j^round,  their  property  conHscated, 
and  their  children  and  relations  made  slaves  to  the 
I'ourth  <]feneration.  The  lord  of  vassals  who  rebelled, 
unless  taken  caj»tive  in  battle,  was  killed  by  havini; 
his  jiead  smashed  with  a  club;  the  common  rebel  was 
tied  to  an  oaken  spit  and   roasted  alive."^ 

In  Tezcuco,  he  who  kidnapped  a  child  and  sold  it  into 
slavery,  was  hanjjfed;  in  iVIexico,  the  kidnapper  was 
himself  sold  as  a  slave,  and  of  the  jirice  he  brought 
one  half  was  given  to  the  stolen  child,  or  its  parents. 


sec,  J.dx  Ciinns,  Hist.  Apofo(j(^fii'n,  MS.,  cap.  coxiii. ;  Irtli'lxorhill,  Ifi.if. 
I'liir/i.,  ill  Kitiif.shi)i-))iitf/i\s  Mix.  Allfiq.,  Vol.  ix.,  1>.  3S7;  Mcmlirln,  Hist. 
I'.i-hs..  ]i.  I.'W).  I>i»';;<>  Dtiniii,  in  liis  iiicilitcd  '  History  of  Now  Sjiaiii, '  asMiTM 
lliat  \\w  iiiiinli'ifr  <li<l  not  siitU'r  di'iith,  Init  iK'tanie  tin-  sliivo  for  lift-  of  the 
wife  or  ri'lativfs  of  the  deceusctl.  KiiKjitliuroiii/h'n  Mcx.  Aittiq.,  vol.  viii,, 
I'p.  21(1-1. 

'"  lli.st.  (irii.,  (lee.  iii.,  lib.  iii.,  cai>.  x. 

'■I  /liiiniiioiit,  Criiii.  Mrrfiotirini,  MS.,  ])p.  51-2. 

"  .1/.  ;»(//(7(».  ///.s7.  AV/(.v.,  11.  ISti;  (htnia,  in  J'li/titi,  Hint  Aiif.  Mij., 
torn,  ill.,  |i.  •J'JCi;  Lii.s  CiLsa.s,  Jlisl.  A/Mili>i/i'lirii,  MS.,  <'a|).  cexiii.  In  eap. 
ci'w.,  anion;;  his  iinanthenticatetl  lawN,  we  read  that  if  the  victim  of  poi- 
HHi  was  a  slave,  the  person  who  cansetl  his  death  was  made  a  slave,  in  the 
liliicc  of  Mntl'erini;  the  extreme  penalty,  hut  the  opposite  to  this  is  expressly 
htati'cl  hy  t"laviy[ero  and  iin))lied  hy  Ortepi. 

''  li'hitiiihi'  fiitlii  pif  ni  iitiiHriiiiiiiiio  ilrl  Sifl)ior  Firiirnn/o  Corhsr,  in 
Uiiiinisio,  Xiirii/iifiiiiii,  tom.  iii.,  fol.  HOT;  Ln.s  ('nsn.'i,  Ilisf.  A/>it/oi/r(irii, 
Ms.,  cap.  rexiii.;  I'l/mirrrf,  '/Vv/Zro  .lAv.,  jtt  ii.,  p.  .'W;  Tori/minKi/ii,  Mo- 
I'ln-i/.  liiif.,  lorn,  i.,  )>.  Kiti;  Mnii/ii'fii,  Jlisl.  E<h:s.,  p.  l.'W;  I'li/lia,  llinf. 
Ant.  ][,/,,  torn,  iii.,  ]>.  4"21.  Ixtlilxocliitl  writesthat  theehildren  and  relations 
<it  llic  traiior  were  enslaved  till  thi'fiff/i  {reneration,  and  that  salt  was  seat- 
tcrt'il  upon  his  lands.  Ilisf.  Chirh.,  in  Kiii;f.slmr(iii<f/i'.s  Mrx.  vl/i/zV/.,  torn,  ix., 
|>.  -I.').  '  11  traditore  del  Ite.  odello  Stato,  erashranato,  ed  i  siioi  parenti,  <-lie 
•■iiiisniicvoli  del  tradimento  noii  lo  aveano  per  teiii]H>  wojierto,  erano  jjrivati 
dclla  lilierta."  Clinii/cro,  titoiia  Aitl.  del  Mamico,  torn,  li.,  p.  130. 


460 


TIIK  NAHIA  NATION'S. 


uiul  tlu)  other  half  hccaine  tlie  property  of  the  jusr- 
chjiser;  if  sevenil  persons  were  implieated  in  the 
erinie,  they  were  all  sold  as  slaves/"^ 

])runkenness  was  punished  with  excessive  riyor; 
indeed,  intoxicating  liijuor  was  not  allowed  to  Itc 
drunk,  except  hy  express  permission  from  the  jiidi^is, 
and  this  license  was  only  jj^ranted  to  invalids  and  per- 
sons over  fifty  years  of  ajjfe,  who,  it  was  considcrid, 
needed  stroni»- drink  in  order  to  warm  their  blood;  .iiid 
even  they  were  only  permitted  to  partake  of  a  limited 
<piantity,  at  each  meal,''*  thou«j[h  according  to  tlie  e.\- 
j)lanation  of  Mendoza's  collection  old  men  of  seventy 
years  were  allowed  to  drink  as  much  as  they  pleased.'" 
Moderate  conviviality  at  weddinjj^s  and  puhlic  feasts, 
was  not  forbidden,  and  upon  the.se  occasions  the  yoiiiin' 
l)eople  were  allowed  to  partake  of  the  wine-cup  spar- 
iniLfly  f'^  the  same  Hcense  was  granted  to  those  whose 
daily  occupation  necessitated  jj^reat  bodily  exertion, 
such  as  masons,  carpenters,  and  the  like.''*'  Women 
in  childbed  were  allowed  to  use   stronj^  drink  as  u 


M  fj'f/i/.forlii'tl,  Jlrliirioiies,  in  Khirfshoroiiff/i'K  Mi:i\  Aiifiii.,  \(t\.  ix.,  |i. 
3^7;  Toniiiriniii/(i,  Mitnarq.  Iiid.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  3H'2;  Las  Casus,  Uisl.  A/mln- 
jiifini,  MS.,  cai).  ffxv.,  ainoii<;  the  collection  <»f  iiiiaiitliciiticatcil  laws  so 
m'niUMitl.v  iiu'iitioiiod  heretofore,  ;;ives  tlic  followiii;;:  'Si  al;;iiiios  vcnilicrnn 
al^uii  iiifio  por  esclavo,  y  despues  se  sain',  todos  los  (|iieeiitciiilicroii  cii  clli) 
eraii  esclavos,  y  ilellos  davaii  iino  al  <iiie  lo  coiiijiro,  y  los  otros  rcpartiaii  cii- 
tn  la  iiiadre  del  iiino  v  entre  «51  (jiie  lo  descuhrio.'  In  the  same  ciiiiptcr, 
anion;;  another  list  of  laws  which,  savs  Las  Casas,  'son  tenidas  todas  |ioi':iii- 
tenticas  y  verdaderasi,'  we  reati:  'km  ley,  y  con  ri;;or  ^jiianlada.  (|iic  >i 
nl;;iino  vendia  ]ior  esclavo  al;;un  nino  |)erilido,  qne  se  hiciese  cscjavo  al  i|iif 
lo  vendia,  y  sii  hacienda  se  partiese  en  dos  partes,  la  una  era  ]iara  el  iiifin, 
y  la  otra  al  <iue  lo  havia  coinprado,  y  si  qnizas  lo  avian  vendido  y  ciaii 
niuchos,  ti  touos  hacian  esclavos.' 

*>>  Zurita  writes:  'ils  n'avaient  droit  d'en  prendre  que  trois jtetitcs  tiiNscs 
h  chaiiue  rei)as.'  Jitip/iort,  in  'J'rrimiij'-Cdiii/xnis,  Voy.,  st'-rie  ii.,  toni.  i.,  |i. 
110;  l/rrnrii,  Ilixt.  (iiii.,  <lec.  iii.,  lih.  iv.,  cap.  xvi. 

•><'  Coilr.r  McikIozo,  in  KiiKjs/wroHi/h's  Mix.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  i.,  |il.  7-;  Ksjili- 
I'dritiii.  in  ftf.,  vol.  v.,  i>p.  11'2-13;  Ilrrrrrti,  Hist,  (fen.,  dec.  iii.,  lih.  iv.,  c.p. 
xvi.;  Cliiriijrro,  Sforia  Ant.  drl  Mrssii'o,  ton».  ii..  \i.   134. 

•■'  'Uaiis  Ics  noccs  pu1ili<iues  et  les  fetes,  les  homines  Ap'-s  de  plus  dc 
treiite  ans  ctaient  ordiiiaireinent  autorisos  a  en  hoire  denx  tasses.'  Zi'riin, 
Jid/i/Mrt,  in  Tiriinux-Vompans,  Voy.,  serie  ii.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  110;  Cliiriiin'i, 
Slin'id  Ant.  del  Mcs.iu'o,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  134;  lliirira.  Hint,  lien.,  dec.  ill.,  lili. 
iv.,  cap.  xvi. 

<>*  Ortepi  says  that  the  privile;?e  was  also  extended  to  private  solilicis. 
Vri/titi,  Hint.  Ant.  Mtj.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  '227.  /nrita,  however,  writc>  Ics 
(juerriers  re;j;urdaient  coniiiie  un  deslionnenr  d'eu  hoire.'  Jiiij>2>ort,  in  Tir- 
nuux-L'omptvts,  Voy.,  aerie  ii.,  toni.  i.,  p.  111. 


LAWS  ACAINST  INTOXICATION. 


4(tl 


J /'"/"■ 

iws  si» 
ilicrcm 

I'll   t'llx 

iiiii  fii- 

|iiir:ni- 

ill  i\\w 

nifiK, 

y  I  lilll 

I.  i.,  1'. 

v.,  fill'- 

ilu-  <1>' 

'/I'l-ii'i. 

rill' I'll, 

lil,  till. 

olllilT^' 

in  Tif- 


stimulant,  luit  oiilv  diirint'  the  first  tlavs  ol'  tlicir  con- 
liiit'iiiont.  With  these  exfi-ptions,  tlio  hiw  against 
(liinkin};  was  strlctlv  enfnircd.  Tl»u  vouuyf  man  who 
iHMiimo  drunk  was  convevt'd  to  the  jail,  and  tluro 
lu'iitcn  to  death  with  eluhs;  the  younjjf  woman  was 
stoned  to  death.  In  some  parts,  it'  the  drunkard  was 
a  |)leheian,  he  was  sold  tor  a  slave  tor  the  first  otlenci', 
•,nu\  sutlered  <leath  tor  the  8eeond;  at  other  tinns  (iie 
ulHiider's  hair  was  cut  ott*  in  the  puhlie  market-place, 
lie  was  then  lashe<l  throujjfh  tlie  |irincipal  streets,  and 
tiiially  his  house  was  razed  to  the  j^'round,  hecause, 
till  V  said,  one  who  would  jjfive  u|)  his  reason  to  the 
iiitluence  of  stronu^  drink,  was  unworthy  to  possess  a 
liiMise,  and  he  nund)ered  amoni^  respectahle  citizens, 
(iittiuiif  otl*  the  hair  was,  as  we  shall  see,  a  mode  of 
])imishment  fre(|Uently  le.sorted  to  hy  these  j>e(>ple, 
and  s(»  deep  was  the  dei^r.ulation  supjiosed  to  he  at- 
tached to  it,  that  it  was  dreaded  almost  equally  with 
death  itself.  Sluadd  a  military  man,  who  had  uained 
(listiiH'tion  in  the  wars,  hecome  drunk,  he  was  tleprived 
of  Ills  rank  and  honors,  and  considered  thenceforth  as 
inramous.  Conviction  of  this  crime  rendered  the  cul- 
]irit  inelijji'ihle  for  all  future  emoluments,  and  especially 
was  he  deharred  from  holdiuLf  any  puhlic  othce.  A 
iiohle  was  invariahly  hammed  for  the  first  oflenco,  his 
hody  heiui^  afterwards  dra«riJ^ed  witluait  the  limits  of 
the  town  and  cast  into  a  stream  used  for  that  pur|)ose 
oiilv.  But  a  niijihtier  inHuence  than  mere  tear  of  the 
]>ciial  law  restrained  the  Aztec  nohility  and  gentry 
tVom  drinkin«jf  to  excess;  this  intluence  was  social  law. 
It  was  considered  deoradinjjf  for  a  person  of  (|uality  to 
toiuli  wine  at  all,  even  in  seasons  of  festivity  wlien, 
as  I  have  said,  it  was  customary  and  lawful  for  the 
lower  classes  to  indulye  to  a  certain  extent.  Wine- 
liil»ltin<r  wnn  looked  upon  as  a  coarse  j)leasure,  })eculiar 
c\(  lusively  to  the  common  j)eople,  and  a  memher  of 
the  liin^her  orders,  who  was  suspected  of  j)racticinj.^ 
tlic  hahit,  would  have  forfeited  his  social  position, 
even  thouijh  the  law  liad  sufilered  him  to  remain  un- 


402 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


punished.'"  These  heathens,  however,  seem  to  luive 
recojjjnized  the  natural  incongruity  existing  hetwciii 
precept  and  practice,  fully  as  much  as  the  most  ad- 
vanced Christian.''" 

Ho  who  employed  witchcraft,  charms,  or  incaiita- 
.'ons  for  the  purpose  of  doing  injurv  to  the  connnu- 
nity  or  to  individuals,  was  sacrificed  to  the  gods,  l»y 
having  his  breast  opened  and  his  hejirt  t«)rn  out." 

Whoever  made  use  of  the  royal  insignia  or  ensigns, 
suffered  death,  and  his  ]>roperty  was  confiscated." 
The  reader  will  recollect  that  the  same  })enalty  was 
inflicted  upon  him  who  should  usurp  the  insignia  or 
office  of  the  Mexican  cihuacoatl,  or  supreme  judge. 
Whoever  maltreated  an  ambassador,  minister,  or  cdii 
rier,  belonging  to  the  king,  sutt'ored  death;  but  am- 
bassadors and  couriers  were  on  their  part  forljidden  to 
leave  the  high  road,  under  pain  of  losing  their  j»rivi- 
leges."  He  who  by  force  took  ]>ossession  of  land  not 
belonging  to  him,  suffered  death''*  He  who  soM  tlie 
land  of  another,  or  that  which  he  hehl  in  trust,  with- 
out judicial  authority,  or  ])ermissi<)n  from  sucli  as  had 
power  to  grant  it  to  him,  was  enslaved.'^  If  a  piece 
of  land  was  fraudulently  sold  twice  over,  the  first  pur- 
chaser held  it,  and  the  ve  dor  was  punished.^"  Ho 
who  squandered  his  patrimony  suffered  death."^     Tlio 

^  Lns  Casas,  Tli'/tf.  ApoJnqfticn,  MS.,  cap.  rrxiii.,  crxv  ;  J'or'/iiniiinl'i, 
MoiiKrq.  Ltd.,  toin.  i.,  p.  KM!,  tmii.  ii.,  p.  .'<8(!;  Vclmirrrf,  Tnitni  Mrj\,  pt  ii., 
)».  3.'{;  Voilrx  Mcmloza,  in  Kliiffxhoriniif/i's  Mcjr.  Aiitiij.,  vol,  i.,  pi.  "-;  A'<- 
■jtlirwioii,  \n  Id.,  vol.  v.,  pp.  ll'i-l.H;  Ixtliirnrhill,  llisf.  C/iir/i.,  in  /i/.,  vdl. 
i.\.,  i».  24(5;  Id.,  Rdncionvit,  p.  387;  Ortrj/a,  in  Viiftiii,  Hist.  Ant.  MrJ..  tciiii. 
iii.,  p|>.  22(5-7;  Clnnqrro,  Sfon'n  Ant.  del  Jie^siro.  toiii.  ii..  \t.  134;  /.iin/n, 
Hi/i/iitrf,  in  Te.rnaiix-Coinpan,s,  Vot/.,  Bcrie  ii.,  toin.  i.,  pp.  110-11;  Ilcrnni, 
Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  iii.,  lih.  iv.,  cup.  xvi. 

"»  See  tliis  vol.  np.  3(>0-l. 

"  Lus  Ctisas,  Hint.  Apologi'tica,  MS.,  cap.  oexv. ;  Torqurmnda.  .Miuiiini. 
Iiid.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  38(5;  Ixtlilxorhitl,  Rilarioiirs,  in  Kiiitfs/toroiitf/i'.s  .1/ z. 
Aiiliq.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  387;  Ortnjit,  in  Veytiit,  Hist.  Ant.  Mij.',  toiii.  ill.,  p  -.'li. 

'*  I.rtlilxochitl,  Hist.  Chich.,  in  Kinfislmron<jli\i  Mr.r.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix..  p. 
240;  Clai'iqrro,  Storia  Ant.  dd  Mcsiiiro.Umx.  ii.,  p.  13(». 

T3  Claviff^ro,  Storin  Ant.  del  Mfssiro,  toni.  ii.,  p.  l.SO. 

'•  Ixtlilxorhitl,  Rdaeiones,  in  Kinr/shoronif/i's  Mix.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix.,  p. 
387;  Ortega,  in  Veiftia,  Hint.  Ant.  MeJ.,Ut\t\.  iii.,  p.  22(5. 

'*  Lns  Casas,  Hist.  Apologftica,  MS.,  t-ap.  ci-xv. 

1^  Ixtlilxochitl,  Rdaeiones,  m  KinqshoroinjICs  Mex.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix,  p. 
388. 

"  Las  Caaas,  Hist.  Apologftiea,  MS.,  cap.  ccxv.,  gives  two  laws  on  tliis 


MIsrKI.LANKors  LAWS. 


4G3 


soil  that  riiiMcd  his  haiul  ajjfuinst  liis  fatlKT  cr  motluT, 
siilKrt^d  (loath,  and  liis  cliiUh't'ii  wtTo  prcvt'iitid  IVom 
iv.liciitinj^  the  jn'operty  <>t'  tluir  yrand-parnits.  in 
tin-  Haino  nmiiiier  a  {'athur  could  (Hsinhorit  a  sou 
who  was  o(»wai\;'';  ..  (TiU'I.'"  Ho  wlio  ivuiovod 
lM»iiiidarv-inarkH,  diod  for  it.'"'  Tho-so  who  distuilu'd 
till'  poaoo  hy  on«^a<i^iu_i^  iu  |)otty  HjL,ditH  and  .s»|uahhlos, 
without  usinj,' woapouH,  woro  oontinod  in  jail  lor  a  tow 
(lays,  and  obliged  to  make  j^<km1  whatovor  daniaj^-^i;  thoy 
had  done;  for,  says  Las  C'asas,  thoy  •'•onorally  re- 
viiiLfod  thonisolvos  hy  hroakinj,'  soniotliin<jf.  li  tay 
out'  was  wounded  in  a  hrawl,  he  who  nuido  thoassiiidt 
Iiad  to  defray  all  the  expenses  of  curinjj^  the  injured 
]»arty.  But  those  who  fouj^ht  in  the  niai '  ••i-plaee, 
were  dealt  with  far  more  severely.**'  Slanderers  wtro 
ti rated  wiilt  ji,reat  severity.  in  Mexieo,  he  wl)  .  wil- 
I'ully  cHluniniatod  another,  therehy  ."eriously  injurinjif 
liis  I'oputation,  was  contlernned  to  have  his  lips  cut  t»tf, 
and  sonietinies  his  ears  also.  In  Tezcuco,  tiie  sland- 
iicr  sutt'ered  death.  The  false  witness  had  the  same 
]>eMalty  adjudi(ed  to  him  that  would  have  heen  awarded 
to  the  accused,  if  convicted.  So  <:^reat  a  lover  of  truth 
was  kinuf  Nezahualcoyotl,  that  he  is  said  to  have  made 
a  law  prescrihinuf  the  death  penalty  to  historians  who 
sliould  record  fictitious  events."*      Whoever  obtained 


jiiiint.  T(»  the  first,  wliicli  i'm  iunoii<;  flic  colliM'tiiMi  of  iiiiinitluMitifutcil  liiws, 
lif  lulils:  '  V  si  em  |)IcIh>,v<i  II  tic  liajii  siicrtc  liaciaii  Id  csdavit.'  I\tlil\<i- 
I'liiti  also  ^ivcH  two  laws:  'A  los  hijos  <lc  Ins  sci'iorcs  si  iiiulliarataliaii  siih 
rii|iic/aH,  o  liicii  iniK'ltlcs  <|iic  siis  padres  tciiiaii,  Ics  ilaliaii  ;;arrotc.'  l/i.sf. 
I'i'ii'/i.,  ill  Kniiisln)roiiif/i'.t  Mi.r.  Aii/n/.,  vol.  ix.,  |>.  "JMi.  'Si  al^riiii  |iiiii<i- 
jial  iiiayiiraz;;o  fucse  tlcsharalailo.o  travicso,  o  si  ciiiro  ilos  ilc  cstos  talcs 
liiiliicsc  al;;miii  ilifcroiicia  solnv  ticiras  li  otras  cosas,  cl  <nic  no  (|iiisicsc 
c^taisc  i|uc(lo  con  ill  avi>ri<.;iiacioii  (|iu'  «'iitiv  dlos  sc  liicicsc  por  scr  solicrliio 
y  iiial  iiiirailo,  Ic  fuescii  (|iiitailos  siis  liicncs  v  iiia.vora/;;o,  y  fiicsc  jiiu'sto  cii 
<li-|"'isito  en  al^riiim  persona  (|uc  (licNC  ciiciita  ilc  I'llo  |iara  el  ticiiiiio  <|iic  Ic 
fiU'«c  peiliilo,  (le  ciial  niayoraz;.'o  cstiihicse  dcsposcido  lodo  el  ticiiipo  (|iic  la 
^|||Imtad  del  sefior  fiiese.'  Jtr/iiri.nir.i,  in  /(/.,  p.  .'{ST;  Tori/itfuKii/ii,  Mmiiiiii. 
ill''-,  totu.  ii.,  p.  ."isri;  ('/firiffirii,  S/nriii  .Inf.  >(it  Minxiro,  toiii.  ii.,  jt.   \'.i4. 

'*  I'viftiii,  Hist.  Ant.  Mij.,  toiii.  iii.,  p.  A'l'X 

'■'  f.ii.s  Citsiis,  Ifi.if.  Aiio/itffi^tirii,  MS.,  cap.  ccxv. ;  ""tri/tirmiK/it,  Moiitin/. 
l"'l-.  toiii.  ii.,  p.  .SSfi;  Ixtlilxochitf,  Rc/nrioiKu,  in  Kiiif/sboruiiij/in  MiX. 
All',',/.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  Hm. 

■"'  l.ti.i  Cnsa.^,  Hi.it.  Apolnfjfticn,  ]SfS.,  oajt.  ecxiii. 

_"•'  /.rtfil.ror/tifl,  Rrlavinurs,  in   f\iiifi.il>ori)iiffft'.i  Mr.r.   Aiitiq.,  vol.   ix.,  ]). 
3S7;  L'arbujal  Espinusa,  Iliitt.  Mcx.,Uni\.  i.,  p.  004;  L'luviijeru,  Storiu  Ant. 


M' 


464 


THE  XAIIUA  NATIONS. 


jjfooils  on  credit  aiul  did  not  j)ay  for  tlieni,  was  en- 
slaved, and  tlie  delinijiiont  taxpayer  met  with  tlu." 
same  punislnnent."'^ 

C'oiu'ernint""  tlie  way  in  whieh  adulterers  wiic 
treated  scarcely  two  of  the  ancient  writers  ai^acc,"' 
and  it  is  prohahle  that  the  hiw  on  this  pdint 
diifcred  more  or  less  in  various  })arts  of  the  .Az- 
tec kiuiucdoms;  indeed,  we  have  Clavii>ero"s  testi- 
mony that  in  some  jtarts  of  the  Mexican  empire 
the  crime  of  adultery  was  jiunished  with  j^n-eatei-  se- 
verity than  in  others,  and  Las  Casas  and  ]\ren<net;i 
both  speak  of  several  })enalties  attachin<ic  to  the  of- 
fence in  dirt'erent  localities.  Accordinuf  to  what  can 
he  gathered  on  this  point,  it  appears  that  adultert  is 
taken  in  Ha^iante  delicto,  or  under  circumstaiict  s 
which  made  their  o'uilt  a  moral  certaintv,  were  stent d 
to  death.  A  species  of  trial  was  granted  to  the  ciil- 
})rits,  hut  if,  as  some  writers  assert,  confession  of  ouilt 
was  extorted  hy  torture,"'  this  trial  nuist  have  heeii  ;is 
much  a  mockejyof  justice  as  were  the  proceedings  ol" 
most  Eurojtean  courts  of  law  at  that  jieriod.  The 
amount  of  evidence  necessary  to  convict  is  unceitaiii. 
Veytia  says  tliat  accusation  hy  the  hushand  was  in 
itse>lf  surticient  proof'^'^  J^as  (.'asas  and  Tonpieniada, 
however,  who  aie  hoth  far  older  authorities,  tell  us 
that  no  man  or  woman  was  punished  for  adultery  nium 


(Id  3/''.s.</'7),  t()iii.  ii..  J).  134;  Ortifiii,  in  ]'ii/fiii,  ITlsf.  Aiif.  MiJ.,  tcnii.  iii., 
]>|».  'J'JT-!';  CliinrK.  Jiiijijifirf,  in  Trniini.i-Co/ii/iKiis,  ]'oj/.,  si'vic  ii.,  tnin.  \., 
J).  'U'A;   '/'(>ri/iii)tii((/<i,  jliiiiiirq.  Jiii/,,  toni.  i.,  ]i.  Ki"). 

»■■!  (h-ii(/f),  Jli'tif.  dm.,  toin.  iii.,  i>.  50"i;  Lus  Vd.sii.s,  Uinf.  ApohitjHiiii,  MS., 
flip.  ccxv. 

'*■'  ( "»>nrornin<i  luliiitcry  see:  LnsCcrsns,  Hist.  Afolixfftiro,  MS.,  ('ii|i.  cix  iii.. 
ccxv.;  Tori/iinmii/(t,  .]f(iiniri/.  Iik/.,  toni.  i.,  ]).  l<i(i,  tiini.  ii.,  jip.  .ST''^,  ^i"*''; 
Jxtlil.i-iirhitI,  Ill's/.  Cliirli.,  in  h'iiif/.i/toroinfirs  Mij'.  Aiifii/.,  \iA.  ix.,  ji.  -Ill; 
Jl'/iiriiiiii:s,  ill  III.,  |>.  .SST;  Cui/r.r  Miiiilnzii,  ill  J\iiiif.s/><>riiiii/li\i  Mr.r.  Aiiti'/., 
vol.  i.,  pi.  7'2;  I'^.s/iliriiriiiii,  in  A/.,  vol.  v..  j).  112;  ]'ii/fiii,  lli.sf.  An/.  -'A;/.,  I'  hi. 
iii..  p.  4'2:\;  Mniilir/ii,  lli.^/.  Hr/r.t.,  jip.  13(i  7;  Clnriifn-f),  S/itriii  An/.  //-/  .!/•<• 
.s'/co,  toll),  ii.,  pp.  i:{0  -1 ;  Bill  infill',  in  Ti'rnini.r-Ciini/iiin.s,  Vnjl.,  Hcrie  i..  Iinii  \  . 
p.  'Jll;  Xiiri/ii,  Jiii/i/inr/,  in  fi/.,  si'iic  ii.,  toin.  i.,  pit.  107-10;  Or/iiju.  in  Vi !l- 
fill  lli.t/.  All/.  M'j..  toin.  iii..  ji.  •i'24;  Vi/iiiirrr/,  Trn/ro  .Mix.,  pt  ii..  p  .'W; 
Jlnrini.  in  Kini/.s/iiiriiin/irs  Mi.r.  Aii/iq.,  toiii.  viii.,  pp.  242-3;  Viilmlis,  Ji/c- 
iori'ni  C/irin/iiiiiii,  in  /'/..  )>.  121),  note. 

'^^  /,«.v  /'iisits- 1111(1  Miiii/i'r/ii,  lis  in  preceding,'  note. 

"■'  'I'aiiv  la  justilicuciou  fuesc  bubtaiUc  lu  liciuuieia  Jcl  niariilo."  lljid. 


,vas  i'i>- 
ith   the 

s  jxiiiit 
the  Az- 
s  tcsti- 
einj>ut> 
)at<.'i"  sf- 
ren«litt;i 

I    the    nl'- 

v'hiit  call 
ilulteit  IS 
instaiuts 

[•e  stoiiid 
the  cul- 

1  of  .u'uilt 

o  hecii  lis 
diliijs  dl 
ul.  '  Th. 

inceitaiii. 

(I  was  in 

jueinada, 

s,  tell   lis 

erv  uiHiii 


Ic/.,  toin.  111., 
ii.,  tdiii.  \  . 

\i<irtini,  MS.. 

l,caii.  crxiii.. 

ll.i).  :<7S,  ;Mt; 

ix..  11. -Mf'; 

h/c.c.  .1//'"/- 

hut.  I'l'l  •I/'''- 
lii'i.,  t'lin.  X., 
Itcijii.  ill  I'.'/- 
lilt  ii..  I'  :':'•• 


ko."  i6A/. 


PENALTY  FOR  ADULTERY. 


4C5 


the  unsupported  testimony  of  the  hushand,  but  tliat 
other  witnesses,  and  the  confession  of  the  defendants 
were  necessary  to  procure  their  conviction.**  Usually 
if  the  condemned  adulterers  were  of  the  lower  orders, 
they  were  taken  out  into  a  public  j)lace  and  there 
stt)ned  to  death  by  the  assembled  multitude,  and  few 
t)f  the  old  writers  omit  to  remark  that  this  manner  of 
(ieath  was  almost  painless,  since  no  sooner  was  the 
tirst  stone  thrown  than  the  })oor  wretch  was  immedi- 
ately covered  with  a  pile  of  missiles,  so  ^reat  was  the 
iiumher  of  his  executioners,  and  so  eajj^er  was  each  to 
take  a  hand  in  the  killing.  Another  connnon  mode 
of  execution  consisted  in  placin<»'  the  head  of  the  con- 
demned upon  a  stone,  and  smashing  his  skull  by  let- 
ting another  stone  fall  upon  it.^^  The  noble  convicted 
(i\'  the  same  crime  was  not  killed  in  this  public  man- 
ner, but  was  strangled  in  jail:  and  as  a  mark  of  re- 
sj)ect  to  his  rank,  his  head,  after  death,  was  adorned 
witli  }»himes  of  green  feathers,  and  the  body  was  then 
hunied.  Adulterers  who  were  found  guilty  merely 
upon  circumstantial  evidence  also  suffered  death  by 
strangulation.  It  was  strictly  forbidden  for  a  husband 
to  take  the  law  into  his  own  hands,  and  he  who  should 
seek  to  avenge  his  honor  by  slaying  his  wife  or  her 
paramour,  even  though  he  took  them  in  the  act  of 
adultery,  suffered  death;  in  ihe  same  manner  should 
the  criminal  endeavor  to  save  himself  by  killing  the 
injured  husband,  his  fate  was  to  be  roasted  alive  before 
a  slow  fire,  his  body  being  basted  with  salt  and  water 
that  death  miufht  not  cimie  to  his  relief  too  so;;!).**" 
An  adulterer  could  not  escape  the  law  on  the  plea  of 
ihunkeimess,'*  and,  indeed,  had  such  an  excuse  been 

"'  Liis  Casus  wiUps:  'A  niii<.'uiia  iimgcr  ni  liombre  rasticavaM  |)or  ailiil- 
trriii.  si  sold  el  iiiaritl'.i  di'lla  los  aousalia,  siiio  (juo  huvia  do  liavi'i-  trstij^ds  y 
riiiitVsidii  lU-llos.'  Jfi.sf.  Afioloijcficii,  MS.,  cap.  ccxv.  Tunjiit'iiiatla  uses  al- 
iiiiist  the  saiiu'  words. 

^'  I'atiiiT  Fiaiifiscd  di-  llolopie  says  tliut  tluH  mode  of  oiinisliiiuMit  was 
"Illy  rc.Miitcd  to  in  the  case  of  the  mail,  ami  that  the  femaie  atlulleier  was 
iiiijialcd.    Tiriiiiiij--<'inti/iii>is,   I'oi/.,  serie  i.,  toiii.  x.,  ]>.  211. 

'"  This  statement  is  ma(h'  liy  Jxtlilxochitl  and  Veytia,  iilii  .sii/>. 

'^''  I. on  Cii.siis,  lli'.s/.  Ajivlvivtku,  My.,  cup.  '.-cxiii. ;  Mcmlktu,  ubi  sup. 
Vol  II.    30 


■m 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


i- 


if- 


msf 


liekl  admissible,  little  would  have  been  gained  by  ex- 
changing the  fate  of  the  adulterer  for  that  of  tlie 
drunkard.  The  trespass  of  a  married  man  with  a  fret- 
nnma.'-ied  woman  was  not  considered  to  constituto 
adultery,  nor  punished  as  such,  so  that  the  Inisbaiul 
was  not  bound  to  so  much  fidelity  as  was  exacteil 
from  the  wife.  I  have  before  remarked  that  althougli 
the  crime  of  adultery  was  punished  in  all  parts  of  the 
Aztec  empire,  yet  the  penalty  inflicted  differed  in  point 
of  severity  and  in  maimer  of  execution.  Thus,  in  the 
province  of  Ixcatlan,  if  we  may  believe  Clavigero,  a 
woman  accused  of  this  crime  was  summoned  before 
the  judges,  and  if  the  proofs  of  her  guilt  were  satis- 
fixctory,  she  was  there  and  then  torn  to  pieces,  and  lier 
limbs  were  divided  among  the  witnesses,  while  in 
Itztepec  the  guilty  woman's  husband  cut  off  her  ears 
and  nose,  thus  branding  her  as  infamous  for  life.*'  In 
some  parts  of  the  empire  the  husband  who  ccjhabittd 
witli  his  wife  after  it  had  been  proved  that  she  luid 
violated  her  fidelity,  was  severely  punislujd.''" 

Carnal  connection  with  mother,  sister,  step-motlior 
or  stop -sister,  was  punished  by  hanging;  Torquemacla 
says  the  same  penalty  was  incurred  by  him  who  had 
connection  with  his  mother-in-law,  because  they  consid- 
ered it  a  sin  for  a  man  to  have  access  to  both  mothor 
and  daughter.  Intercourse  between  brother-in-law 
and  sister-in-law  was,  however,  not  criminal,  and,  in- 
deed, it  was  customary  for  a  man  to  raise  u\)  seed  to 
his  deceased  brother  by  marrying  his  widow."-'  He 
who  attempted  to  ravish  a  maiden,  whether  in  the 
field,  or  in  her  father's  house,  suffered  death,'-''  in 
Michoacan,  the  ravisher's  mouth  was  split  from  ear 

w  Thiihm.  Amonjt  the  Miztccs,  wlien  extcnuntins  circiinistnnrcs  could 
bo  j>r«>vt'(l,  tlic  ]>iiniHhiticiit  of  death  wiis  coiiiiinited  to  iinitilation  of  lais, 
nose,  and  lip!*.   Ilfnrra,  Hist.  Grn.,  dee.  iii.,  lib.  iii..  caj).  xii. 

91  Torqmmnda,  Monarq.  Ind.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  380;  Cfnrnfrro,  iihi  iiip. 

9*  Lim  C'asas,  Hist.  Apoloq^tirn,  MS.,  en'*,  ccxiii.,  ccxv;  Ton/iiniKtilii 
Monarq.  Inii.,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  377-8,  380;  Ortrgn,  in  Vcytin,  Hist.  Anl. 
M<j..  toni.  iii.,  p.  224. 

9'  Las  Casus,  Hist.  Apologitica,  MS.,  cap.  ccxiii.;  Mcudiita,  Hist.  £'■/«  v., 
,p.  130. 


UNNAIURAL  CRIMES. 


467 


to  car  with  a  flint  knife,  and  he  was  afterwards  im- 
paled."* In  Mexico,  those  who  committed  sodomy 
were  hanged;  in  Tezcuco,  the  punishment  for  unnat- 
ural crime  was  characterislically  brutal.  The  active 
accent  was  bound  to  a  stake,  completely  covered 
with  ashes  and  so  left  to  die;  the  entrails  of  the  pas- 
sive agent  were  drawn  out  through  his  anus,  he  also 
was  then  covered  with  ashes,  and,  wood  being  added, 
tlie  pile  was  ignited.'*'  In  Tlascala,  the  sodomite  was 
not  i)unished  by  law,  but  was  scouted  by  society,  and 
treated  with  scorn  and  contempt  by  all  who  knew 
liini.*'  From  the  extreme  severity  of  the  laws  en- 
acted by  the  later  sovereigns  for  the  su})pression  of 
this  revolting  vice,  and  from  the  fact  that  persons 
were  especially  appointed  by  the  judicial  autliorities 
to  search  the  provinces  for  offenders  of  this  class,  it  is 
evident  that  unnatural  love  had  attained  a  frightful 
j)()pularity  among  the  Aztecs.  Father  Pierre  do 
Oand,  or,  as  he  is  sometimes  known,  de  Mura,  bears 
terrible  testimony  to  this;  he  writes:  "Un  certain 
nombre  de  pretres  n'avaient  point  de  fennnes,  scd 
eonnii  loco  paeros  qnihtis  ahutehantur.  Ce  i)eche  etait 
si  eonmiun  dans  ce  pays,  que,  jeunes  ou  vieux,  tons  eu 
etaient  infectes;  ils  y  etaient  si  adonnes,  que  memes 
des  enfants  de  six  a!is  s'y  livraient."*" 

Las  Casas  relates  that  in  several  of  the  more  remote 
provinces  of  Mexico  unnatural  vice  was  tolerated,  it 
not  actually  permitted,"^  and  it  is  not  improbable  that 

"  TTnrra,  ITisf.  Gen.,  «lec.  ii!.,  Ii1».  iii.,  cap.  x.;  Benumont,  Cr<iti.  ^fr. 
elidiirini,  MS.,  J).  51. 

"i  Tiiiinu'iiiiii/fi,  Monarq.  Lid.,  torn,  i.,  j|>.  KiO,  tttin.  ii.,  j).  .'{80;  /,"y 
f'imia,  Ui.sf.  A/MloijHica,  MS.,  cup.  ccxv. ;  Vviffin.  Hist.  Ant.  M<[/.,  tnin. 
iii..  p.  4'23;  Ortajit,  in  Id.,  p.  '22-4;  Vctanrvrt,  Tialro  Mij:,  ]>t  ii.,  p.  ',V.\; 
Miiidicta,  Hist.  Edvs.,  p.  137;  I.rtlilxnrhitt,  Hist.  Vhii'h.,  in  Kuujuhoromjli'.i 
Mi\r.  Antiq.,\iA.  i.\.,  pp.  '24.').  t'ailuijiil  Espiiidsii  ilirtcrsfioni  tiio.se  in  say- 
ii;::  'al  pasivo  le  arrancaltaii  las  cntrana.s,  se  llt'nal)a  su  vicntiv  Je  CLMiiza  y 
t'l  latlilvcr  era  «iiieniail(».'  Hist.  Mix.,  U*\n.  i.,  p.  (i03. 

S6  Ciiiniifffo,  Hist.  Tliijr.,  ill  Xouirl/cs  Annfih\<s  drs  Vo;/.,  1S4.1,  toiii, 
xcviii.,  p.  19S.  Carli  is  tliprefore  mistaken  in  sayinj^this  crime  was  piuii^iicd 
with  (leatli.  Cnrtnit,  p.  1'2'2. 

''  Lettrc,  in  Trrnnux-Cnmpnns,  Vol/.,  st'rie  i.,  ti)m.  x.,  p.  107. 

^^  Hist.  Aftolor/rfirn,  M.S.  cap.  cc.xiii.  Clavi^cro  writes:  'Approssotutto 
li'Xazioni  ili  Anaiiiiac,  fiiorciib  ajipresso  i  Paniiciiosi,  era  in  almoniina/iono 
fi  fatto  delittu,  c  da  tattc  si  puaivu  cou  rigorc'    This  writer  is  very  bitter 


!li 


4G8 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


in  earlier  times  this  was  tlie  case  in  tlic  entire  empirf. 
Iii€xpressil)ly  revoltinj,'  as  the  sin  must  appear  to  a 
modern  mind,  yet  we  know  tliat  pederasty  1ms  ol-- 
tained  amon^  peoples  possessed  of  a  more  advanti  J 
civilization  than  the  Aztecs.  Jn  ancient  Greece  tliis 
umiatural  passion  prev.ailed  to  such  an  extent  that  it 
was  regarded  as  heroic  to  resist  it.  Plutarch,  in  his 
TAfe  of  Atj'cxilaus,  cannot  praise  too  highly  the  scH- 
(•ontrol  manifested  hv  that  efre«at  man  in  refrainiii" 
from  gratifying  a  passion  he  had  conceived  for  a  hoy 
named  Megabates,  which  Maximus  Tyrius  says  de- 
serves greater  praise  than  the  heroism  of  Leonidas; 
]3iogenes  Laertius,  in  his  Life  of  Zcno,  the  founder 
of  stoicism,  the  most  austere  of  all  ancient  sects, 
])raises  that  philosopher  for  being  but  little  addicted 
to  tliis  vice;  Sophocles,  the  Tragic  Homer,  and  the 
Attic  Bee,  is  said  by  Athenteus  to  have  been  espt- 
cially  addicted  to  it.  Moralists  were  known  to  jnaise 
it  as  the  bond  of  friendship,  and  it  was  spoken  of  as 
inspiring  the  enthusiasm  of  the  heroic  legion  of 
Epaj"inondas.  The  defeat  of  the  Romans  by  Hanni- 
bal at  Canna3  was  said  to  be  caused  by  the  jealousy 
of  Juno,  because  a  beautiful  boy  had  been  introduced 
into  the  temple  of  Jupiter.  Las  Casas  tells  us  that 
pederasty  was  tolerated  because  thev  believed  that 
their  gods  practiced  it.'"*     In  precisely  the  same  nian- 

iifjainst  M.  de  Pauw  for  stating  that  this  pederasty  was  roinmon  aiium;;  tin- 
Mexicans,  and  a(Uls:  'niadella  falsitii  di  tal  caliinnia,  che  i-on  tr(>|i|ia,  i'<I 
iissai  hiasinievole  faeilita  adilottarono  i)areci'hj  Autori  Kiirdiiei,  el  (•iin>iii 
per  hi  testinioniunza  di  nioltri  altri  Antori  ini]iarziarli,  e  nie;.Mio  informal i' 
( 'hivigero  does  not,  however,  state  who  tliese  'more  imjiartial  and  hettn 
informed  writers'  are.  Tiiat  ihe  crime  of  sodomy  was  |)reva]ent  in  In- 
l>asco,  we  have  the  testimony  of  Oviedo,  wiio  writes  tinit  among  the  idols 
that  the  Christians  saw  tiiere  'dixeron  i\\\e  avian  halhiih*  eiitre  ai|uclliis 
(,-emis  6  yolos,  (his  personas  iiechas  de  cojiey  («|ne  es  nn  lirlxd  assi  ihiniiidci). 
el  uno  cahallero  rt  eahalgando  sohre  el  otro,  en  tignrade  aijnel  ahoniinahic  y 
iiefando  pecailo  de  sotloniia,  e  otro  de  harro  qne  tenia  la  natnra  asiiiu  cun 
iinil)aH  nninos,  la  qnal  tenia  como  \Mrcnn(;'iso. . .  .y  no  es  este  jiecado  cniii' 
apiellas  nuil  aventiiradas}rentesdes|)reR(;iado,  ni  snnnirinniente  aveiigiiailn: 
antes  es  innchaverdad  qnanto  <lellos  sc  pnede  deeir  e  cnlpar  en  tal  ca^-'i." 
Hist,  den.,  tom.  i.,  |>.  5.3,3.  Znazo,  speaKinjj  of  the  Mexicans,  says:  'estiis 
P'ntes  tienen  la  (rin  prrratrin  que  dccia  el  Italiano:  no  creen  en  I>ios;  siui 
rft.ti  foifox  .todomitfis:  conien  came  huinano.'  Carta,  in  Icazbalnto,  Vol.  iln 
Jhii:,  toni.  i.,  p.  3(5.'^. 

9"  Hist.  Ai>olo<jilka,  MS.,  cup.  ccxiii. 


LAWS  RESPECTING  CHASTITY. 


4C9 


uoT  did  tlie  ancient  Greeks  make  tlie  popular  religion 
heiid  to  the  new  vice,  and,  by  substituting  (ianyniede 
I'or  Hebe  as  heavenly  cup-bearer,  make  the  head  of  all 
( )lympus  set  an  example  of  unnatural  love. 

The  priest  who  violated  his  vow  of  chastity  was 
l);inished;  his  house  was  demolished  and  liis  prop- 
erty confiscated.***  Pim|)S  were  publicly  disgraced  in 
the  market -j)lace,  by  having  their  hair  burnt  olf  so 
close  to  the  head  that  the  drops  of  resin  falling  from 
tlie  burning  pitch-pine  chips  fell  upon  and  seared  the 
scalp;  if  the  persons  for  whom  the  i>anderage  was 
committed  were  of  high  rank,  a  greater  penalty  was 
iiiHicted  upon  the  pander.'"'  This  was  the  law  in 
^[e\ico;  in  Tezcuco,  according  to  the  historian  of  the 
Cliichimecs,  the  pimp  suffered  death  in  all  cases."" 

Simple  fornication  was  not  jamished,  unless  it  was 
committed  by  a  noble  lady,  or  with  a  maiden  conse- 
crated to  the  service  of  the  gods,  in  which  cases  it 
was  death.  Fornication  with  the  concubine  of  an- 
other also  went  unpunished,  uidess  they  had  been 
living  a  long  time  together,  and  were  in  consecpience, 
according  to  custom,  considered  man  and  wife.  If 
aiiv  one  had  connection  with  a  slave,  and  the  woman 
died  during  her  pregnancy,  or  in  giving  birth  to  the 
child,  then  the  offender  became  a  slave;  but  if  she 
was  safely  delivered,  the  child  was  free  and  was  taken 
care  of  l)y  the  father."*^  The  woniaji  who  took  any 
drug  to  procure  an  abortion,  and  she  who  fui-nishetl 

"*"  Liis  Casas,  amonf^hisuiiautlicntit"  laws  hasdiie  wliidi  prcscrilies  doatli 
ill  this  cuHf.  l)ut  ill  aiuitlior  lisi,  wliicli  lie  says  is  coiiiiioseii  of  aiitlit'iitic 
l:nvs  ■  'iiiioiit  and  oontiscatinn  of  ])ri>|ti'rty  is  j;iveii  as  till- ptMialty.  If/xf. 
A/iiili, ■,:,..  a,  MS.,  cai>.  Cfxv.;  Tiiriinnniida,  Momtn/.  IiuL,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  HSO; 
Vii/fiii,  Hi.it.  Ant.  Mn.,  toiii.  iii.,  |).  42,'i. 

""  Tnr i>ifiMul'i,  Mimnrq.  Imf.,  toiii.  ii.,  n.  380;  I.n.i  Oasn.s,  Ili.st.  A/iiifa- 
'j'tlni,  MS.,  cap.  ccxiii.;  M-mliiln,  /list.  Lrlr.i.,  \t.  1S7.  Oiti'j,'a  aiiils  tiiat 
t'lcir  iiuiiils  wore  niltluMl  witli  asli(>s;  '.se  les  uiitalia  I'oii  ceiii/a  calioiitf.' 
I'll/lid.  Hist.  Ant.  Mj.,  toin.  iii.,  p.  '1'17\. 

'"^  frtHLrorltitl,  Hist.  Chich..  in  KinysborouglCs  Mix.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix.,  ji. 
•JK!;  ViifHit,  Hist.  Ant.  Mrj.,  p.  '224. 

'"'  I.i'lll.roi'hitl,  E'lui'iiinrs,  in  Kiitfjshoroiii}h\t  Mrx.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix.,  p. 
^■>7;  ]'(ijlin.  Hist.  Ant.  MJ.,  totn.  iii.,  p.  42'i;  Jhirnn,  in  h'in>fsl)or»nii/i's 
.ire.  .{tiliq.,  vol.  viii.,  pp.  •24.3—1;  Tnri/nrinfii/'i,  Monnri/.  Iml.,  toiii.  ii..  p. 
:!■<•;  l.'is  t'osa.1.  Hist.  Aj)o/i-iirtic(i,}ilfi.,  cap.  ci'xv. ;  Ortiija,  in  Vtytin,  II. st. 
A,tt.  MJ.,  toni.  iii.,  pp.  '224-5. 


'     f 


470 


Tin:  XAIRA  NATIONS. 


tlie  (Iruijc,  l)oth  suflferod  death.'"*  If  one  woman  siiiiud 
carnally  with  anotlier,  hoth  died  for  it."*'''  The  ni.iii 
who  went  ahout  the  streets  dressed  as  a  woman,  or 
the  woman  wlio  dressed  as  a  man,  was  shiin."* 

In  tliis  account  are  conijjrlsed  nearly  all  the  special 
laws  of  the  Aztecs  which  have  been  })reserved,  with 
the  exce})tion  of  those  relatiiii*"  to  military  mattirs, 
marriage,  divorce,  and  slavery,  all  of  which  1  have 
already  had  occasion  to  consider. 

That  the  Aztec  code  was  a  severe  and  hrutal  oiio 
there  can  be  no  denial,  but  that  it  was  more  severe 
and  brutal  than  was  necessary,  is,  as  I  have  befoie 
remarked,  doubtful.  We  have  already  seen  that  a 
horrible  death  was  the  inevitable  fate  of  those  de- 
tected stealing  in  the  market-})lace,  yet  we  are  told 
that  did  the  owner  of  a  stall  but  turn  away  his  head 
for  a  moment,  his  wares  would  be  i)ilfered.  A  people 
accustomed  almost  daily  to  see  human  blood  i)oured 
out  like  water  in  sacrifice  to  their  gods,  must  of 
necessity  have  been  hardened  to  the  sight  of  sutfer- 
iug,  and  upon  such  none  but  an  execution  of  the 
m,ost  revolting  descri})tion  could  create  an  impression 
of  awe  or  fear.  It  appears  remarkable  that  punish- 
ments involving  only  disgrace  shoukl  have  been 
adopted  by  such  a  people,  yet  it  is  doubtful  whether 
slavery  was  not  considered  a  lighter  punishnieht 
than  having  the  hair  burned  off  in  the  public  market. 
Some  of  the  Aztec  monarchs  evinced  a  desire  to  he 
as  lenient  as  the  stubborn  nature  of  their  subjects 
would  allow,  but  the  yoke  u[)on  the  people,  if  it  were 
in  any  degree  to  control  them,  must  at  best  be  a  heavy 
one;  in  short,  despotism  of  the  harshest  was  neces- 
sary and  indispensable  to  them  in  their  stage  of  ci\  il- 
ization. 


'M  Las  Casas,  TTist.  Ajioloff^tira,  MS.,  cap.  coxiii.,  ocxv. ;  Mcudirln,  Hisf. 
Erics.,  p.  i;{(>. 

>oi  Liis  (Jdsns,  Iliiil.\  Torqiiimmia,  3foiinrq.  Iiiif.,  toni.  ii..  j).  .'JSO-l . 

'"*> /,(^s•  ('(f.s/f.v,  //>/>/, ;  'r<>i(/iin)iiii/ii,  MoiKirij.  //<</.,  tnin.  ii.,  p.  ,'{S(I;  }h  n- 
(lirfii.  Hist.  Evhs.,  pp.  137-8;  Cluriycro,  Storia  Ant.  i/cl  Mtssicu,  toui.  ii., 
p.  133. 


m 


NKZAHUALCOYOTL  AND  THE  BOY. 


471 


NoziiluuiU'oyotl,  kin«;  of  Tezeuco,  was  especially 
iiiLifirul  and  eoiisidemto  towards  his  suhjocts.  For 
instance,  he  ordered  that  com  slumld  he  planted,  at 
the  expense  of  <»'overninent,  hy  the  roadside,  in  order 
tiiat  none  who  were  guilty  of  stealinji^  IVoni  the  iields, 
miirlit  xcuse  themselves  on  the  ijfround  of  huiii'-er."'" 
It  is  related  that  this  monarch  went  fre(jnently  amon*;' 
his  j)e(tple  in  disj^uise,  for  the  })urpose  of  diseovirin*;' 
their  ijfrievances  and  j^en'>>al  condition,  and  some  of 
the  adventures  he  met  with  on  these  occasions  are  as 
entertaining-  as  any  told  hy  Sheherezade  of  the  (Jood 
("aliph.  I  select  one,  not  because  it  is  the  hest,  hut 
hecause  it  points  more  particularly  to  Nezahualco- 
ytttl's  benevolence  and  love  of  justice.  Duriiii^'  the 
reiL,Mi  of  this  monarch,  owin«i^  to  the  inunense  con- 
sumption of  wood,  the  use  of  oil  and  tallow  bein<;' 
then  unknown,  the  forests  beijcau  to  j*row  thin,  and 
tlie  kino-  foreseeinji^  that  unless  some  precar.tions  were 
taken,  there  would  soon  be  a  scarcity  of  wood  in  the 
kingdom,  ordered  that  within  certain  limits  no  wood 
should  be  touched.  Now  it  haj^pened  one  day,  when 
tiie  kinijf  was  abroad  in  dis;n'uise,  and  acc(»m|)anied 
only  by  his  brother  Quauhtlehuanitzin,  that  tliey 
passed  by  the  skirts  of  a  forest  wherein  it  was  ])ro- 
hihited  to  cut  or  gather  wood.  Here  they  found  a 
hoy  who  was  engaged  in  picking  up  the  light  chij>s 
and  twii>s  that  had  been  carried  by  the  wind  outside 
of  the  enclosure,  because  in  this  locality  the  udiabit- 
iuits  were  very  numerous,  and  had  exhausted  all  the 
timber  that  was  not  reserved  by  law.  Nezahualcoyotl, 
seeing  that  under  the  trees  of  the  forest  there  lay 
a  gieat  (piantity  of  fallen  wood,  asked  the  boy  why 
lie  contented  himself  with  dry  leaves  and  scattered 
twins  when  so  m-eat  an  abundiince  of  fuel  lay  close  at 
liand.  The  boy  answered  that  the  king  had  forbid- 
den  the  j)eople  to  gather  wood  in   the   forest,   and 

\m  Ti,rifiinH'ii/<i,  Miniarq.  fiiif.,  ttnii.  ii.,  p.  381;  Ortnja,  in  Vrittia.  Hist. 
Aiif.  Ml/.,  toin.  iii.,  j)!*.  "i-J-O;  Cluviiicro,  Sturiu  Ant.  del  Mcsaico,  toiii.  ii., 
1'.  VXi.  ' 


472 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


therefore  he  was  obliged  to  take  whatever  he  could 
j^et.  The  kin«^  told  him  to  ^o,  neverthcle.sM,  into  the 
forest  and  help  himself  to  fuel,  and  none  would  1k' 
the  wiser,  for  that  he  and  his  companion  would  smv 
nothing  of  the  matter.  But  the  boy  rebuked  thoin, 
saying  that  they  must  be  traitors  to  the  king  who 
would  persucade  him  to  do  this  thing,  or  that  tlicy 
sought  to  avenge  themselves  upon  his  ])arents  hy 
bringing  misfortune  upon  their  son,  and  he  refused  to 
enter  the  forbidden  ground.  Then  was  the  kiii<>- 
much  pleased  with  the  boy's  loyalty,  and  seeing  the 
distress  to  which  the  people  were  reduced  by  tlu; 
severity  of  the  forest  laws,  he  afterwards  had  them 
altered.  >•" 


'"'  Torquemndn,  Monarq.  Ind.,  toni.  i.,  p.  16.5.  In  the  followiiif;  works 
more  or  less  inention  is  made  of  tlie  Hystein  of  jiirispnuleiR-i'  tliat  existid 
tiiiii)ii<;  the  Nahiiii  i)eo|>les.  Piinetidi,  Mrm.  xonrc  In  Jinzn  Iiidnji mi.  \\\\. 
'M-7t;  Ciirbiijiil  ICwinosft,  Hist.  Mcx.,  tom.  i.,  i)p.  .'iD.S-liO^;  Aimr.  Ktlmti. 
Sor.,  Trini.iiirf.,  vol.  i.,  p.  1.5.3;  K/citi>n,  Ciiftiir-Oi\ir/iic/i(i;  torn,  v.,  pp.  .'{.">  ti, 
5.S-4,  (!<)-7.'),  !»C-7,  10.5,  205;  Corti.i,  A  rni.  y  Cotiq.  i>n'f.,  p.  1.3;  lhl(n,nrtr.  Un 
sen,  tuiii.  X.,  )>n.  2<>4-7;  Inrfrfent.iaiid  Skitr/ics,  pp.  (>0-l ;  Simnti's  Tni  Triliin, 
jip.  •2(i;<-70;  liiissierir  VEmpire  Afvj:,  j)p.  l.'VO-S;  L'/iinitiHrs'  Jour.,  IS.S.'i, 
vol.  iv.  .p.  2.53;  Buril,  Mcxiqur,  pp.  20.5-/;  Tourun,  Hist.  Gin.,  torn,  iii., 
pp.  20-31;  Sodcn,  Spanier  in  I'eru,  torn,  ii.,  p.  14. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


NAHUA   ARTS   AND    MANUFACTURES. 
Mktai.s  I'sEn  ANP  Manner  of  Obtaining  Them— Working  of  Ooi,d 

AM>Sll,VEK--WoXI»ERKl'I.  SkII.MN  IMITATING— GIKDIXU  AND  I'LAT- 

iN(i  AV()HKiN(}  IN  Stone— LArioAUY  Wotjk  —  Wood  ("aijving- 
Mantfactire  of  Pottery— Vauiois  Kinds  of  Cloth— Maxi'- 
FArTiKE  OF  Pater  ani>  Leather— Preparation  of  Dves  axi> 
Paints  -The  Art  of  Painting— Feather  MosAir  Work  Leaf- 
M  \TS— Manner  of  Kindling  Fire— Torches- Soap— Council  of 
Arts  in  TEZtrco— Oratory  and  Poetry— NKZAiiiALroYOTL's 

IMiES  ox  THE  MlTARILITY  OF  LiFE  AND  THE  TYRANT  TeZOZOMOC— 

Aztec  Arithmetical  System. 


Gold,  silver,  copper,  tin,  and  load  were  the  metals 
known  to  and  used  by  the  Nahuas.  The  latter,  how- 
t'vor,  is  merely  mentioned,  and  notliino'  is  known  ahout 
V  litre  it  was  obtained  or  for  what  jmrposes  it  was  em- 
jtloyed.  We  have  only  very  slight  information  resj)ect- 
iiiL(  the  processes  by  which  any  of  the  metals  were 
ohtained.  Gold  came  to  the  cities  of  Amihuac  chietly 
Ironi  the  southern  Nahua  provinces,  throuoh  the 
agency  of  traders  and  tax-o-atherers ;  silver  and  tin 
Were  taken  from  the  mines  of  Taxco  and  Tzompanco; 
0()j»j)('r  was  obtained  from  the  mountains  of  Zacatol- 
laii,  the  ])rovince  of  the  Cohuixcas,  and  from  Micho- 
acaii.  Nuijfgets  of  gold  and  masses  of  native  cop|)er 
wurc  found  on  the  surface  of  the  ground  in  certain 
regions;  gold  was  chiefly  obtained,  however,  from  the 
saiul  in  the  bed  of  rivers  by  divers.     It  was  kept,  in 


(473) 


iU 


THE  NAHUA  NATION'S. 


tho  form  of  dust,  in  snmll  tubes  or  quills,  or  was 
nicltod  in  siimll  ]H)ts,  l)y  tho  aid  of  hollow  liaiulini. 
l>lo\v-pi))t'S  usod  instoad  of  hollows,  and  oast  in  small 
bars.  .i*rosoott  tolls  us  that  those  niotals  woiu  uIm) 
niinod  from  voiiis  iu  tho  solid  rook,  oxtonsivc;  ^al- 
lorios  })oing  oponod  for  tho  imrposo.  Quioksilvi  r,  sul- 
phur, alum,  oohro,  and  othor  minerals  wore  oolitctctl 
to  a  certain  extent  and  emi)loyod  hy  the  natives  in  the 
preparation  of  colors  and  for  othor  purjtosos.*  Tin; 
use  of  ii'on,  though  that  metal  was  abundant  in  the 
country,  was  unknown.  Such  metals  as  they  had  tluv 
were  most  skillful  in  v\orking,  ohioHy  hy  nieltint;  and 
castin<^',  and  hy  carving,  but  also  to  some  extent  liy 
the  use  of  tho  hammer.  We  have  no  details  of  tlic 
means  employed  to  molt  the  harder  metals,  besides 
tho  rude  blow-pipe  and  furnace  mentioned  in  coiiiiui- 
tion  with  gold. 

For  cutting  implements  copper  was  the  only  metal 
used,  but  it  was  hardened  with  an  alloy  of  tin  until 
it  sufficed  to  cut  the  hardest  substances  nearly  as 
well  as  steel.^  The  pure  and  softer  metal  was  nse<'. 
to  mala;  kettles  and  other  vessels.  Copper  tools 
Avore,  however,  rare  compared  with  those  of  stone, 
and  seem  to  have  been  usod  chiefly  in  working  wood 
where  a  sharp  and  enduring  edge  was  recjuired. 
Such  tools  usually  took  the  form  of  axes  and  chisels. 


1  'Tnnibien  Iuh  niiniis  de  plata  y  oro,  cobre,  plomo,  oropel  nutural,  cs- 
tafio  y  (itros  nietiiles,  (jiic  todos  los  saciiroii,  lulmiroii,  y  dcjiiroii  scnalo  y 
inciiioiiu.'  Sii/utt/iiii,  Hist,  den.,  toiii.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  ]>]».  1U»-1I.  To  ulilaiii 
^()I(l  '.st>  inctiaii  al  fondu  del  a<^ua  y  Macaliaii  las  iiianos  Ueiias  de  ari'iia,  pani 
Imscar  hicfjo  en  olla  los  graiioH,  lo.s  <jue  se  ^'uardahaii  en  la  IxK-a.'  hin:, 
Ifiiiiir/rio,  in  Icazltithcta,  Col.  dc  Due,  toiii.  i.,  p.  '2J)i).  In  Miclioacaa 
'trahajahan  niinas  de  colire.'  lieauitiont,  Crdii.  Mcrhoacdii,  MS.,  ji.  AS. 
'Tlie  traces  of  their  laliors  furnished  the  best  indications  for  the  early  S|iiiii- 
ish  miners.'  I'rr.scotCs  Mcx.,  vol.  i.,  pp.  138-1);  Carbajtil  Espinosn,  llist. 
Met:,  toiu.  i.,  i)p.  IHKKK);  Acoula,  lUst.  dc  hi.^  Yiid.,  p.  198  et  seti- 

2  '  Whether  a  man  desire  the  nide  mettall,  or  to  banc  it  molten,  or  bcaliii 
out,  and  cuisninj^ly  made  into  an.y  kinde  of  Icwell,  liee  shall  liml  tliiia 
reaily  wrought.'  T'rffr  M^rti/r,  dee.  v.,  lib.  iv.  (iomara  and  tuitiia  siatu 
that  they  mixed  gold  and  silver,  as  well  as  tin,  with  cftpper,  for  the  iiiaiin- 
factnre  (if  jiiinlets,  axes,  and  chisels.  Conq.  Mcx.,  fid.  318;  Dos  J'in/rn.t,  yt 
ii.,  p.  '2i>.  ("lavigerostates  that  inZacat(dlan  two  kinds  of  copper  were  fmiail, 
liard  and  soft,  s(»  that  tliere  was  no  need  of  any  hardening  proce;is.  .SV'/k* 
Ant.  dd  Mcssico,  toiu.  iv.,  pp.  21U-11> 


GOLD  AM)  SII.VKK  SMITHS. 


475 


Slitks  for  working,'  tlie  •^Toiiiul,  the  nearest  Xalnia 
ii])|»r(>a«'li  to  the  j>lo\v,  wi-re  also  often  tii)pe(l  with 
lojipcr,  as  M'e  have  ween.  Metal  uas  not  niueli  iistd 
ill  iiiakiiiif  Aveaj)on;^,  not  l)ein«r  found  in  swords  or 
iinow-heads,  liut  enij>loyed  Avith  obsidian  in  sjn'ar- 
licids  and  on  the  ntnz((,  or  eluh.  Jioth  copper  and 
till  (iislu's  and  ]»hites  are  mentioned  hut  were  not 
ill  conunon  use.  In  tlie  nianufaeture  of  inipK-nu'iitH 
of  copper  and  tin  tlu'se  metals  were  wrought  hy  means 
ut"  stone  hammers  and  not  cast.^ 

No  I»ran<'h  of  Nahua  art  was  carried  to  a  higher  de- 
ujree  of  perfection  than  the  ornamental  working  of 
i>(»l(l  and  silver.  The  coiujueroi's  were  struck  with 
ii(hiiiration  on  beholding  the  work  of  the  native  gokl- 
smiths;  they  even  in  some  cases  frankly  acknowledge 
that  they  admired  the  work  more  than  the  material, 
nnd  saved  the  most  beautiful  specimens  from  the  melt- 
ing furnace,  the  greatest  compliment  these  gold-gree«ly 
adventurers  could  pay  to  native  art.  ^lany  of  the 
tiller  articles  were  sen*  as  ])resents  and  curiositii's  to 
Kiirojieaii  }>rinces,  who  added  their  testimony  to  that 
of  the  coiKjuerors,  pronouncing  the  jewelry  in  many 
iiistaui'es  superior  to  the  work  of  old-world  artists. 
Azcapuzalco  was  the  headipiarters  of  the  woikeis  in 
gold  and  silver.*     The  imitation  of  natural  ()bjects, 

'  ' rorrns  I'lavotcndiiH  «le  liicrro,  cdlire  y  oro.'  I.rtliljcorhill,  Iti lariitiiii, 
ill  l\'iiif/s/iiiniiif//i'.s  Mi:i\  Aiitif/.,  vol.  ix.,  ii.  Xi'2.  '  Noiih  avoiis  on  ciitic  Ics 
iniiiiis  (If  lii'inix  outilsdccuivn' rosi'ttf.'    Viollii-lc-llur,  in  I'lmnnni,  Itniiirn 


I>I>.  8(>- 


IiuiihIk.'  Ihrrrni,  Hisf.  (In 


'lla/cii  iniU'liiiM  t'osas,  i'iuhk  Ins  inijon's  caliii'ii'ins  litl 


•1( 


lil> 


Siiiiie  liail   pliiti's 


iillicr  vi'ssels  of  tin.   Uriri/n,  lli.st.  (t'ni.,  toni.   iii.,   |>.  4t)r).      '('ontiitto 


liii  >i  >a,  die  iavoravano  hone  il  ran 


0  clic  |iiat'(jiii'ni  itssiii  a, 


^'li  S] 


i:i;:iiuiiU 


Dili.     II 


In  idi'o  sciiri,  e  Ic  loro  |)ic<-lu'.'  L'lnriiji m,  Sluria  Anl.  dil  Mrsslm,  t 
I>.  I'.MJ.  I'l'ter  Martyr  s|K'ak.s  of  lar;;*' ('o|i|K'r  stand.s  or  t-aiHlli'siicks  wliii  li 
Mi|i|Mirtc(l  |iiii(>  torrla's  to  li^'lit  tlic  courts  of  tlif  ln'ltcr  houses.  l)cc.  v.,  lil(. 
N.  '  II  cxistait  <1»;  si  {iraiids  vases  d'ar^'eiit  (|iriiii  lioniiiie  pouvait  a  peine 
it's  ciitourer  (le  ses  liras."  linril,  Mrjiijiir,  p.  2()!t;  JJriiirmll'.'i  Iml.  llmrs,  p. 
fit;  Edinliiiriih  llirinr,  July  1807. 

* 'Todo  variadizrt,  <jue  I'll  iiuestru  Esimfia  los  jirandes  I'liiteros  tieiion 
ipM' iiiirar  en  ello.'  Jlrninl  Diaz,  llisf.  Cntit/.,  f<d.  (i'.l.  '  l,os  I'laleros  de 
M.iiliid,  vieiidoal<^nnas  Piezas,  Hrazaletes  de  oro,  con  i\\\v  se  jirnial>an  eii 
•'iirriii  los  lieyes,  yCapitanes  Indianos,  cont'essaron  (^iie  eiaii  iiiiiuitaliles  eii 
Kiircppa.'  Jiotiiriiii,  Jtfra,  p.  78.  'Non  sarehlu-ro  verisiniili  le  iiiara\  i^^lic  di 
fiiiiil  arte,  se  oltro  alia  tcstimonian/a  di  (juaiiti  le   videro,   non  fossero  statu 


iiiiiiiilate  in  Knropa  in  ;;raii  coiiia  si  falle  raritii.'   '  Fiiialineiite  eiaiio   tali  si 
falif  o[)eie,  clie  unche  4ue'  Soldati  .spaynuoli,  clie  si  sentivanu  travaj^liuti 


r 

! 


I 


m' 


An 


TIIK  XAIIIA  NATIONS. 


juirticulaiiy  iiiiinials,  hlrdH,  and  fishes,  wiiH  a  favoriti- 
iit'ld  for  tlio  display  of  this  luaiu'li  of  Nalma  tah  lit. 
Tliu  t'oii«[iit'ror  Colic's  tolls  us  that  jMoiitczuma  liad  in 
liis  colKc'tion  a  coiiiiterfuit  in  ^'old,  silver,  stoms,  or 
feathers,  of  every  ohjeet  under  heaven  in  his  dnmiri- 
ions,  so  skillfully  made,  so  far  as  the  work  in  im  tiil 
was  concerned,  that  no  smith  in  the  world  could  »\(t  I 
them.  This  statement  is  repeated  hy  every  write  ion 
the  subject.  Dr  Hernandez,  the  naturalist,  in  |in'- 
parin«;  a  treatise  on  Mexican  zoolou^y  for  Philip  I  1.,  is 
said  to  have  supplied  his  want  of  real  specimens  of 
certain  rare  sj)ecies  hy  a  resort  to  these  imitations.'* 
The  native  artists  are  said  to  have  fashioned  animals 
and  birds  with  movable  heads,  lejLfs,  win^i-s,  and  toni^iiLs, 
an  ape  with  a  spindle  in  its  hands  in  the  act  of  .spin- 
nin<i^  and  in  certain  comic  attitudes;  and  what  ]»urtit  u- 
larly  interested  and  surprised  the  Spaniards  was  tiic 
art — sj)oken  of  by  them  as  a  lost  art— of  castino-  the 
j)arts  of  an  object  of  ditierent  metals  each  distinct 
from  the  rest  but  all  forminsjf  a  complete  whole,  and 
this,  as  the  authorities  say,  without  solderino-.  Tims 
a  fish  was  molded  with  alternate  scales  of  oold  and 
silver,  plates  were  cast  in  sections  of  the  same  metal, 
and  loose  handles  were  attached  to  difierent  vessc  Is." 

diilla  sncra  funic  dell'  oro,  iirofjinvniio  in  chsc  ])iu  I'arte,  vhv.  la  iriatciia." 
Chiritfrro,  Sforia  Ant.  del  Mf.s.siro,  toni.  ii.,  jip.    lOrMi. 

4  V V/z-Mv,  CVrWfM,  pp.  lOK,  KXKl.  In  Ihf  lollettion  of  Nozaliiialr«iy..|. 
zin  *n(i  faltava  alii  avc,  ncz  ni  animal  <le  toda  esta  tierra,  (|Ui-  no  cstiu  iist> 
vivo,  o  lieclio  ti^'ura  y  talle,  en  ])ie(lraH  ile  tn'o  v  l>t'drt'ria.'  Jxtlif.mr/iit/.  Ilisl. 
Cliich.,  in  Kiiiffsfjoruii'ih^s  Mix.  Aiitii/.,  vol.  i.\.,  p.  '244.  'TIiiTc  is  iiii 
fourefootod  lieast,  nofi  ;le,  no  fyslio,  wnieh  then  Artificers liavo  once  mciic, 
hut  tlicy  are  able  to  dr.  vc,  and  entte  in  iiK'ttall  tlic  likeiieMHe  aiul  iirii|iiiiiiiiii 
thereof,  enen  to  the  Ivi  '  I'v/rr  j'ifiirfifi;  dec.  v.,  lih.  .\.,  iv.  hi^'lit  ;;i'lii 
HhriinpH  of  much  ])eri( '  on.  Oriafo,  llist.  GV».,  torn,  iii.,  p.  285;  I'iiiniiUl, 
Mem.  sohre  la  llaza  Ii      fcna,  p.  50. 

6  'Saean  uii  avc,  coi  un  papa;;ayo  que  ho  le  anda  la  lenjjua  ctinio  si 
vivo  la  inenease  y  tainh  :  la  caheza  y  las  ala«.  Un  roHtro  de  a;;uila  In  mis- 
mo,  nnaraiia,  yun  pcse,  i>,Hcnala<la  niuchaseHcaiiiaHUiiadejilata  yotiailc 
oro,  todo  de  vaciado,  qiu  nnanta  h  todos  iinestros  ofieiales.'  Las  I  V^sY^^,  /list. 
Apoloijrtira,  MS.,  cap.  •  iii.  'Fundcn  vna  niona,  que  juefjue  pies  y  califcii, 
y  ten^a  en  las  nianos  vu  Iuiho,  ({UC  ]>arczca  (pic  hila,  o  vna  niaiivjina,  •|Mi' 
eoinc.  Ksto  tuuicron  a  niuclio  nuestroH  E8]>arudes,  y  lo.s  plateros  de  aca  no 
ah-aiivan  el  priinor.'  Gouiara,  Conq.  Mix.,  fol.  117.  'Y  lo  que  nia«  ts,  i|m' 
sacalian  dc  la  fundicion  vna  pie^a,  la  niitad  dc  Oro,  y  la  niitail  de  I'lata.' 
Torqiicmiiila,  MoiKtrq.  Iiid.,  toiii.  ii.,  j).  487;  Vctnnrrrt,  Tnitrd  M'.r..  |it  ii.. 
]).  .")!(;  Memlirtn,  Hi.if.  Eiirs.,  pp.  403-7.  'Saeaiian  al  niercado  los  olirinlis 
tlestcurtc,  platuH,  uchuuados  de  vu  quarto  dc  oru,  y  otru  de  platu,  uu  .solda- 


(ilLDIXCJ  AM)  l'LATIN(5. 


477 


fn  vnritt' 
till. lit. 

I  had  in 
oius.  or 

(loiniii- 

II  IIK  till 

1(1  ix.vl 

.liti  roll 

in  \>vv- 

1»  II.,  is 

IIU'IIS    of 

itatioiis.' 

aiiiiiials 

toii^uts, 

of  spiii- 

]»urtitu- 

was  the 
4'u\*x  the 

(list  i  lift 
loK',  and 
Thus 
;()ld  and 
e  iiu'tah 

I      A 

vessels. 
ii  iiialtriii.' 

(III  I'sliivit'-'"' 
orluti.  III  si. 
"lu'iv   is  nil 

(IIICI'  SCCIU', 

LI  |ii'o|iiiitii>ii 

I;    /'///((  //'•/, 

|iia  ct'iiio  s*! 
tiiilii  loinis- 
Jtii  y  I  (till  <1<' 
l(  'asds,  Ui'if. 
I's  y  caln'V''! 
ImViiiii'.  '1'"^' 
lis  (If  aiii  lilt 

llllUH  fS.  M'"' 

1]  do  riata.' 
\\h.i\.  I't  ii.. 
Ijos  ntirialfs 
lu,  no  solda- 


After  tlu^  Spaniards  canio,  tln^  native  artisanH  had 
a  iiew  and  wide  Htdd  for  the;  disphiy  of  their  skill,  in 
iiMJtatinjL,'  the  ininierous  pHnlucts  of  European  art. 
.\  A'vj!^\\i  examination,  often  ohtaiiied  hy  stealthily 
luokiiio;  into  tlio  shop  windows,  enahled  them  to  re- 
|niidiice  and  not  iinfre(|uently  to  improve  upon  the 
finest  artieles  of  jewelry  and  plate.'' 

(  lavijLfero  says  that  vessels  of  copper  or  other  in- 
tVrinr  metal  were  «:filded,  hy  emp'ovinjjr  an  unknown 
prncess  in  which  certain  herhs  were  used,  and  which 
wdiild  have  made  the  fortune  of  a  j^oldsmith  in  Sj)aiii 
and  Italy.  Oviedo  also  tells  us  that  vaiious  orna- 
niiiital  articles  were  covered  with  thin  },o>ld  i>late.*' 
To  (Miumerate  the  articles  manufactured  hy  the  Na- 
Inia  ij<»ld  and  silver  smiths,  and  included  in  the  lon<; 
lists  of  piesents  made  hy  ^lontezuma  and  other  chief- 
tains to  their  compUTors  is  impracticahle;  they  in- 
(lutlcd  finely  modeled  j^-ohlets,  pitchers,  and  other 
Vessels  for  the  tahles  of  the  kinoes  and  nohility;  frames 
tur  stone  mirrors  and  rich  settings  for  various  j>recious 
stuiies;  personal  ornaments  for  the  wealthy,  and  es- 
|iL(ially  for  wariors,  includin*;"  rin«^s,  bracelets,  ear- 
(iidps,  heads,  helmets  and  various  other  jtortioiis 
of  aiiiior;  small  tiijfures  in  human  foiin  worn  as 
rliarnis  or  venerated  as  idols;  and  finally  the  most 
uniMcous  and  complicated  decorations  for  the  larger 
idols,  and  their  temjdes  and  altars.' 

ilo».  -.inn  fiiii(li(l(i«,  y  on  lii  fiiiulicion  jn'-^ado,  cosa  (JificuItoHa  de  etitondcr. 
Niianan  \  na  ralilcrctu  (l(>  plata,  cnii  rxcclciitcs  lalioifs,  y  sii  assa  <lo  viuv 
fiiiiiliiiiiM,  y  It)  qui' era  lie  iiiaraiiillar  ijiU!  la  asa  rstaiia  siiclta.'  Jlrrrnn, 
llisi.  dill.,  lU'c.  ii.,  Ill),  vii.,  caj).  .\v. 

'  '.\i'afrialt's  iV  liw  |)riiici|>iiis  »!star  iiii  inilio  (•iiviiclto  t-n  niia  inaiita  qiie 
nil  •-,.  |(.  luircfiaii  si  no  los  iijos,  ntiiio  t'llos  sc  jhhicii  iu>  iniiy  I'orra  tic  \m\\ 
liriida  lie  al;,'uii  |>latt'ro  i\v  !<>h  inu'stros  ilisiiiiiilailainciit*!,  ciimii  no  jac- 
ii'iiilia  niirar  natlii  y  el  ]>liiten>  ostar  laltrainln  ilc  iirn  y  ilc  plata  al;.'iiiiu  jnya 
"  pii'/a  ilr  inm-lio  iirtilicio  v  iimy  ili'liraila,  y  tic  suln  vcrU-  lia<  rr  al;;iina 
I'lirir  lii'lJa  irso  a  su  casu  y  liacolln  tanfn  y  mas  pcrft'ctn  y  Iracllo  ik'silc  li 
iiiiiip  en  la  iiiaiio  jiara  lo  veiiiler.'  Los  I'tixus,  Illst,  .l/mfiit/r/ird,  MS.,  cap. 
Kiii.  /ua/ii,  liDWcvcr,  ])rniMiunccH  Hoinc  of  flic  native  wtirk  infciiitr  to  tliu 
l'.iiiii|)c;iii.  •  Vo  vi  ali^niias  pic/as  y  nn  nic  parecicrnn  tan  prinianicntc  la- 
liniilii^  riinio  las  micstras.'  Carlo,  in  Irazltn/rr/n,  t'ul.  (If  I>ik\,  toni.  i..  p.  !Ui'2. 

*  i'liiii(/i,-o,  Storiii  Ant.  del  Mcssico,  toni.  iv.,  p.  '211;  Oi'ialo,  Hist.  Gen., 

'"111.  i.,  p.';V_»0. 

'  N  iia  nic(l:i  do  liccluira  dc  Sol,  tan  ^lande  conio  ile  vna  carrcta,  con 
ii.mliii>  laliores,  todo  du  uru  luuy  lino,  yran  obru  de  niirur;. . .  .otru  mayor 


:i 


P' 


i- 


478 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


Little  is  known  of  the  methods  or  imj^lements  l)y 
Avliich  the  workers  in  gold  accomplished  such  niarvtji- 
ous  results.  The  authors  tell  us  that  they  excelled 
particularly  in  working  the  precious  metals  by  nitans 
of  fire;  and  the  furnaces  already  mentioned  are  j»io- 
tured  in  several  of  the  Aztec  picture-writings  as 
simple  vessels,  perhaps  of  earthen  ware,  various  in 
form,  heaped  with  lumps  of  metal,  and  possibly  with 
wood  and  coal,  from  which  the  tongues  of  flame  pro- 
trude, as  the  workman  sits  by  his  furnace  with  his 
bamboo  blow-pipe.  How  they  cast  or  molded  the 
molten  gold  into  numerous  graceful  and  ornamental 
forms  is  absolutely  unknown.  The  process  by  whidi 
these  patient  workers  carved  or  engraved  ornameiitul 
figures  on  gold  and  silver  vessels  by  means  of  tlieir 
implements  of  stone  and  hardened  copper,  althuugh 
not  explained,  may  in  a  general  way  be  easily  iiiiai^- 
ined.  They  worked  ilso  to  some  extent  with  the 
haunner,  but  as  gold-beaters  they  were  regarded  as 
inferior  workmen,  using  only  stone  implements.  The 
art  of  working  in  the  precious  metals  was  deiiwd 
traditionally  from  the  Toltecs,  and  the  gold  and  silwi- 
smiths  formed  in  Mexico  a  kind  of  corporation  under 
the  divine  guidance  of  the  god  Xipe.*° 

rncflii  tie  plata,  fipnirada  la  Luna,  con  muchos  resplantlorcs,  y  otras  tijiuriis 
en  ella.'  Jirriial  iJutz,  Hist.  Coiiq.,  fol.  20-7.  'Espejos  hei'jios  dc  Miir;;a- 
jita,  4110  es  VII  metal  hcriiuisissiiiio,  conu»  plata  nuiy  resplaiulccieiitc  v  otn^ 
jjjrandes  I'onio  vti  pufio  retlondos  eomo  vna  hola,  en<^astados  en  oio.'  lin-- 
ririi,  Hist,  (icii.,  doc.  ii.,  lili.  v.,  caj».  v.  'Doze  zebratanas  de  fusta  yjilaia, 
con  (luo  Holia  el  tirar.  Las  unas  ])Uitada8  v  niatizadas  de  aves,  aiiiiiiiilt^, 
rosaH,  tiores,  yarboles. . .  .Law  otras  eran  vanadas,  y  sinzeladas  con  ma,-  ini- 
nior  y  sotiieza  que  la  pintura.'  Gontaru,  Coiiq.  Mc.i\,  f<d.  l.SrMi,  4"_';  (in'nln, 
Jfist.  (leu.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  259;  Las  Casus,  Hist.  Ajtulmjiticu,  MS.,  tai'. 
c.wxii. 

'" '  Vnas  fnndidaa,  otras  lahradas  de  Piedra.'  Torqnemadu,  M'miii-<i._ 
Iittf.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  557;  Hcnrra,  Hist.  Grit.,  dec.  ii. ,liV>.  vii.,ca|i.  xv.  V 
Li  (jnc  mas  la.s  liace  admiralties,  os  (jue  las  ohran  y  labran  con  solo  t'iii';.'n  y 
con  una  piedra  o  pedernal.'  Las  Ciisns,  Hist.  Ajioloffvtira,  MS.,  cap.  I\iii. 
Hammered  work  inferior  to  tliat  of  Enroitean  artizans.  Cl((ri(/irii,  Stnn'i 
Jut.  (Ill  Me.ssivo,  torn,  ii.,  n.  ISKi.  'Los  oticiales  (jue  lalmin  oro  sou  dc  ilns 
nuincras,  unos  de  ellos  se  llamaii  nutrtilladores  6  anuijadores,  jioniuc  !'-("■* 
laliran  oro  de  nnirtillo  nnijiln<lolo  con  jiiedras  6  con  martillos,  para  liaii'rln 
del^'ado  como  papel:  otros  se  llannm  tlatlalitnii,  (jue  quiere  decir.  i|m'a-i- 
entan  cl  oro  o  al^una  cosa  en  el,  o  en  la  jilata,  estos  son  verdaderos  dtiiiali"- 
6  jior  otro  nomltre  se  Hainan  tit/tcra;  |>ero  estiiii  divididos  en  dos  |iaitr«, 
porque  labruii  el  oro  cada  uno  de  su  nianeru.'  Suhuyuii,  Hist.  Clin.,  ti'in 


II- 


WORKING  IN  STONE. 


479 


Stone  was  the  material  of  most  Nahiia  im})leineiits. 
For  this  purpose  all  tlie  harder  kinds  found  in  the 
t'ountry  were  v^orked,  flint,  porphyry,  hasalt,  but  espe- 
ciiilly  obsidian,  the  native  iztU.  Of  this  hard  material, 
extensively  quarried  some  distance  nortli  of  Mexico, 
nearly  all  the  sharp-edged  tools  were  made.  Tliese 
tools,  such  as  knives,  razors,  lancets,  spear  and  arrow 
lieads,  were  simply  flakes  from  an  obsidi.in  l)lock. 
The  knives  were  double-edged  and  the  best  of  them 
slightly  curved  at  the  point.  The  maker  held  a  i-ound 
block  of  iztli  between  his  bare  feet,  pressed  with  his 
chest  and  hands  jn  a  long  wooden  instrument,  one  end 
of  which  WHS  applied  near  the  edge  of  the  block,  and 
thus  split  off  knife  after  knife  with  gn.'at  ra[»idity, 
which  required  only  to  be  fitted  to  a  wooden  handle  to 
be  ready  for  use.  The  edge  thus  produced  was  at  first 
as  sharp  as  one  of  steel,  l)ut  became  blunted  bv  slii^ht 
use,  when  the  instrument  nuist  be  thrown  away. 
Thus  Las  Casas  -tells  us  that  ten  or  fifteen  obsidian 
razors  were  retpiired  to  shave  one  man's  beard.  Stone 
knives  seem  rarely  if  ever  to  have  ])een  sharpened  by 
grinding."  Of  obsidian  were  made  the  knives  used 
ill  tlic  sacrifice  of  human  victims,  and  the  lancets  used 
in  bleeding  for  medicinal  purposes  and  in  drawing 
blood  in  the  service  of  the  gods.     For  bleeding,  simi- 


ii.,  lili.  ix.,  p.  387,  ct  scq.  For  pictures  of  fnriiaops  mid  of  some"  niann- 
f.ii'tnnil  iirticlt's  from  tlie  liioroj^'Iypliic  MSS.,  hi'o  En-htiiik',  in  Si/ion/ir'ift'n 
Arrli.,  vol.  iv.,  ]).  448,  ct  simj.  ''I'liey  cast,  also,  vessels  of  pild  ami  silver, 
I'.irviii,'  tin  III  with  their  nietallie  i-hisols  in  a  verv  delicate  iiiaiiiier.'  /Vr.y- 
O'tl's  .][,.,:,  vol.  i.,  jij).  139-40. 

"  'Sii'iitaiise  eii  el  siielo  y  toiDaii  iin  pcdazo  de  amiidla  jiiedra  iie^fra.  . . . 
.\i|iii'i  p(Mlazo  ([lie  toiiiaii  es  de  iiii  paliiio  u  poco  mas  lar;,'o,  y  dc^xniesocomo 
111  |iici'iia  CI  ])oco  menos,  y  rollizo.  Tieneii  iin  palo  del  ;;rneso  de  una  laii/a 
y  lariro  coino  trescodos  o  poeo  mas,  y  al  princijiio  de  este  |ialo  poiicii  pe^'ado 
y  liieii  atado  un  trozo  de  palo  de  uii  palino,  jirueso  como  el  niolledo  del 
Wazii,  y  al;,'o  mas,  y  este  tiene  su  fienfe  liana  y  tajada,  y  sirve  este  tro;:o 
Jiiirii  ijiie  pese  mas  aiiuelia  ]iarte.  .Iiiiitan  anilios  ]t'u''s  descalzos,  y  con  ellos 
inniciaM  la  jiiedra  con  el  jiecho,  y  con  ainhas  las  manos  toman  el  palo  <(ue 
ilijo  era  como  vara  do  lanzii  ((lue  taniliieii  cs  llano  y  taja<lo)  y  pi'tiieiilo  li 
Ix'siir  con  (d  canto  de  la  frente  <le  la  piedra  ((jue  tamhien  es  liana  y  tajada), 


y  (.'iitiinces  aprietaii  liiiciael  ])echo,  y  luego  salta  de  la  piedra  una  iiavaja 
oiiii  sii  punta  y  sus  filoH  de  amlnis  partes.'  Minilictu.   ffi.sf.   Ei-hs.,   p.   4(M); 
n'pciitiil  in  nearly  the  sat 
pp.  4Sii-'.t(»;  Lax  Cams,  H 
Tattn  Mi\i:,  pt  ii.,  j>.  60. 


n'pciitiil  in  nearly  the  same  words  in  Tiirqiirinndii,  Moiidt-ii.  I  ml.,  tom.  ii., 
pp.  4Sii-',t(i;  Lax  Casus,  Hint.  Aj)olu(jc(iat,  MS.,  cap.  Ixii.,  l.wi:    Wtancrrt, 


480 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


n  f 

r 


t 


lar  knives  are  said  to  be  still  used  in  Mexico."  The 
use  of  stone  in  the  manufacture  of  weapons  has  heeii 
mentioned  in  another  chapter.  Masks  and  even  riiios 
and  cups  were  sometimes  worked  from  obsidian  and 
(jther  kinds  of  stone.  Axes  were  of  flint  jado,  or 
l)asalt,  and  were  bound  with  cords  to  a  handle  of  liiird 
wood,  tlie  end  of  which  was  split  to  receive  it."  Tor- 
<piemada  says  that  aj^ricultural  implements  were  made 
of  stone.'*  Mirrors  were  of  obsidian,  or  of  imnytt- 
Jita, — spoken  of  by  some  as  a  metal,  by  others  -is  n 
stone, — often  double-faced,  and  richly  set  in  i^old.'^ 

The  quarrying  of  stone  for  building  and  sculj»tinv 
was  done  by  means  of  wooden  and  stone  impleiiionts, 
by  methods  unknown  but  adequate  to  the  working  of 
the  hardest  material.  Stone  implements  alone  sociii 
to  have  been  used  for  the  scul})ture  of  idols,  .statues, 
and  architectural  decorations.  A  better  idea  of  the 
excellence  of  the  Nahuas  in  the  art  of  stone-carving 
may  be  formed  from  the  consideration  of  anticpiariaii 
i-elics  in  another  volume  than  from  the  remarks  of  the 
early  chroniclers.  Most  of  the  sculptured  dosigiis 
were  executed  in  soft  material,  in  working  v,hi(  li  thnt 
instruments  would  be  almost  as  effective  as  those  ol" 
steel ;  but  some  of  the  preserved  specimens  are  carx  ed 
in  the  hardest  stone,  and  must  have  taxed  tliu  sculp- 
tor's patience  to  the  utmost  even  with  hard  eopper 
tdiisels.  The  idols  and  hieroglyphics  on  whirli  the 
native  art  was  chiefly  exercised,  present  j)urposulydis- 

•'■^  7///«/''.9  Rcscnrches,  p.  194.  'Ti^iioii  lanrotas  de  nzabai'lic  ii(>;;rii,  y 
viias  iiauajas  dc  axcino,  hcclias  {'omo  |iii'"ial,  mas  Zinnias  en  iiii'ilio  iiuc  i\  Ins 
lilos,  run  ((iicse  jaHsan  v  Hanjiraii  <lt'  la  Icii^ua,  lira(;<»n,  v  pioriias.'  lidiiKim, 
Con(/.  Mix.,  fol.  \V24-'y;  'Arostii,  Hist,  dc  Ins  Yii,L,  y.  4i»l. 

''J  I.ciniir,  I'ariilvllr,  pp.  «>4-5.  'In  the  befiiiiiiiiijf  of  tliis  so  rare  iiUKii- 
tioii,  I  }^()tto  oiicdf  thorn,  wliii'h  Cliristophorus  ("ohmuN,  .Viliiiirallnf  llu'  Sr.i 
fiauc  iiii'i'.  'I'liis  stone  was  of  a  "jreeiie  thirkislie  colour,  fasteiicil  in  iiiii>t 
lirine  ami  liarde  woode,  wliicli  was  the  handle  or  liehie  thereof.  I  slrnUi' 
with  all  mv  force  vpon  Iron  harres  and  dented  the  Iron  with  my  stnikcs 
without  spoylin^  or  hurting  of  the  stone  in  any  part  thereof.  With  tlun' 
stones  therefore  they  nuike  their  instritnients,  for  liewinj,' of  stone,  orciitiiii;.' 
of  tiini»er,  or  any  workemanship  in  gohl  orsiluer.'  I'ckr  Mar/yr,  dci'.  v. 
lih.  iv. 

n  .\foii(tr</.  Intf.,  tnni.  i.,  p.  231. 

•''  Ld.'i  C<is(t.i,  Hist.  Apu/iiijrfica,  MS.,  cap.  Ixii.  See  note  0  of  this 
chapter. 


" 


WOUKIXG  OF  PRECIOrS  STONES. 


481 


torted  figures  and  are  a  poor  test  of  tlie  artists'  .skill; 
according  to  traditional  history  portrait-statues  of  the 
kings  were  made,  and  although  none  of  the.se  are 
known  to  have  survived,  yet  a  few  specimens  in  the 
various  collections  indicate  that  the  human  face  and 
form  in  ^  rue  proportions  were  not  beyond  the  scope  of 
American  art;  and  the  native  sculj)tors  were,  more- 
over, extremely  successful  in  the  modeling  of  animals 
in  tstone.^" 

'J'he  Nahuas  were  no  less  skillful  in  working  pre- 
vious stones  than  gold  and  silver.  Their  Toltec  an- 
cestors possessed  the  same  skill  and  used  to  search  f<i)r 
tiie  stones  at  sunrise,  being  directed  to  the  liidden 
treasui-e  by  the  vapor  which  rose  from  the  i)lace  that 
concealed  it.  All  the  stones  found  in  the  country 
weiG  used  for  ornamental  purposes,  Init  eniei'alds, 
amethysts,  and  turquoisee*  were  most  abundant.  The 
jewels  were  cut  with  copper  tools  with  the  aid  of  a 
silicious  sand.  Single  stones  were  carved  in  various 
forms,  often  those  of  animals,  and  set  in  gold,  or  some- 
times formed  into  small  cups  or  boxes.  Pearls,  moth- 
er of  ])earl,  and  bright-colored  shells  were  used  with 
the  ]>reciou8  stones  in  the  formation  of  necklaces, 
bracelets,  ear-rings,  and  other  decorations  for  the 
noliles  or  for  the  idols.  Various  articles  of  dress  or 
aiinor  were  completely  studded  with  gems  tastefully 

"'  'SiMil]tture(l  iinnjies  were  so  numerous,  tliat  tlic  foiindiitions  of  flie 
cMtli('(lriil  ill  t\n'p/(tzii  iiKti/or,  tlie  ;;reat  sr|iinr('  of  Mexico,  an'  said  to  iieeii- 
liiily  cnniposeil  of  tlieiii.'  I'rf.sroft's  Mi .1 .,  vol.  !.,  |>|).  I4((-1.  'l'\\o  statues 
ill  lil<('n('ss  of  Moiite/uiiia  and  his  Iti'otlicr  I'ut  in  the  clil!' at  ('iiapiilteiiee. 
Ihii'iii.  Ili.if.  Iiii/iii.s,  MS.,  toiii.  !.,  eap.  iii.  Tlie  idols  (h'st roved  liy  Corti'-s 
"t'liiii  dc  iiiauera  de  dra;;(Uies  esjiautaldes,  tan  j^randes  eoiiio  lieeenns.  y  otras 
li;j:iii'iis  dc  iiiaiiera  de  medio  homhre,  v  de  jierros  fjraiides,  y  de  iiiahis  seme- 
jaiKMs.'  Ilmiiil  I)i(t.~,  Hist.  Ciiitii.,  fo"l.  3."».  '.Sa]ievaiio  esprimere  iiclle  loro 
statue  tiitti;rli  atte;;;,'iameuti,  eposituie,  di  eiii  ecaiiaee  il  eorpo,  osservavaiio 
I'sittaiiiciite  le  propor/ioni,  e  facevaiio,  dove  si  riehiedeva,  i  jdii  iiiiiiuti,  e 
'liiiiali  intaixlj.'  Cldi'iijrn),  S/iin'n  .tut.  1/1/  .Min.sico,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  I'.l.'i,  'lla- 
liia  (litre  ellos  },'raiides  eseultores  de  caiiteria,  (|iie  ialirahau  euatito  (|ii('iiaii 
111  |iii'ilia,  eon  ;fuijarros  o  iiedernales,  tail  jirima  y  (Miriosameiite  ronio  en 
iiiii'-tra  Castilla  los  muy  nueiios  otieiales  eon  eseodas  y  iiieos  de  aei'io.' 
Miiiilir/ii^  lILst.  Kclfs.,  ]>.  4(W;  Ti)riiiiiiiiii(lit,  Miiiiiiri/.  Jut'.,  toni.  ii..  pp. 
Hti-S;  I'nrtrait-statiies  of  the  Te/.eiieaii  kiii;;s.  l.ellil.rovliill.  Hist.  I'hirh., 
\n  K/iii/xl„trt)iii//i\i  .Mr.i:  Aiiti'/.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  -M;  f(/.,  Itrliiriniiis.  p.  440. 
Statues  of  Montezuma  and  hrother.  liitstaitiatile,  in  L'tivo,  Tir.s Siij/i.,.i,  toni. 
iii.,  p.  4'.t. 

Vol.  U.    31 


',   ! 


482 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


i 
It 


w  V 


arranged,  and  a  kind  of  mosaic,  with  which  wooden 
masks  for  the  idols  were  often  covered,  attnutt'U 
much  attention  among  the  Spaniards.  ^lirrors  of 
rock  crystal,  obsidian,  and  other  stones,  brightly  pol- 
ished and  encased  in  rich  frames,  were  said  to  reHoot 
the  human  face  as  clearly  as  the  best  of  Euro]iuan 
manufacture." 

Trees  were  felled  with  copper  hatchets,  hewn  witli 
the  same  instruments  into  beams,  and  dragged  l)y 
slaves  over  rollers  to  the  place  where  they  were 
needed  for  building.  Some  of  the  chief  idols,  as  for 
instance  that  of  Huitzilopochtli,  according  to  Aeosta, 
were  of  wood,  but  wood-carving  was  not  apparently 
carried  to  a  high  degree  of  perfection.  Some  boxes, 
furnished  with  lids  and  hinges,  also  tables  and  chairs, 
were  made  of  wood,  which  was  tlie  chief  material  of 
weapons  and  agricultural  implements.  The  authori- 
ties devote  but  few  words  to  the  workers  in  wooil, 
who,  however,  after  the  conquest  seem  to  have  be- 
come c[uite  skillful  under  Spanish  instruction,  and 
with  the  aid  of  European  tools.     Fire-wood  was  sold 


'"  'GH  smcmldi  erano  tnnto  coniimi,  die  non  v'cra  Sif^ioro,  die  noii  nr 
avesHc'  Clarigiro,  Storia  Ant.  del  Mrs.sint,  toiii.  ii.,  |»|>.  iJlHi-T.  'Ksmaliaii 
assi  mesino,  cii<;astau  y  laUraii  e»iiierisliian,  turqiiesaH,  y  otras  iiicdriis,  y 
a>j;iijeraii  perlas  iicro  no  taiiibieii  coiuo  por  aca.'  Gomitra,  Cotii/.  Mi.i:.  fol. 
1 17.  'Aiiihar,  cristal,  y  Ian  i)ic»lras  llaniailas  nmnti.ifo  porlas,  y  todo  ;;('ii('ni 
lie  ellas,  y  deinas  que  traiaii  jH)r  joyas  (jiie  aluna  se  iwaii.'  Sn/ini/ini.  Hist. 
Gcii.,  ti'in.  iii.,  Iil>.  x.,  pp.  109-11,  117-KS.  'I'li  encalaild  iniiy  piilido,  i\w 
era  de  ver,  y  piedras  cle  que  estaban  hechas,  tanihien  labradas  y  pc^railas, 
que  pareda  ser  eosa  de  nuisaico.'  Jil.,  j).  107.  Shield**  adorned  with  '|piThui 
nienudas)  eonio  aljofar,  y  no  hc  ]»uede  dezir  su  artiticio,  lindeza,  y  hcriiiosiira.' 
Saudaiis  Iiavin<{  'pur  Huelas  vna  jtiedra  hhinca  y  a/ul,  comi  preciosa  y  iiiiiy 
del^ada.'  JIvrrcra,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  ii.,  lih.  v.,  cap.  v.  (luariiiucs  of  blue 
Rtones  set  in  jj;old;  a  stone  face  surrounded  witli  K"'d;  a  striii;;  of  Ntinic 
beads.  '  I)(i8  mascaras  de  piedras  nienudas,  conio  tur([uesas,  scntadas  ^^cll)rl' 
niadera  de  otra  niusilyca.'  (h'irdi),  llisf.  Gcii.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  i")"Jti-8,  toiii.  iii., 
l)p.  28.'),  30.5.  Idol  covered  with  mosaic  work  of  nu)tner  of  pearl,  tur- 
quoises, emeralds,  and  chalcedonies.  Ltis  Cii.ins,  Hist.  Ajinlni/rdfii,  y\S.. 
eai».  c.wxii.  'E.xcellent  glasses  may  bee  nuiile  thereof  by  sniootliiu;.'  and 
polishing  them,  so  that  we  all  confessed  that  none  of  ours  did  better  ^ill  we 
the  natnrall  and  liuely  face  of  a  manne.'  J'rter  Marli/r,  dec.  v.,  lili.  \. 
'  lis  avaicnt  des  nuisqucs  garnis  de  pierres  precieuses,  re])r(''seulant  dcs  lions, 
<les  tigres,  <les  ours,  etc.'  Citmarno,  Hist.  Tlax.,  in  Notiir//is  Aininhs  ilis 
I'oif.,  1843,  tom.  xcviii.,  p.  133.  Emerald  altar  to  the  Miztec  pid.  Iliiniiiii, 
Ireofj.  ikscrip.,  tom.  i.,  i»t  ii.,  fol.  l.'iO.  'V  lo  de  las  piedras,  que  no  liasta 
jnieio  li  comprehender  cuuquu  intttrumeutus  se  hiciese  tan  perfecto.'  Corlin, 
Cartas,  p.  109. 


MANUFACTUUE  OF  POTTEUY. 


483 


ill  the  markets;  and  Las  Casus  also  tells  us  that  char- 
coal was  burned.^" 

At  Cholula  the  best  pottery  was  made,  but 
tlnoughout  the  whole  country  nearly  all  the  dishes 
used  were  of  clay.  Pots,  kettles,  vases,  plates  for 
tlomestic  use,  as  well  as  censers  and  other  utensils  for 
the  temple  service,  also  idols,  beads,  and  various  orna- 
ments were  modeled  from  this  material.  The  early 
Spaniards  were  enthusiastic  in  praising  the  native 
potters'  skill,  but  beyond  the  statement  that  vessels 
of  earthen  ware  were  glazed  and  often  tastefully  dec- 
orated, they  give  no  definite  information  re8i)ecting 
this  branch  of  manufactures.  Many  small  earthen 
trumpets,  or  flageolets,  capable  of  producing  various 
■sounds,  and  of  imitating  the  cries  of  different  birds, 
liave  been  found  in  different  parts  of  the  Mexican 
Ke})ublic.  Fortunately  relics  of  pottery  in  every  form 
are  of  frequent  occurrence  in  the  museums,  and  from 
the  description  of  such  relics  in  another  volume  the 
excellence  of  Aztec  pottery  may  be  estimated.  Be- 
.sitles  the  earthen  dishes,  and  vessels  of  metal  and 
carved  wood,  some  baskets  were  made,  and  drinking- 
cu})s   or   bowls    of  different    sizes   and   shapes    were 

'"  Hiiitzilopoclitli's  idol  'era  vna  estatiia  de  inadera  ciitrrtallaila  cii 
si'iiu'jaiiva  de  vii  lioiiihre  Hciitado  eii  vii  escafid  aziil.'  Avasdi,  Hint,  i/i'  Iks 
Yiii/.,  p.  3"24.  Lart,'e  idiests  'het'.liasdeiiiaderai''tiisnsta|iadi'rasniie.se;ilirt'ii 
y  ciiTiuii  I'on  nnos  coljradiztis.'  Zuitzo,  Carta,  in  Ivazhulrvta,  Vol.  ilv  />(«•., 
toiii.  i.,  ])j».  .301-2.  'I  Fale;^iiaiiii  lavoravaiio  bene  i)are('eliie  Hpezie  di  le;;iii 
I'li'lord  stniiiienti  di  ratne,  de'([uali  se  lie  veditim  aieiini  anrlie  <»H;;;idi.'  Vlari- 
ijirii,  Sfiiria  Ant.  ifrl  Mcssiro,  toiii.  ii.,  pp.  '207,  lit-4-5.  'J.oh  earjiiiiteniis  y 
fiitalladorcs  labraban  la  inadera  cmi  instrnnientiis  de  colire,  ihto  no  se  da- 
liaii  ii  lalirar  eosiis  curiosas  conio  Ioh  canteros.'  Mindii'ta,  llist.  Eclrs.,  p. 
W.\.  'Laltravan  la/iis,  y  aninnileH  tun  (riiriosns  (pie  causarou  atlniirarion  a 
Ins  prinieros  Kspafndes.'  Vctaiirrrt,  Tcalro  Mrj-.,  ](t  ii.,  p.  .")<.).  'With  their 
<'ii]i|ii'r  Hatchet.s,  and  Axes,  cunnynj^ly  tenijiered,  they  f,'ll  tliose  trees,  and 
!ii'\v(!  them  nnnxith,  takinjr  away  tlie  ehyppes,  tliat  tliey  may  more  easily 
hi'  drawne.  They  hanc  also  eertayne  lu'arhes,  witli  tlie  whicli,  in  steetl  of 
hriiiiiiit!,  and  licm])e,  they  nuike  rojies,  cordes,  and  eahh's:  an<l  hotirin;;  a 
h'llc  in  one  of  the  ed;;es  of  tlie  beanie,  they  fasten  the  rope,  then  sette  tlieir 
sialics  vnto  it,  like  yoakes  of  o.xen,  and  lastly  iiisteede  of  wheels,  pnttiiij; 
rdiiiiil  blocks  vnder  the  timber,  whetlier  it  be  to  lie  drawn  stej'pe  vp,  or 
diiiitly  ilowne  tlie  hill,  the  matter  is  performed  by  the  neckesof  tiie  slanen, 
the  carpeiiterH  onely  direi'tin<{  tiie  carriajie.'  Petri-  Martijr,  dee.  v.,  lib. 
X,  'llazen  eaxa.s,  eseritorios,  mesas,  eseriiianias,  y  otras  eosas  de  miieiio 
]iriiiicir.'  Ilrrrcra,  Hist.  Grn.,  dee.  iii.,  lib.  iii.,  eajf.  ix.  'Tliey  made  tin  s 
aiKi  vases  of  a  laekered  or  paintetl  wood,  iniperviouu  to  wet  and  yaiiilily 
lulured.'  rrcucoU's  Mcx.,  vol.  i.,  !>.  143. 


i 


18 1 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


formed  from  tlie  hollow  sliel's  of  gourds.  Tliese  wciu 
known  as  jciatl/i,  later  jicaras,  and  tecomat/.^^  Sta- 
shellis  were  also  used  as  dislies  to  some  extent.** 

Tlie  finer  kinds  of  cloth  were  made  of  cotton,  of 
rabbit-hair,  of  the  two  mixed,  or  of  cotton  mixed  with 
feathers.  Tiie  rabbit-hair  fabrics  were  pronounced 
equal  in  finish  and  texture  to  silk,  and  cotton  dotlis 
were  also  fine  and  white.  Fabrics  of  this  better  cIjiss 
wore  used  for  articles  of  dress  by  the  rich,  nobles,  and 
jtriests;  they  weie  botii  woven  and  dyed  in  varlei^att d 
colors.  The  cloths  in  the  manufacture  of  whidi  leath- 
ers were  enn)Ioyed  often  served  for  carpets,  tapestry, 
and  bed-coverini>s.  Ma«;uey-fibre,  and  that  of  tlic 
j>alm-leaves  iccotl  and  iz/iuatl  were  wt)ven  into  coarse 
cloths,  tlie  ma<4'uey-cloth  beinjL*"  known  as  iiri/uni. 
This  necjuen  and  the  coarser  kinds  of  cotton  wcic 
the  materials  with  which  the  i)oorer  classes  cloth( d 
themselves.  The  palm  and  mai>uey  fibres  were  juc- 
pared  for  use  in  tlie  same  manner  as  fiax  in  other 
countries,  beintj;'  soaked  in  water,  pouiuh'd,  and  driid. 
The  same  material  served  also  for  coi'ds,  ro])es,  and 
mats.  A  coarser  kind  of  mattinj^'  was,  liowexci-. 
made  of  different  varieties  of  reeds.  A^.\  the  work  of 
spinnino-  and  weavin«^  was  performed  by  the  women, 

'9  Molina,  Dirrlovnrin,  savH,  however  tliiit,  (lie  teeoniatl  was  an  (iiillirii 
vaHe.     See  also  p.  4.")8  of  this  volume. 

^'o  'Siete  sartas  <le  ((iientas  iiieiiiulaB  tic  harro,  redondas  y  floradas  niiiy 
bien.'  Uriiilo,  Jlist.  (,'ni.,  toni.  i.,  j)]).  5*2(),  r).'W.  '1  i'eiitolai  faccxa- 
III)  (rai'nilla  noil  solo  j{li  stovi^lj  iiecessarj  jier  I'nso  delle  east-,  iiia  *•/.]■ 
andlo  altri  lavori  di  inera  enriosita.'  (!/(n-i</iro,  Sftirid  An/,  drl  Mixsl- 
I'l,  toiii.  ii.,  I).  'HVi,  toin.  iv.,  np.  '211-2.  'La  lo/a  tan  lierniosa,  y  dcliiMihi 
cDino  la  de  l<aen/a  en  Italia.  J/i  rirni,  lii.tf.  lini.,  dec.  ii.,  lih.  vii.,  i-ip. 
ii.,  vii.  'Los  iiieeiisarios  eon  (jue  inceiisahaii  eran  de  harro,  h  inaiu'ia  ili' 
enchara,  eiiio  reunite  era  hueco,  y  dentro  teiiiau  nielidas  pelotillas  del  mi- 
mo  harro,  (jiie  sonahaii  eomo caseaveles,  Ji  los  ^folpes  ilel  iiieieii.so,  cciiim) 
siienan  la.s  eadenas  de  nnestros  ineeiisarios.'  Ttin/Krititn/ti ,  Mnniin/.  Jm/., 
tinii.  ii.,  ]>.  '2(i4.  'I'he  jicara  was  of  ^jold,  silver,  }foniil-sliells,  or  llsli- 
sliells.  'Aumiue  esti'u  <'ieii  Afiosen  el  A;j;ua,  nnnca  la  piutMiase  les  hor- 
ra.'  /(/.,  I>.  4S,S.  '  Para  eo^HT  la  sauj^re  tii'iieu  eseudillas  de  calahaea.'  ''"- 
iiiara,  Couq.  Mc.r. ,  fol.  ;VJ4-.'').  '  Many  sorts  also  of  earthen  ve>sels  arc  miM 
there,  as  wat<.'r  ])ots,  j^rt'ate  in}i;;s,  4'liar);erH,  j;ohhlets,  dishes,  colciiilci>, 
liaseuM,  fryiii;;  ])aus,  jiorrinjiers,  jiitcliers.'  I'rtvr  Miir/i/r,  dec.  v.,  lil>.  i\. 
•  Va.sos  que  llaman  .\icalli,  y  tecomatl,  (pie  son  de  vnos  arholcs,  (|iic  vc  iluii 
c.'i  lierras  ealientes.'  'Aestas  les  dau  vn  harni/  con  (lores,  y  aiiiiiiiilt"-  'ii' 
diver.sos  e<dores,  herinoseadas,  (pie  no  se  «iiiita,  iii  sc;  despiiita  aumiuc  c>ic 
ea  el  aguu  iiiuchos  dias.'    Vitaucvrt,  Tmtiu  ^Icx. ,  pt  ii. ,  p.  CO. 


MAKING  OF  CLOTH  AM)  rAPKir. 


485 


foniiiuijf  indoed  tlicir  cliicf  cinployuuMit.  Tin;  spin- 
dle used  in  sj)iniiini»',  wlunvii  in  niany  oi'  the  Aztec 
inanusc'ri))ts,  was  like  a  top,  wliieli  was  set  wliirliniic  in 
a  sliallow  disli,  the  Hhre  hein^-  aj)plied  to  its  jxiinted 
ujt]>er  oxtreinity  until  tlu;  iinjtetus  \vas  t'xhausted. 
All  we  know  of  the  native  process  of  weavini,''  is  de- 
lived  from  the  native  ]»aintini;s,  a  sample  of  which 
fioiii  tlie  Mendoza  Collection,  showing''  a  woman  en- 
n-aiied  in  weaviuij^,  may  bo  seen  in  chapter  xvii.  of  this 
volume.'*^ 

l*a}ter,  in  Aztec  <im<(tl,  used  chiefly  as  a  material  on 
which  to  j>aint  the  hieroglyphic  records  to  he  desci'ihed 
ill  a  future  chaj)ter,  was  made  for  the  most  j>ait  of 
]uai»nev-til)re,  althou^'h  the  other  fihres  used  in  the 
manufacture  of  cloth  were  occasionalU'  mixed  with 
those  of  this  j)lant.  The  material  must  have  heeti 
jiivssed  toijfether  when  wet,  and  the  j)ro(luct  was  jji'en- 
er.illy  very  thick,  more  like  a  soft  jiaste-lioard  than 
our  j)ai)er.  The  surface  was  smooth  and  well  adajited 
to  the  i)aintin<jf  which  it  was  to  hear.  CV-rtain  yunis 
are  said  to  have  heeii  used  lor  the  more  perfect  cohe- 
rence of  the  fibre,  and  the  amatl  was  made  in  Ioiil;' 
uiirrow  sheets  suitable  for  rolling"  or  foldini^.  Mum- 
holdt  (U'scril)es  certain  baL^-s  of  oval  form,  the  work  of 
a  species  of  caterpillars,  on  the  trees  in  Michoacaii. 
Tiny  are  white  and  may  be  separated  into  thin  layers, 
wliicli,  as  the  author  states,  were  used  by  the  ancient 


°'  'Xdii  iivoaiio  laiia,  iii^  seta  (■(itininc,  w  liiu>,  iK^canajtn:  iiia  snpiili\ai:i> 
iill.'i  \m\;\  ('III  cotiiiio,  alia  si-la  cdila  iiiimia,  c  vol  pi'lti  ilcl  ('<iiii;:liii,  t-  ilclla 
li'liii'.  cil  al  lino,  i'd  alia  <'aiia|ia  coll  Icnitl,  o  paliiia  iiioiitaiia,  col  l>iiil~ii- 
liihlli,  col  ]'iiti,  ('  coll  altl'c  spi'zii'  (li  Mau'iici.'  (hiriifiri),  S/nriii  Ant.  ihl 
Mixtirii,  toiii.  ii.,  pii.  '2((7-H,  '-MO.  'Imi  todo  cI  iiiimkIo  nose  podia  liaccr  hi 
tcjcr  otra  tal,  iii  <U' taiitas  iii  tan  divci>as  y  natuialcs  ccdorcs  ni  lalpoics.' 
'«/•/«•<,  ('iir/ns,  ]>.  lOl.  '  I'lia  \'c>tidiira  del  ('•riw  Sact-niotc  Jr/icfiii/n/iiif- 
///('(/;/(//•(//(/ sc  I'lnliio  ii  lioiiia  en  liciiipodc  la  ( 'oiMini-^ta.  ipic  ilcxo  pasinaila 
:i'|iirlla  Cortt'.'  Hiifiin'iii,  Ii/i'n,  p.  77.  'llic  Olimt-s  used  the  liair  of  do;;s 
1111(1  oilier  animals.  ]'ii/fiti,  llisl.  Aid.  Mij..  toni.  i.,  pp.  lol,  •_',")•_'  ;{. 
'  lii(rc(lil)le  matters  of  t  'otioii,  liousliolde-sliili'c,  tapestry  or  arras  Iiaii;;iii;.'s, 
t-'iiriiicMts,  and  eouerlets.'  I'llcf  .}/nrfi/i\  dec.  v.,  Iii>.  iii.  Iliimlioldt  stal(s 
tiiMt  silk  made  l>y  a  species  of  iiidij^cnons  vornis  was  an  artitde  of  com- 
iiicrcc  aiuoiij,' tiie  Sli/tecs,  in  the  time  of  .Monte/uma.  K.isni  I'nl.,  loin,  ii., 
p-  I'll.  'Ililan  teniendo  el  copo  en  vna  inaiio.  y  el  Iniso  en  otra.  riicrcen 
a!  relics  (pie  aca.  estando  v\  liiiso  en  vna  esciidilla.  No  licne  lineea  d  liiiso, 
mils  ililan  a  prissa  y  no  mal.'  Uomaru,  Coiiq,  Mi\i:.,  foi.  i'{i8. 


48C 


THE  NATIIA  NATIONS. 


iiiliabitiints  iu  the  li'.Jinufacturo  of  a  superior  kind 
of  ])ji|>t'r.^'' 

Tlio  .skins  of  animals  killed  by  the  Nahua  hunters 
were  tanned  both  with  and  without  the  hair,  hy  apn)- 
cess  of  which  the  authorities  say  nothing,  although 
universally  praising  its  results.  The  leather  wa.s 
used  in  some  eases  as  a  sort  of  parchment  for  liicio- 
glyjthic  writings,  hut  oftener  for  articles  of  dress, 
ornament,  or  armor.^ 

In  the  preparation  of  dyes  and  paints,  hoth  min- 
eral, animal,  and  vegetable  colors  were  em})l()ye(l,  tin: 
latter  extracted  from  woods,  barks,  leaves,  Howxrs, 
and  fruits.  In  the  art  oi'  dyeing  they  probably  i.\- 
celled  the  Euro[)eans,  and  nmny  of  their  dyes  have 
since  the  con(jUest  been  introduced  throughout  the 
world.  Chief  among  these  was  the  cochineal,  uoi'lil:- 
tll,  an  insect  fed  by  the  Nahuas  on  the  leaves  of  the 
nopal,  from  which  they  obtained  beautiful  and  i)eniia- 
nent  red  and  })urple  colors  for  their  cotton  fabrics. 
The  Hower  of  the  matldlvUiuitl  sup[)lied  blue  shades; 
iixligo  was  the  sediment  of  water  in  which  branclus 
of  the  :vliihqiuhjn'fzahu(U'  had  been  soaked;  seeds  of 
the  achiotl  boiled  in  water  yielded  a  red,  the  French 

**  ITiimhnldt,  Essni  Pol.,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  4r)4-.'>.  MaKiiov-jiaiwr  'resoiiililiii;,' 
soiiiewliat  Xhv  K}iy\\tmn  ftdji/friix.'  J'irxrolt's  Aff.r.,  viil.  i.,  pi».  <,)i(-HK>.  Suinc 
paiuTof  palm-leaf,  as  tliiii  and  soft  as  .silk.  Jiotiiriiii,  Cidii/oijo,  hi  Ji/.,  Ii/m, 
]>p.  !>")-<>.  Native  ]ia]K'ri'al!i'(l(7»?///«w<f//.  Trzozoiimr,  C'idiiini  Mi\r.,  in  Kiiiii-<- 
liiiriiiinh's  Mex.  Aiifif/.,  toni.  ix.,  j).  (>.").  Tlioy  nnnlf  paper  of  a  fcrtaiii  siiccics 
of  aloe,  steept'il  to^fctiicr  like  iienip,  and  afterwards  wasiied,  stretelicd,  :i 
smoothed;  also  of  tlie  ])a]ni  ir.rotl,  and  thin  liarks  united  and  jireparci!  m  i 
a  eertain  gum.  Cl(iri(/iTi>,  Storia  Atif.  <lti  Mmsivo,  tom.  ii.,  j>.  IS!',  In 
iv.,  ]>.  *2,S*.).  Tor<|uemada  s])eaks  of  a  sheet  20  fathoms  lon^j;,  one  wide,  a 
as  thiek  as  the  linjjer.   Moiinrq.  Iiuf.,  tom.  ii.,  p.  '2(!.'<. 

25  '  Ilahia  oficiales  de  curtir  cueros  v  muehos  de  adovarlos  maravilln.-.a- 
mente.'  Lns  >'ii.s(is,  Hist.  Ajiolixjvtini,  mH.,  ea|i.  I.xii.  'Cueros  de  Venmln, 
Tif^res,  y  leoues. . .  ,eoii  polo,'  y  sin  jiclo,  de  todos  eolores.'  Tonjtiiiiiin/ii. 
MoiKirq.  IikL,  tom.  ii.,  i>.  488.  'Tan  suuves  (pie  de  ellos  se  vestian,  y  r-aia- 
han  forreas.'  Vitniirrrf,  Teafro  Mix.,  pt  ii.,  p.  (id;  Sa/iuf/un,  llixt.  (lii,., 
tom.  iii.,  lil).  x.,  p.  118.  Cortes  foun<l  the  skins  of  some  of  his  horses  >laiii 
ill  hat  tie  'tan  hien  adohados  eomo  en  tudoel  mnndolopinlieran  haeer.'  '  '>"  - 
^(.v,  |i.  I8'5.  Red  skins  re.scmhiiug  ]iarelnnent.  (hu'ri/o,  Ili.st.  <!iii.,  timt.  '\., 
]i.  iVili.  'No  se  puede  hien  dezir  8u  hermosnra,  y  heeliura.'  Ilrrnrn,  Ui'<i. 
f/»7/.,dee.  ii.,  lil>.  v.,  eaj).  v.  'Los  taraseoseurtian  jjerfeetamente  his  |ii(lrs 
de  los  animales.'  I'tti/im,  in  Sor.  Mrx.  Gcog.,  liah'tiii,  '2n.i  epoca,  foni.  i.,  p. 
721.  'l)es  tapis  de  cuir  maro(|uines  avee  la  dernierc  perfeeti'ni.'  t'lfia- 
miir  </c  Jiuurbuiinj,  llist.  Sat.  Civ.,  torn,  i.,  p.  271. 


ikI 

itii 

III. 

and 


If. 


DYEING  AND  PAINTING. 


487 


rmn-dii;  ocliro,  or  tccozahiilll,  furni.slic'tl  yelk)\v,  as  did 
iilso  tlio  })lju)t  xodiipnUi,  the  latter  bciui^  c'han<j[t'd  to 
oiaii<,''o  l»y  the  use  of  nitre;  other  shades  were  j)r(»- 
chiccd  hy  tlie  use  of  alum;  the  stones  i'liimaWmtll  and 
trjithdli  l)einj(  calcined,  })r(>duced  soniethinj^'  like 
Spanish  white;  black  was  obtained  from  a  stinkini;' 
mineral,  tla/iac,  or  frt)m  the  soot  of  a  ])ine  called 
ocotl.  In  mixin*^  paints  they  used  chian-oil,  or  some- 
times the  glutinous  juice  of  the  tzauhtli.  The  numer- 
ous dye-woods  of  the  tierra  caliente,  now  the  chief 
exjtorts  from  that  region,  were  all  employed  by  the 
native  dyers.  It  is  probable  that  many  of  the  secrets 
of  this  branch  of  Nahua  art  were  never  learned  by 
the  Spaniards.''* 

The  Nahua  paintings  showed  no  great  artistic 
mi^rit,  being  chieHy  noticeable  for  the  excellence  of 
the  colors.  Very  few  specimens  have  been  preserved 
for  modern  examination,  except  the  hieroglyjdiic 
jjuintings  in  which  most  of  the  figures  are  hideously 
and,  as  it  is  supposed,  purposely  distorted,  and  con- 
se(|Uently  no  criterion  of  the  artist's  skill.  Jt  is  not 
known  that  the  Nahuas  ever  attempted  to  })aint 
natural  scenery,  except  that  they  prepared  ma})s  of 
sections  of  their  territory  on  which  they  rudely  rej)- 
resented  the  mountains,  rivers,  and  forests,  indicating 
the  lands  of  different  owners  or  lords  by  the  use  of 
(liHeient  colois.  They  sometimes  made  j)ortraits  of 
the  kings  and  nobles,  but  the  S{)anish  chroniclers 
admit  that  they  exhibited  much  less  skill  in  j)icturing 
tlic  human  form  and  face  than  in  drawing  animals, 
liirds,  trees,  and  llowers.  Some  modern  critics  of 
lively  imagination  have,  however,  detected  indications 
of  gieat  artistic  jreiiius  in  the  awkward  figures  of  the 

5'  ('/(irir/rro,  Sforia  Ant.  (hi  Mr.s.tirn,\m\\.  ii.,pj).  180-90;  Curhnjn/  K.\jii- 
fio.v",  Hi.st.  Mix.,  toiii.  i.,l>l).  i'h>'2-',i.  Mrtlidil  of  laiKiii^' ('(iiliiiical.  /(/.,  |p|i. 
(i'_V)-(i.  'Kn  ]iaiT(>iiraiit  lo  jialais  lU-  Mi>iitt'/iiiiia  l<-.s  Castillaiis  I'lirciit  liv^- 
ctiiiiin's  d'y  voir  <k'«  sacs  do  jumaiscs  doiit  on  se  st'rvait  ii  tt'iiidre  ft  itit'iiif  iv 
li:iili;;('()iiiifr  Ics  liilll'H.'  llomn/,  in  ('oiiii/r  (l\\nh.  Aiiiir.,  ISOCi  7,  pji.  I'l- 
l(i.  Sec  |i.  M'.iTi  of  this  volnnii!.  'I'lu-y  Jlos.s^•^'s^•d  tlic  art  of  dyeing  a  faliric 
wiilniiit  ini|iairiii;r  its  strcn^ftli,  an  art  nnknu'wu  to  Kuropt'uns  uf  tiie  I8tli 
century.     L'diii,  Cititun,  pt  ii.,  pp.  \)o-7. 


I!',  fi  I 


488 


Tin:  XAIIIA  NATIONS. 


picture-writings.  Native  ])!iiiiters,  wlie!i  Cortt's  .-ir- 
rived  on  the  coiist,  pjiinted  his  ships,  ineii,  lutrst's. 
fiuinon,  in  fact  everythini^  new  and  strange  in  the 
white  men's  e(|ui[)nient,  and  liurried  with  tiie  caiiv.is 
to  ^Fontezunia  at  the  capital.  Very  httle  is  kMowu 
of  ornamental  painting  on  the  walls  of  j)rivate  dwell- 
ings, hut  that  on  the  temples  naturally  j>artoi»k  to  a 
H'reat  extent  of  a  hiero<»lv|>hic  character,  'i'lic  dura- 
hility  of  the  paintings  on  cloth  and  i)a}»er,  especially 
when  rubhed  occasionally  with  oil,  was  remarked  liy 
many  ohservers,  as  was  also  the  skill  displayed  by  the 
natives  later  under  S})anish  instruction.'^"' 

The  mixture  of  feathers  with  cotton  and  other  til  )r(.s 
in  the  manufacture  of  clothing,  tapestry,  carpets,  aiwl 
bcd-coverinofs  ]ias  already  been  mentioned.  For  such 
ftxbrics  plain  colors  from  ducks  and  other  .acjuatic  l)ii(ls 
were  generally  employed,  brighter  hues  l)eing  occa- 
sionally introduced  for  ornamental  })urposes.  Feath- 
ers also  played  an  important  part  in  the  decoration  of 
Avarrioi's'  armor,  the  tail-feathers  of  the  bright-luied 
(pietzul  being  the  favorites.  These  were  formed  into 
brilliant  plumes,  often  tipped  with  gold  and  set  in 
])reci()us  stones.  Beautiful  fans  were  made  of  tlie 
same  material.  But  the  art  which  of  all  those  jirac- 
ticed  by  the  Nahuas  most  delii»hted  and  astonished 
the  Europeans,  was  the  use  of  feathers  in  the  making 
of  what  has  been  called  feather-mosaic.    The  myriads 


^  'Y  jiintoros  lia  lialiido  cntrc  olios  tan  sofialadiw,  quo  sohrc  imicjius  ili> 
los  scriiiliidos  (loiido  (iniera  quo  se  lialiason  so  iMniian  sofiaJar.'  Jjm  I'lisus, 
Hist.  .l/iii/ii//(^/icri,  MS.,  i'a]>.  Ixii.  Tiio  saiiio  author  Kpoaks  of  tlioir  sUill 
in  roilui'inir  or  enlarjiin^' drawiiij^'s.  'Havia  I'intoros  liucnos,  oiif  rt'tr.-iiii- 
liau  al  natural,  on  os|K'('ial  Avon,  Aninialos,  Arhoios,  Fioros,  y  Vonlunis,  y 
otras  soiMOJantcs,  (juo  vsahan  pintar,  on  los  aposontos  do  los  Itoios.  y  Sofmn  ^; 
jioro  foriiias  liuniainis,  asi  coino  rostros,  y  cucrpos  do  llonibros,  y  Mu;:(ri'>, 
no  los  pinfalian  al  natural.'  TiirijiiiiiKidd,  Mmuirii.  JixL,  toni.  ii..  ji.  -\>~, 
toni.  i.,  p.  ;iSS;  Mnii/ii/ii,  Ilisl.  Krlr^..  p.  404.  'bans  lour  ;,Motosc|ii('  ct 
lour  rai'courci,  on  trouve  onooro  oo])ondant  uno  dolicatosso  do  pincoaii.  tint 
rcnia  <!  ial)lo,  uno  jjtiroto  ot  \\\w  linosso  dans  los  osqnissos,  (pi'ou  no  sauniit 
s'oiM]i('c-!u'r  il'adiniror;  on  voit,  d'aillonrs,  un  frrainl  noinhro  do  jiorlr:ul>  dc 
rois  ot  do  jivincos,  ([ui  sont  ovidonunont  faits  d'ajiros  natnro.'  />^v^^•.«»/■  <li' 
lUnnhiiiii-<i,  llisf.  \(if.  dr.,  toni.  iii.,  pit.  (!r).'^-4.  'Woo  sawo  a  Majiiio'if 
those  conntroyos  , "HO.  footo  lon;r.  and  littlo  losso  in  Itroadth.  made  of  while 
cotton,  woiion:  Avhoroin  tho  whole  plaync  was  ut  largo  doscrihod.'  I'll't 
Marti/r,  doe.  v.,  lib.  x.,  iii.,  v. 


ri:.\TiiKii-M(>sAic. 


480 


of  tiMpical  Itirds  in  Avliicli  tlu;  foivsts  of  tlio  tlvvvii 
caliriiti-  iilioiiiKK'd,  <'liiet'  ainoiiL,''  wliicli  \\v\r  {\\c  (jiict- 
zal,  many  varieties  of  tlie  panot  kind,  and  tlic  huit- 
■jIIn,  or  liminniii<4-l>ird,  supplied  fbatliui's,  line  and 
coarsf,  of  every  desired  color  and  sluide.  it  A\as  for 
this  use  chieHv  that  the  royal  and  other  collections  of 
hinls,  already  descrihed,  were  so  cai'efully  kept.  These 
captive  hirds  were  i)lucketl  each  year  ;it  the  j)ro])er 
season,  and  their  jdumau^e  sorted  accoidiiiy-  to  color 
and  (piality.  8onio  shades  only  to  he  ohtained  IVoni 
the  rarest  hirds,  were  for  ordinary  featlur-work  aiti- 
ticially  jtroduced  hy  dyeing  the  white  plumage  of  more 
connnon  hirds. 

To  prepare  for  work  the  nmanfrea,  or  artist,  ar- 
riiii<'('<l  his  colors  in  small  earthen  dishes  within  easy 
rc.'ch  of  his  hand,  stretched  a  piece  of  cloth  on  a  hoard 
before  him,  and  provided  himself  with  a  pot  of  »^lue 
—called  hy  Clavigero  tzauhtli, — and  a  pair  of  very 
delicate  pincers.  The  design  he  wished  to  execute 
was  first  sketched  roughly  on  the  cloth,  and  then  witli 
tlie  aid  of  the  pincers  feather  after  feather  was  taken 
from  its  dish  and  glued  to  the  canvas.  The  Spanish 
writers  marvel  at  the  care  with  which  this  work  was 
(lone;  sometimes,  they  say,  a  whole  day  was  consumed 
ill  i»i()perly  choosing  and  adjusting  one  delicate  feathei-, 
the  artist  })atiently  experimenting  until  the  hue  and 
jMisition  of  the  feather,  viewed  from  diileri'iit  ]>oints 
and  under  different  lights,  hecame  satisfact(»ry  to  his 
eye.  When  a  large  piece  was  to  he  done,  many  work- 
men assemhled,  a  part  of  the  work  was  given  to  each, 
and  s(»  skillfully  was  the  task  perfoi-med  that  the  parts 
laiely  failed  at  the  end  to  hlend  into  an  harmonious 
whole;  hut  if  the  effect  of  any  i)ait  was  unsatistac- 
ti'iy  it  must  be  commenced  anew,  i^y  this  method  a 
i^Teat  variety  of  graceful  patterns  were  wiought,  either 
fanciful,  or  taken  from  natural  ohjects,  ilowers,  ani- 
mals, and  even  the  human  face,  which  latter  the  na- 
tive artists  are  said  to  have  successfully  ]>ortrayed. 
Las  C'asas  tells  us  they  made  these  feather-fahrics  so 


m 


THE  NAIIIA  NATIONS. 


Hkillfiilly  tluit  tliey  a})poiiro(l  of  dilTorent  colors  accord - 
'm*f  to  thu  tliroctioii  from  wliich  tlioy  wero  viewed. 
Tho  Spaniards  declare  that  the  feathor-picturcs  wcic 
fully  ecjual  to  tho  host  works  of  European  painters, 
and  are  at  a  Iohh  for  W(jrd8  to  exproHS  their  admiration 
of  tluH  wonderful  Nahua  invention;  specimens  of  ^rc.it 
l)eauty  have  also  been  j)reserved  and  are  to  he  seen  in 
the  museums.  Besides  mantles  and  other  «^arments, 
tapestry,  bed-coverin«i^s,  and  other  ornaniental  tJihrics 
for  the  use  of  tho  noble  and  wealthy  classes,  to  wliicli 
this  art  was  a])i)lied,  tho  foather-mosaio  was  a  favorite 
coverinj;  for  tho  shields  and  armor  of  noted  war- 
riors.  By  the  same  process  masks  wore  made  repre- 
senting in  a  manner  true  to  nature  tho  faces  of  fierci' 
animals;  and  even  tho  whole  bodies  of  such  animals 
W'ore  sometimes  counterfeited,  as  Zuazo  says,  s(»  faith- 
fully as  to  deceive  the  ignorant  observer.  The  Taras- 
c'os  of  Michoacan  wore  reputed  to  bo  tho  most  skilH'ul 
in  feather-work.^ 

The  feather-workers  were  called  amantecas  from 
Amantla,  tho  name  of  the  ward  of  Mexico  in  which 

*6  'La  Niitura  nd  essi  Anmniiiiistrnvti  qiiniiti  colori  fa  ai1opt>rar  I'Artc,  o 
alcuiii  aiK-ora,  mie  es.sa  iioii  o  taiiace  iT  iiiiitarc'  Tlics|iei'iimii«  inadiallcr 
the  comiiiest  were  very  inferior.  Vhingcru,  Sturiit  Aiif.  lUi  Missim,  tuiii. 
ii.,  pp.  197-9.  Hazense  law  iiicjore«  .viiiajjiiies  de  jtlunia  on  la  iiroiiiiiciii 
«lc  Mc<'hi>ac'aa  en  el  piiehio  ile  I'ascani.'  Aciistn,  Hist,  lir  l<i.s  Yinl.,  p.  'l'>'\. 
'Vi  fiertos  follajes,  |nijariis,  niaripusas,  aliejoneH  Holire  iinas  vaias  Iciii- 
Mantes,  ne^ras  e  tan  (iel;;a(las,  (|iie  a)ieiia.H  se  veian,  e  ile  tal  niaiicra  i|ii(' 
realniente  se  liacian  vivas  a  ios  <|iie  las  niirahan  un  |i(M|uit<i  de  lejos:  tuiliiln 
ileinas  (jiie  estaha  eerea  de  las  diclias  inari]«isas,  )iajart>s  e  aliejnncs  (•iiiic>- 
jHindia  naturalinente  ti  Uoseaje-s  il:  js'rltas,  ramose  (lores  de  diversis  lulci- 
res  e  fornias.'  /mizo,  Ciirfii,  in  /■tr.lh-'n/'i,  Vol.  de  Dm:,  (oni.  i.,  p.  'MM 
'Fif^iiras,  y  inia^enes  de  I'rintiiies,  y  de  sns  idtdos,  tan  vistosas,  y  tan  aicita- 
das,  (^ue  hazian  ventaja  a  las  j  ntt'.ras  Casfelianas.'  J/irtrm,  llisl.  dm., 
«lcc.  ii.,  lib.  vii.,  cap.  xv.  'SIu'Ikk  cosasde  IMunia,  coino  Aves,  .Aninialo, 
Honilires,  y  otras  cosas  niui  tieiicadas,  ("a|ias,  y  Mantas  jiara  culirirsf,  y 
vestidnras  para  Ios  Sacerdotos  de  sus  Teniplos,  Coroiuis,  ]NIi(ras,  linilrlii.-, 
y  Mosnneadoros.'  Torqucnuula,  Mouiirq.  hid.,  toni.  ii.,  jiji.  4S8-!t;  Vilim- 
crrf,  'laitro  Mcx.,  pt  ii.,  p.  t»9;  Mendifta,  Hist.  Ecli\s.,  p|i.  40r)-();  l.nn  (  ii.mi.s, 
Jlisf.  A/)olo</c/icn,  MS.,  cap.  Ixii.  'Acontece  les  no  {Mtnier  en  todo  vn  din, 
jxtniendo,  (initando  y  as.sentando  la  pinnia,  y  niirando  a  una  parte,  y  h  ntiii, 
al  sol,  a  la  soinhra,'  etc.  Crotxarfi,  Cohii.  Mix.,  fol.  11(5-17.  Mcnlidiiof  tlie 
l>irds  whicli  furnished  hrijjht-colored  feathers,  licrnal  Dinz,  llifl.  ('nn'i-, 
fol.  ()8-9.  '  lis  en  faisaient  des  rondaches  et  d'antres  insi^^nes,  loiiiprissniis 
le  iioni  d'  "Ajianecayotl,"  liont  rien  n'api)ro(hait  pour  la  richesse  it  le  lini ' 
JSr(is.srnr  dt' Jioiirf)oiir<i,  Hist.  Xat.  (.'//•.,  ton>,  i.,  p.  285;  Sidiiujiiii.  Ili\>- 
Gill.,  toni.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  ]».  109.  Mention  of  sonic  specimens  preserviMl  in 
Europe.  Klcmin,  Cuf'T-Ocuchichti',  tym.  v.,  p.  30. 


THE  COUNCIL  OF  ARTS  IN  TEZCL'CO. 


401 


tilt  V  cliic'fly  live<l.  This  wanl  luljoined  that  of  Pocli- 
tliiM,  where  Uved  the  chief  meivhaiits  called  |u>chtecas, 
uiitl  the  shrine  of  the  ainaiiteoaH'  i^od  Ciotlinaliuatl, 
was  alsi)  joined  to  that  of  the  merchants' ^od  lyacate- 
I'utli.  The  feather- workers  an<l  merchants  were  closely 
united,  there  was  <rreat  similarity  in  all  their  idola- 
trous rites,  and  they  often  sat  tt)«^ether  at  the  same 
liaiKiuet.'^'' 

Another  art,  similar  in  its  nature  to  that  of  the 
fwitlier-mosaics,  was  that  of  pastin*,^  leaves  and  tlow- 
t'l's  upon  mats  so  as  to  form  attractive  desi^-ns  for  ten\- 
jMiniry  use  on  the  occasion  of  special  festivals.  The 
natives  made  threat  use  of  these  Hower-pictures  after 
the  coiKpiest  in  the  decoration  of  the  churches  for 
Catholic  holidays.*" 

The  Nahnas  kindled  a  fire  like  their  more  savajjfe 
l)ivthren  hy  friction  between  two  pieces  of  wood, 
achiotl  heiujif  the  kind  of  wood  })referred  for  this  |)ur- 
pose.  Boturini,  followed  by  later  writers,  states  that 
tliu  use  of  the  flint  was  tilso  known.  Once  kindled, 
tilt'  flames  were  fanned  hy  the  use  of  a  hlow-pipe. 
F()i-  liufhts,  torches  of  resinous  wood  were  employed, 
especially  the  ocoti,  which  emitted  a  ijleasinjjc  odor, 
riu^  use  of  wicks  with  oil  or  wax  was  api)arently  un- 
known until  after  the  coming'  of  Europeans.  Substi- 
tutes for  soap  were  found  in  the  fruit  of  the  copnlxo- 
i'ofl  and  root  of  the  aniol/i. 

All  the  branches  of  art  {imonir  the  Nahuas  were 
placed  under  the  control  of  a  council  or  academy 
which  was  instituted  to  favor  the  development  of  poe- 
try, oratory,  history,  paintin^-,  and  also  to  some  extent 
of  s(ulj)ture  and  work  in  i^'old,  })recious  stones,  and 
feathers.  Tezcuco  was  the  centre  of  all  hi^h  art  and 
I'cHiiement  durinof  the  })almy  days  of  the  Chichim(X' 
cnipiro,  and  retained  its  preeminence  to  a  great  extcjit 
tlowii  to  the  cominj,^  of  the  Spaniards;  coiise<|Uently 

''  Sii/i(i<iiiii,  Hist.  Gni.,  toni.  ii.,  lilt,  ix.,  pj).  ,31)2-r>. 

■-•^  Tiii-ijiiviiniiht,  Moiinni.  Iiid.,  tmii,  ii.,  p.  4S!(;  Vftaiirrrf,  Trd'vo 
•V' '  ,  |it  li.,  p.  .5!);  Mvudiefd,  Hint,  licks.,  p.  405;  Las  Cams,  Hint.  Apulw 
yt^'.((,  M.S.,  cap.  1. 


492 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


its  ;chool  of  arts  is  better  knov/n  tlian  others  tliat 
probably  existed  in  other  cities.  It  was  called  tin- 
Council  of  Music,  althou<^h  taking  cognizance  of  other 
arts  and  sciences,  chiefly  by  controlling  the  education 
of  the  young,  since  no  teacher  of  arts  could  exeicis;' 
his  profession  without  a  certificate  of  liis  qualifications 
from  the  council.  Before  the  same  body  all  pupil;-; 
must  be  brought  for  examination.  The  greatest  ciro 
was  taken  that  no  defective  work  of  lapidary,  gold- 
smith, or  worker  in  feathers  should  be  exposed  tor 
sale  in  the  markets,  and  that  no  imperfectly  instructed 
artists  should  be  allowed  to  vitiate  the  public  taste. 
But  it  was  above  all  with  literary  arts,  poetry,  oratory, 
and  historical  paintings,  that  this  tribunal,  composed 
of  the  best  talent  and  culture  of  the  kingdom,  had  to 
do,  and  every  literary  work  was  subject  to  its  revision. 
The  members,  nominated  by  the  emperor  of  Tezciuo, 
held  daily  meetings,  and  seats  of  honor  were  reserved 
for  the  kings  of  the  three  allied  kingdoms,  although  ii 
presiding  officer  was  elected  from  the  nobility  \v',t!i 
reference  to  his  literary  acquirements. '  At  certain 
sessions  of  the  council,  poems  and  historical  essays 
were  read  by  their  authors,  and  new  inventions  were 
exhibited  for  inspection,  rich  prizes  being  awardcel  for 
excellence  in  any  branch  of  learning.'^ 

Speech-making  is  a  prominent  feature  in  the  life 
of  nu.^t  aboriginal  tribes,  and  in  their  fondness  for 
oratory  the  Nahuas  were  no  exceptions  to  the  rule. 
Many  and  long  addresses  accompanied  the  installa- 
tion of  kings  and  all  public  officers;  all  di[)l()niat!(' 
correspondence  between  different  nations  was  carried 
on  by  orators;  prayers  to  the  gods  were  in  al)original 
as  in  modern  times  elaborate  elocutionary  eflbrts;  the 
departing  and  returning  traveler  was  dismissed  and 
Avelcomed  with  a  speech;  condolence  for  misfortune 
and  congratulation  for  success  were  expressed  in  jaih- 


•9  TV////(»,  Hist.  Ant.  Mij.,  torn,  iii.,  pp.  201-3;  Torquemndn,  Mumn-'i. 
Ind..  torn,  i.,  p.  147;  Ixtlilxochitl,  Hist.  Chich.,  in  Kiii'jsboroinjli's  .1/ .'. 
Anti:2.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  244. 


ORATORY  AND  POESY. 


493 


lie  and  private  by  tlie  friends  most  skillful  in  the  art 
ot"  speaking;  social  intercourse  in  feasts  and  banijuets 
was  but  a  succession  of  speeches;  and  parents  even 
tnii)loved  long  discourses  to  impart  to  tlieir  children 
jiistruetinn  and  advice.  Consequently  children  Avere 
instructed  at  an  early  age  in  the  art  of  public  speak- 
in<j;\;  some  were  even  specially  educated  as  orators, 
'riicv  were  obliged  to  commit  to  memory,  and  taught 
ti»  repeat  as  declamations,  the  speeches  of  tlieir  most 
t'anious  ancestors,  handed  down  from  father  to  son  for 
many  generations.  Specimens  of  the  oratitHis  de- 
livered by  Nahua  speakers  on  difterent  occasions  are 
so  numerous  in  this  and  the  following  volume,  that 
the  reader  may  judge  for  himself  respecting  their 
iiitrit.  It  is  impossible,  however,  to  decide  how  far 
these  compositions  have  been  modified  in  passing 
through  Spanish  hands,  although  it  is  j)robable,  ac- 
cording to  the  judgment  of  the  best  critics,  that  they 
ivtaiii  nuich  of  the  original  spirit  of  their  rei)uted 
iiiithors.^ 

Poets,  if  somewhat  less  numerous,  were  no  less 
iKinoi'etl  than  orators.  Their  com[)ositions  were  also 
rtritod,  or  sun«;.  before  the  Council  of  Music  in  Tez- 
cuco,  and  the  most  talented  bards  were  honored  with 
l>riz(  s.  The  heroic  deeds  of  warlike  ancestors,  national 
;iiiiials  and  traditions,  praise  of  the  gods,  moral  les- 
sons drawn  from  actual  events,  allegorical  ])rodu('- 
tioiis  with  illustrations  drawn  from  the  beauties  of 
natiMv,  and  even  love  and  the  charms  of  woman  were 
the  eonnnon  tliemes.  T]\\i  emperor  Nezalnialcoyotl, 
tlie  protector  and  promoter  of  all  the  arts  and  sci- 
oiu  es,  was  himself  a  poet  of  great  renown.     Several 

50  '  \vv,>j,„„,.]„\  j  ],,r  piii  ct'lcliri  Ariii;;!it()ii  iion  .hh'iu)  da  paraj,'oiiarsi 
cii^'li  Oiatori  dollo  Na/inni  culte  di'irKuropa,  iiiiii  jii'.o  poriiltro  m';^iusi.  clio 
i  liiro  ni'^iiiiiaiiKMiti  ni>ii  fossero  }jravi,  sodi,  cd  clcpniti,  cihik'  si  st-oiyc  da;.;li 
:iv»',/.i  clu-  ci  VfHiano  «lclla  loro  tdoinu'iiza.'  ('/firii/n-o,  Storiii  Anf.  ilrl  .l/cv- 
>"•",  toiii.  ii  :•  174-5.  'Les  raisoiiiu'iiii'iitM  y  soiit  j.'rav«'M,  Ii-s  aiuiiiiiPiitH 
siilidcs,  ct  |ii. '...s  d't^lo^riuuro.'  Jira/isfiir  i/c  Jioiirlioiiri),  /lis/.  A'"/.  Cir.,  toni. 
iii..  [1.(17-;  I'ri'Ki'otfs  Mn:,  vol.  i.,  p]).  17--3  Montezuma's  soctili  to  dn- 
ti's,  111  (h-/rJo,  llisf.  dill.,  toiii.  iii.,  pp.  285-1).  'Tlie  Spaniards  ]\\\v  ^ivi'ii 
ii>  iniiiiv  tine  poiishod  Indian  omfioiiH,  but  thoy  were  certainl}  i'ali''iuiltd 
at  .Madrid.'  Aduii;  Aiiia:  IniL,  p.  -'0'2. 


404 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


of  his  compositions,  or  fragments  of  such,  have  hcen 
preserved ;  that  is,  the  poems  wer*^  written  from  nieiu- 
ory  in  Aztec  with  Roman  letters  after  the  conquest, 
and  tra  ^slated  into  Spanish  by  Ixtlilxochitl,  a  lineal 
descendant  of  the  royal  poet.  They  have  also  been 
translated  into  other  languages  by  various  authors. 
The  following  will  serve  as  specimens.*^ 

SONO    OF    NEZAHUALCOYOTL,   KINO    OF    TEZCUCO;    ON   THE    MUTABILITY 

OF  LIFE. 

Now  will  I  sing  for  a  moment, 
Since  time  and  occasion  oflfer, 
And  I  trust  to  be  heard  with  favor 
If  my  effort  proveth  deservinj^; 
Wherefore  thus  I  begin  my  smging, 
Or  rather  my  lamentation. 

0  thou,  my  friend,  and  beloved. 
Enjoy  the  sweet  Howers  I  bring  thee; 
Let  us  y»c  jcyful  together 

And  banish  each  care  and  each  sorrow; 
For  although  life's  pleasures  are  fleeting, 
Life's  bitterness  also  must  leave  us. 

1  will  strike,  to  help  me  in  singing, 
The  instrument  deep  and  sonorous; 
Dance  thou,  while  enjoying  tliese  Howers, 
Before  the  great  Lord  who  is  iniglity; 

Let  us  grasp  the  sweet  things  of  the  present. 
For  the  life  of  a  man  is  soon  over. 

Fair  Acolhuacdn  thou  hast  chosen 

As  thy  dwelling-place  and  thy  palace; 

Thou  hast  set  up  thy  royal  throne  there. 

With  thine  own  hand  hast  thou  enriched  it; 

Wherefore  it  seems  to  Ite  certain 

That  thy  kingdom  shall  ptosper  and  flourish. 

*'  Four  poems  or  fragments  are  given  in  Spanish  in  Ktiigshoronfik's 
Mex.  Antiq.,  vol.  viii.,  pp.  110-15.  No.  1  lias  for  its  subject  the  tvraiit  Te- 
zozomoc;  No.  2  is  an  ode  on  the  mutability  of  life;  No.  3  is  an  oilc  ricitiMl 
at  a  feast,  comparing  the  great  kings  of  Anahuac  to  precious  stuiios;  No.  4 
was  composed  for  the  dedication  of  the  author's  palace  and  treats  of  tlii'  un- 
satisfactory nature  of  earthly  honors.  Nos.  2  and  .3  are  also  found  in  />>"'. 
Hist.  Mcx.,  serie  iii.,  tom.  iv.,  pp.  286-93.  No.  2  is  given  in  I'nsrotl's 
Mex.,  vol.  iii.,  pp.  425-30,  in  Spanish  and  English  verse.  A  Freiuli  tiaiis- 
lation  of  No,  1  is  given  by  'Jrasseur  de  Bourbourp  Hiit.  Nat.  Cii:,  loin. 
iii.,  pp.  672-4,  wlio  also  gives  an  additional  £,/ecimen  from  Caidclii'K 
grammar,  in  Aztec  and  Spanish.  Nos.  1,  2,  and  4  in  I'le.ich,  in  lUissin-r'; 
J.^ Empire  Mex.,  pp.  411-17.  No.  4  is  to  be  found  in  Granados  y  (luln:, 
Tardcs  Amcr.,  p|).  90-4.  Nos.  1  and  4,  in  German,  in  Miiller,  liii.sni.  torn. 
iii.,  pp.  138-41,  where  are  also  two  additional  wles.  No.  2  is  alw)  yivtii  iii 
Ucrmau  by  Klcmm,  QtUtur-Gcsehichte,  tom.  v.,  pp.  146-51. 


NEZAHLALCOYOTL'S  ODES. 


495 


And  thou,  O  wise  Prince  Oyovotzin, 
Mighty  monarch,  and  Kin^  without  equal, 
Rejoice  in  the  heuuty  of  Hprin^^-tinie, 
Be  happy  while  spring  abides  with  thee, 
For  the  day  creepeth  nearer  and  nearer 
When  thou  shalt  beck  joy  and  not  find  it. 


TABILITY 


A  day  when  dark  Fate,  the  destroyer. 
Shall  tear  from  thine  hand  the  proud  sceptre, 
When  the  moon  of  thy  glory  shall  lessen. 
Thy  pride  and  tliy  strength  be  diminished, 
The  spoil  from  tliy  servants  be  taken. 
Thy  kingdom  and  honor  go  from  thee. 


Ah,  then  in  this  day  of  great  sorrow 

The  lords  of  tliy  line  will  l)e  mournful, 

The  princes  of  might  will  l)e  downcast, 

The  pride  of  hijjh  birth  will  avail  not; 

When  thou,  their  great  Head,  luist  Itcen  smitten 

The  pains  of  grim  Want  will  assail  them. 


Then  with  bitterness  will  they  remember 
The  glory  and  fame  of  thy  greatness, 
Thy  triumphs  so  worthy  of  envy. 
Until,  while  comitaring  the  present 
With  yeare  that  are  gone  now  forever. 
Their  tears  shall  be  more  than  the  ocean. 


The  vassals  that  cluster  about  thee 

And  are  as  a  crown  to  thy  kingdom, 

Wiien  thine  arm  doth  no  longer  uphold  them, 

Will  suffer  the  fate  of  the  exile; 

In  strange  lands  their  pride  will  be  humbled. 

Their  rank  and  their  name  be  forgotten. 


The  fame  of  the  race  that  is  mighty, 

.^ui'  worthy  a  thousand  fair  kingdoms, 

^^'^ill  not  in  the  future  lie  heeded; 

Tl  e  nations  will  onlv  ronicmltcr 

The  justice  with  winch  they  were  governed 

}u  the  years  when  the  kingdom  was  threefold. 


til    Uexico,  proudest  of  cities. 

Reigned  the  mighty  and  brave  Montezuma, 

Nezahualcoyotl,  the  just  one 

Of  blest  CulhuacAn  was  the  monarch. 

To  strong  Totoouil  fell  the  portion 

Of  Acatlapdn,  tue  third  kingdoiu. 


But  yet  thou  shalt  not  be  forgotten. 

Nor  the  good  thou  hast  ever  accomplished; 

For,  is  not  the  throne  that  thou  lillest 

The  gift  of  the  god  without  ec^ual. 

The  mighty  Creat<>r  of  all  thiiijp^, 

The  maker  of  Kings  and  of  Priucei! 


49G 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


Nezahnalcoyotl,  lie  happy 

V/itii  the  pleasant  tliinuH  that  thou  ki'.oweHt, 

Kejoice  in  tlie  beautifnl  garden, 

Wreathe  thy  front  with  a  garland  of  Howers, 

(jiivc  heed  t<i  my  8ong  and  my  music, 

Fur  I  care  but  to  pleasure  thy  fancy. 

The  swi»t  things  of  life  are  but  shadows; 
The  triumphs,  the  honors,  what  are  they 
lint  dreams  that  are  idle  and  hist  not 
Though  clothed  in  a  semblance  of  being? 
And  su  great  is  the  truth  that  I  utter, 
I  pray  thee  to  answer  this  question. 


C '^rapAn,  tho  vi.linnt,  where  is  he, 
A'      ' '     '  V.tzintycomtzin,  the  mighty, 
Tho  Johuuhuatzin,  where  are  they? 

They  lead,  and  have  l"ft  ns  no  totcn, 

Save  thv  .  names,  and  the  fame  of  their  valor; 
They  are  gouf;  from  this  world  to  another. 


I  would  that  those  living  in  friendship. 
Whom  the  thread  of  strong  love  doth  encircle, 
(\>uld  see  the  sharp  sword  of  the  Death-god. 
For,  verily,  pleasure  is  fleeting, 
All  sweetness  must  change  in  the  future, 
The  ^uud  things  uf  life  ure  inconstant. 


ODE   ON   THE  TYRANT  TEZOZOMOC  BY  NEZAIIUALCOYOTL  THE   KIN(i. 

(Jive  ear  unto  the  lamentation  which  I,  Nezahimlcoyotl  the  Kiii^',  iiiako 
williin  myself  far  the  fate  of  the  Empire,  and  set  forth  for  uii  cxaniiilc  iintu 
otiutrs. 

(>  King,  unstable  and  restless,  when  thou  art  dead  then  sha'.i  liiy  |)e(i]ilc 
be  overthrown  and  confounded;  thy  place  shall  be  no  more-,  t'.'c  I'rciilnr, 
the  All-powerful  shall  reign. 

Who  could  have  thought,  having  seen  the  palaces  and  the  court,  the 
glory  and  t lie  j>ower  of  the  old  King  Tezozomoc,  that  these  tliiii;;s  could 
have  an  end?  Vet  have  they  withered  and  jierishcd.  Verily,  life  nivctli 
naught  but  dM-ippoiutment  and  vexation;  all  that  is,  weareth  out  .iikI  |ius.s- 
clh  away. 

Who  will  not  be  sorrowful  at  the  remembrance  of  the  ancient  s|ilciiil(ir 
<if  this  tyrant,  this  withered  old  nuin;  who,  like  a  thirsty  willow,  noiiiisiii'il 
l)y  the  moisture  of  his  ambition  and  avarice,  lorded  it  over  the  lowly  tiicikI- 
ows  and  llowery  fields  while  spring-time  lasted,  but  at  length,  (Iricii  up  aini 
decayed,  the  storms  of  winter  tore  him  up  by  the  roots  and  scattcictl  liiiii 
in  pieces  upon  the  "round. 

Hut  now,  with  tliis  mournful  song,  I  bring  to  mind  the  things  tliiit  timir- 
ish  for  an  hour,  and  ])resent,  in  the  fate  of  Tezozomoc,  an  exani|il('  of  llic 
brevity  of  hunuiu  greatness.  Who,  that  liste;is  to  nu',  can  .clraiu  irnTii 
weejiing?  Verily,  the  enjoyments  and  nleasures  of  life  are  as  a  l«iiii|ii('t  "I 
fl(twers,  that  is  j>ussed  from  hand  to  hand  until  it  fades,  withers,  ami  i><lr:iil 

Hearken  luito  me,  ye  8(His  of  kings  and  of  princes,  take  gooil  licnl  ami 
ponder  the  theme  of  my  moiunful  song,  the  things  that  tlourish  tor  an  limir, 
and  the  end  of  the  King  Tezozomoc.  Who  is  he,  I  say  again,  that  laii  liwir 
me  and  not  weep?  Verily,  the  enjoyments  and  pleasures  of  life  arc  as  a 
handful  of  Howers,  blooming  for  a  space,  but  soon  withered  and  dead. 


AZTEC  ARITHMETICAL  SYSTEM. 


497 


Lot  the  joj'ous  birds  sinj^on  and  rejoice  in  tlic  beauty  of  spriiiff,  and  the 
Imttirliies  CMj'oy  tlie  lionoy  and  porfiniK'  of  (lie  llo\ver»,  for  life  is  a»  a  ten- 
der plant  that  is  plucked  and  withereth  away. 

Grariados  tells  us  that  Nezahualcoyotl's  poems  were 
all  in  iambic  verse,  resembling  in  style  the  works  of 
Miinilius,  Seneca,  Pomponius,  Euripides,  and  Lilius. 
Ill  one  of  his  songs  he  compared  the  shortness  of  life 
and  of  its  pleasures  with  the  fleeting  bloom  of  a 
riower,  so  pathetically  as  to  draw  tears  from  the  au- 
dience, as  Clavigero  relates.  Ixtlilxochitl  narrates 
that  a  prisoner  condemned  to  death  obtained  pardon 
by  reciting  a  poem  before  the  king.  There  is  not 
niucli  evidence  that  vcur'^s  were  ever  written  in  rhyme, 
hut  the  authors  say  that  due  attention  was  j)aid  to 
cadence  and  metre,  and  that  some  umneaning  syllables 
were  added  to  certain  lines  to  ac(;ommodate  the  ineas- 
ine.  By  their  system  of  combination  a  single  \vord 
often  sufficed  for  a  line  in  the  longest  measure. 
Many  of  their  poetical  coinjmsitions  were  intended  for 
tlie  dramatic  representations  which  have  been  spoken 
of  elsewhere. ^^ 

The  Nahua  system  of  numeration  was  very  sim})le 
and  comprehensive,  there  being  no  limit  to  the  nuin- 
hers  that  could  be  expressed  by  it.  The  f(dlowing 
table  will  give  a  clear  idea  of  the  method  as  em- 
I'leved  by  the  Aztecs: 

•  •ne,  (T,  or  ccn. 

Two,  (line. 

Tlirci',  iiry,  or  e{, 

I'miu',  viihiii. 

Five,  mucitilli, — sigiiif.vinR  the    'clonched  hand,'  one  finger  having  been 

originally  doubled,   as  is  supposed,  for  each  unit  in 

counting  from  one  to  live. 

^^  fiofHrini,  Idea,  pp.  90-7.  The  language  of  their  poetry  was  brilliant, 
imie,  and  agreeable,  hgurative,  and  enilH'llislicd  with  frei|uent  coniparisouH 
to  the  most  jileasing  objects  in  nature.  <'/iiri;/iro,  S/oria  Aid.  i/el  Mm.siro, 
tiiin.  ii.,  ]i|).  1740.  Nezahualcoyotl  left  sixty  hymns  coinposi-d  in  honor  of 
till' Creator  of  Heaven:  fd.,  toui"  i.,  pp.  '2;W,  '24.'>-7;  J'iiiiriitil.  Mini,  suhte 
hi  Riizd  Intliifi'ii<i,yi\i.  57-i);  PrencolC.s  Mvj-.,  vol.  i.,  pp.  108,  l7l-''>;  Cur/xijal 
liipiiiii.sii,  Hist.  Mcx.,  torn,  i.,  pp.  (!.'{!(-40.  'Cantauan  lanientaciones,  y 
iiiileciuis.  Tenian  pronosticos,  especialuiente  que  se  aula  de  acabar  el 
iimnilo,  y  los  cantauan  lastinioHaniente:  y  tanibicn  tenian  nienioria  de  sua 
t'raiiilezas,  en  cantares  y  pinturas.'  Hirreni,  Hist.  Grv.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  vi., 
rap.  xvi.;  Ixflilxochitl,  Ilist.  Chich.,  \\\  Kinijaboroityfi's  Mcx.  Antiq.,  vol. 
ix.,  p.  '2"y. 

Vol.  II.    33 


488 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


Six,  chicn  a  re. 

Seven,  chic  onir. 

Eij;ht,  rhico  CI/. 

Nine,  c/iico  nahui,  — Tlioae  names  from  six  to  nine  are  simply  Jiosp 
from  one  to  four,  witli  a  i)rcfix  whose  meannij,'  is  iicit 
nlto^'etlier  dear,  hut  wliii-ii  is  said  to  lie  coiiiiiumcI  hI 
chivo,  'at  one  side,'  and  i/niiin-  or  hiinii,  incaniii;: 
'near  anotiier,'  'witli,'  or  sini|)ly  'and.'  'J'hcsc  names 
may  eonsecjnently  he  interpreted  |ierlia))s,  'nnc  siilc 
(or  liand)  witli  one,'  '(tne  hand  witli  two,'  et<'.,  or  diic 
two,  etc.,  'with  the  other  side.' 

Ten,  nuitUictU — that  is  the  upper  part  of  the  body,  or  all  the  linj,'ers  of 
the  hands. 

Eleven,  uidlhicfU  oc  cc,  ten  and  one. 

Twelve,   iiiiillncfti.  oin  oitic,  ten  and  two. 

Thirteen,   iintf/dcf/i  out.  ci/,  ten  and  three. 

Fourteen,  luatlactli  u  iKilnii,  ten  and  four. 

In  these  names  oc,  om,  o,  or  on  as  Molina  jjivcs  it, 
seems  to  he  used  as  a  connective  partil■lt^  ciiuivaliMt, 
to  'and,'  hut  I  am  not  acciuainted  with  its  cici'iv.itinii. 

Fifteen,  c  <xfoUl,  a  word  to  which  the  authorities  give  no  derivative  iiicaji- 
ing. 

Sixteen,  cii.rfiilll  oc  re,  iifteen  and  one,  etc. 

Twenty,  cunt  iiuhiiulli,  once  twenty. 

The  word  /lohiialli  means  ';i  count,'  the  nuinlicr 
twenty  hein<?  in  a  sense  t!ie  iitundation  of  tin;  wlmlf 
numerical  system. 

Twenty-one,  ccm  pohiml/i  or  cc,  once  twenty  and  one,  etc. 

Thirty,  ccia  jjohualli,  i/iiuiii  (or  oiii  as  Molina  has  it)  n.atlactfi,  once  twenty 
and  ten. 

Thirty-five,  ccm  jw/imil/i  ihiiaii  (or  on)  cfuiolli,  once  twenty  and  littien, 
etc. 

Forty,  onic  pohiutUi,  twice  twenty,  etc. 

One  hundred,  inaciiil  pohiKtUi,  live  times  twenty. 

Two  hundred,  nidflactli  pohuulli,  ten  times  twenty. 

Four  hundred,  ccn  (zouf/i,  once  four  hundred,  'the  h.iirof  the  head.' 

Ei^^ht  hundred,  oine  tzoiifli,  twice  four  hundred. 

One  thousand,  ome  tzoiUli  iliHan  niifllnrtli  jmhi/alli,  twice  four  liiiinlit'il 
and  ten  times  twenty. 

Eight  thousand,  ociqiiipifli,  a  jnirse  or  sack,  alreaily  mentioned  as  contain- 
ing eight  thousand  cacao-nihs. 

Sixteen  thousand,  otuc  xitjiiijulli,  twice  eight  thousand. 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  table  that  the  only  iimii- 
bers  havin*^  simple  names  are  one,  two,  three,  tour, 
five,  ten,  fifteen,  twenty,  four  hundred,  and  eis^lit 
thousand;  all  the  rest  are  compounds  of  these  con- 
structed on  the  principle  that  when  the  smaller  miiii- 
ber  follows  the  larger  the  sum  of  the  two  is  expressed, 
but  when  the  smaller  ])recedes  the  larger,  their  })rn(l- 
iict  is  indicated.  Molina  and  Leon  y  Gama  arc  tlu' 
chief  authorities  on  the  Nahua  arithmetical  system. 
All  the  writers  agree  perfectly  respecting  its  dct;iils, 
but  differ  considerably  in  orthography.    Molina  writes 


SYSTEM  OF  NUMERATION. 


499 


each  compound  name  together  as  a  single  word,  while 
(Junia  often  separates  a  word  into  its  parts  as  I  have 
done  in  every  case,  following  his  spelling'. 

The  manner  in  which  the  numbers  were  written 
Avas  as  simple  as  the  system  itself.  A  point  or  small 
(.'iirle  indicated  a  unit,  ar.d  these  points  sutticed  for 
tlic  numbers  from  one  to  nineteen.  Twenty  was  in- 
(litiited  by  a  Hag,  four  hundred  by  a  feather,  and  eight 
thousand  by  a  purse.  One  character  placed  above 
another  indicated  that  the  product  was  to  be  taken; 
for  instance,  100,000  might  be  expressed  either  by 
twenty  purses,  or  by  a  Hag  over  a  i)urse.  To  avoid 
the  excessive  use  of  the  unit  points  in  writing  large 
and  fractional  numbers,  each  Hag,  feather,  and  purse 
was  divided  into  four  quarters,  and  only  thcjse  quar- 
ters which  were  colored  were  to  be  counted.  Thus 
five  might  be  expressed  by  five  points  or  by  a  Hag 
Avitli  but  one  quarter  colored;  three  lunuhed  and 
fifty-six  would  be  indicated  by  a  feather  with  three 
([iiarters  colored,  two  complete  flags,  tlnee  quarters 
of  another  flag,  and  one  point. 

We  have  seen  that  twenties  were  used,  nuich  as 
dozens  are  by  us,  as  the  foundation  of  all  numeiation, 
but  strangely  enough  these  twenties  took  diflerent 
names  in  counting  different  classes  of  articles.  Tlio 
regular  name,  as  given  in  the  table,  is  i><t/iiia/li;  in 
counting  sheets  of  paper,  tortillas,  small  skins,  and 
other  thin  objects  capable  of  being  packed  one  above 
another  in  small  parcels,  each  twenty  was  called  pilli; 
in  counting  cloths  and  other  articles  usually  formed 
into  large  rolls,  qui  mill'  was  the  name  jqjplied  to 
twenty;  and  in  counting  persons,  lines,  walls,  and 
other  things  ranged  in  order,  the  term  tecpaiitii  was 
sometimes  employed.  Tn  reckoning  birds,  eggs,  fruits, 
seeds,  and  round  or  plump  objects,  generally  tcfl,  'a 
stone,'  was  affixed  to  each  one  of  the  numerals  in  the 
talilo;  pantli  was  in  the  same  way  added  for  objects 
arranged  in  reaular  order,  and  also  for  surface  nieas- 
urenients;  tlamantli  likewise  was  joined  to  the  nu- 


500 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS, 


merals  for  articles  sold  in  pairs  or  sets,  as  shoes, 
dishes,  etc.;  while  ears  of  corn,  cacao  in  bunches,  and 
other  bulky  articles  required  the  termination  olotl. 

Anionic  all  the  Nahua  nations,  so  far  as  known, 
the  arithmetical  system  was  practically  the  same,  and 
was  essentially  decimal.  Nearly  all  gave  great  prom- 
inence to  the  number  twenty;  the  Huastec  lan- 
guage had  simple  names  for  the  numbers  from  one  to 
ten,  twenty,  and  one  thousand;  the  Otomf  approadud 
still  nearer  our  modern  system  by  making  one  liun- 
dred  also  one  of  its  fundamental  numbers  with  an 
uncompounded  name  as  well  as  a  compounded  one.^ 

Astrology,  soothsaying,  tlie  interpretation  of  dreams, 
and  of  auguries  such  as  the  flight  or  song  of  birds, 
the  sudden  meeting  of  wild  animals,  or  the  occurreiuo 
of  other  unlooked-for  events,  were  regarded  l)y  the 
Nahuas  as  of  the  greatest  importance,  and  the  jirac- 
tice  of  such  arts  was  entrusted  to  the  tonalpoulK/iil, 
'those  Avho  count  by  the  sun,'  a  class  of  men  lield  in 
high  esteem,  to  whom  was  attributed  a  perfect  knowl- 
edge of  future  events.  We  have  seen  that  no  undci- 
taking,  public  or  private,  of  any  importance,  could  l)o 
engaged  in  except  under  a  suitable  and  propitious  sign, 
and  to  determine  this  sign  the  tonalpouh<]ui  was  iip- 
pealed  to.  The  science  of  astrology  was  written  down 
in  books  kept  with  great  secrecy  and  mystery,  alto- 
gether unintelligible  to  the  common  crowd,  whose 
good  or  bad  fortune  was  therein  supposed  to  be  painted. 
The  details  of  the  methods  employed  in  the  mysterions 
rites  of  divination  are  nowhere  recorded,  and  the  con- 
tinual mention  of  the  seer's  services  throusifhout  tlie 
chapters  of  this  and  the  following  volume  render  this 
paragraph  on  the  subject  sufficient  here. 

In  addition  to  the  miscellaneous  arts  described  in 
the  preceding  pages,  sej)arate  chapters  will  be  devoted 

w  Molina,  Vocahulario;  Leon  y  Gama,  Dos  Piedras,  pt  ii.,  pi>.  l'2S-47; 
Soc.  Mi-x,  Gcog.,  Bolctin,  2da  cpot-a,  torn,  iv.,  Sept.,  187'2;  GaUolin,  in 
Amer.  Ethno.  Soc,  Transact.,  vol.  i.,  pp.  49-57;  Ptmentd,  Mem.  suhrc  hi 
Baza  IniHgcna,  pp.  45-7;  PrescotVs  Mex.,  vol.  i.,  pp.  109-10. 


AUTIIOUITIES  UN  NAHUA  ARTS. 


601 


to  the  Naliua   calendar,  hioroylyphics,    architecture, 
and  medicine.^ 


'<  AIv  authorities  for  the  matter  in  this  chapter  are:  Sahaffun,  Ifift. 
nrii.,  u\m.  ii.,  iih.  ix.,  pp.  •28--'-:<37,  387-lM!,  toin.  iii.,  lil).  x.,  i'»i).  107-l-J, 
117-lS,  ]'2'2,  IIU,  137;  Lus  Cnsus,  Jlist.  Ajiolor/rdm,  MS.,  nip.  1.,  Ixii-lxiii., 
Kv.,  t'xxi.,  I'xxxii.,  clxxii.,  ccxi.;  Meiulifta,  ilist.  Eclrs.,  ji p.  403-7;  ('crtrs, 
Cir/'is,  i)p.  •_".)-34,  >)4,  lOO-l,  1(M»,  183,  liW;  Aro.stn,  Jlist.  ,lc  Ins  Viuf.,  pp. 
HIS, 'JS,'»,  324;  Vvtaiicrrf,  Tcdfro  Jfc.r.,  pt  ii.,  pp.  r>!(-(>0;  lUiDiiiunit,  CrOii. 
Mir/iiiiirdii,  AIS.,  i)p.  48-5(>;  liotiiriiii,  Lfiu,  pj>.  77-8,  9(>-7;  J'vfcr  Mnrfi/r, 
lice,  iv.,  nil.  iv.,  uec.  v.,  lilt,  i-v.,  x.,  doc.  viii.,  lili.  iv. ;  (iitmiir«,  C'oiii/. 
M'.r.,  fol.  3!>,  4-2,  ()()-2,  7'),  lUi-18,  13.-)-0,  318,  324-5,  34'_>-3;  J)iiran,  lll.sL 
hitliiii,  MS.,  toin.  i.,  cup.  iii.;  Lroii  >/  (t(ii)ia,  l)us  I'ii'tlrns,  |)t  ii.,  pj).  '2(5, 
li'S-J7;  (Jlai'iijvro,  Storia  Ant.  il<:l  Mcusicu,  torn,  i.,  pp.  •23'2,  •24r>-7,  torn,  ii., 
11]..  171-8,  18{»-iM),  '205-10,  224-8,  torn,  iv.,  pp.  210-11,  232.  23<);  Toniiir- 
■/iiiidii,  Miinnri].  Itiif.,  toiii.  i.,  pp.  37,  72,  140-7,  1()8,  228-31,  toiii.  ii.,  pp. 
'2('>:{,  JS(!-!M»,  .5,")7-8;  IxtUl.corhitl,  Hi.it.  Chich.,  in  KinqslmraiKjIi's  M,:r.  An- 
till.,  vol.  ix.,  i»p.  24.3-4,  2(>4;  Id.,  liilwioncs,  y\>.  327,  332,440-1,455;  Hmrra, 
llisl.  (Ivn.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  v.,  cap.  iv.,  v.,  lib.  vi.,  cap.  xi.,  xvi.,  lilt,  vii., 
cai).  ii.,  vii.,  ix.,  xv.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  iii.,  cajt.  ix.;  Cdiiinn/o,  Hint.  Thi.r., 
u\  .\iiiirrlli:.i  All iKi/cs  (It's  I'oi/.,  184.3,  toin.  x<'viii.,  p.  1.33;  Ti'Ziizoiiior,  C/'d. 
)//(•((  .!/)■.»•.,  in  KiiujsltoroHfili.'i  Mex.  Atitiq.,  vol.  ix.,  jtp.  17,  41,  4('>,  49,  t!4, 
171;  Oriiifo,  Hist.  Gi:ii.,  toni.  i.,  jtp.  .")20-l,  .')2(}-8,  .533,  toin.  iii.,  pp.  25!t, 
•272,  28,5-02,  208-.300.  305,  4()4-5,  4!»!»;  JiiDf/on,  (iaxj.  Dr.srrip.,  toni.  i.,  pt 
ii.,  fol.  15(i,  liiO-l;  Bcrnal  Diaz,  Hist.  Vonq.,  fol.  20-7,  «8-0;  Vviiliii,  Ui.tt. 
Ant.  Mrj.,  toMi.  i.,  pp.  154,  238,  252-3,  toni.  iii.,  pp.  201-.3,  310;  Xiinzn, 
Carfii,  in  laizlxilrrta,  Col.  dc  Doc,  toni.  i.,  J>p.  3()(V-2;  Ifiiiz,  ftitirnirio,  in 
Id.,  ]i.  200;  Ilr/arion  dt;  Ahjuiitt-s  Co.'ias,  in  Lf.,  pp.  378-0;  Motnliuin,  Hist. 
Iiii/iiis,  in  Id.,  pp.  2()4,  211;  Hcrtiaudrz,  Nova  I'laiit.,  p.  330;  llrniindos 
y  (id/irz,  Titrdi's  Aincr.,  pp.  iKM;  I'rc.irott't.  Miw..,  vol.  i.,  pp.  00-l(M>, 
li)S-l(»,  138-45,  170-5,  vol.  lil.,  -tp.  425-.30;  ICwtxttik;  in  Sr/ioolrrnjTs  Atr/i., 
vol.  iv.,  pp.  44-5();  Midler,  livi.srii,  torn,  iii.,  jtp.  125-8,  134;  ('(irhojnl 
Esj,i,n,s<i,  Ifi.ff.  M,-x.,  toin.  i.,  pp.  62,  00-102,378,  431-2,  408,  588-0,  ti.38- 
4(1,  (i52-3,  (i57-f>0,  «(>(l-7,  082-.3,  toin.  ii.,  pp.  (iO,  00-70,  74,  l(>3-4,  108.  230-1; 
,S'r^'.  Mr.r.  Gi'ofj.,  IMi'tin,  2da  cj)oca,  toiu.  i.,  p.  7-1.  tf>in.  iv.,  Sept.  1872; 
li'hiiii/,  '\\\('oniitf  dWrch.  Aiiifi:,  l8()(J-7,  pi).  15-lC;  Gdllrttiii,  in  Aiiirr.  Kill- 
nil.  Sill-.,  Tntiisdct.,  vol.  i.,  pp.  40-57;  Tjitors  licsvair/ics,  pp.  1(>5,  104,  201, 
•'(17;  fd.  AiKihuac,  pp.  95-101,  107-9;  Humholdf,  Kfsni  I'ol.,  toni.  ii.,  p|). 
4."i4,  4S5;  Carli,  Cartas,  pt  ii.,  i)p.  04-7;  Lenoir,  Varallile,  pp.  48,  .5(i,  (,2, 
(14-.");  Ilriissi'iir  de  liourhourif,  Itist.  Nat.  Civ.,  toin.  i.,  pp.  130,271-2,  285- 
(1,  L'SS,  toin.  iii.,  j)p.  648-54,  672-4;  Id.,  in  Nonvrllrs  Annahsdrs  Voif.,  18.5.8, 
•iiiii.  clix.,  pi».  77-85;  Piincntcl,  Mem.  sotire  la  linza  Indi<inin,\i\).  44-7,54- 
!';  <'iiro,  Trcs  Sif/los,  toni.  iii.,  j).  49;  Viollct-lr-Din;  in  V/iania;/,  Itiiims 
Aiiiir.,  pp.  86-7;  lirnirnclls  Intl.  Races,  p.  04;  Iuliid)iirq/i  Ririew,  .Iniv, 
1S(17;  Kletnin,  Cidtur-dcschiehtc,  toni.  v.,  jtp.  13-20,  24,  2(i-:{2,  144-.5'l, 
l(i2-;t,  181;  Uaril,  Mr.riqHe,Y\).  200-10;  Biis.iierrc,  rKiiipirr  Mr.r.,  pp.  1(!8- 
72,  244,  270,  411-17;  Kinqshormiqh's  ile.r.  Atitiq.,  vol.  viii.,  pp.  110-15; 
l\'i:tf-Ii>di.iehe  S/>ieqhel,  pp.  218,  220,  225-6,  2.38-9,  246,  2.5(t.l,  .343;  (.'/leralir-, 
Mi-.i:,  Aiieie.ii  et  Mod.,  pp.  10,28,  36-7;  Mill's  Hist.  Me.r.,  p.  1,50;  Herrediit 
y  Siirniieiito,  Serino.i,  pp.  73,  83;  Gaqe's  Xeir  Siirrei/,  pp.  110-11;  Lafoidl, 
I'lii/iii/rs^  toiii.  i.,  pp.  161-2;  Toiiroii,  Hist.  (Uii.,  torn,  iii.,  pp.  142,  I4ti; 
Friiii>;/idnrs  World  ill  Miniature,  vol.  ii.,  Ji.  0;  Mditdiins,  Xiedire  Weerrld, 
1111.221-2;  Dd/iper,  Neiie  Welt,  pp.  248-.50;  Mdlte-linin,  I'reeis  de  Id  lie,,,/., 
ti'iii.  vi.,  jip,  435,  456;  I)iipdi.r,  liel.,  ,Jde  K.epal .,  pp.  25,28;  Soileii,  S/idimr 
ill  I'irii,  toin.  ii.,  pp.  27-9;  Wafi/iiiii.\;  (teoij.  u.  Stat.,  p.  47;  Moiiqlaee,  AV- 
*""(',  i)|>.  43,  52,  57;  Delaiwrte,  liei.sen,  tout,  x.,  p.  268;  Conioii,  Hist. 
and  He,,,/.  Mem.,  p.  76;  llelfi.i'  tipan.  Conq.,  vol.  ii.,  pp.  268-0,  450;  Alz'ite 
y  Ramirez,  Mcin.  sobrc   Grana.,  MS. 


I 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

THE    AZTEC    CALENDAR. 
AsTRON'OMif'Ai,  Knowledge  of  the  Aztecs— Contradictions  of  At;. 

TllOliS  liliSPKCTIXO  THK  CALENDAR— V'AHE  OF  THE   KESEAIMIIKS  OK 

Vahiois  Writ  Kits— The  First  Uegulau  Calendar— The  Mkxi- 
CAN  Cycle— The  Civil  Year— The  Aztec  Months— Names  ok  thk 
Days  and  their  Signification— The  Commencement  ok  tiik  Az- 
tec Year— The  ItiTiAL  Calendar— Gama's  Arranciemknt  ok 
the  ISloNTiis— The  Calendar-Stone— The  Four  Desti!1  ctions 
of  the  World— The  Calendar  of  Michoacan— Reckon i.nu  ok 

THE  ZAI'OTECS. 

Perhaps  the  strongest  proof  of  the  advanced  civili- 
zation of  the  Nahuas  was  their  method  of  coniputiiio; 
time,  which,  for  ingenuity  and  correctness,  e(|iiaK'tl, 
if  it  did  not  surpass,  the  systems  adopted  by  contem- 
poraneous European  and  Asiatic  nations. 

The  Nahuas  were  Avell  acquainted  with  the  n-ovo- 
ments  of  the  sun  and  moon,  and  even  of  some  of  the 
jihmets,  while  celestial  phenomena,  such  as  ecli]»scs, 
although  attributed  to  unnatural  causes,  were  never- 
theless carefully  observed  and  recorded.  They  luid, 
moreover,  an  accurate  svstem  of  dividing  the  dav  into 
fixed  periods,  corresponding  somewhat  to  our  Jicurs; 
indeed,  as  the  learned  Sr  Leon  y  Gama  has  sliowii, 
the  Aztec  calendar-stone  which  was  found  in  the 
jilaza  of  the  city  of  Mexico,  was  used  not  only  as  a 
durable  register,  but  also  as  a  sun-dial. 

(5U2)' 


THE  AZTEC  CALENDAR. 


503 


Althouii^li  the  .system  of  tho  Aztec  calendar  as  a 
Avliole  is  clear  and  easily  understood,  yet  it  is  ex- 
tieuiely  diflicult  to  describe  ^vith  certainty  many  of 
its  details,  owintr  to  the  contradictory  statements  of 
iiearlv^  all  the  earlier  writers,  who  visite<l  Mexico  and 
there  in  different  localities  picked  up  scraps  of  what 
they  afterwards  described  as  being  the  'calendar  of 
the  Mexicans,'  not  takinjjf  into  consideration  that  the 
luanv  and  distinct  kino'doms  surroundin<f  the  Aztec 
tuiritory,  although  using  essentially  the  same  sys- 
tt'in,  dirtered  on  many  important  i)oints,  such  as  the 
names  of  years,  luonths,  days,  the  season  of  begin- 
ning the  year,  etc.  This  difficulty  increases  when  we 
att(jm])t  to  uiake  Mexican  dates  agree  with  our  own. 
Even  Boturini,  who  gathered  his  information  in  Mex- 
ico, makes  many  mistakes;  and  Veytia,  although  we 
must  accord  him  the  credit  of  having  thoroughly 
studied  the  sulyect,  and  of  having  reduced  it  to  a 
clear  system,  is  at  fault  in  many  points.  Of  the  older 
writers,  such  as  Sahagun,  Las  Casas,  Duran,  !Moto- 
hiiia,  and  others,  no  one  is  explicit  enough  on  all 
jioints  to  enable  us  to  follow  him;  and  such  details 
as  they  unite  in  giving  are  mostly  contradictory. 
Tunpiemada,  who  draws  a  great  ]>ortion  of  his  ma- 
terial from  Motolinia,  contradicts  himself  too  fre- 
(|uently  to  be  reliable.  Leon  y  Gama,  although  he 
spent  nuicli  labor  in  trying  to  clearly  exjiound  the 
system,  has  also  ftillen  into  some  errors,  attril)utal)le, 
])L'rlia})s,  to  his  not  having  the  valuable  aid  of  Saha- 
U'uu's  writings,  and  to  his  having  ]>laced  too  nuicli  trust 
ill  tlie  v;ritings  of  Tonpiemada  and  tlie  manuscript  of 
the  Indian  Cristobal  del  Castillo,  as  is  shown  in  the 
review  of  Gama's  work  by  Sr  Jose  Antonio  Alzate  in 
the  (f'acctas  dc  Litemtura.  Baron  von  Hund)oldt's 
description,  valuable  as  it  is  on  account  of  the  ex- 
tended conjparisons  which  he  draws  betweeu  the 
Mexican,  Asiatic  and  Egyptian  calendars,  is  on  that 
account  too  intricate  to  be  easily  understood.  From 
all  these  descriptions  Gallatin,  McCulloh,  and  Muller, 


604 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


with  perhaps  a  fow  others,  have  eadi  {jfivon  us  a  V(  rv 
ji^ood  resume,  but  without  attempting  to  reeoucile  uU 
the  contradietions. 

Tlie  first  notice  we  have  of  any  rejjfular  calendar  is 
ffiven  by  Ixtlilxochitl,  wlio  states  that  in  the  year 
5097  from  the  creation  t)f  tlie  world,  an  assembly  of 
learned  men  met  at  the  city  of  Huehuetlapallan,  and 
determined  the  reckoninif  of  the  years,  days,  and 
months,  leap  years  and  intercalary  days,  in  the  oidci' 
in  which  they  were  found  at  the  time  of  tlie  <'(»ii- 
quest.^  Previous  to  this  time  it  is  said  that  the  only 
reckoning  kept  was  regulated  by  the  yearly  growtli 
of  the  fresh  grass  and  herbs  from  which  the  name  of 
the  Mexican  year  xilmitl,  'new  grass,'  is  derived.  It 
is  also  said  that  a  rough  comjaitation  of  time  was 
made  by  the  moon,  from  its  appearance  to  its  disa))- 
pearance,  and  that  this  period  called  inct-Jli,  'the 
moon,'  was  divided  into  two  equal  })arts,  named  re- 
spectively mcxtozoVit-Ji,  the  time  when  the  moon  was 
awake  or  visible,  and  iiuroc/iilizt/i,  the  sleep  of  tlu; 
moon,  or  the  time  when  it  was  invisible.'^  Of  the 
larger  divisions  of  time,  accounts  are  very  conHictiiig. 
Two,  three,  four,  and  five  ages  are  said  by  various 
writers  to  hav'e  existed,  at  the  end  of  each  of  whicli 
the  world  was  said  to  have  been  destroyed,  and  re- 
created at  the  beijinninjjf  of  the  aije  next  f(dlowiiiy. 
The  common  aboriginal  belief  was,  however,  that  at 
the  time  of  the  conquest,  the  Avorld  had  })asseil 
through  three  ages,  and  was  then  in  the  fourth.  The 
first  age,  or  *sun,'  as  it  is  also  called,  was  the  Sun  of 
Water,  (itonatiuh;  the  second,  the  Sun  of  Earth,  f!<il- 
chitonatiuh;  tlie  third,  the  Sun  of  Air,  ehecatonutitdi.^ 

^  Ij»/lilxorhitl,  Rdacioncs,  in  KingshorougKs  Mrx.  Aiifi'q.,  torn,  ix.,  y. 
322.  'Ell  1111  afio  (jiie  fiie  sufmladd  »:oii  el  <;eroi;lili<'o  dc  iiii  piMlciiijil,  ipn' 
8e;i;iin  las  talilas  parece  liaher  sido  el  dc  .^(M)I  del  imiiido,  ho  coiiviHr)  uim 
craii  JHiitu  de  astroloj^dH. . .  .para  liaecr  la  correeioii  de  sii  ealendariii  y  ir- 
loriiiar  siis  coiiiputos,  tiiie  conuciau  errados  sej;iiii  el  wisteiiia  <iue  liaj^ta  cii- 
tonces  Iiahiaii  wejjuido.    Vcytia,  llist.  Ant.  Mcj.,  toin.  i.,  p.  32. 

«M,  pp.  31-2. 

3  Ixflilxorhifl,  Hist.  Chich.,  in  Kii}gshoroiuih\i  Mix.  Antiq.,  vol.  i\'.,  ]'• 
205;   Id.,  Rdacioncs,  in  Id.,  pp.  331-2,  459;   Cumargo,  llist.  TUtx.,  lu 


THE  MEXICAN  CYCLE. 


605 


Tliis  is  about  all  wo  know  of  any  division  of  time, 
jjolorc  tho  asseniMy  at  Huciiuotlapallan  which  is  said 
to  havo  introducud  tho  ro<j^ular  t'alon<lar. 

Tiio  Moxioan  calendar  ctmtains  tiie  followinjT^  divi- 
sions of  time:  Tiio  'a^o,'  consistiniif  of  two  periods  of 
tittv-two  vears  each,  was  called  hnc/inrfiliztii;  tho 
'cycle,' consistinj^  of  four  periods  of  thirteen  years  each, 
WHS  named  jiu/itnolpil/i,  JciuJiNio/jila  or  j-li(/i(/(ifftl//i\ 
incaniniu;'  tlie  *l)indin«j;'  up  of  the  years.'  Each  period 
(if  thirteen  years  or,  as  it  was  called  l)y  tho  Sj)anish 
historians,  'intliccion,'  was  known  as  a  tlnljtilli,  or  'knot,* 
and,  as  stated  above,  each  single  year  was  named  .//- 
Imitl,  or  'new  «j^rass.'  Tho  aj^e  was  not  used  in  tho 
royular  reckoning'',  and  is  only  rarely  mentioned  to 
(Icsijrnate  a  lonj^  space  of  time.  Tlio  numeral  i)re- 
tixed  to  tho  name  of  any  year  in  tho  cycle,  or  xiuh- 
molpilli,  never  exceeded  four,  and  to  carry  out  this 
plan,  four  si«^ns,  respectively  named  tochtli,  'rabbit,' 
oilli,  'house,'  tccpdtl,  'Hint,'  and  (wutl,  'cano,'  were 
used.  Thus  tho  Aztecs  commenced  to  count  tho 
first  year  of  their  first  cvclo  with  tho  name  or  hiero- 
<;iyphie  Co  Tochtli,  moaning  'one  (with  tho  siyn  of) 
ral>i)it;'  and  tho  second  year  was  C)mo  Acatl,  'two, 
cane;'  tho  third,  YoyTocpatl,  'three,  Hint;'  the  fourth, 
Nahui  Calli,  'four,  house;'  tho  fifth,  AEacuilli  Tochtli, 
'five,  rabbit;'  the  sixth,  Chicoaco  Acatl,  'six,  cane;' 

Xdin-fflra  Aininlr.i  rfrs  Voj/.,  1843,  torn,  xrix.,  11.  132;  Tcriiini.r-Cnni/Kii'f, 
ill  /(/.,  IH-IO,  ti)in.  Ixxxvi.,  pp.  5-(>;  linliirini,  Iifni,  p.  ',\;  t'/(irii/rni,  St(n-iii 
Jill.  (Ill  Mrs.iiro,  tiiiii.  ii.,  j).  57;  Ilriissciir  <lr  liiiiir/iuiirif,  S'il  f.ii.str  tlr.f 
Siiiirrrs  >li'  riliat.  Prim.,  pp.  '2(t-7;  S/iii'i/iizioin'  ilillr  Turoli'  drl  ('oiliri: 
Mi.iiniiiii  (\'ati('aiio),  in  Khii/.slioroiii//i''s  Mr.r.  ^lii/ii/.,  vol.  v.,  jip.  l(i4-7; 
Exiiliniridii  ilvl  Coilrx  Trllcriiiiiu-liniini.sis,  in  Jil.,  pp.  IIMHJ.  'Ciiini 
Snlcs  (|iio  son  edailt's. . .  .el  primer  Sol  .si-  [icnlio  por  n;iiia  ....  Kl  st';,nin(lo  Sol 
]ii'iiMio  cayenilocl  eielosohrt'  la  tierra.  .  . .  Kl  Sol  tiTcero  falto  y  sc  coiisuinio 
jiiir  fiu';,'o. . .  .El  (jiiarto  Sol  iVnecio  con  aire. . . .  i)el  <|iiiiito  Sol,  iiue  al  iire- 
si'iitc  tienen.'  (roiiKiivi,  Cdik/.  Mr.v.,  fol.  2!t7.  'Leeiel  et  la  terre  s'etaieiit 
fiiil-',  <|natrc  fois.'  Coi/rx  C/iiiiiiil/io/inrii,  U\  Ih-ii.s.sriir  dr  ISiiitrliiuin/,  Hist. 
Nut.  dr.,  toni.  i.,  p.  .'■)3.  'Croveron  (jnc  el  Sol  liatiia  luiierto  eiiafro  veees, 
*>  i|iii'  hiilio  cnatro  .'loles,  quo  lialiiau  aca))ailo  on  otros  tantos  tiempos  <> 
i'(l;icle.-<;  y  411c  el  (|uinto  sol  era  ol  «[iio  aetnalniente  les  alnMi!>ralia.'  I.foii  if 
(liniiii,  Ito.s  Picdri's,  j»t  i.,  ]).  i>4.  'Hulio  cinco  soles  en  los  tienipos  pasa- 
diiM.'  Mnidietd,  Hist.  Krir.s:,  p.  81,  rei)oatoil  litorally  liy  Torqiinintihi,  Mo- 
fiiin/.  fiifl.,  toni.  ii.,  ]).  70;  Iliiiiiliolilf,  Vin:s,  toni.  ii..  pp.  Il8-'ii(;  (inllntiii, 
in  .iiinr.  Efhtio.  Snc,  Trunsuct.,  vol.  i.,  p.  325;  Miillcr,  Aincrikaitinvhe 
I'mliijioncn,  pp.  510- 12. 


I 


p 


506 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


the  seventh,  Cliicome  Tecpatl,  'seven, flint ;'  tlie  ol^litli, 
Chico  ey  Calli,  'eiij^ht,  house;'  the  ninth,  ( 'liico  naliui 
ToclitH,  'nine,  rahhit;'  the  tenth,  Matlactli  Aoatl,  'tun, 
cane;'  the  eleventh,  Mathictli  occe  Tec'[)atl,  'eleven, 
flint;'  the  tweltth,  Matlactli  onionie  Calli,  'twelve, 
house;'  and  the  thirteenth,  Matlactli  oniey  Toclitli, 
'thirteen,  rahhit.'  This  numeration  continued  in  tlif 
same  manner,  the  second  tlalpilli  connnencino-  jinain 
with  'one,  cane,'  the  third  tlalpilli  with  'one,  flint.' 
the  fourth  -vvitii  'one,  house,'  and  so  on  to  the  cud 
of  the  cycle  t)f  flfty-two  years.  It  will  easily  he  suin 
that  durinij^  the  tifty-two  years  none  of  these  fonr 
signs  could  he  accompanied  hy  the  same  nuniiHi- 
twice,  and  therefore  no  confusion  could  arise.  Instead, 
therefore,  uf  saviui^  an  event  hai>])ened  in  the  vcar 
ISoO,  as  we  tlo  in  our  reckoniui^,  they  sj»oke  oi'  it  as 
hai)penin<jf,  for  instance,  in  the  year  of  'three,  rahhit' 
in  the  twelfth  cvcle.*  Still,  some  confusion  has  ht'iii 
caused  amoni^  ditt'erent  writers  hy  the  fact  that  tlic 
diflerent  nations  of  Andhuac  did  not  all  conuiuncc 
their  cycles  with  the  same  hieroi>'ly[)hic  sii^ni.  Thus 
the  Toltecs  conunenced  w'ith  the  sign  tecpatl,  'tlint;' 
and  the  jSIexicans,  or  Aztecs,  with  tochtii,  'rahhit;' 
"while  some  aj>"ain  used  acatl,  'cane;'  and  otliei's  calli, 
'house,'  as  their  first  name.®  A  cycle  was  re})res('nti'd 
in  their  paintii;i^s  hy  the  fli^-ures  of  tochtii,  acatl,  tw- 
patl,  an(l  calii,  repeated  each  thirteen  times  j;nd  |ilactd 
in  a  cin'le,  round  which  was  painted  a  snake  lu>l(lin^' 
its  tail  in  its  mouth,  and  makino-  at  each  of  the  ihur 
cardinal  i)oints  a  kink  with  its  own.  hody,  as  shown  in 
the  plate  on  the  opposite  pJ'-ge,  which  served  to  di\  itle 


•*  Gnmiira,  Cimq.  Mr.v,,  fol.  29(5-7,  Sttfiritfiill,  Hist,  (icii.,  toiii.  ii  .  li'i. 
vi.,  ])ii.  "J.'Mi-T;  Afiis/ii,  llisl.  (Ir  his  YiiiL,  pp.  ;{!t7-H;  l.iim  ij  (Iiuhk,  husl'n- 
dm:,  pt  i.,  )i.   n>  ft  si'(|.  ;    I'ri/tiil,  Hist.  Allt.  .UiJ.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  4"J  ct  s('(|. 

■'■>  ' N'o  tiidiis  ('(iiiii'iizalian  iicontiir  el  ciilo  j)tir  iiii  iiiisnio  iifn):  lti>  mile- 
cos  Id  om|K'zal)an  (Icsdo  7'ir/iii//;  Ion  de 'JVotitiUiiraii  tlvsdv  ('ii//i:  los  iiicxi- 
caiios  il.'sili'  Torlitll;  y  los  tozcocaiios  (Icsdo  AriilL'  J. run  y  Hniiin.  1>"S 
J'ii'ilnis,  |it  i.,  p.  I(>;  \'ii/tiii,  Hist.  Ant.  Mn.,  torn,  i.,  jt.  ."iS.  'So  lM';.Miim'ii 
die  A<'iilliiiaH  voii  Tt'xcoco  ilirc  rmliiufe  nut  di'in  Zoiclu'ii  Ce  Tfipail.  ilii' 
Mcxitaiu'r  da^icjiou  iui  to  Tocht':.'  Midler,  llvisen,  toiii.  iii.,  i».  G.j;  JJi'tu- 
rim,  Idea,  p.  I'Jo. 


rAIXTINCJ  OF  THE  AZTEC  CYCLE. 


507 


The  Aztec  Cycle. 

tlio  cvele  Into  four  tlalpillis.*^  Tlieso  four  sin-ns,  rn1)])It, 
taiio,  Hint,  uiid  house  were  also,  aroordiun'  to  liotu- 
riiii,  used  to  desi^'uate  the  four  seasons  of  tlie  year, 
the  four  eai'diual  [toints,  and  lastly,  the  four  elements. 
T'lius,  for  instanee,  teepatl  also  siyiiiHed  south;  calli, 
east;    tochtli,  north;   and  aeatl,  west.      In  the  same 

'■'  'Ksto  circnlo  rcddiulo  sc  iliviilia  oti  ciiiitni  iiailc^  .  .  I.ii  |iriiiu'iii  jiiirto 
ilMc  pcrti'iu'cia  ii  Orivritc  lliininlnuilt'  lip.^'rcci- iiMiis  dc  las  ciinas,  y  asii'ii  cai!:! 
riis;i  (1(.  l((s  ti'cco  ti'iiiaii  ])iiilacla  \ma  cana,  v  el  iiuiiicin  ilrl  aTici  <iiriiciitc .  .  .  . 
I.a  x'uiinila  parlo  ai>liial)aii  al  sc|ilciiiri(ni,  i|iii'  I'la  •!;•  otia^  tii'i'i'  casas,  ji 
l:is  iiialos  llaiiiabaii  las  tivi'c  rasas  do!  iicdtTiial;  y  asi  icniaii  iiiiitadci  t-ii 
iiii'.a  casa  nil  lu'dcrnal .  . . .  A  la  tcri't'i-a.  . .  .jiarli' Ocridfiilal,  llatiialiaiilc  las 
tii'i'c  casas,  y  asi  vcroinos  imi  cadii  jiarto  do  las  tivcv'  iiiia  casilla  |iiiitada.  . . . 
A  I,'  ciiarta  y  ultima  jiarto  <[iii' cca  de  ((trostircoafiKs,  JlaiiialiaMia  lastrcrK 
"ii'-.is  di'l  I'oiu'jct;  y  asi  v\\  I'ada  casa  dc  ainudlas  vcrt'iims  pinlada  iiiiacalicica 
lie  cDucju.'  iJuiun,  Hist.  IiHiii(A;Mii.,  torn,  iii.,  upiK-iidix,  cap,  i. 


I 


608 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


manner    tecpatl    was   used    to   desiij^nate   fire;    calli, 
earth;  tochtli,  air;  and  acatl,  water.' 

The  civil  year  was  again  divided  into  eighteen 
month?  and  five  days.  Each  month  had  its  particular 
name,  but  the  five  extra  days  were  only  designated 
as  nemontemi  or  'unlucky  days,'  and  children  born  at 
this  time,  or  enterprises  undertaken,  were  considered 
unlucky.  In  hieroglyphical  paintings  these  montli.s 
were  also  placed  in  a  circle,  in  the  middle  of  which  a 
face,  representing  either  the  sun  or  moon,  was  paint- 
ed. This  circle  was  called  a  xiuhtlapohualli,  or  'count 
of  the  year.'  Concerning  the  order  in  which  these 
months  followed  one  another,  and  the  name  of  the 
first  month,  hardly  two  authors  agree;  in  the  same 
manner  we  find  three  or  four  \  arious  names  given  to 
many  of  the  months.  It  v/ould  appear  reasonalile  to 
suppose  that  the  month  immediately  following  the  ne- 
montemi, which  were  always  added  at  the  end  of  the 
year,  would  be  the  first,  and  the  only  difficulty  here 
is  to  know  which  way  the  Aztecs  wrote;  whetlier 
from  ri<dit  to  left  or  from  left  to  rioht.  On  the  cirele 
of  the  month  given  by  Veytia,  and  supposed  to  luive 
been  copied  from  an  original,  these  five  days  are  in- 
serted between  the  months  Panquetzaliztli  and  Ate- 
moztli,  and  counting  from  left  to  right,  this  would 
make  Atemoztli  the  first  month,  which  would  agree 
with  Veytia's  statement.  But  Gama  and  others  de- 
cidedly dissent  from  this  opinion,  and  name  other 
months  as  the  first.  I  reserve  further  consideration 
of  this  subject  for  another  place  in  this  chapter,  wheie 
in  connection  with  other  matters  it  can  be  more  deaily 
discussed,  and  content  myself  with  simply  insel•tin^■ 
here  a  table  of  the  names  of  the  months  as  enumer- 
ated by  the  principal  authors,  in  order  to  show  at  a 


'' Gcniolli  Cnrori  p'vos  these  names  in  n  different  order,  eallintr  tuditli 
fioiitli,  acatl  east,  tecjiatl  north,  and  ealli  west;  further,  toihtli  cmiiIi, 
acatl  water,  tecpatl  air,  and  calli  fin;.  Gcindll  Cairri,  in  Cliinr/u'//'.\  I'ul. 
Vojiiifirs,  vol.  iv.,  jip.  487-S;  Jiofitriiii,  hiai,  i»n.  M-G.  The  ahovc  iire 
only  li{j;iirativc  names,  as  the  words  for  the  cardinal  i)oint8  and  also  lor 
the  elements  are  entirely  dilfereut  in  tlio  Mexieun  languu<j;e. 


re;    calli, 


>  T 


eighteen      ^M 

)artioulai'      ^m 

jsig-nated      ^B 

I  born  at      ^m 

msidered      ^H 

.  Oo 

montli.s     ^m    .. 

Avhich  a      ^m 

OH  pahit-      ^m    [' 
jr  'count      |H 

Pa 

ch  these      ^m    .. 

.  t>c: 

e  of  the      |H    .. 

.   f>cl 

lie  same     jH 

given  to     ^m 

mahle  to     fl| 

Ocl 

1  the  ne-      ^B 

Uc 

id  of  the     ^M    ... 

Ocl 

ilty  here     J^M 

whetlier     ^m 

.... 

:he  circle     |H    ... 

I'lM 

[  to  have     J^m 

s  are  in-     ^H 

PlIC 

tl 

md  Ate-     ^B    ... 

1'  ... 

is  would     ^m    ... 

IIll. 

Id  agree     ^H 

Ofll 

;her8  de-     ^M 

le    other     ^M 

T 

ideratiou     ^M 

3r,  Avhere     ■■   ... 

Och 

'e  cleai'ly     |H    e- 

I'ac 

insei'ting    U 

Ol 

enunier-     IH 

low  at  a    ^M 

)t')i 

^H  '" 

rial 

llinp;  tiii'lilH      WM 

>clitli  I'Miili,      ^H    II..  < 

Uli 

irvliill's  <  III.      ^^H 

B   almvi'  Mi'c     ^^H 

ind  a\M  fur     ^^H 

"" 

NAMES  OF  MEXICAN  MONTHS  ACCORD!] 


AUTHORS. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8, 

9. 

10. 

Atlacahualco,  or 
Quuvitlclua. 

Tlacaxipeoaliztli. . . 

Tozoztontli 

Veytocoztli 

Toxcatl 

Etzucualiztli 

Tecuilhultontli .... 

Veytecuilhuitl 

Tlaxochimaco 

Xocohuetzl . 

MmTOLIMA 

ACOSTA 

Tlacaxipeualiztli... 

Atk-uhualo 

Xuohitzitzquilo,  or 
IjUHuitlehuii,  or 
Atlinotzaciia^, 
ur  Xilumaiiiztly. 

AtlcHualo 

Hueit4)zyuztli 

Tofoztontli 

Tozoztontly 

Tocozintli.. 

Toxcatl,  or  Tepuiio- 
chuiliztli. 

Hueltofoztontli..  .. 

Ochpaniztly,  or  Cu- 
eytozoztly. 

Veitozcoztli 

Hueytoyoztli 

Hueytocoztll 

E(aIcoaliztli 

Tochcatl 

Tecuilhuicintli .... 

Etzalcualiztli 

Etzalcualiztly.    ... 

Iletzalquali/tl 

Etzalqualiztli 

Etzaqualiztl! 

Hueitecuilhuitl .  . . 

Tecuilhultontli 

TecuUnitoiitly,    or 
Tlaxochiinaco. 

Tecuilvitontl 

Tecuhilhuitoiitll. .. 

Tccuylhuitontli .  . . 

Miccailhulcintll . . . 

Hueiteucyilhultl... 
Hueytecuilhuitl.  .. 

Veitecuiluitl 

HiH-ytcculiilhuitl.. 

Ilueytccuyilhuitl.. . 

Yeymiccailhuitl.  .. 

Tluxochimanco 

Miccailhuitontly. . . 

Miccailhuitl 

Tlaxuchiiiiaeo,  or 
Hueyniiccayllniitl. 

Tlaxochimaco 

Micaylhuitzintli. 

Hueyniicailhuitl. 

V.imiccailhnitl. . . . 

Exolqualiztli 

Ezalqualliztii 

Tlaxochiiuaci 

Tecuilhuitzintli.... 

Vchpaniztli, 
nauatiliztl 

Xocotlhuetzi 

Tocotluetz.. 

Vcymlccailh 

Xocotlhuetzi 

Xocotlhuetzi 

Hueymicayl 

Ochjianiztli. 

Vch;)aiiiztli, 
iiavatiliztl 

Tci-uilhultzi 

Tecuilhultzi 

Xocohuetzl  . 

Hueytecuilh 

Mmitiv  dv  Lfi»\* 

Tlacaxipehualiztli . 
Tlacnxipchualtztli . 

Tlacaxipeualiztli. . . 
Tlacaxii)ehualiztli . 

Tlacaxipehualiztli . 

Tovlhuitl 

Toxcatl 

('iiDK\  A  ATirXNTH,. 

Toxcatl   

TnUl^VKM  \I'  \    ... 

Atliicnluialci),    or 
qiiahiiitk'lma. 

Atlarliualct),  or 
(juiiliuik'luia. 

Xiloiuatihuitztli... 
Tlacaxiichui  litztli. 
Tlacaxipcnaliztli.. . 

TovoztoiitU. 

Tocoztontli 

Toxcatl 

Vl'TKM'VKT 

Teoxcalt 

Xw  iiaiiii*>-. 
(Ikmki-i.i  ("akukui, . 

Tozoztli 

Hueytozoztli 

Hueitozcuztli 

Itzealli 

Toxcatl 

Etzalcualiztli 

Ezalioaliztii 

Cohuailhuitl 

Cohuailhuitl 

Toxcatl 

Ticuyilhultl 

Tecuilhuicintli .... 

Tozcotzintli 

Tozcotzintli 

Etzalcualiztli 

Huey  Tozoztli 

Etzalaualitztlt 

Hueytecuilhuitl    .. 

IluehtecnilhuitI . . . 

Hueytozcoztii 

Huey  Tozcoztli. . . . 
Tecuilhuitoutli 

Toxcatl,  or    Tepo- 
liochuiliztli. 

Micaylhuitl 

Miccathuicintli. .  . . 
Toxcatl 

Lakt 

Toxcatl,  or  TepuiK)- 
chuiliztli. 

Xilomaniztli 

Xilomanizte 

Hueitozoztii 

Tlacaxipehualiztli, 
or  Cohuailhuitl. 

Hueitozoptli 

Toxcatl,  or  Tepopo- 
chuiliztli. 

Huey-Tozoztll 

Hueitozoztii 

Titltl 

I.'UIKNZANA 

AtomoztU 

Tititl     

Yzcalll 

Toxcatl    

Hueitecuilhuitl .  . . 

Etzalqualiztli 

Atlacahualco 

Tititl,  orltzcalll... 

Acaliualco 

Tlaraxipohiializtli, 
ur'OjIiiiailhuitl. 

Atlaealiualco 

Atlacahualco 

TlacaxijwhuaUztli . 

Itzcalli,  or  Xochil- 
huitl. 

Tlacaxipehuttlltztll. 
Tozoztontli 

Tlacaxiiwhualtztli . 
Tlacaxipehualiztli . 

Tozoztontli 

Xilonianaliztli,   or 
Atlcahualco,    or 
Quahuitli>hua,or 
Cibuailhuitl. 

Tozozontli 

Iluey  Tozoztli 

Tozoztontli 

Tozoztontli 

Gama  t 

Kl.l.MM 

Mini,.i: 

Tozoztontli 

Texcatl              .... 

Etzalqualiztli 

Toxcatl 

Tecuilhuitzintli . . . 

Etzacualiztli 

Etzalcualiztli 

Hueytecuilhuitl . . . 

Tecuilhultontli.... 
Teucnilhuituntll. . . 
Tecuiluitontl 

Miccallhuitzintly, 
or  Tlalxochiniiico. 

Huey  Tecuilhuitl . . 
Huuituecuilhuit'i... 
Veyteculluitl 

Iluey  miccailhuitl, 
or  Xolutlhuetzin. 

Tlaxochimaco 

Tlaxochimaco 

Michaylhultl 

Och|iuiiiztli, 
naluiatili> 

Xocohuetzl 
Xocotlhuetj 
Hueymicca, 

t-'AltllA.I  \I.  K^I'INnSA. 

Toxcatl,  or  Coxcatl. 

Ukmknms. 

•  Boturiol  repeati  Martin  de  Leon  and  QemelU  Carreri. 


fTHS  ACCORDING  TO  VARIOUS  AUTHORS. 


9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 

17. 

18. 

Commencement    of 
tlie  Jlexicanyeac, 
aecorili!!;{  ij  our 
reckoning. 

Tlaxochimaco 

Xocohuetzi 

Ochpaniztli 

Teotleco 

TepeilhuitI 

Quecholli 

Panquetzaliztli 

1 

.Vtumoztll TititI 

Yzcalli 

2(1  February. 

Commencement  of 
March. 

2Ctli  February. 

Veyniiccailhiiitl .  .. 

Tlaxocliimanco 

Miccailhuitontly. . . 

Miccailhuitl 

TUixucliiiiittco,  or 
IliH-yniicciiylJiiiitl. 

TIaxuchiniai'i 

Mieayl)iuit7.iiitli. 
Hucyniicailhuitl. 
VcimiccBilhiiitI 

Kzal.iiiaUiztli 

Tlaxucliiiiiac( 

Tecuilhultzinfli.... 

Vchpaniztli.  or  Te- 
nauatiliztli. 

Xocotlhuetzi 

Tocotluetz 

Poirhtli,  or  Heyoz- 
tli. 

Ochpaniztli 

Ochpanlztly 

Ochpaniztl 

Uchpaniztii 

Ochpaniztli 

Hueipachtli,  or  Pa- 
chtli. 

Teotleco 

Pachtontly 

QuechoUi 

Tltiflh 

Ateniuztli 

.\tenioztli 

Izcalli 

Tititi 

TititI 

TititI 

CoBuitlenac,  or  Ci- 
uailhuilt. 

Ytzcali 

Yzealll.or  Xiloma- 
iilztly,  or  Queui- 
lleua. 

Yzcalli 

Tei>eilhuitl 

Vevimclitlv,  or  I'o- 
ailhuitl." 

Quechulli 

Panquetzaliztli 

Panquetzaliztly 

Panquetzaliztli 

Panquetzaliztli 

Panquetztiliztli 

2tl  February. 
1st  March 

Onecholli 

Veyniiccailliuitl . . . 
Xocotllniit/.i 

Xucntlhuet/i 

Huevmicavlhiiitl 

Quecholi 

Quecholli 

24th  February. 
1st  February. 

February. 

Tei)eilhuitl 

Teitcylhuitl 

Pachtzintli 

Atemuztii 

.\temoztlique 

TititI 

Izcalli 

Izcalli 

OuecholU 

Titzotl 

Ochpaniztli 

VrhjMiuiztli,  or  Tu- 
iiavatiliztli. 

Tccuilhuitzliifli... 

TtMUiilhuitzintli.  .. 

Xorohuc'tzi 

llueytecuilhuitl .  . . 

I'aclitli 

Hueypachtli 

Hueiiiachtli 

Micailhnitziiitli.... 
.Hictailhutlzititli.  . . 

Checiogli 

OuecholU 

Panchetzaliztli .... 

Panqueca  iztli 

IIueiHiuiztli 

Ochjianiztli 

Oiieoholli 

.\tenioztli 

Hatcmuztli 

Pachtzintli 

Pachtlizintli 

I'unciuctzjiliztli .... 

Hueypachtli,     or 
Pachtli,  or  Tepe- 
ilhuitI. 

TititI I/.caB-li 

Atlacoalo 

Coavitlcvac 

Panquetzaliztli 

Pau(iuetzalliztli . .  . 
Izcalli 

I'lichtli,  or  Ilei'oz- 
tli. 

llueytecuilhuitl . .. 

Huey  Tecuilhuitl.. 

Ochimnlztli 

Miceailhuitzintll.or 
TlaX'  :himavo. 

Ochpanitztli 

Pachtli,  or  Kzoztli, 
or  Teotli'oo. 

Ochpaniztli 

Tluchpauallztll 

Oclipani/.tli 

TitiU 

Hueypachtli 

Hueypachtli 

Atemoztli 

Izcalli 

tury,  llith  .\pril. 
March    or  2nth  of 

Huevmicailhuitl .  . 
Ilucyniictailhuitl.. 
Tciwilhuitl 

Ochimniztii,  or  Te- 
uahuatiliztli. 

Quecholli 

February. 
2d  February. 

Quecholli 

TititI 

First  year  of  centu- 
ry,  2(itli  Febniary. 

0th  January. 
2Gth  February. 

HueymiccailhuitI, 
or  Xocotlhuetzi. 

Puchtli 

Pachtli,  or  Ezoztii, 
or  Teotleco. 

Teix^ilhuitl 

Quecholli 

PauquctzaliztU .... 
TititI 

Atemoztli 

Izcalli    

Ilucymiccaillmitl, 
or'Xolotlliut'tzin. 

Tlaxochiiiiaei) 

TlaxucUiniHcu 

Michaylhuitl 

Ochimniztll,  or  I't- 
imhiiatiliztli. 

Xucohnctzi 

Xocotlhuetzi 

Ilueyniiccaylhuitl.. 

Iluevpaohtli, or  I'a- 
clitli, or  TeiK'il- 
huitl. 

Quecholli 

Pamiuetzallztli   ... 

Atemoztli 

Panquetzaliztli 

Panquetzaliztli 

Panquetzaliztli. . . . 

TititI,  or  Itzcalli. 

Itzcalli,  or  Xochil- 
huitl. 

TititI 

TititI 

TititI 

Xilomar  .liztli,   or 
Atlcahualio,  or 
Qui>liuitleliiia,or 
C'iliuailhuitl. 

Izclli    

2l)th  March. 

Tejieilhuitl 

T«iH»llhuitl 

Veypactii 

Teotleco 

I'uctontly 

Izcalli 

First  vear  of  cenfu- 

\t('IUO/tli 

Yzcatii 

rv,2ljth  February. 
24th  February. 

j 
1 

t  Uumboldt  and  Gallatin  repeat  Leon  y  Gama, 


( 

s 

tl 

0 
0 

tl 

ti 


nil 
iw 
nil 


eu 


NAMES  OF  THE  AZTEC  MONTH. 


600 


glance  the  many  variations.  I  also  append  to  it  the 
different  dates  given  for  the  first  day  of  the  year,  in 
which  there  are  as  many  contradictions  as  in  the 
names  and  position  of  the  months. 

Each  month,  as  before  stated,  was  represented  by 
its  proper  hieroglyph,  having  a  certain  meaning,  and 
generally  referring  to  some  feast  or  natural  event, 
such  as  the  ripening  of  fruit,  or  falling  of  rain,  hap- 
pening during  the  month,  although  in  this  case  also 
tliere  are  many  differences  between  authors  regarding 
tlie  meaning  of  the  names. 

Tititl,  which  according  to  Gama  was  the  first  month, 
is  translated  by  Boturini  as  'our  mother,'  or  'mother 
of  the  gods,'  while  Cabrera  calls  it  'fire.'*  Itzcalli, 
according  to  Boturini,  means  'regeneration;' the  Co- 
dex Vaticanus  translates  it  'skill;'  and  Veytia,  'the 
sprouting  of  the  grass.'"  Atlcahualco  means  the 
'abatinsT  of  the  waters.'  The  Tlascaltec  name  of  this 
month,  Xilomanaliztli,  signifies  the  'offering  of  green 
maize.'  In  other  localities  this  month  was  also  known 
by  the  name  of  Quahuitlehua,  the  'burning  of  the 
mountains,'  or  rather  of  the  trees  on  the  mountains, 


previous  to  sowing.^"  Tlacaxipehualiztli  means  the 
'Haying  of  the  people;'  the  other  name  of  this  month, 
Cohuailhuitl,  is  the  'feast  of  the  snake.'  Tozoztontli, 
Tozcotzintli,  and  Hueytozoztli  are  respectively  the 
small  and  great  fast  or  vigil;  while  some  translate 
these  words  by  'pricking  of  veins,'  ' shedding  of  blood,' 
or  'great  and  small  penance.'"  Toxcatl  is  a  'collar* 
or  '  necklace. '^^  Etzalqualiztli  is  translated  by  Bo- 
turini 'bean  stew,'  or  'the  eating  of  beans,'  while  Vey- 
tia calls  it  'the  eating  of  maize  gruel.'     Tecuilhuit- 


'  'Itetl,  Ititl,  barriga  o  vientre.'  Molina,  Vocnbnlario.  'Vientre,  la 
iiiadrc,  &  excepcion  del  padre.'  iS'a/yrt,  Niievo  Dice.  'T..'.  . .  ..sij^nifica 
fuei,'o.  Tititl  escrito  en  dos  silabaa  y  seis  letras  nada  significa  en  el  idioina 
mexicano.'  Cabrera,  in  Ilustracion  mex.,  torn,  iv.,  p.  468. 

*  '  fzcalia,  abiuar,  tornar  en  si,  o  rcsuscitar.'  Molina,  Vocabulario. 

'" 'Quiahiiitl-ehua signifiea  lalluvia  levanta.'  Cabrera,  in  Iltistra- 

eion  Mcx.,  torn,  iv.,  p.  464. 

1'  'Tofoliztli  vela,  el  acto  de  velar  ode  no  dormir.'  Molina,  Vocabulario. 

i> '  Garganta  totuzcatlau,  tuzquiti.'  lb. 


610 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


zintli  and  Hueytecuilhuitl  mean  respectively  the 
small  and  ji^reat  'feast  of  the  Lord.'  Miccailhuitzintli 
is  explained  both  as  'the  feast  of  dead  children,'  and 
'the  small  feast  of  the  dead;'  another  name  for  tliis 
month  is  Tlaxochimaco,  meaning  'distribution  of  flow- 


The  Aztec  Year. 


ers.'  Hueymiccailhuitl  is  either  'the  feast  of  dead 
adults,'  or  'the  great  feast  of  the  dead.'  Xocotlliii- 
etzin,  another  name  for  this  month,  means  'the  ripen- 
ing of  the  fruit.'  Ochpaniztli  is  'the  cleaning  of  streets.' 
Teotleco,  or  'the  arrival  of  the  gods,'  was  the  next 


NAMES  OF  THE  AZTEC  DAYS. 


511 


month,  and  was  also  named  Paclitli,  or  Pachtontli,  the 
latter  beinj^  translated  by  'humiliation,'  and  the  former 
l)y  ' moss  hanginj^  from  trees.'  Hueyj)achtli  was  'the 
^leat  feast  of  humiliation,'  also  called  Tepeilhuitl,  or 
'feast  of  the  mountains.'  Quecholli  means  'peacock,' 
but  the  interpreter  of  the  Codex  I'elleridno-Jirnioms 
calls  it  the  'serpent  of  the  clouds.'  Pancpietzaliztli  is 
'the  raising  of  flags  and  banners.'  Atemoztli,  the 
last  month,  means  the  'drying  up  of  the  waters.'" 
The  plate  on  the  preceding  page  shows  the  order  of  the 
months  and  the  pictures  by  which  they  were  repre- 
sented. 

Each  month  contained  twenty  days,  which  were 
divided  into  four  groups  or  weeks,  as  we  may  for  con- 
venience call  them;  and  at  the  end  of  each  group  a 
})uhlic  market  or  fair  was  held.  There  is  no  differ- 
ence of  opinion  as  to  the  names  of  the  days  or  the 
order  in  which  they  follow  one  another,  but  it  is  very 
difficult,  and  in  many  cases  impossible,  to  reconcile 
one  with  another  the  different  hieroglyphic  signs 
denoi/ing  these  days  given  in  the  codices  or  in  the 
various  representations  of  the  calendar.  The  names 
of  the  days  are:  Cipactli,  a  name  of  which  it  is  al- 
most impossible  to  give  the  correct  meaning,  it  be- 
ing variously  represented  as  an  animal's  head  with 
open  mouth  armed  with  long  tusks,  as  a  fish  with  a 
number  of  flint  knives  on  its  back,  as  a  kind  of  lizard 
with  a  very  long  tail  curled  up  over  its  back,  and 
in  many  other  monstrous  shapes.  It  is  called  the 
'sea-animal,'  the  'sword-fish,'  the  'serpent  armed  with 
harpoons,'  and  other  names.  Ehecatl  is  'wind;'  Calli, 
'house;'  Cuetzpalin,  'lizard;'  Coatl,'  'snake;'  Mi- 
quiztli,  'death;'  Mazatl,  'deer;'  Tochtli,  'rabbit,  Atl, 

"  For  the  various  etymologies  of  the  names  of  months,  see:  Sjn'fgmioiic 
iMh  Tu  role  del  Cod  ire  J/crjV'awo  (Vatieano),  in  Kiii<jsborou<jh\i  Mcx.  An- 
til/.,  vol.  v.,  pp.  190-97;  Explkacion  del  Codex  Telleriano-Iiemeiisis,  in 
/'/.,  pp.  129-34;  Leon.,  Camiuo  del  Cielo,  fol.  96-100;  Botitnni,  Idea,  pji. 
^){)^y2;  Vei/tia,  Hist.  Ant.  Mij'.,  tom.  i.,  pp.  64-3;  Cluriijero,  Storm  Aiif. 
(Ii't  i\fcssi'eo,  tom.  ii.,  pp.  66-8.3;  Humboldt,  Viies,  torn,  i.,  pp.  .349-352; 
Bnisseiir  dc  Bourbourq,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  tom.  iii.,  pp.  502-36;  Turquemada, 
Munarq.  lud.,   tom.  il.,  pp.  250-300. 


512 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


*  water;'  Itzruintli,  *(log;'  Ozomatli,  'monkey;'  Mali- 
nalli,  'brualnvood,'  or  'tangled  gra«a;'  Acatl,  'cane;' 
Ocelotl,  'tiger;'  Quaiihtli,  'eagle;'  Cozcaqiiauhtli,  a 
Hjiecies  of  vulture,  known  in  Mexico  as  *rey  tl»;  los 
zopilotes;'  Ollin,  'movement;'  Tecjmtl,   *tKnt;'   Quia- 


Thc  Aztec  Month. 


huitl,  'rain;'  and  Xochitl,  'flower.'  It  will  be  seen 
that  the  days  having  the  names  or  signs  of  the  years, 
— namely:  Tochtli,  Calli,  Tecpatl,  and  Acatl — stand 
first  in  each  week.  The  five  nemontemi  had  no 
particular  name.     The  cut   given   above   shows   the 


IXTEUCALAKY  DAYS. 


513 


UK'tliod  by  whii-h  the  AztooH  roprosentcd  their  month, 
with  the  hieroglyphic  iiaineH  of  each  day." 

As  throe  huiuh'ed  and  Hixty-tive  days  do  not  make 
the  year  oom})lete,  the  Mexicans  added  the  missing 
thirteen  days  at  the  end  of  tlie  cycle  of  fifty-two 
years.  But  Gama  asiserts  that  they  came  still  nearer 
to  our  more  correct  calculations,  and  added  only  twelve 
days  and  a  half*'     It  has  been  freijuently  attempted 


i<  Tliis  order  is  varied  hy  n  few  authors.  Vcytiii  {nvcM  the  folhiwiii}?  en- 
tirely (litl'erent  system:  'Si  el  afio  era  <U'l  eanieter  Teciiatl,  con  este  so 
si'Miilalia  el  ]iriiiier  dia  dc  vnda  ihch,  y  se^uiaii  aiiotandose  his  deiiias  con 
lii-<  ;,'cro''lilit'os  si<;uienteH  en  el  ('trden  en  (ine  los  lie  pnesto;  de  nianera  tine 
fl  vi<jesiino  dia  de  eada  nies  ho  hallaha  Oliin. . .  .Si  el  afio  era  del  se;;nndo 
>,'fri)j,'iilieo  ("alii,  i>or  este  se  conien/aha  li  conlar,  y  a  toilos  los  dias  |irinieroH 
lie  eada  mes  se  les  dalta  este  nonihre.'  The  same  method  he  contends  is 
fi)lio\veil  also  in  those  years  it  each  tlal|iilli  which  commence  with  Toclitli 
ami  Acatl.  For  aizriii/iKiii/itli  he  nses  the  name  fr/iifzf/at/,  or  nictate.  ///.s7. 
Jilt.  M<j.,  tom.  i.,  j>|».  7<>-S();  (loiiKini,  Cdtiii.  Mc.r.,  fol.  '294-.').  (iemelli  Ca- 
rer! statesthat  ("i|iactli  was  notalwaysthuhrstday  of  the  month.  ('/inn/n'//\s 
('i)l.  ]'iii/iiifcs\  tom.  iv.,  i>.  4S'.(;  Diiraii,  Hist.  Iiitfiiix,  MS.,  tom.  iii.,  a]i|iendi\, 
cajt.  ii.;  Jlifus  Aiitit/iKis,  p. '22,  in  Kuiiishoroiitfh's  Mr.r.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  ix.;  Mnln- 
liiiiii,  Hist,  f Ill/ins,  in  Irdzlifilrrta,  Col.  t/r  Ihtr.,  tom.  i.,  p.  'M\.  Itotnrini  adds  ti> 
Ollin  the  word  Tonatiuh,  and  translates  it  'nnivemcnt  of  the  sun.'  lifta,  p. 
4.').  (Jama  jtlaces  Ollin  iK'twcon  Atl  and  Itzenintli.  Do.i Plalrus,  jit  i.,  p.  '1C\; 
IhiUutiii.  in  Aiiiii:  tUlnio.  Sor.,  Transact.,  tom.  i.,  p.  T)!*;  Jira.\:sfnr(/r  lioiir- 
htiiin/,  Hist.  Xdt.  dr.,  tom.  iii.,  ji.  4().3.  See  also  hiero^dy]ihicsin  t'oi/cr  Tel- 
liriiiiio-li'ctiinisis,  pi.  ix.,  in  Kinrfslmrouqli's  Mex.  Aiitii/.,  vol.  i.,  and  Co- 
lifj-  liiiniian.,  in  LI.,  v(d.  iii.,  pi  "24;  Tttrqnriiiada,  Moiiarq.  Iinl.,  torn. 
ii.,  )).  S('4.  In  Nicaraj.;na  where  the  Aztec  lanjjna^e  was  spoken  hy  u 
lai'^'c  ])ortion  of  the  |)opulation,  the  calendar  and  the  names  of  the  days 
were  the  same  as  Aztec,  with  hut  some  slij,'ht  ditlcrences  in  spelling;. 
Ovicdi)  <;ives  the  names  <if  the  days  as  follows:  '<"/«/,  oir/ot,  oatr,  rnsi-aijo- 
<i(<'.  (iliii,  tajirrat,  ijiiiauit,  sorhit,  (;i/i'it,  <irtit,  rati,  (jiir.ymf,  coat,  tiii.s-is!r, 
iiKinit,  tostc,  at,  izi/iiiii(/i,  oc.oinatc,  iiialiiial,  acato. .  .  .  I'n  ano. . .  .liene  diez 
i;i'iii|iiiii!es,  o  eada  cempual  es  voynte  dias.'  7//.\7.  (!ru.,  tom.  iv.,  p.  !>'2. 

'■'  Sahaj^un,  and  after  him  several  others,  do  not  ai;ree  with  this,  hut 
lirctend  that  one  day  was  added  every  fourth  yea  ,  on  which  occasion  u 
cfi'tiiin  feast  was  celehrated,  hut  (iaina  has  clearly  demonstrated  that  (hin 
is  a  mistake.  '  Kl  ano  visiesto,  (jue  era  de  cuatro  en  cuatro  anos  '  Hist. 
H'li.,  tom.  i.,  lih.  ii.,  ]».  75.  'Otra  liesta  hacian  de  cuatro  en  cuati-o  afio.s  ;l 
liiiura  del  fucjio,  en  la  (juc  ahufrerahan  las  orejas  il  todos  los  ninos;  y  la  llama- 
liaii  I'llhiliinializtli,  y  en  esta  fiesta  es  verosimil,  y  hay  conjfeturas  (jue  haciau 
sii  vi.sicstocontandoseisdiasde  Hcmonfnui.'  lil.,  lih.  iv.,  p]).  ,'i47-<8.  ISolurini 
cxiircsses  the  sanu'  opinion.  '  Determinaron  eada  (piatro  anos  afiadir  nn  dia 
iiias,  i|ucreco<j;iesse  las  lioras,  que  se  dcsperdicial)an,  lo<|nc  supoii^'o  exccnla- 
rmi  coiitando  dos  veces  nno  dc  los  Symholos  de  el  ultimo  nu's  de  el  ano,  li  la 
inaiiiMa  de  los  Uonuinos.'  I(/ca,'n.  1S7.  'Fd  anode  visicstotiue era  <lci|ualr(> 
iiijiiatriiafios.'  Leon,  L'a itii no dci  Cic.lo,M.  KH).  'They  order  d  the  hissextilc, 
i>r  leap-year,  after  this  manner.  The  first  year  of  the  a<re  hcf^aii  on  the  tenth 
iif  .liiri/,  and  so  <lid  the  second  and  thinl,  hut  the  fourth  or  leap-year,  on  tlii! 
iiititli,  the  ei^'htli  on  the  eighth,  the  twelfth  on  the  seventh,  the  sixteenth  on 
till'  sixth,  till  the  end  of  the  age,  which  was  on  the  twenty-eighth  of  March, 
viicn  the  thirteen  days  of  the  leap-years,  till  thi>  tenth  of  Afiril,  were  spent  in 
rejoicing.'  (!niiclli('t(rcri,  mChurchill'st'vl.  Vuyaycs,\o\.  \\.,\t.  41)0.  Veytiu 
Vol,.  II.   3a 


51t 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


to  fix  accurately  the  time  when  the  Mexican  year 
connnenced  according  to  our  dates,  hut  tliciu  is  no 
a<jfreeinent  on  this  j)oint  hotween  tlie  old  historiaiis,  mh 
will  ho  seen  from  the  tahle  <^iven,  and  althoiim'h  many 
elaborate  calculations  have  been  made  for  the  purpose 

f  illiiwiiij,'  Ilntiirini  adds  one  dny  every  fdurtli  yenr  by  rcpeatin;,'  tlie  lust  ihiy. 
Hint.  Ant.  Mij.,  turn,  i.,  pp.  ll()-"_'(».  'La  CDrreci'ioii  no  Me  liai'iii  liasta  el  tin 
<lel  ficlo,  en  (|uese  intercalahan  juntos  Ins  1,'iilias.'  Lroii  ifd'nuin,  I  ins  /'in/nis, 
l)t  i.,  p.  "24.  'Les  Mexicaiim  out  ('■videninieiit  «uivi  le  HystenK-  des  IVthcx:  ils 
eonservoient  I'linne  vague  juHipi'a  ce  (jiie  len  lienreH  exeedantcH  forniaHsnit 
unedeniilnnnison;  ilsinterealoient,  jiareonsc'iiuent,  trei/e  ionistoules  len////. 
«/«/7'.v<>u  eycleMdeeincinante-denx  an«. .  .iieliaiiueanneemi  Higne  ^w/i//,,  li's 
Mexieains  perdoient  un  jour;  et,  par  retl'et  de  {ivXW  vvtrotinuhiliim ,  I'aniitf 
cdlli  de  )u  i|uatrienie  indiction  eoninienvoit  le  'J7  deeenihre,  et  tinissoit  im 
Holwtice  d'iiiver,  le  til  deeenihre,  en  ne  faisanl  pa.s  entrer  en  iigne  de  coniiili' 
les  eiii(|  jour.1  inutiles  on  conipienientain's.  II  en  resulte  (jue . . . .  treizc 
jours  iiitercalaires  ranl^nent  le  eoninieneenient  de  I'annee  an  1)  janvi'r.' 
lliuiihitldt,  Vtici,  toni,  ii.,  pp.  (iO-l.  'Non  franiniettevano  nn  jjiorno  o;;iii 
quattro  annl,  nia  trcdiei  Ldorni. .  .opii  eincpiantadne  ainii.'  vlarii/int,  Slnria 
A)it.  (Id  Mrssim,  ioni.  ii.,  p.  ()2.  'They  waited  till  the  expiration  of  titty- 
two  vaj?ne  years,  when  they  interi)osed  thirteen  days,  or  rather  twelve  and 
n  half,  this  heing  the  number  whieh  had  fallen  in  arrear.'  J'n:srfill'.s  Mi.i-,. 
vol.  i.,  j>.  11'2;  Jiras.sc»r  tie  Jioiirlumrg,  Hist.  Xtit.  Cir.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  -l(i!). 
In  this  connection  I  also  give  the  remarkable  statement  of  Pedro  de  Ins 
llios  in  his  interitrctation  of  the  Codex  Vaticanus:  'Itiin,  t'.  ha  da  notare, 
che  il  loro  bisesto  andava  s<do  in  quattro  lettere,  nnni,o8e)."M  clie  soiio  Can- 
lui,  I'ieira,  (.'asa,  c  Conigliu,  ])erehe  come  hanno  bisesiodeli'  giorui  a  tare  di 
quattro  in  <iuattro  ni.it  un  niese  di  (|iielli  einqnc  giorni  iiiorti  ehe  avaii/a- 
vaiiodi  ciaseun  anno,  cosi  nvcvano  bisesto  di  aiiiii  perelie  di  eiii(|iuiiitadiie  in 
ciiKiuantadue  anni,  ehe  b  una  loro  Kta,  aggiun<;evano  un  anno,  il  quale  senipiu 
vcniva  in  una  <li  qneste  lettere  o  segiii  jierehe  eoine  ogni  lelteia  o  segno  di 
quest!  vinti  habbia  trcdiei  del  suo  geiiere  ehe  le  servaiio,  irrhi  (jratitl.''  Kiutj.i- 
Ooruiitjh's Mrx.  Aiitiq.,  vol. v.,  lilt.  174-5.  In  the  Kxidieaeioii  del  Codex  'lel- 
leriaiio-Ueniensis  we  read:  'A  19  de  Fevrero  los  eiiieo  dias  muertos  <|ue  no 
avia  saerilieios;  estos  eran  los  dias  que  sobravan  <le  los  de  vey  nte  en  vey  iite  (ir.1 
ano:  y  siemprc  en cninplieiidosc  los  SOf)  dias,  dexuvan  jiasar  estos,  y  luego  tin- 
navan  a  tomar  el  ano  en  la  letranue  entrava.'  /</.,  p.  134.  To  this  Lord  Kings- 
borough  adds  inn  note:  'The  Mexieaiis  reckoned  3(1")  days  to  their  year;  tlie 
lust  ti ve  of  which  had  no  sign  or  iilace  u]ipropriated  to  them  in  i  lie  calciidiir; 
Bince,  if  they  had  been  admitteii,  the  order  of  the  signs  would  have  been 
inverted,  and  the  new  year  would  not  always  have  commenced  with  Co 
Cipactli.  These  days,  therefore,  ulthongh  included  in  the  coiiijiutatioii  uf 
the  year,  were  rejected  from  the  calendar,  until  at  the  expiration  of  lnnr 
years  au  intercalation  of  twenty  corresponding  signs  might  i)e  ell'cclcd 
without  iirodiieing  any  confusion  in  it.  It  would  ajipear,  however,  dint 
this  intercalation  did  not  actually  take  jdace  till  at  tlie  expirationol 
years;  for  it  is  impossible,  excejit  on  this  supposition,  to  niideistain! 
intcrrolofion  of  years  mentioned  in  the  Vatican  MS.  as  occurring  at 
cxi)iration  of  every  period  of  52  years,  when  an  entire  year  was  ii 
calated:  but  adinitting  the  postponement  of  an  intercalation  of  a  iikm 
every  four  years  during  a  period  of  52  years,  such  an  intercalation  woiiM 
then  become  quite  intelligible;  since  thirteen  Mexican  months,  of  20  days 
each,  exactly  constitute  a  ritual  year  of  the  Mexicans  which  contained  'J(iO 
days,  and  wa«  shorter  than  the  civil  year  by  105  <lays;  and  this  is  (lie  jui'- 
cise  iiiiiiibcr  of  months  of  which  the  intercalation  would  have  been  post- 
poned.' Mex.  Antiq.,  vol.  vi.,  pp.  103-4. 


THE  UITLAL  CAI.KNDAR. 


of  vorifyin<(  th'^  one  or  tlio  other  Htutomont,  tlic  result 
is  in  no  two  (nses  tlie  name.  Gania  ealc'ulate<l,  and 
HiinilioUlt  and  (Jallatin  eonHrnied  Ills  statement,  that 
the  tirnt  ye'ar  of  a  Mexiean  cycle  commenced  on  the 
;{lst  day  of  Decend)er,  old  style,  or  on  th«!  i>th  d;iy 
of  January,  new  style,  with  the  month  Titid  and  the 
day  Cii)aetli." 

We  come  now  to  another  mode  of  reckonintj  known 
as  the  ritual  calendar,  which,  as  its  name  im]>lies, 
was  used  ftr  adjusting  all  reli<jfious  feasts  and  rites 
and  everything  pertaininjjf  thereto.  The  previously 
(It'sciihed  reckonin<(  was  solar,  while  that  of  the  ritual 
calendar  was  lunar.  The  periods  into  which  it  was 
divided  were  of  thirteen  aays  each,  thus  representin<4' 
ahont  half  t!ie  time  that  the  moou  was  visihle.  The 
year  contained  as  many  days  as  the  solar  calendar, 
hut  they  were  divided  into  entirely  different  period^. 
Thus,  in  reality  there  were  no  months  at  all,  hut  only 
twenty  weeks  of  thirteen  days  each;  and  these  not 
ooiistluit  ini^  a  full  year,  the  same  kind  of  reckoning 
wa.s  V  i.„inued  for  one  hundred  and  five  days  more,  and 
at  the  end  of  a  tlalpilli  thirteen  days  were  intercalated 
to  make  uj)  for  the  lost  days.  The  names  of  the  days 
were  the  same  as  in  the  solar  calendar  but  they  were 
coniited  as  follows.  To  the  first  day  the  nund)er  one 
was  prefixed,  to  the  second,  two,  to  the  third,  three, 
and  so  on  to  thirteen;  when  the  fourteentli  name  was 
attain  called  one,  the  fifteenth,  two,  and  so  on  to  thir- 
teen again,  after  which  the  same  count  was  continued 
to  the  end  of  the  year.  But  as  in  this  reckoning  it 
naturally  hapj)ens  that  one  name  has  the  same  num- 
iier  twice,  accompanying  signs  were  added  to  the 
regular  names,  which  were  called  qaechol/i,  'h^rds  or 
5   lers   of    the   night.'      Of    these   there   were    nine, 


"•  Lron  y  Gavia,  Dos  Pir.dras,  pt  i.,  pp.  62-89;  GoUatin,  in  Amcr.  Elhnn. 
Siir.,  Trotisacf..,  vol.  i.,  j))).  0!)-80.  Veytia's  rcatsun  for  conimt'iH'iiig  the  yi'iir 
witli  Ateiiioztli.  '"*,  tliiit  on  the  culeiidar  firclc  wliicli  ]ic  saw,  and  of  wliicli  I 
iU'crt  a  fopy,  t'  ^  wa«  tlie  iiiontli  followin;^  the  live  neiiioiitiMiii.  Tills  ap- 
]H!irs  very  reasonable,  but  nevertheless  (Jnnia  and  (iailatin's  calculations 
show  it  to  be  uu  error.     See  Vcytiu,  Hiit,  Ant.  M>j.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  74-5. 


516 


THE  NAFJA  NATIONS. 


xiuhtecutli,  tied,  'lord  of  the  year,  fire;'  tecpatJ, 
'flint;'  xockitl,  'flower;'  centeotl,  'goddess  of  maize;' 
miquiztli,  'death;'  atl,  'water,'  represented  by  tlie 
goddess  Chalchihuitlicue;  tiazolteoti,  'goddess  of  love;' 
tepeyollotli,  a  deity  supposed  to  inhabit  the  centre 
of  the  mountains;  quiahuitl,  'rain,'  represented  by 
the  god  Tlaloc."  As  stated  above,  one  of  these  signs 
was  understood  to  accompany  the  regular  name  of  each 
day,  commencing  with  the  first  day  of  the  year;  but 
they  were  never  written  or  mentioned  with  the  first 
two  hundred  and  sixty  days,  but  only  with  the  last 
one  hundred  and  five  days,  to  distinguish  them  from 
the  former.^*  For  the  purpose  of  making  this  sys- 
tem more  comprehensible,  I  insert  a  few  months  of 
the  Mexican  calendar,  showing  the  solar  and  lunar 
system  together,  as  arranged  by  Gama. 


Months  and  days  of 
our  era. 


January  . 


.  9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
11 
15 
It! 
17 

18 
19 
20 
21 

22 
23 
24 
25 
2C 

27 

28 

29 
30 
31 


MonthH  f  nd  days  of 
the  .Mexican  civil, 
or  solar,  ca:endar. 


Titltl  , 


.  1 

.  2 

3 

.  i 

6 
.  C 
.  7 
.  8 
.  9 

.10 
.11 
.12 
.13 

.14 
10 
.l(i 
.17 
.18 

.19 
.'.0 


Itzcalli . 


Days  and  weeks  of 
the  Mexican  ritual, 
or  lunar,  calendar. 


l..Cipactll.... 
2..Kliecatl  .... 

3..CaUi , 

4 . .  Cuet/tpaliu  , 

6.  .Coatl  

(i.-Niiriuiztli  ., 

7.,Mazatl 

8..Tochtli 

9. .Atl 


10.  Itzcuintll. 
ll..Uzoniatli  . 
12..Mulinalli. 
13..Acatl 


L.Ocelotl 

2..Quauhtli 

3 . .  C  zcaquauhtli . 

4    Ollin 

5..Tecpatl 


6..Quiahiiitl. 
7..Xochltl..., 


8..ripactli.. 

9..Ehecatl  . 

10..cani  .... 


Accompanying  Kigiis, 
or  'lords  of  the  uiglit.' 


Tletl 1 

Tecpatl 2 

Xochitl 3 

Centeotl 4 

Miquiztli ^ 

Atl tl 

Tiazolteoti 7 

Tepeyollotli H 

Quiahuitl 9 


Tlrtl 1 

'leo|iatl 2 

Xochitl 3 

Centeotl 4 


Mi<iuiztli 5 

Atl r> 

Tiazolteoti 7 

Tepeyoll.itli H 

Quiahuitl 9 

Tletl I 

Tecpatl 2 

Xochitl a 

Ceuteotl 4 

Miquiztli 5 


"  Boturini  gives  the  rulers  oi  the  night  ns  foHows:  Xitiliteucyoliiiii, 
Sofior  de  el  Ano;  Ytztcueyohiia,  Sefior  <le  el  Fiiego;  Piltziiiteiicvoiiiia,  Si- 
fior  «le  h)aNifioH;  Ciiiteiicvoliiia,  Seiiordcel  Maiz;  Mictlanteueyohusi,  ScMiir 
(leel  Infierno;  Chaldiihuitlicueybhua,  Sefu»r  de  el  Agua;  Tlazoiyoiiuii,  Si- 
nor  de  el  Amor  deshoiicsto;  Tepeyolovbhua,  Sefior  de  hm  Eiitranus  do  los 
Moiites;  Quiauhteucvohua,  Sefior  de  las  Lluvias.  Iiha,  y.  58, 

'«  Leon  y  Gama,  Y)os  Pkdras,  pt  »-,  PP-  20-31,  52-3;  Boh  riiii,  Idea,  pp. 
57-9;  Gallatin,  in  Amtr.  Ethno.  Hoc,  Traiuiact.,  vol.  i.,  p.  01. 


TAbLE  OF  MONTHS,  WEEKS,  AND  DAYS. 


517 


Months  and  days  of 
our  era. 


1 

4 

'.'.'.'..  tl 

7 

8 

9 

1 

2 

3 

4 

.-> 

..  <■> 

7 

8 

9 

I 

'J 

...     3 

....  4 

5 

iiliua, 
a.  Si- 

Scfiiir 
ii,  i-i- 

February 


March 


.  X 

•a 

3 

4 

S 
6 

7 
3 
9 
10 
11 
.^2 
13 

14 
l.-i 
16 

17 

H 
19 
20 
21 
22 

23 
24 
26 
20 
27 
28 


2 
3 

4 
6 
G 
7 
8 
9 

10 
11 
12 

13 
14 

15 

1« 
17 
18 
19 
21) 
2t 

22 

21 
2i 
2.5 
2« 
27 

28 
29 

30 
31 


MonthR  and  dayB  of 
the  .Mexicau  civil 
calendar. 


.  4 
.  S 
.  6 

.  7 

.  8 
.  9 
.10 

11 
.12 
.13 
.14 

It, 
.16 

.17 
.18 
.19 

.20 


Atluahnalco 1 

2 

3 

4 

, 6 


TIacaxipeh\iallztli  1 
, 2 


.  4 
.  6 

.  6 

.  7 
.  8 
.  9 
.10 
.11 
.12 

.13 

.  14 
.IT) 
.16 
.17 
.18 

.10 

.'JO 


^thlVeliru  rUual     AccompanyiuR  Mgn., 
calendi  "'  *  ^""^^  "^  ">«  »'«*'*•' 


ll..Cuetzpalin . 

12..Coatl 

13..MiquiztU... 


l..Muati. 


2..TochtU 

3     Atl 

4..ItZ(;uiiitU  ..     . 

5..0zoiuatll 

«..Maliiiam 

7..Acatl 

8..0celoU 

9..Qnttnhtll 

10 . .  Cozcaquauhtli 

IL.OlHn 

12.  .'Ii'cpatl 

13..Quiahuitl 


L.XuchiU 


2..rlpactll.   ., 
3..EhPcatl  ... 

4     Oalli 

5. .  CiK'tzpalin. 
6..Coatl 


7..Mlq«lz«i 
H..MaziitI.... 
9..'f(HhtU  .. 

10. .Atl  

ll..Itziiii.itll 
12..Uzuiiiatll. 


13..MaIiualll- 


L.Aoatl... 
2..0celotl. 


,'i..Qnauhtli.   .   . 
4 . .  Cozcaquauhtli . . . 

3..()llin 

(L.Tecpiitl 

7..yuiHhnitl 

8..Xoihitl 


9..rinnrtll.. 
10..Klifoiitl. 
11.. Call!  .... 


i2..v';iietzpBlln. 

l.l.Coatl 


l..Mlquiztll Xo.hitl... 


2...Ma/atl . 
3..Tochtll  .    . 
4..  Atl     ...     , 
B.Itzdilnfli  , 
t;,  .Ozoiiiiitll. 
7..MulinalU  . 


Atl 6 

I  lazolteotl 7 

TepeyoUotli 8 

QuiahulU 9 

Tletl 1 

T.  cpatl 2 

Xochitl j 

Ce  tpotl  4 

Miquiztli 6 

Atl 6 

Tlazolteutl 7 

TepeyoUotli 8 

Quiahuitl 0 

Tletl 1 

et'patl 2 

Xochitl 3 

Centi^otl 4 

Miquiztli 5 

Atl        ...   (! 

'1  lazolteotl 7 

TepeyoUotli 8 

guiahuitl 9 

Tletl I 

Tecpatl 2 

Xochitl 3 

Ceiiteotl 4 

Miquiztli 5 

Atl 0 

Tlazolteotl 7 


Tcpevollotli H 

Quiaituitl 9 

Tletl 1 

Teipiitl 2 

Xoihitl 3 

Ceiiteotl 4 

.Mi<iuiztli a 

Atl C 

Tlazolteotl  7 

Tepeyi  Until 8 

yulaii i.itl 9 

Tletl I 

Tecpatl 2 


Tozoztontll . 


8..Acatl 

9.  Orel  tl 

]O..QuauhtU 

11.  .Cozcaquauhtli  . . 

12..0111n 

13.. Tecpatl 


l..Quinhuitl 
2..X.,chitl  ... 


3..Cipartli.. 

4..Khecatl. 


3 

Ci'Utectl. ..    4 

Mii.iiiztli 6 

Atl r- 

Tlazolteotl 7 

Tepevlli.tll 8 

WulaUuitl 9 

Tletl 1 

'lecpiitl 2 

Xochitl :i 

(  e'.iteotl 4 

Miquiztli -. 

Atl C 

Tlazolteotl 7 

Tepevollotll 8 

gulaiiuitl 9 


Tletl . 


618 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


The  five  nemontemi  were  counted  in  this  calendar 
as  other  days,  that  is,  they  received  the  names  wliicli 
came  in  the  regular  order,  but,  nevertheless,  they 
were  believed  to  be  unlucky  days  and  had  no  accom- 
panying signs. 

Besides  the  preceding  cuts  of  the  ^Mexican  cal- 
endar systems,  as  they  were  represented  by  (^emclU 
Careri,  Veytia,  and  others,  the  calendar-stone  is  the 
most  reliable  source  by  which  the  extent  of  the  astro- 
iioiiilcal  science  of  the  Aztecs  can  be  sliown.  Cania, 
and  after  him  Gallatin,  give  very  accurate  descriptions 
of  this  stone ;  I  insert  here  a  resume  from  the  hitter 
author.  On  this  stone  there  iseuii^raved  in  hitrh-rclief 
a  cir  ;le,  in  which  are  represented  by  certain  hiero- 
glyphics the  sun  and  its  several  motions,  the  twenty 
days  of  th'j  month,  some  principal  fast-days,  and  otlier 
matters.  The  central  figui'e  represents  the  sun  as  it 
is  usually  painted  by  the  Mexicans.  Around  it,  out- 
side of  a  small  circle,  are  four  parallelograms  with  tlie 
signs  of  the  days,  Nahui  Ocelotl,  Nahui  Ehecatl,  Na- 
hui  Quiahuitl,  and  Nahui  Atl.  Between  the  two  upper 
and  lower  parallelograms  are  two  figures,  wliich  Gania 
explains  as  being  two  claws,  wliich  are  the  hieroglyphics 
representing  two  eminent  astrologers,  man  and  wife. 
Gama  further  explains  these  four  signs  of  the  days  in 
this  place,  as  having  reference  to  the  four  epochs  of 
nature,  of  which  the  Aztec  traditions  speak.  The 
first  destruction  of  the  sun  is  said  to  have  taken  ])laco 
in  the  year  Ce  Acatl  and  on  the  day  Nahui  ( )cehttl. 
The  second  sun  was  supposed  to  have  died  in  the  ye.ir 
Ce  Tecpatl  and  on  the  day  Nahui  Ehecatl;  the  third 
destruction  occurred  also  in  the  year  Ce  Tecpatl  and 
on  the  day  Nahui  Quiahuitl;  and  lastly,  the  fourth  de- 
struction took  ])lace  in  the  year  Ce  Calli,  on  the  day 
Naliui  Atl.  But  Mr  Gallatin  thinks  that  these  four 
parallelograms  had  yet  some  other  pur})ose;  for  on  the 
twenty-second  of  May  and  on  the  twciiity-sixth  of 
July,  which  days  are  Nahui  Ocelotl  and  Nahui  Quia- 
huitl, if  wo  accept  the  thirty-first  of  December  as  tlio 


THE  AZTEC  CALENDAR -STONE. 


519 


first  <lay  of  the  Mexican  cycle,  the  sun  passed  the  me- 
ridiaii  of  tlie  city  of  Mexico.  But  in  this  case  the 
other  two  days,  Nahui  Ehecatl  and  Nahui  Atl  cannot 
be  explained  in  connection  with  any  other  astronomi- 
cal event.  Between  the  lower  parallelograms  are  two 
biiiali  squares,  in  each  of  which  are  five  ohlong  marks, 
HJgnifiying  the  number  ten;  and  as  the  central  figure 
is  the  olUii  v^iicttiuh,  or  sun,  tlie  number  ten  in  these 
two  squares  is  supposed  to  mean  the  day  Matlactli 
Olliu.  Below  this  again  are  the  hieroglyj)hi('s  Ce 
Quiahuitl,  and  Ome  Ozomatli.  The  day  ^latluctli 
Ollin  in  the  first  year  of  the  cycle  is  the  twenty- 
second  of  Sejjtember;  Ce  Quiahuitl  in  the  year  Mat- 
lactli omey  Acatl,  which  year  is  inscribed  at  the  head 
of  the  stone,  is  our  twenty-second  of  March;  and 
Onie  Ozomatli  in  the  same  year  would  be  our  twenty- 
socf)nd  of  June.  Here  are  therefore  designated  three 
of  tlie  principal  phenomena  as  they  happened  in  tlie 
first  year  of  the  cycle,  viz:  two  transits  of  the  sun  by 
the  zenith  and  the  autunmal  equinox.  In  the  year 
designated  on  the  stone  Matlactli  omey  Acatl,  there 
are  given  the  spring  equinox  and  sunmier  solstice. 
Ill  a  circle  surrounding  these  figures  are  represented 
the  twenty  days  of  the  months.  From  the  central 
figure  of  the  sun  there  runs  upward,  as  far  as  the  circle 
of  clays,  a  triangle,  the  upper  and  smallest  angle  of 
Avhich  points  between  the  days  Cii)actli  and  Xochitl, 
tlius  confirming  the  idea  that  Cipactli  was  always 
the  first  day  of  the  month.  Gama,  (lallatin,  llum- 
1>ol(lt,  ])upaix,  and  others  have  given  correct  pictures 
of  tlie  stone  as  is  prov^ed  by  recent  photographs;  but 
ill  my  cut  the  figures  are  reversed.  It  is  a  co[)y  from 
Charnay,  whose  photographs  were  in  1875  the  best 
authority  accessible;  and  I  failed  to  notice  that  this, 
unlike  Charnay 's  other  plates,  was  a  photo-lithograph 
ivvcrscd  in  printing.  Not  only  tlid  I  fall  into  this 
error,  l)ut  in  my  earlier  editicms  charged  other  writers 
with  liavin<jf  made  a  similar  one.  The  cut  dots  not 
otl'xrwise  mislead,  but  it  must  be  noted  that  instead 


620 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


of  r-i.ming  from  left  to  riglit,  the  days  really  run  frmii 
rig]  it  to  loft.  From  the  circle  of  days,  four  triamr](;s, 
or  rays,  project,  exactly  dividing  the  stone  into  four 
quarters,  each  of  which  has  ten  visible  squares,  and,  as 
tlie  rays  cover  twelve  more,  there  would  be  fifty-two  in 
all.     In  each  square  are  five  oblong  marks,  which  mul- 


The  Calcndar-Stonc. 


tiplied  by  fifty-two,  give  two  hundred  and  sixty,  or 
the  first  period  of  tlie  Mexican  ritual  year.  ( )iitsi(lo  of 
the  cin-lu  of  these  squares  the  four  quarters  are  e.-uli 
again  divided  by  a  smaller  ray,  and,  as  st.ited  before, 
at  tlie  head  of  the  stone,  over  the  princi}>id  triangle  is 
the  sign  of  the  year  !Matlactli  Onioy  Acatl.  Koiiiitl 
the  outer  edsjfe  are  a  number  of  other  fiyfures  and  liiero- 


CALENDAR  OF  THE  TARASCOS. 


521 


glyph ics,  which  have  not  yet  been  decii)hored,  or 
whose  interpretations  by  different  writers  present  so 
many  contradictions  that  they  would  have  no  value 
liere.^® 

The  only  information  we  have  of  the  calendar  used 
ill  Michoacan  is  furnished  by  Veytia,  and  this  is  only 
fragmentary.  Enough  is  known,  however,  to  show 
that  their  system  was  the  same  as  that  of  the  Aztecs. 
Instead  of  the  four  principal  signs  of  the  Aztecs,  tec- 
patl,  calli,  tochtli,  and  acatl,  in  Mechoacan  the  names 
iiiodon,  inhani,  inchon,  and  intihui  were  used.  Of 
the  eighteen  months  only  fourteen  are  mentioned  by 
name.  These  are:  Intacaci,  Indehuni,  Intecamoni, 
Interunihi,  Intamohui,  Inizcatolohui,  Imatatohui, 
Itzbachaa,  Intoxihui,  Intaxihui,  Intechaqui,  Inte- 
chotahui,   Inteyabchitzin,    Intaxitohui.     The  five  in- 


i"  Gallatin,  in  Amcr.  Ethno.  Soc,  Transact.,  vol.  i.,  pp.  94-10.3;  Leon  y 
Giima,  Dos  Piedras,  ])t  i.,  jtp.  89-114.  Fiuther  (lesciiptHm,  and  iiiciition 
of  tlie  astronoinical  system  will  1)C  found  in  Uiitiiholdt,  Viivs,  toin.  i.,  pp. 
SHJ-D'i,  and  toni.  ii.,  pp.  1-99,  .336-80;  Toni^innaulu,  Momuq.  Intl.,  torn. 
ii,,  pp.  295-.305;  Las  Casus,  Hist.  Ajmloitfttca,  MS.,  cap.  txii;  Sa/iat/im, 
hint.  Gen.,  toni.  i.,  lib.  ii.,  pp.  49-70,  HI),  iv.,  i)p.  •282-309,  338-49,  toiii'.  ii., 
lil>.  vii.,  j)p.  256-00,  204-.5;  E.rjdanativn  of  the  Codex  Vatieaims,  in  Kiinjs- 
hitnnufh's  Mex.  Antiq.,  vol.  vi.,  pp.  196,  200;  Botitrini,  Idea,  j)p.  42-ri9, 
lOOlO,  122-4,  137-40,  153-5;  Id.,  (Jatiiloijo,  pp.  57-72;  Mololliiia,  llist.  Iii- 


(lios,   in  Irazbalveta,  Cul.  de  Doe.,  toni.  i.,  m.  35-8;   Veytia,  llist.  Ant.  MeJ., 

Carhajal  Esjnnosa,  Iii.st.  M" 
JSnisseiir  de  liotirboiinf,  llist.  ^'al.   L'ir.,  toni.   iii.,  jip.  457-82;  Goiiiara, 


ioni.  i.,  pp.  30-1.38;     Carhajal  Esjnnosa,  lii.st.  Mex.,    toni.  i.,  pp.  517-31; 


('u)H/.  Mex.,  fol.  294-97;  GeitielU  Careri,  in  Chiirehiirs  Col.  ]'oi/fiije.s,  toni. 
iv.,  pp.  487-90;  Leon  y  Gatiia,  Dos  I'iedras;  Gtdlatin,  in  A  nor.  El/mo. 
Hoc,  Tnaisaet.,  vol.  i.,  i)p.  57-115;  Laet,  Xonis  Orhis,  pp.  241-2;  I'res- 
Cdlt's  Mex.,\o\.  i.,  pp.  110-27;  Piiuentel,  Mem.  sohre  lit  liiiza  Iiiili<iriia, 
pp.  41-3;  Nehel,  Viaje,  pi.  1.;  llerrera,  Hi.st.  Gen.,  doc.  iii.,  lilt,  ii.,  cap. 
xviii.;  Ixtlilxochitl,  Itelueiones,  in  Kiiitfshoroinjh's  Mex.  Aiitii/.,  toni.  ix., 
jip.  322-4;  Acosta,  Hist,  de  las  Yiid.,Yt\).  .397-9;  Vlariijero,  Sloria  Ant.  del 
Mixsiro,  toui.  ii.,  pp.  56-05;  Midler,  liei.sen,  toni.  iii.,  iip.(53-90;  Mei'nlloh's 
lli'niiire/ies  in  Anier.,  pp.  201-25;  Klemm,  Cnltnr-Ge.sehiehle,  toni. v.,  }ip. 
128-30;  Ti/lor' i  ReseareJies,  \)\>. '^yi-A;  Id.,  Anahnae,  p.  103;  Se/iinderaft's 
Airli.,  vol.  i.,  pp.  44-5;  Montaniis,  Nicnn-e  U'eereld,  jip.  2(!t)-7;  I'elerMar- 
','/'•,  dec.  i v.,  lib.  viii.,  pp.  5.37-8;  liaril,  Me.iii/ne,  pp.  194-."),  21 1-15;  Mor- 
full's  Crania  Amcr.,  p.  1.50;  Malte-lirnn,  Precis  de  la  G('oif.,  toni.  vi.,  jip. 
■ii'i. '2\)H;  Mac.ijrcfj/or's  Protjress  nf  Avar.,  xol.  i.,  ]>.  22;  C/iandiers'J.inr., 
183,"i,  vol.  iv.,*p.  2.54;  Lafond,  Voyiate.'i,  toni.  i.,|).  118;  Tunron,  llist.  Gen., 
toni.  iii.,  pp.  21-2,  24-5;  I'oin.ieffs  Xotes  Mex.,  jip.  Ill,  75-0;  Simon's  Ten 
Ti-/I)i:s,  pp.  149-57;  Kendall's  Sar.,  \()\.  ii.,  p.  328;  /'richard's  Aat.  llist. 
Mini,  vol.  ii.,  p.  .507;  Cahrera,  in  Ilnstrio-ion  Mex.,  toni.  iv.,  \>u.  401-70; 
Miillir.  AmerikaniHche  Urrcliffionen,  jip.  93-4;  Hnndioldt,  E.s.sai  i'ol.,  toni. 
'•,  ]i.  \>'l;  Tlioniji.son's  Mex.,  p.  213;  Fullies,  Eludes  Hist,  sur  les  Civilisations, 
i'aiis,  (n.  d.)  pp.  57-02. 


622 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


tercalary  days  were  named  {ntasiahire.^  Tlie  days 
of  the  month,  divided  into  four  equal  parts  by  the 
above-mentioned  four  principal  signs,  were  called: 
Inodon,  Inicebi,  Inettuni,  Inbeari,  Inethaati,  Inbani, 
Tnxichari,  Inchini,  Inrini,  Inpari,  Inchon.  Inthahui, 
Intzini,  Intzoniabi,  Intzimbi,  Inthihui,  Inixotzini, 
Inichini,  Iniabi,  Intaniri.** 

The  Zapotecs  in  Oajaca,  accordinor  to  the  descrip- 
tion of  Burgoa,  used  the  same  calendar  as  the  Aztecs, 
with  this  difference,  that  the  year  always  commenced 
on  the  twelfth  day  of  March,  and  tlavt  the  bissextile 
year  was  corrected  every  fourth  year,  by  adding,  in- 
stead of  five,  six  intercalary  days.*" 


22 


*"  'Los  ciiatro  mescs  que  faltan  son  Icsque  corresponden  A  nucstro  cnoro, 
fcbrero  y  iiiarzo,  porq  le  al  manuscrito  le  falta  la  i)riinera  lioja,  y  solo  lomi- 
cnza  (Icsde  el  ilia  '22  dc  niarzo,  y  coucluye  en  31  dieienibre,  confroiiluiido 
8US  nieses  con  los  nnestros.'  Vcyfia,  Hist.  Ant.  McJ.,  torn,  i.,  p.  i;W.  '11 
est  dit  que  I'annee  coninicn^ait  au  22  niarsavec  le  premier  jour  In  Tliiuari.' 
Jimsspiir  (/,-.  ISonrhuiirtj,  Hint.  Nat.  Civ.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  4C7. 

*'  Vcytia,  Hist.  Ant.  Mej.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  1.37-8;  Brasseur  de  Boiirhoiirfj, 
Hist.  N'at.  Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  pp.  4C3,  467;  Gullatin,  in  Amer.  Etluio.  Sue, 
2'iaiisurt.,  vol.  i.,  pp.  104-5. 

**  'Dabanle  diez  y  oclio  meses  de  h  20.  dias,  y  otro  mas  de  cinco,  y 
este  al  caho  tie  quatro  afios  conio  nuestro  Bi.siesto  lo  variaban  j\  seis  dins, 
pos  las  sois  horas  que  Hobrau  cada  auo.'  Burgoa,  Ceog.  Descrij).,  torn,  i, 
pt  ii.,  foL  136. 


CHAPTER    XVII. 

THE   AZTEC   PICTURE-WRITING. 

Hieroglyphic  Records  — The  Native  Books  — Authorities  — De- 
struction OF  THE  Native  Archives  nv  ZumArraga  and  his 
Confreres  —  Picture-writings  used  after  the  Conquest  fob 
Confession  and  Law-Suits— Value  of  the  Records  —  Docu- 
ments SKNT  TO  Spain  in  the  Sixteenth  Century  — European 
Collections  —  Lord  Kingsborougii's  Work—  Picture-writings 
retained  in  Mexico— Collections  of  Ixtlilxochitl,  Siguenza, 
CJemelli  Careri,  Boturini,  Veytia,  Leon  y  Gama,  Pichardo, 
aunin,  and  the  national  museum  of  mexico —process  of 
Hieroglyphic  Development  —  Representative,  Symbolic,  and 
Phonetic  Picture-writing  —  Origin  of  Modern  Alphabets  — 
THE  Aztec  System  —  Specimen  from  the  Codex  Mendoza  — 
Specimen  from  Gemelli  Careri— Specimen  from  the  Boturini 
Collection  — Probable  future  success  of  Intehpbeters— The 
Nepohualtzitzin. 


The  Naliua  nations  possessed  an  original  hiero- 
gly[)hic  system  by  which  tliey  were  able  to  record  all 
that  they  deemed  worthy  of  preservation.  ^  The  art 
of  picture-writing  was  one  of  those  most  highly 
prized  and  most  zealously  cultivated  and  protected, 
being  entrusted  to  a  class  of  men  educated  for  the 
purpose  and  much  honored.  The  written  records 
included  national,  historic,  and  traditional  annals, 
names  and  genealogical  tables  of  kings  and  nobles, 
lists  and  tribute-rolls  of  provinces  and  cities,  land- 
titles,  law  codes,  court  records,  the  calendar  and 
succession  of  feasts,  religious  ceremonies  of  the  tem- 


524 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


pie  service,  names  and  attributes  of  the  gods,  the 
mysteries  of  augury  and  sooth-saying,  with  some  de- 
scription of  social  customs,  mechanical  employments, 
and  educational  processes.  The  preparation  and 
guardianship  of  records  of  the  higher  class,  such  as 
historical  annals  and  ecclesiastical  mysteries,  wore 
under  the  control  of  the  highest  ranks  of  the  priest- 
hood, and  such  records,  comparatively  few  in  number, 
were  carefully  guarded  in  the  temple  archives  of  a 
few  of  the  larger  cities.  These  writings  were  a  sealed 
book  to  the  masses,  and  even  to  the  educated  classes, 
who  looked  with  superstitious  reverence  on  the  priest- 
ly writers  and  their  magic  scrolls.  It  is  probable 
that  the  art  as  applied  to  names  of  persons  and  places 
or  to  ordinary  records  was  understood  by  all  educated 
persons,  although  by  no  means  a  popular  art,  and 
looked  upon  as  a  great  laystery  by  the  common 
people.  The  hieroglyphics  were  painted  in  bright 
colors  on  long  strips  of  cotton  cloth,  prepared  skins, 
or  maguey-paper — generally  the  latter — rolled  up  or, 
preferably,  folded  fan-like  into  convenient  books  called 
amatl,  and  furnished  often  with  thin  wooden  coveis. 
The  same  characters  were  also  carved  on  the  stones 
of  public  buildings,  and  probably  also  in  some  cases 
on  natural  cliffs.  The  early  authorities  are  unanimous 
in  crediting  these  people  wdth  the  possession  of  a  liie- 
roglypliic  system  sufficiently  perfect  to  meet  all  their 
requirements.^ 


1 


i  'Todas  Icos  cosas  mie  conferinios  me  las  dieron  por  pinturas,  que  nqnella 
era  la  eseritura  que  ellos  antiguamcnte  usaban:  los  graindticos  las  derlava- 
ron  en  su  leii<^ua,  escribieudo  la  deolaracion  al  pie  de  la  pintura.  Teiijio 
auu  ahora  estos  originales.'  Sohaguii,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  i.,  p.  iv.  '  Auuqiie  no 
tenian  escritura  como  nosotros  teniun  enipero  sua  fignras  y  caractercs  (]ue 
todas  las  cosas  qui  (juerian,  sigiiiHcaban ;  y  destas  sus  libros  graiules  por  tan 
agudo  y  sutil  artifieio,  que  podrianios  decir  que  nuestras  letras  en  aqui'Uo 
no  les  liicicrou  mucha  ventaja.'  Las  Casus,  Hist.  Apologetica,  MS.,  cai). 
tcxxxv.  'Teuiau  sua  figuras,  y  Hieroglyficas  con  que  pintauan  las  cosas  eu 
csta  forma,  que  las  cosas  que  tenian  nguras,  las  ponian  con  sus  proprias 
yniagincs,  y  para  las  cosas  que  no  aula  yniagen  propria,  tenian  otros  ca- 
lacteres  signilicatiuos  de  aquello,  y  con  este  modo  ligurauan  quautoqueriau.' 
Arosta,  Hist,  de  las  Ynd.,  p.  408.  'Letras  Reales  de  cosas  pintadas,  ((Hiio 
orau  las  pinturas,  en  que  leiJt  Eneas  la  destruiciou  de  Trova.'  '  Y  csto  que 
uliraio,  es  touiado  de  las  niisnias  Historias  Mexicauas,  y  ^letzcucaiias,  q''c 


DESTKUCTION  OF  ABOllItilNAL  RECORDS. 


525 


Unfortunately  the  picture-writings,  particularly 
those  iu  the  handa  of  priests — those  most  highly 
prized  by  the  native  scholar,  those  which  would,  if 
preserved,  have  been  of  priceless  value  to  the  students 
of  later  times — while  in  common  with  the  products  of 
other  arts  they  excited  the  admiration  of  the  foreimi 
invaders,  at  the  same  time  they  aroused  the  pious 
fours  of  the  European  priesthood.  The  nature  of  the 
writinirs  was  little  understood.  Their  contents  were 
deemed  to  be  for  the  most  part  religious  mysteries, 
painted  devices  of  the  devil,  the  strongest  band  that 
held  the  people  to  their  aboriginal  faith,  and  the  most 
formidable  obstacle  in  the  way  of  their  conversion  to 
the  true  faith.  The  destruction  of  the  pagan  scrolls 
was  deemed  essential  to  the  progress  of  the  Church, 
and  was  consequently  ordered  and  most  successfully 
cairied  out  under  the  direction  of  the  bishops  and 
their  subordinates,  the  most  famous  of  these  I'anatical 
destroyers  of  a  new  world's  literature  being  Juan  de 
Zuniilrraga,  who  made  a  public  bonfire  of  the  native 
archives.     The  fact  already  noticed,  that  the  national 


sun  las  que  sigo  en  este  discurao,  y  las  que  tengo  en  mi  podcr.'  Torqiuemri- 
(lii.  MiiiKirq.  hid.,  toin.  i.,  pp.  29,  149,  also  pp.  30-1,  3(),  253,  turn,  li.,  pp. 
2liH,  r>44-().  '  I  liauc  heeretoioie  sajde,  that  tliey  haiie  books  whereof  they 
tiiim;,'lit  many:  but  this  Ril)era  saith,  that  they  are  not  made  for  the  vse  <>f 
niuliii^re. . .  .\Vhat  I  shouhl  thiukc  in  this  variety  I  knowe  not.  1  suopose 
tluiii  to  bee  bookes.'  Peter  Murltft;  dec.  v.,  lib.  x.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  viii.  'Y  en- 
tri'  la  barbaridad  desto"  •laciones  (de  Oajaca)  we  hallaron  muehos  libros  a  su 
1110(1(1,  en  hojas,  b  telas  de  especialcs  corte.sas  de  arboles. . . .  Y  destos  nies- 
iiKPs  iMrstrunieutos  he  tenido  en  mis  manos,  y  oydcdos  explicar  h.  algunos  viejos 
roll  liastante  admiracion.'  Burtjoa,  Palestra  Hist.,  \>t  i.,  p.  89.  Tintabaii 
I'll  viios  papelcs  de  la  tierra  que  dan  los  arboles  pegados  vnos  con  otros  con 
(■ii;,'rti(l()s,  que  llainaban  Texamaltl  sus  historias,  y  hatallas.'  Vctanevrt,  Tea- 
tin  M:i\,  pt  ii.,  J).  60.  'Lodicholocomprueban  claramcute  las  Historias  do 
las  Naoiones  Tiilteca  y  Chichinieca,  rtguradas  con  jiinturas,  y  (Joroglificos, 
t'siHciaiinentccnaquelLibro,  queen  Tula  hicieronde  suorigen,  y  le  llamaron 
Ti'Diiiaxtli,  estoes,  Lihrodivino.'  Lorenzana.  in  Cortes,  Hi.if.  X.  Ks/xinn,  pp. 
t>,  S!».  '  It  is  now  proven  beyond  cavil,  that  both  Mexico  and  Yucatan  had 
fur  cent iiries  before  Columbus  a  phonetic  system  of  writing,  which  insured 
the  |u  rpi'tuation  of  their  histories  and  legends.'  Brintoii's  Mifths.  See  also 
Ijtlil.iiK'hill,  [fist.  ChicL,  in  Kingsborouffh's  Mex.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix.,  ])]).  203-4, 
-3.'>, L'ST;  Id.,  Rchiciones,\n  Id.,  p.  .325;  Ritos  Antiauos,  p.  4,  in  Id.\  Oarria, 
mill.,  v(d.  viii.,  pp.  190-1;  Goinara,  Conq.  Mex.,  fol.  299;  Motoliiiia,  Hist. 
Imliih'i,  in  Irazbrtlceta,  Col.  (/u  Doc,  torn,  i.,  pp.  186,  209;  Fuculeal,  in  Ter- 
maijc-Citnipaiis,  Voy.,  serie  i.,  torn,  x.,  p.  250;  veytia.  Hist.  Ant.  Mij.,  torn, 
i-.  ini.  C-7,  251-2;  Vernal  Diaz,  Hist.  Conq.,  fol.  68;  Purchas  his  PUgrimcs, 
Vol.  iv.,  p.  1135. 


626 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS 


annals  were  preserved  together  in  a  few  of  the  lar<j^cr 
cities,  made  the  task  of  Zunidrraga  and  liis  confreres 
conii)aratively  an  easy  one,  and  all  the  more  important 
records,  with  very  few  probable  exceptions,  were  blot- 
ted from  existence.  The  priests,  however,  sent  some 
specimens,  either  originals  or  copies,  home  to  Europe, 
where  they  attracted  momentary  curiosity  and  were 
then  lost  and  forgotten.  Many  of  the  tribute-rolls 
and  other  paintings  of  the  more  ordinary  class,  with 
perhaps  a  few  of  the  historical  writings,  were  hidden 
by  the  natives  and  thus  saved  from  destruction.  Of 
these  I  shall  speak  hereafter,* 

After  the  zeal  of  the  priests  had  somewhat  abated, 
or  rather  when  the  harmless  nature  of  the  paintings 
was  better  understood,  the  natives  were  permitted  to 
use  their  hieroglyphics  again.  Among  other  things 
they  wrote  down  in  this  way  their  sins  when  the 
priests  were  too  busy  to  hear  their  verbal  confessions. 
The  native  writing  was  also  extensively  employed  in 
the  many  lawsuits  between  Aztecs  and  Si)aniai(ls 
during  the  sixteenth  century,  as  it  had  been  empk)yed 
in  the  courts  before  the  conquest.  Thus  the  early 
part  of  the  century  produced  many  hieroglyphic  docu- 
ments, not  a  few  of  which  have  been  preserved,  and 
several  of  which  I  have  in  my  library.  During  the 
same  period  some  fragments  that  had  survived  the 
general  destruction  were  copied  and  supplied  with  ex- 


8  '  Aunnue  por  haverse  qucmado  estos  Libros,  al  principio  de  la  cdii ver- 
sion ....  no  lia  ijiiedatlo,  para  aora,  inui  averigiuulo  todo  lo  que  ellos  liicierDii. ' 
Torqiicmada,  Afonarq.  lud.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  544,  toni.  i.,  prolojjo.  Some  nf 
tliein  burned  by  order  of  tlie  monkH,  in  the  fear  that  in  tlie  matter  of  reli- 
{(ion  these  books  mi^ht  prove  injurious.  Las  Casus,  Hist.  Apologvtint,  MS., 
tap.  ccx.xxv.  ItoyaT  archives  of  Tezcuco  burned  inadiHirtetitli/  l)y  the  iiist 
priests.  Ixtlilxochitl,  Hist.  Chich.,\\\  Kingsborongli's  Mcx.  AHti'].,\o\.  i.\., 
p.  203. '  Principalmente  habiendo  perecido  lo  niejor de  sus  historins  entre  las 
llamas,  por  no  tenerse  conocimiento  de  lo  que  sijpiitieaban  sus  piiituias.' 
Leon  y  Gama,  Dos  Piedras,  pt  i.,  pp.  2,  5.  'Por  desm-acia  los  misioiieros 
confundieron  con  los  objetos  ael  culto  idoldtrico  tmlos  losgeroglifieoseroiio- 

logieos  i  histiSricos,  y  en  una  niisma  hoguera  se  consunna  el  idolo y  el 

manuserito.'  Alamnn,  Discrtacioiies,  tom.  ii.,  p.  154.  See  also  Pirm-nlt's 
Mex.,  vol.  i.,  J).  101;  Sahagun,  Hist.  Gen.,  tom.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  pp.  139-41; 
Cfavigcro,  Storia  Ant.  del  Mcssico,  tom.  ii.,  p.  188;  Bmtamante,  jLnhtna.i, 
torn,  li.,  pr61ogo;  Humboldt,  Vues,  tom.  i.,  p.  226;  Wilsoii's  Conq.  Mcx.,  p. 
24. 


VALUE  OF  THE  NATIVE  RECORDS. 


527 


pliiTiations  written  with  European  letters  in  Aztec,  or 
dictuted  to  the  priests  wlio  wrote  in  Spunisii.  Tlie 
(locunients,  copies,  and  explanations  of  this  time  are 
of  course  strongly  tinctured  with  Catholic  ideas  wlier- 
over  any  question  of  relij^ion  is  involved,  but  otlier- 
wise  there  is  no  reason  to  doubt  their  authenticity." 

To  discuss  the  historical  value  of  such  Aztec  writ- 
inj^s  as  have  been  preserved,  or  even  of  those  tluit 
were  destroyed  by  the  Spaniards,  or  the  accuracy  of 
the  various  interpretations  that  have  been  jiciven  to  tlie 
former,  forms  no  part  of  my  pur|)ose  in  this  chapter. 
Here  I  shall  give  a  brief  account  of  the  j)reserved 
documents,  with  plates  representing-  a  few  of  tlieni  as 
specimens,  and  as  clear  an  idea  as  possible  of  the  sys- 
tem according  to  which  they  were  painted,  l^espect- 
ing  the  theory,  supported  by  a  few  writers,  that  the 
Aztecs  had  no  system  of  writing  except  the  habit 
connnon  to  all  savage  tribes  of  drawing  rude  pictures 
on  the  rocks  and  trees,  that  the  statements  of  the  con- 
(juerors  on  the  subject  are  unfounded  fabrications,  the 
specimens  handed  down  to  us  mere  inventions  of  the 
priests,  and  their  interpretations  consequently  ])urely 
imaginary,  it  is  well  to  remark  that  all  this  is  a  mani- 
fest absurdity.  On  the  use  of  hieroglyphics  the  au- 
thorities, as  we  have  seen,  all  agree ;  on  their  destruc- 
tion by  the  bishops  they  are  no  less  unanimous;  even 
the  destroyers  themselves  mention  the  act  in  their 
correspondence,  glorying  in  it  as  a  most  meritorious 

3  'It  is  to  this  transition-period  tliat  we  owe  many,  perluiiisniost,  of  tlio 
pit'turt!-(lociinicnt8  still  preserved.'  Ti/lor'n  liisriirrhrx,  p.  07.  'Tlicre  was 
—  until  late  in  the  last  century,  a  professor  in  the  rniyersity  of  Mexico, 
espciiiiiiy  devoted  to  the  study  of  the  national  ]iictnre-writinj,'.  Hut,  as  this 
was  with  a  view  to  legal  ))roceedin}js,  his  information,  jirohahly,  was  limited 
to  (li'iipherinj;  titles.'  Prescott's  Mix.,  vol.  i.,  p.  KKJ.  'L*usa;;e  de  ces  pein- 
tiircs,  servant  de  pieces  de  ])roces,  c'est  conserve  dans  les  trihunaiix  cs- 
imjiuols  long-temps  aprfes  la  eonqufite.'  lliiinholdt,  I'lies,  tom.  i.,  i)p.  109-70. 
'Ksirilien  toda  la  doctrina  ellos  yntr  sns  lignras  y  earaeteres  mny  ingoniosa- 
int'iitc,  pouiendo  la  fi^ura  qne  correspondia  en  la  voz  y  sonido  d  nncstro 
vocaMo.  Asi  conio  si  dijeremos  Amen,  ponian  pintada  una  como  fnente  y 
liic^'o  un  maguey  que  en  su  lengua  corresiwuile  con  Amen,  jwnpie  llamada 
Aimil,  y  asi  de  todo  lo  demas.'  Lns  Canns,  Hint.  Apoloacttra,  MS.,  cap. 
icxxxv.  See  also /?»<os  Antiguos,  p.  5.3,  in  Kiiigshoroinjli's  Mex.  Anfi(/., 
vol.  ix.;  Rnmirez,  Proccso  de  lienid.;  Cnrbajal,  Discuvso,  p.  115;  Moto- 
linia,  Hist.  LuUos,  in  Icazbalccta,  Col.  dc  Doc,  tom.  i.,  p.  122. 


528 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


deed.  The  burning  was  moreover  perfectly  consistoiit 
with  the  poli(!y  of  the  Church  at  that  time,  and  its 
success  does  not  seem  extraordinary  when  we  consider 
tlie  success  of  the  priests  in  destroying  nionumonts  of 
solid  stone.  The  use  of  the  aboriginal  records  in  tho 
Spanish  courts  for  a  long  period  is  undeniable.  Tlio 
j)riests  had  neither  the  motive  nor  the  ability  to  in- 
vent and  teach  such  a  system.  Respecting  tlie  Jiis- 
torical  value  of  the  destroyed  documents,  it  is  safe  to 
believe  that  they  contained  all  that  the  Aztecs  knew 
of  their  past.  Having  once  conceived  the  idea  of 
recording  their  annals,  and  having  a  system  of  writing 
adequate  to  the  purpose,  it  is  inconceivable  that  tlicy 
failed  to  record  all  they  knew.  The  Aztecs  derivtd 
their  system  traditionally  from  the  Toltecs,  whoso 
written  annals  they  also  inherited ;  but  none  of  tiio 
latter  were  ever  seen  by  any  European,  and,  accoiding 
to  tradition,  they  were  destroyed  by  a  warlike  Aztec; 
king,  who  wished  the  glory  of  his  own  kingdom  to 
overshadow  that  of  all  others,  past,  present,  or  future. 
If  the  hieroglyphics  of  the  Nahua  nations  beyond  tiio 
limits  cf  Anahuac  differed  in  any  respect  from  those 
of  the  Aztecs,  such  differences  have  not  been  recorded.* 


*  'An  Mexique,  I'liaaM  fles  peintnres  et  celni  du  papier  de  nm<;uey 
HC'teiuloient  hieii  iiii  del.'i  ties  liiiiitcs  de  reinpire  de  Moiitezuiim,  jusi^ii'aux 
l»i»rd«  du  lac  de  Nicaragua.'  'Uii  voit  que  les  peuples  de  I'Aiiieriiiuc  t'toieiit 
l»ien  «5ioi}^»i5a  de  cette  perfection  qu'avoieut  atteinto  les  Egyptiens.'  Hum- 
holilt,  ]'iics,Umi.  i.,  pp.  208,  193-4.  'Clumsy  as  it  wa.s,  however,  llie  Az- 
tec picture-writing  seems  to  have  been  adequate  to  the  demands  of  the 
nation.'  PvescoWs  Mrx.,  vol.  i.,  pp.  97-8,  108.  'The  Mexicans  may  iiuve 
advanced,  hut,  we  Ijelieve,  not  a  great  wav,  beyond  the  village  ciiildrcn, 
<lie  landlady  (with  her  ale-scores),  or  the  l}osje'sni;'.>is.'  Qimrtcrhj  lirrinr, 
18IG,  vol.  XV.,  pn.  4.^4,  449.  'The picture  writings  copied  into  the  monster 
v(dunies  of  Lorcl  Kingsborongh,  we  have  denounced  as  Spanish  falirica- 
tions.'  Wilsoii's  (Jonq.  Mix.,  pp.  21-*24.  '  Until  some  evidence,  or  whiulow 
of  evidence,  can  be  found  that  these  quasi  records, are  of  Aztec  origin,  it 
would  be  useless  to  examine  the  contradictions,  absurdities  ai\d  ninisonsu 
they  present. . .  .The  whole  story  must  be  considered  as  one  of  Znmarra;,Ms 
|. ions  frauds.'  Id.,  pp.  91-2.  'Las  pinturas,  que  so  quemaron  en  tiiiii|io 
<lel  senor  do  Mexico,  que  se  decia  Jtzcdatl,  en  cuya  dpoca  los  sefuucs,  y  1<h 
principales  que  habia  ent6nces,  acordaron  y  mandaron  que  se  qiicniascu 
todas,  para  que  no  viniesen  li  nnmos  del  vulgo,  yfuesen  menospreciadas."  S(i- 
hiiijan,  Hist.  Gea.,  toni.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  pp.  140-1;  Branscur  <le  lioiirliuurij, 
Jfist.  Nat.  Cii\,  tom.  iii.,  p.  209.  See  also  Waldcch,  Voy.  Pitt.,  p|>.  4(3-7; 
thillntin,  in  Ainer.  Ethiio.  Sor.,  Trnn.iact.,  vol.  i.,  p.  144;  Oruzco  y  Bcrru, 
Gco<jrafia,  p.  100;  Mayer's  Mvjc,  Aztec,  etc.,  vol.  i.,  p.  93. 


EUROPEAN  COLLECTIONS. 


52U 


1  have  said  tliat  many  hior();:;lypliic  mamiscripts, 
saved  from  the  fires  kindled  by  Zumiirriij,^a's  bi^jfotry, 
or  copied  by  ecclesiastical  permission  liefore  servinjjf  as 
food  lor  their  purifying  Haines,  were  sent  to  Spain  by 
the  conquerors.  After  lying  forgotten  for  a  few  cen- 
turies, attention  was  again  directed  to  these  rel- 
ics of  an  extinct  civilization,  and  their  importance 
began  to  be  appreciated;  search  was  made  tliroughout 
Europe,  and  such  scattered  remnants  as  survived  tlieir 
long  neglect  were  gathered  and  dejMjsited  in  })ublic 
and  private  libraries.  Plight  or  ten  such  collections 
were  formed  and  their  contents  were  for  the  most  part 
})ublished  by  Lord  Kingsborough. 

The  Codex  Mcndoza  was  sent  by  the  viceroy  !Men- 
doza  to  Charles  V.,  and  is  now  in  the  Bodleian  Jiibrary 
at  Oxford.  It  is  a  coj)y  on  Euro])ean  paper,  coarsely 
done  with  a  pen,  and  rolled  instead  of  folded.  Another 
manuscript  in  the  Escurial  Library  is  thouglit  by 
Prescott  to  be  the  original  of  this  codex,  but  Hum- 
boldt calls  it  also  a  copy.  An  exi)lanation  of  the 
codex  in  Aztec  and  Spanish  accompanies  it,  added  by 
natives  at  the  order  of  Mendoza.  It  has  been  sev- 
eral times  published,  and  is  divided  in  thi'ee  parts,  the 
first  being  historical,  the  second  comj)osed  of  tribute- 
rolls,  and  the  third  illustrative  of  domestic  life  and 
manners.^ 

The  Codex  Vaticanus  (No.  .3738)  is  preserved  at 
Rome  in  the  Vatican  Library,  and  nothing  is  known 
of  its  origin  further  than  that  it  was  copied  by  Pedro 
do  los  Rios,  who  was  in  Mexico  in  15GG.     It  is  di- 


•''  See  Mrxicnn  MSS..  in  the  list  of  aiitlioiities  in  vol.  i.  of  this  work,  for 
tlie  location  of  this  and  other  codices  in  Kin^^sboroujfh's  work.  'J'liis  codex 
was  |)iiliiished  also  in  I'urchns  Ids  I'ilffrimcs,  vol.  iv. ;  Thciriiot,  Col.  (/'■ 
Villi.,  KiiH),  toni.  ii. ;  and  by  Lorciizana,  in  Cortes,  llitit.  N.  E.sixulxi.  'D'apres 
Ics  HM'herches  (jiie  j'ai  faites,  il  {)aroit  fju'il  n'existe  atijonrdliiii  en  Europe 
mic  six  collections  de  peintures  niexicaines:  cclh's  de  I'l'lscnrial.  de  liolo<,'iie, 
ui'  Wletri,  de  Uonie,  de  Vienne  et  de  Berlin.'  Jlumholi/t,  Viir.f,  toni.  i., 
1>.  21.').  See  also  on  the  Codex  Mendoza:  Id.,  toni.  ii.,  ;p.  30()-'J2;  llobrrl- 
sim\  Illtit.  Amer.,  (Lond.,  1777),  vol.  ii.,  p.  480;  Prcsroft's  Mex.,  \u\.  i.,  i)p. 
••",  103-4;  Cltimffcro,  Sfon'a  Ant.  del  Me.ssico,  toni.  i.,  pp.  '22-3,  2.");  (rol- 
liiiiii.  ill  Amer.  Ethiio.  Soc,  Transact.,  voL  i.,  pp.  110-26;  KiiKjsborough's 
Mcr.  Antii/.,  vol.  vi.,  p.  2'J'J. 
Vol.  II.   3* 


530 


THE  NAHUA  XATIONS. 


vidod  into  tv.  o  part,?,  mythological  and  historical,  and 
has  a  part;)  1  explanation  in  Italian,  Another  manu- 
seri})t,  (No.  .ITTO)  preserved  in  the  same  lihraiy,  is 
written  on  skhi,  has  been  interpreted  to  some  extent 
by  Huml)oldt,  and  is  supposed  to  pertain  to  religious 
rites.  The  Codex  TeUerlaHo-Renwuds,  formerly  in 
the  possession  of  M,  Le  Tellier,  and  now  in  the 
Royal  Library  at  Paris,  is  nearly  identical  with  the 
Codex  Vaticanus  (No.  3738),  having  only  one  figure 
not  found  in  tliat  codex,  but  itself  lacking  many.  It 
has,  however,  an  explanation  in  Aztec  and  Spanisli." 
The  Codex  Jioiyuiii  was  deposited  in  the  College 
of  tlie  Propaganda  at  Rome  l)y  Cardinal  Borgia,  who 
found  it  used  as  a  j)laything  by  the  children  in  the 
Gustiniani  family,  it  is  written  on  skin,  and  a]>peais 
to  be  a  ritual  and  astrologic  almanac  very  similar  to 
the  Vatican  manuscript  (No.  37 7G).  It  is  accompa- 
nied by  an  interpretation  or  conmientary  by  Fabi-ega. 
The  Codex  Bo/ogiia,  [)reserved  in  the  library  of  tlio 
ScientiHc  Institute,  was  presented  in  1G(35  to  the 
Marquis  de  Caspi,  by  Count  Valerio  Zani.  It  is  \\rit- 
ten  on  badly  prepared  skin,  and  appears  to  treat  of 
astrology.  A  co})y  exists  in  the  Museum  of  Caidin;d 
Borgia  at  Veleti'i.  Of  the  Codex  Vieiiua  nothing  is 
known  except  that  it  was  given  in  1077  to  the  Vaw- 
})eror  Le<»pold  by  the  Duke  of  Saxe-Eisenach,  and 
that  its  resend)lance  to  the  manuscri})'ts  at  Rome  and 
Veletri  would  indicate  a  common  origin.  Yow)  ad- 
ditional manuscripts  from  the  Bodleian  Library  at 
Oxford,  and  one  belonging  to  M.  de  F<  ervary  in 
JTunyary,  are  inddislied  bv  Kint^sborouiih.  Nothing 
is  known  of  the  oi'igin  of  these,  nor  has  an  '  inter{)rc- 
tation  l»een  attempted,  although  the  last-na  ned  seems 
to  be  historical  or  chronological  in  its  natui\..'' 

G  Hum/mftlt,  Viics,  torn,  i.,  pp.  173,  2.'il-47;  Afhs,  pi.  13,  14,  2().  .".:.-().  (;(i, 
torn,  ii.,  p.  IIH;  C/(iri)/rr(>,  SlariK  Ant.  (Id  Mr.ssiro,  totii.  i.,  fi.  '2'i;  dulltttiii, 
ill  Amer.  Elhtio.  Soc,  Tvintsarf.,  vol.  i.,  p]i.  110,  I'io,  lS'J-4;i;  Kinii-slifV- 
<iii(i/i\s  Mex.  Aufiq.,  V(»L  vi.,  pp.  fl"),  15,");  M  ilsoii\i  Coiiq.  Mr.v.,  p.  S>\.  'Tlii' 
lictioii  (if  Kditio  Spanish  monk.'  fJiKir/cr/i/  lliririr,  ISH!,  vol.  .v.,  ]).  448. 

'  Jluiubuldt,  Vuca;  toui.  i.,  jip,  lIlG-lli,  '248-oG,  with  portions  of  tlio  llm- 


piCTruE-wniTiNcs  ruESKnvKD  rx  mkxico. 


531 


T  h  1  ve  said  that  many  manuscripts,  mostly  copies, 
luit  probably  some  originals,  Avere  preserved  from  de- 
Hhuction,  and  retained  in  Mexico.  ^latei'ial  is  not 
accessible  for  a  conn)lete  detailed  history  of  these 
uocuments,  nor  does  it  seem  desii'able  to  attempt  here 
to  disentangle  the  numerous  contradictoiy  statements 
on  the  subject.  The  surviving  renmants  of  the  Tez- 
cucan  archives,  with  additions  from  vai  <i;?s  sources, 
were  inherited  by  Ixtlilxochitl,  the  i'H.'al  descendant 
of  Tezcuco's  last  king,  who  used  th'.-m  extensively  if 
not  always  judiciously  in  his  volumi!"»ns  histoi'ical 
writings.  The  collection  of  which  these  documents 
foi-med  a  nucleus  may  be  traced  more  or  less  clearly 
to  tlie  successive  possession  of  Siti^iienza,  the  College 
of  San  Pedro  y  San  P^jblo,  Boturini  llenaduci,  the 
Vice-regal  Palace,  Vtytia,  ( )rtega,  Leon  y  Gania, 
]*ichardo,  Sancliez,  and  at  last  to  the  National  Mu- 
seum of  tiie  University  oi'  Mexico,  its  i»i-e^  -nt  and 
u|)proi»riate'  resting-] ilart'.  Freipient  interventions  of 
gnveriunent  and  2)ri\;ite  law-suits  interrupted  this 
line  of  succession,  and  the  collection  by  no  means 
j);isscd  down  the  line  intact.  Fnder  the  care  of  sev- 
eral of  the  owners  large  portions  of  the  ac<'uniulation 
were  s<'attercd;  but  on  the  other  hand,  M*-veral  by 
personal  research  greatly  eidargod  their  store  of  ab- 
original literature.  While  in  Sigllenza's  possession 
the  dix'umeuts  wt ''c  examined  by  the  Italian  traveler 
(ieinelli  Careri,  through  whose  ;»ublished  wi  rk  one  of 
the  most  im}>ortaiit  of  tin-  }tictu)'ed  r(.cords  was  inad-e 
known  to  the  woi'ld.  'J'his  latter  has  been  often  w- 
published  and  will  be  given  as  a  specimen  in  this 
chai)ter/  Clavigero  studisul  the  manusci'ipts  in  tk'tj 
Jesuit  Colleire  of  San  Pedro  y  San  Pablo  in    17  .">'.).' 

'/iwu  Codox  in  platos  1.'),  27,  37.  Some  jui^'cs  of  the  Vienna  Cudox  won; 
piililislied  ill  ['i>/trrf.s(in\\-  Hist.  Anirr.,  (l.dnii..  '"77),  vol.  ii..  p.  -Is-I. 

"  >'tinri,  (liroUi'f  M(t)i(fo,  (Naplos,  1()'.MI-17IM)),  toin.  vi.;  lliihihohfl,  Viirs, 
tiitii.  ii.,  [III.  l(),S-8.'),  At/iis,  )il.  xxxii.;  KiiKi.shoi-iiinih's  .Vfi  .r.  Anfi'i..  \o!.  iv.; 
Sr/ion/rniJ/'s  Arcfi.,  vol.  i.,  l>.Jit,  /',r.sr„/r.s  ll/.t/.' (  ;>,i>/  l/'.-'.  (Alex.  IS4«), 
tiiiii.  ill.;  (fairid  1/  Ciihtit;,  Alius:  Sinum's  Tin  7V///c.v,  fioriti^|ii(M  c;  (J.illatili, 
ill  Aiiirr.  Klhno.  Sor.,  Tnuistirf. ,  vol.  i.,  ji.  127,  |>ronoiili('i's  i(  ail  iriiilatioii 
iiiiil  not  a  copy  of  a  Moxicj.n  paintinj,',  wliosc  autlioiiticity  may  be  doublwL 

'  Sturia  Ant.  del  Mcnnico,  toiu.  i.,  pj).  22-6. 


u-Minut'' 


mm 


:t  i;  f-  f 


r.?.n! 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


I 


Boturini  was  a  most  indeftitigablo  collector,  his  accii- 
jiiulatioii  in  eioht  years  amouiitin<2;-  to  over  five  hun- 
dred specimens,  some  of  them  ])rohal)ly  ante-datino- 
the  Spanish  con<pie«t.  He  }>ul)Hslied  a  catalunue  of 
his  treasures,  wliichwere  for  the  -nost  part  conti.si  utrd 
by  the  government  and  deposited  in  the  palace  of  tin; 
viceroy,  where  many  of  the  documents  are  said  ti) 
have  been  destroyed  or  damaged  by  dampness  and 
want  of  care.  Those  retained  by  the  collector  were 
even  more  unfortunate,  since  the  vi.ssel  on  which  tiny 
were  sent  to  Europe  was  taken  by  an  EngHsh  pirate, 
and  the  papers  have  never  since  been  lieard  of  <  )iily 
a  few  fragments  from  the  Boturini  collection  ]ia\i; 
ever  been  published,  the  most  important  of  wlilcli,  a 
history  of  the  Aztec  migrati/>n,  has  l)een  c4-ten  le- 
[)roduci;d,  and  will  be  given  in  this  chapter.  The 
original  was  seen  by  Hunibt)ldt  in  the  pu'lace  of  the 
vicei'ov,  and  is  now  in  tlie  Mexican  Must'um."^' 

The  confiscated  documents  passed  by  ordei'  of  the 
Spanish  governnK^nt  int<j  the  hands  or  V^eytia,  or  at 
least  he  was  permitted  to  use  them  in  the  preparation 
of  his  history,"  and  after  his  death  and  the  c()nij)le 
tion  of  his  work  by  Ortega,  they  passed,  not  witlioivt 
a  lawsuit,  into  the  possession  of  Ix'on  y  ^xama,  thy 
astronomer.*^  On  the  death  of  Gama  a  part  (^  his 
manuscripts  were  sold  to  Hiimlx^ldt  to  form  the  Ber- 
lin collection  published  by  K.ingsborou;^i;'*  the  fte^ 

^^  Boturini,  Cfilaloon,  in  /r/.,  Tdra;  AuhinAn  f}/iiHHfiir  'Jc  lUiuihiniiij, 
Jfial.  Nfft.  <'!(<.,  toiii.  i.,  j)p.  xxxiii.;  J'rrnrotrii  xfrjl-.,  v<jri.  i..  l>i).  |5il^; 
Hiimhi)l<lt,  Viir.i,  tdiii.  i.,  yu.  Wl  'A,  tM-H:  (  Ittnfni,  Hforiu  At'l  ^''f  ^ff 
.■iirii.  toin.  i,,  p|>.  l(i-17,  "i:?  :);  Udllntiii,  in  A iin i .  f'lf/i nn.  ^m, ,  'f^i.inxi/cf.. 
vol.  i.,  (jp.  lifl  I;  Vri/tid,  llinf.  A /if.  Mij..  ton),  i.,  j/i.  xsi..  oi  i^'fi.,  »■  I  |'n- 
Tliivt  portion  i>f  llieCNxlcx  i'WonHo/n  /wci}  in  A,^M<  ///■.•/  .V  /.//'nff,  wjik 
from  it  copy  in  fche  lioturiiii  in"  '  ''ti' 

■^/Mf   inij^riitiMii  was   pul>li.sli'  i  _<  ■  f. 

(.\r<^v    IMKJ),  lliiipil></l<ltV  ,'f//rt.v,    >;<   .ilicid' .-"  A/if///.  Aiiin-  j,,m\.i 
Ail'/'   m\A  I  Imvc  m  my  lilirury  i  ,m.j  copies  on  lou^  .strijis  </  p-.-yit  U,' 
tlw  flrij^ftttf  fwifi. 

11  <lrf/ '/.!    in  yiufia,  Ifist.  Aiil.  Mn.,   '"in.    i     jip.  x.\ii      .• 
.\  ,  W)  Vo>  li  '    a.«   HoflirinM  cxci  ut.  ,     but    siin[(fy'/ii 

-  •  work,  .1  ..I  iifterwiiri!.'*  rctiiriH-',!  '."  rli''  'f'l'  •  - 
I  ,,■<,, ,u.  Uisi  /'>,iiq.  Mcr.  (Hvt.,  JHK»),   ■ 
|t«iti  ,Sij/ii<Mi/,*".s  heir. 

is  /  '    Vuit,  '/      I  ,  pp.  im  Wl  \. 


HIEROr.LYPIIIC  DEVKLOP^IFNT. 


533 


fame  into  tlic  liands  of  Pidiardo,  (Jama's  executor, 
Avlio  spent  his  ])rivate  fortune  in  iniprovinjj;'  his  conec- 
tioii,  (lescrii)e(l  l»y  Huniiiohlt  as  tlie  ricliest  in  Mexico. 
^^any  of  J^icliardo's  papers  were  scattei'ed  (hiring'  the 
revolution,  and  the  remainder  descended  through  his 
cKccutor  Si^'icliez  to  the  Museum.'*  It  is  not  uidikcly 
cither  that  the  Frencli  intervention  in  hiter  years  was 
also  the  means  of  sendin|L^  some  j)icture-\vritin,L;s  to 
Fiiiro])e.  Of  the  documents  removed  from  the  Mc\i- 
»an  collections  on  different  occasions  and  under  diH'cr- 
cnt  jtretexts,  M.  Auhin  claims  to  liave  secured  the 
lari«er  ])art,  which  are  now  in  his  collecTum  in  Paris, 
with  copies  of  such  manuscripts  as  he  has  been  unahle 
to  ohtain  in  the  orij^inal  form.^' 

In  order  to  form  a  clear  idea  of  the  Aztec  system 
•  >i  c'sture-wiitinj^,  it  will  be  well  to  consider  tirst  the 
general  })i'iiici})les  of  hiero<i['lyphic  develo})ment,  which 
ai'c  remaikahly  unifoi'm  and  simple,  aiul  which  may 
liest  he  illusti'ated  hy  cair  own  lan,<»'ua!j;e,  sup})osing'  it, 
for  convenience,  to  hv  only  a  spoken  tongue. 

Ft  is  evident  that  the  tirst  attempt  at  expressino- 
ideas  with  the  hrush,  })encil,  or  knife,  Avould  he  the 
representation  of  visible  objects  by  }»ictures  as  aceu- 
j'ately  draw  n  :><  possible;  a  house,  man,  bird,  orilower 
are  drawn  true  to  the  life  in  all  their  th'tails.  But 
\  ery  soon,  if  a  frequent  repetition  of  the  pictui'es  were 
Heeded,  a  desire  to  save  labor  would  |irompt  the  artist 
to  simplify  Ins  drawinu;',  makiiiL;"  oidy  the  lims  neces- 
sary t»j  show  that  a  house,  man,  etc.,  were  meant,  a 
f/t'fro'/riule  movement  artistically  considered,  but  intel- 
I'/'tually  the  tirst  step  towards  an  alphabet.  riu! 
repf<%sen'ta|tion  of  actions  and  conditions,  such  as  a, 
liouse  /cm  ^re,  a  dead  man,  a  Hying  bird,  oi'  a  red  Hower 
wuu'ld'  naturally  follow. 

H  /.'./n/  ,   ,      /     ill  f.ron  y  Gnmn,  Don  Pin/ras,  jit  i.,  pp.   ii-iii. 
''Sec  li.>(  III   |i.iit  i>f  M.  .Aiiltiii's  iiiauuscripfs  ill  lUassnirdf  Hoiirlioitrrf, 
Hist.  i\'i//.  t'ii  ,  1,11111.  i..  pp.  lxx\  i-lxx\  iii.;  iilso  a  very  <'iiiiiplfft' aciiiiinl  i^f 
'  ''lilt   I'lillfftioiis   of    A/li'i'    ph  tiirc-writiii;,'.'^    in    tlio    iiilri"liu'tiiry 
//'///////«■/(,  Man iisi  r(t  l'it:lu(jrapl(i<iin. 


534 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


I 


The  three  grades  of  development  mentioned  heloiiijc 
to  what  may  he  termed  representative  i)ioture-\vritiiin-. 
It  is  to  be  noted  that  this  writing  has  no  relation  to 
language;  that  is,  the  signs  represent  only  visible  ob- 
jects and  actions  without  reference  to  the  words  by 
which  the  objects  are  named  or  the  actions  expressed 
in  our  lanijuaiTfe.  The  pictures  would  have  tlie  same 
meaning  to  a  Frenchman  or  German  as  to  the  paintci-. 

The  next  higher  phase  of  the  art  is  known  as  sym- 
bolic picture-writing.  It  springs  from  the  need  th;it 
would  soon  be  experienced  of  some  method  by  whidi 
to  express  abstract  qualities  or  invisible  objects.  The 
symbolic  system  is  closely  analogous  in  its  earher 
stages  to  the  representative,  as  when  the  act  of  swim- 
ming is  symbolized  by  a  fish,  a  journey  by  a  succes- 
sion of  footprints,  night  by  a  black  square,  light  by 
an  eye,  power  by  a  hand,  the  connection  between  the 
picture  and  the  idea  to  be  expressed  being  more  or  kss 
obvious.  Such  a  connection,  real  or  imaginary,  must 
always  be  supposed  to  have  existed  originally,  since  it 
is  not  likely  that  purely  arbitrar3'^  symbols  would  be 
adopted,  but  nearly  all  the  syml)ols  would  be  practi- 
cally arbitrary  and  meaningless  to  a  would-be  inter- 
preter igncjrant  of  the  circuu'stances  which  originated 
their  signification. 

We  have  seen  that  the  symbolic  and  representative 
stages  of  development  are  in  many  respects  very  liku 
one  to  the  other,  and  there  are  many  liierogly|>]iic 
methods  between  the  two,  which  it  is  very  difficult  to 
assio'u  altoixether  to  either.  For  instance,  wlieii  a 
large  painted  heart  expresses  the  name  of  a  chiif 
'Big  Heart;'  or  when  a  peculiarly  formed  nose  is 
])ainted  to  represent  the  man  to  whom  it  belongs;  oi' 
when  the  outlines  of  the  house,  man,  bii'd,  or  flower 
already  mentioned  are  so  very  much  simj)litied  as  to 
lose  all  their  n])parent  resemblance  to  the  objects 
represented.  It  is  also  to  be  noted  that  the  symbdlii^ 
writing,  as  well  as  tlie  representative,  is  entirely  iii- 
de|)endent  of  language. 


IIEPRESKNTATIVE  AND  SYMnOLIC  WHITINC. 


535 


Picture-writini^  of  the  two  classes  descril^ed  has  been 
jiraetieed  more  or  less,  probaljlj,  by  every  savage 
tribe.  By  its  aid  records  of  events,  such  as  tribal 
iiUL^rations,  and  the  warlike  acliievenients  of  noted 
cliicfs,  may  be  and  doubtless  have  been  made  intelli- 
yil)le  to  those  for  whose  perusal  they  were  intended. 
But  the  key  to  such  hieroglyphics  is  the  actual  ac- 
(juaintance  of  the  nation  with  eacli  character  and 
symbol,  and  it  cannot  long  survive  the  practice  of  tlie 
art.  in  only  two  ways  can  the  meaning  of  sucli 
records  be  preserved, — -the  study  of  the  art  while 
actually  in  use  by  a  people  of  superior  culture,  oi-  its 
development  into  a  hieroglypliic  system  of  ;i  higher 
grade.  Neither  of  these  conditions  were  fuJtilled  in 
the  case  of  our  Wild  Tribes,  but  both  were  so  to  some 
extent,  as  we  shall  see,  in  the  case  of  the  Civilized 
Nations.  Throughout  the  Pacific  States  rock-carvings 
and  painted  devices  will  bo  noted  in  a  subse(|uent  vol- 
ume of  this  work;  most  of  them  doubtless  had  a  mean- 
ing to  their  authors,  although  many  may  be  attributed 
to  the  characteristic  connnon  to  savages  and  cliildren 
of  whiling  away  time  by  tracing  unmeaning  sketches 
from  fancy.  All  are  meaningless  now  and  must  ever 
remain  so.  Full  of  meaning  to  the  generation  whose 
work  they  were,  they  served  to  keep  alive  in  tliL  fol- 
lowing generation  the  memory  of  some  distinguislied 
warrior,  or  some  element  of  aboriginal  worsiiij),  but 
to  the  third  generation  they  became  notl)ing  hut  ob- 
jects of  superstitious  wonder.  Even  after  coming 
into  contact  with  Euro})eans  the  savage  often  indicates 
l»y  an  arrow  and  other  tigun-s  cai'vcd  on  a  forest-tree 
the  number  of  an  enemy  antl  the  direction  they  have 
t:iken,  or  leaves  some  other  etpially  sim[>le  rejiresenta- 
ti\('  record. 

The  ne.Kt  and  most  imp(»rtant  step  in  hieroglyphic 
(ltveh»pnient  i^>  taken  wlien  a  jihonetic  element  is  in- 
tiniliK-ed;  wlien  the  pictures  come  into  a  relation,  not 
hcfore  attained,  with  sounds  or  sjtoken  language; 
will  11    a    picture  of  the  human  form    signities    vian, 


536 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


not  homme  or  ho]iihr<",  a  painted  house,  housr,  not 
i'dsa  or  imtisoH.  Of  this  phonetic  j)icture-\vritiiiL;' 
in  its  simplest  form,  tiie  ilhistrated  rebuses — <]iii- 
drcn's  hieroglyphics — present  a  familiar  exampk";  as 
wiieii  charity  is  written  hy  drawini^  in  succession  a 
cluiir,  an  eye,  and  a  chest  of  tea,  'chair-eye-tea.'  In 
]>roiiouncin:L»'  tlie  wliole  word  thus  written,  the  sounds 
of  the  words  represented  l)y  the  pictures  are  usrd 
without  the  slightest  reference  to  their  meanino-.  Tt» 
the  Frenchma?!  tlie  same  })ictures  ' chaise -o'il- the' 
woukl  have  no  meaning. 

In  the  example  given  the  whole  name  of  each  woid 
pictured  is  pronounced,  hut  the  numher  of  words  lliat 
could  he  ]iroduced  by  such  combinations  is  hmitcd, 
and  the  first  improvement  of  the  system  Avould  pt  r- 
haps  be  to  pronounce  onl}^  the  leading  syllalile  of 
sound  of  the  ])ictured  ^vord,  and  then  charity  miglit 
be  painted  'cha  (])el)  ri  (ng)- tee  (th).'  By  this  sys- 
tem the  same  word  might  be  written  in  a  gi'eat  many 
ways,  and  tin;  next  Jiatiu-al  injj)rovement  would  he 
the  conventional  adoption  of  certain  easily  ])ictur((l 
Avords  to  represent  certaiii  sounds,  as  'hat,'  'hand,  oi' 
'ham,'  for  the  soimd  hd,  or  sim])ly  the  asjtirated  li. 
The  next  develo})ment  would  he  elfected  by  simplil'y- 
ing  the  outlirics  of  the  numerous  ])ictures  emplnyod. 
which  have  now  beconie  too  complicated  and  l»ulky 
for  rapid  writing.  For  a  time  this  process  of  sinipli 
fication  would  still  leave  a  rude  resemblance  to  tlic 
original  ])icture;  but  at  last  the  i'esend)lancc  would 
become  very  faint,  or  only  imaginaiy,  and  pcrliajis 
some  arbitrary  signs  would  be  added-  in  other  words, 
a  })honetic  alphabet  would  be  invented,  the  highvst 
degree  of  perfectit)n  yet  achieved  in  this  dinn  tion. 

To  reca])itulate  brieHy:  picture-writir,g  may  be  di- 
vided, according  to  the  successive  stages  of  its  dovrl- 
opment,  into  three  classes,  re})resentative,  syml»olif, 
and  phonetic,  no  one  of  which  except  the  last  in  its 
highest  or  alpha! )etic,  and  the  first  in  its  rudest,  Htatr, 
would  be  used  alone   by  any   people,  but   rather  all 


IIIERO(iLYPIIIC  WRITING. 


537 


would  be  employed  l.oo'othor.  Tii  the  rcproscntatixe 
st;i'4'o  a  (j  inioht  ex])ivss  a  liiiniau  hand,  oi-  as  the 
Mstoiii  is  perfected,  a  hirge,  small,  closed,  hlack,  or 
red  liaiid;  and  finally  ' Bh^  Hand,'  an  Jndian  chief; 
iiiid  all  this  would  be  etpially  intelligible  to  American 
or  Asiatic,  savage  or  civilized,  without  res[)cct  to 
language. 

Synil)olic  picture-Avriting  indicates  invisible  or  ab- 
strnct  objects,  actions,  or  conditions,  by  the  use  of 
])i<tures  su})posed  to  be  suggestive  of  them;  the  sym- 
bols aro  originally  in  a  manner  rcpresentiitivc,  and 
rarely,  if  ever,  arbitrarily  ado[)ted.  As  a  symbol  the 
^  inigJit  express  ]»o\ver,  a  blow,  murder,  the  numl)er 
one  or  five.  These  symbols  are  also  independent  of 
language. 

Phonetic  picture-writing  represents  not  objects,  but 
sounds  by  the  picture  of  objects  in  whose  names  the 
sound  occurs;  first  Avords,  then  syllables,  then  ele- 
mentary sounds,  and  last  —  by  modification  of  the 
})ictures  or  the  substitution  of  simpler  ones — letters 
and  an  al[)liabet.  According  to  this  system  the  ^ 
sigiiities  successively  the  word  'hand,'  the  syllable 
"hand'  in  hiuidsouie,  the  sound  'lui'  in  ]iiipj>y,  the 
u-^liiration  'h'  in  head,  and  finally,  by  simplifying  its 
fill  in  or  writing  it  i'a])idly,  the  g  becomes  o,  and  theu 
th''  'h'  o{'  the  alphabet. 

riu-  process  of  divelopment  which  [  have  attempted 
to  explain  by  imaginary  examples  and  illustrations  in 
\y  ovvn  language,  is  probably  applieable  to  a  greater 
'ir  l(  ss  extent  to  all  hiorou'lvphic  svstems;  yet  such 
hi  loM-lyjiliics  as  have  bi-eii  [»reser\evl  are  (»f  a  mixed 
'l.iss,  uniting  in  one  word,  or  sentence,  or  document, 
all  t!ie  forms,  re})resentativi',  symbolic,  and  ]>hont,'tic; 
till'  Kgyptians  first  spelled  a  word  phonetically  and 
tiun,  to  make  the  meaning  clear,  represeiited  the 
Word  by  a  ]»icture  i>r  s\nd)ol;  the  Chinese  chai'acters 
w  V  originally  pictures  of  visible  objects,  though 
liny  wi.tdd  not  now  be  recognized  as  such,  if  the 
•  'vi^inals  were  not  in  existence.      \\  hat  i)roportion  of 


nl 


538 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


m 


tho  letters  in  modern  alj)li{ibets  are  simpHficd  pictures, 
or  representative  cliaraeters,  and  what  arbitrary,  it  is 
of  course  ini[)()ssil)le  to  determine;  many  ()f'  thcin, 
however,  are  known  to  be  of  the  former  ckiss.^" 

In  the  Aztec  picture-Avritiiigs  all  the  ^■rades  or 
classes  of  pictures  are  found,  excei)t  the  last  and  hii;li- 
est — the  aipliabet.  A  very  lari^'e  part  of  the  cliarac- 
ters  uniployed  were  representative;  many  conventional 
symbols  are  known;  and  the  Aztecs  undoubtedly  «in- 
])loycd  phonetic  [laintins^'s,  though  perha})S  not  very 
extensively  in  the  higher  grades  of  development. 

The  plate  on  the  opposite  page  is  a  re})roch](  tion  of 
a  part  of  the  Codec  McikIo-ji  from  Kingsboi-oiigli's 
woi-k.  Its  I'our  groups  describe  the  education  of  tliu 
Aztec  child  under  the  care  of  its  parents.  In  the  lirst 
grotip  the  father  (fig.  3)  is  punishing  his  son  by  liold- 
ing  him  ovei'the  fumes  of  buiwiing  chiK;  (fig.  ."));  uliilo 
the  mother  thi'eatens  her  daughter  with  the  .^anic 
])unisliment.  Figures  2  and  8  represent,  like  1  I,  K), 
20,  24,  ;50  and  34  in  the  other  groups,  the  child  s  al- 
lowance of  tortillas  at  each  meal.  In  the  sicoiid 
group  the  son  is  ])unislied  by  being  sti'etched  lud^cd 
on  the  wet  ground,  having  his  hands  tied,  while  the 
girl  is  forced  to  sweej),  or,  as  she  has  no  tear  in  lur 
eye,  j)erhaps  is  merely  being  taught  to  sweej)  instead 
of  being  punished.  In  the  third  group  the  father  em- 
ploys his  l)oys  in  bringing  wood  (fig.  21)  or  reeds 
either  on  the  back  or  in  a  canoe;  and  the  motlur 
teaches  lier  daughter  to  make  tortillas  (fig.  27)  anil 
the  use  of  the  metate  and  other  household  utensils 
(figs.  23,  2."),  26,  28).  In  the  last  group  the  son  learns 
the  ait  of  fishing,  and  the  daughter  that  of  wea\  ing. 


"■'  III  the  E;;yptian  dcvclopiiicnt,  a  pictuivtl  month  first  si,L:iiil'cil  tlio 
Avord  ri),  tlu'ii  (he  Mvllahlo  ro,  and  Ihially  tho  lettiT  or  sonnil  c,  ahhuiiirh  if 
is  (htiililfnl  if  tliey  nuuh;  nincli  nso  of  tlii<  third  stiij^c,  i-xct'iit  in  ^M■ilill,L^ 
siinic  fori'iu'n  words.  Many  of  tho  ("liinoso  iiictnros  arc  douliio,  ono  litiii;,' 
(h'toriiiiiiativo  of  sound,  tho  other  of  sense;  as  if  in  Knulif*lMV  e  slionlil  e\ 
jiross  tho  sipiiiid  jinn-  liy  a  pioturo  of  tho  fniit  of  thai  name,  the  fitiil  /"'"' 
liy  the  •Mine  |iictme  aeooinpaiiied  hy  a  Uee,  the  word  piivi  h>-  tlio  sanu'  |'ii- 
tiiro  ami  a  knife,  tho  word  /xiirhy  tiie  picture  and  two  iioints,  etc.  Iltini- 
hoUU,  Viics,  tuin.  i.,  pp.  177-'J;  Tiflors  Itcxutxlax,  pp.  'JS-lUl. 


SPECIMEN  FR(1M  COiyEX  MEXPOZA. 


.J39 


Ooooo 
ooooo 


ooooo 
ooooo 


^■9 

OOCO 

CCC  Co 

J,  oooco 


Educatidii  of  Aztec  Cliildicii. 


Thus  far  all  the  pi<'tui'cs  arc  purely  ropresontativo; 
till'  i-emaindcr  are  more  or  less  syuibolic.  The  small 
(iri  Ics  (Hg.  1,  10,  11),  21))  are  luunerals,  as  ex[»lair.e(l 
ill  a  preeediuy  chai)ter,  and   indicate  the   aye  ot"  the 


i 


040 


TIIK  NAIIIA  NATIONS. 


childron,  eleven,  twelve,  thirteen,  and  foiirtecn  yijiis 
reH|»e('tively ;  the  diaracter  issuiii;^"  IVoni  tlie  nioiitli  nf 
the  [)a,'X!Mts  is  the  synihol  of  s[)eech,  and  indicati's  that 
tlie  person  to  whom  it  is  attached  is  speiikinn';  flic 
tears  in  the  chihlren's  eyes,  ai'e  synihols  of  the  wtvp- 
in<^  naturally  caused  hy  the  punishment  inflicted;  aiid 
figure  14  is  interpreted  to  he  a  synihol  of  night,  indi- 
cating that  the  cliikl  was  forced  to  sweep  at   niglit." 

Many  of  the  Aztec  synihols  are  of  cleai'ly  ninc- 
Hentative  origin,  as  foot-prints,  synd)ols  of  tra\iliiim 
tongues,  of  speech;  a  man  sitting  on  the  ground,  of 
an  earth(|uake;  painted  dro])s,  of  water;  and  other  sii^ns 
for  day,  night,  air,  movement,  etc.,  whicli  are  mori'  (ir 
less  clear.  But  of  others,  as  the  ser[»ent,  symhol  oi' 
time,  tlie  origin  is  not  affirmed.  To  define  tiie  extent 
to  which  the  symholic  wi'iting  ])revailed  is  very  diflicnlt, 
because  manv  of  the  characters  which  were,  oriyinallv 
at  least,  representative,  would  appear  to  the  unini- 
tiated })urtdy  arbitrary;  and  it  is  not  improbable  that 
many  signs  may  have  had  a  double  meaning  accoi'diiig 
to  the  connection  in  which  they  were  employed.  The 
system  is  ca])able  of  indefinite  expansion  in  the  liands 
of  the  priesthood  for  puq)oses  of  religious  mystiti-.a- 
tion;  and  the  fact  that  the  religious  and  astrolonic 
documents  seem  to  contain  but  few  of  the  representa- 
tive and  phonetic  signs  by  which  other  paintings  are 
interpreted,  lends  some  probability  to  the  thet)ry  that 
tlie  j)riests  had  a  ])artially  distinct  symbolic  system  <»f 
their  own.  The  Abbd  Brasseur  goes  so  far  as  to  say 
that  all  the  historical  documents  liad  a  double  mean- 
ing, one  for  the  initiated,  another  for  the  masses. 
The  use  of  symbols  doubtless  accounts  for  the  diHi- 
culty  experienced  in  the  interpretation  of  the  pictnii  - 
Avritings  which  have  been  preserved,  and  for  the 
variety  of  extravasj^ant  theories  that  have  been  founded 
on  them. 

The    intermediate    method    already    mentioneil   as 

"  Codec  Meiidozn,  in  Kiitgsboroufih's  Mcx.  Antiq.,  vol.  i.,  iil.  I\i      !•''• 
pliinatioii,  vol.  v.,  pii.  9G-7.     See  p.  '241  of  this  volume. 


AZTKC  PHONKTIC  WUITINc;. 


641 


(•oiniiiiif  between  tlie  ])urely  reprcsciitiitlve  and  the 
syiiilM»li(i,  was  very  extensively  t!in|»l()yu«l  by  the  Az- 
tecs in  writing''  the  naiucs  of  phict-s  and  persons, 
iK'iiily  all  of  whi(,'h  were  derived  liorn  natural  ohjects. 
Exainj)le.s  of  this  method  are:  It/eoatl,  'stone  (or  ob- 
sidian) serpent;'  Chapultepec,  'hill  of  the  yrasshop- 
])('!• ;'  Tzonipaneo,  '[)la('e  of  skulls;'  ( "hiinal|)opoca, 
'siii(ikini4"  shield;'  Aeaina}»itzin,  'hand  holdini;'  reeds;' 
Maciiilxoehitl,  'five  liowers;'  Qua\ihtinchan,  'house  of 
the  ea-o'le;'  all  written  by  the  simple  pictures  of  the 
()l)jfcts  named.  The  })i('ture  expressing-  a  person'a 
iiaiiie  was  attached  b}''  a  tine  line  to  his  head. 

Th(!  use  of  the  [)honetic  element  by  the  Aztecs  wa.s 
tirst  noticed  by  the  early  missionaries  in  their  elforts 
to  ti'aeh  Church  forms.  The  natives,  eager  or  obliged 
to  learn  the  words  so  essential  to  their  .salvation  but 
so  new  to  their  ear,  aided  their  memory  by  writing 
|(Iionetically  in  a  rude  way  the  strange  words.  Amen 
was  (^x])ressed  by  the  symbol  of  water,  <itl,  joined  to 
a  iiiaguey,  mcti,  fornnng  the  sounds  afZ-iiicfl  or  (.(-nic, 
sulticii'iitly  accurate  for  their  pur[)ose,  l*ater  noster 
was  likewise  written  with  a  tlag,  pmifli,  and  a  ])rickly 
pi'ar,  iiochtli;  or  sometinu;s  a  stone,  tcf/,  was  intro- 
duced before  and  after  the  prickly  pear,  the  whole 
reading  j;rt  (ittli)  -  tc  (tl)  -  nocli  (til)  -  te  (tl).  Here  it 
will  be  observed  that  the  .sound  only  of  the  objt^cts 
employed  is  considered,  with  no  retei-ence  to  tlieir 
meaning.  The  name  Teocaltitlan  is  an  excellent 
si»L'cinien  of  the  syllabic -phonetic  writing.  It  is 
written  in  one  of  the  manuscrij>ts  of  the  Boturini 
collection  by  a  pictured  })air  of  li[)s,  fciif/i,  for  the 
sylltiMc  te;  footsteps,  symbolic  of  a  road,  of/i,  for  o;  a 
iioiise,  (•(t//i,  for  ('((I;  and  teeth,  tlnutli,  for  thm,  ti  being 
a  coiiiiuou  connective  syllable.  The  termination  roKfl 
IS  a  \ery  fre(juent  one  hi  Aztec  words,  and  is  often 
written  phonetically  I)y  a  'pot,'  comitl,  surmounted  by 
the  symbol  of  water,  at/,  t'o-atl;  but  nxdl  means 
'^erpi  nt'  and  is  also  written  representatively  by  a 
^iiajilu  picture  of  that  reptile.     Matlatlan  'net-place,' 


^'^^^> 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


Am   •  -tor  ^^ 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


|50     "^~ 


I 


40 


1^ 

2.2 
2.0 


I 


U    II  1.6 


V 


71 


<^     ■?>  '> 


r^ 


PhotDgrapnic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


33  WIST  MAIN  STRUT 

WeSSTER.N.Y.  MStO 

(716)  873-4S03 


% 


642 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


is  written  by  pictured  teeth,  tiantii,  phonetic,  and  n 
net,  matla,  representative.  Mixcoatl,  'cloudy  ser- 
pent,' is  expressed  by  the  representative  si<»ii  of  a 
cloud,  mijct/i,  and  by  the  word  coatl  phonetically  writ- 
ten as  before  explained.  These  exanii)les  suffict;  t(» 
illustnite  the  system.  There  is  no  evidence  that  the 
Aztecs  ever  reached  the  hii^hest  or  alphabetic  stii«.;tf 
of  hierot^lyphics,  and  so  far  as  is  known  they  only 
used  the  syllabic  method  in  writing  names,  and  for- 
eiijn  words  after  the  cominj^  of  the  Spaniards.  Still 
there  is  some  reason  to  suspect  that  the  phonetic  ele- 
ment was  much  more  in  use  than  has  been  supposed, 
and  that  many  characters  vhich,  hitherto  considered 
by  students  as  representative  and  symbolic  sij^^ns,  ha\c 
yielded  no  meaning-,  may  yet  prove  to  be  phonetic, 
and  may  throw  much  light  on  a  complex  and  myste- 
rious subject.** 


'*  'On  trouve  mfime  chcz  les  Mexicains  iles  vestiges  ile  re  Kcnre  <riii('ro. 
clynlies  iiuu  Ton  appelle  ]ilu)iiuti(|iies,  ct  <|iii  uiiiioiice  <le.s  rappDrts,  nun  aver 
lacnoso,  iiiais  avcc  la  laii<^iic  parh'-e.'  llimihitlilt,  Vucs,  toiii.  i.,  p.  I'.M.  also 

)i|i.  162-202.  '  Hut,  altliuu;;!)  the  Aztecs  were  iiistriieted  in  all  the  vaiiciics  nf 
iiuro;;lypliieal  paintiii;;,  they  cliieHy  resorted  to  tlieeliiiiisy  iiiethiiil  of  liiicct 
representation.  J'rr.sci/tt\i  Mcx.,  vol.  i.,  p.  {t7,  also  pp.  88-107.  'It  is  to  M. 
Auliin,  of  i'aris,  a  most  zealous  student  oi'  Me.\ican  antiijuities,  that  \m'  owe 
our  first  clear  knowled;;e  of  a  plicntnneuon  of  j^reat  seieiitilic  interest  in  llic 
liistory  of  writing.  This  is  a  well-tlelined  system  of  phonetic  cliararicrs, 
Avhieh  Clavigero  and  Humboldt  do  not  seem  to  iiave  been  aware  of.'  Ti/ln/.s 
Ji  ■sc<irr/ifs,  p.  95,  also  pp.  89-100.  'Dans  les  comitositions  grossicres.  iluiit 
le.-<  auteurs  se  sont  presiiue  exclusivement  ocenpt5s  jnsqu'iei,  elle  (IVcritnic 
Azt{!(|iie)  est  fort  senihlanle  au.v  rebus  que  renfanee  mefe  it  aes  jenx.  t'uni- 
nie  ces  rebus  ellc  est  geiieralenicnt  ph(meti(|ne.  inais  souvent  anssi  conlnsc- 
inent  ideograph ique  et  syn»boli«jue.  Tels  sont  les  noins  de  villes  et  ile  rois, 
eitiisjMir  Clavigero,  tl'aiws  Purehas  et  L<»renzaiia  et  d'apres  t"lHviy:cr(i.  par 
line  f^i»ul«»d'aiiteurs.'  Aitlnti,  in  lirnnsciir  ile  lUturhmutj,  HikI.SiiI.  <'ir, 
torn,  i.,  j»p.  xliv.,  xxx-lxxiv.  See  also  on  Aztee  hieroglyphics  and  tlicir 
explanation:  Jtimrninniiii,  Orf.waiiirn,  torn,  i.,  jtp.  .37-48;  (iom/ni,  in  I'ns- 
rnti,  llint.  Com/.  Mfx.,  (Mex.  184(i).  toin.  iii. ;  f.ton  if  Gnniif,  Ihix  /'in/nn, 
)>t  ii.,  p|i.  29-45;  Eirhnnk,  in  ScJwolrra/f's  Arr/i.,  vol.  iv.,  pp.  4.">;m1;  M' h- 
iluzn,  in  Site.  Mix.  Groff.,  /io/r/t«,  2da  epoca,  toni.  i..  pp.  SiHJ-lMH;  liimini:, 
in  /(f.,  toni.  iii.,  im.  fi9-'70;  fioturiiii,  Iifra.  pp.  5.  77-87,  !Ki.  112-lH;  Chirinnu,, 
Storiii  Aiil.  (Ill  Sfr.s.tico,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  187-94;  Piiiiriitrf,  Mm.  xohir  In  />'"-"'< 
Jiiiliif.im,  pj».  49-.50;  Carhii/iif.  Ilisnirso,  p.  5;  Kli'iiim,  ('iiffur-Gisr/ii'li", 
toin.  v.,  i»i».  l.'U-7;  Chvmlin;  M\r.  Aiirirn.  rf.  Mo(i!.,])\>.  .37-8,58;  Hiniilnllt, 
Efsni  j'of.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  77,  9;<;  Foster's  Pre  Hist.  Rnccn,  p.  .322;  h'li/l'iliii, 
in  Aiticr.  Elhno.  Sor.,  Transnrt.,  vol.  i.,  pp.  12<>,  l('»5-(!8;  Rainirrz,  I'ri"""' '''' 
yi''.vtV/.;  Lenoir,  PnralMe,  ityt.  13-16;  LiMoik\s  Pre- Hint.  7V«i<.s',  p.  27!i;  S. 
Ainer.  Ji'-rieir,  18;»9,  vol.  .xlviii..  p.  '289.  1831,  vol.  xxxii.,  pp.  98-107;  .l"i('; 
Quart,  lieview,  June  1827,  vol.  i.,  p.  438. 


RECORD  OF  AN  AZTEC  MIGRATION. 


543 


On  the  two  following  paofe;-?  is  a  copy  oi'  tlio  paint- 
iiijf  already  referred  to  as  havincr  been  }>ul»li.shc'd  by 
(JLiuelii  Cai'eri,  Humboldt,  Kingsborou^'Ii,  Prescott, 
and  otiiers,  and  which  1  take  from  the  work  of  Ka- 
iiiiix'Z  as  being  probably  the  most  reliable  source.'" 
This  painting,  j)reserved  in  the  National  ^[useuni,  is 
ahoiit  twenty  by  twenty-seven  inches,  on  maguey 
jt;i|»er  of  the  finest  quality,  now  mounted  on  linen. 
1  do  not  propose  to  attempt  in  tliis  chapter  any  inter- 
])r('t;ition  of  the  painting,  to  di.scuss  the  interpivta- 
tiiiiis  of  others,  or  to  investigate  its  historical  import- 
aiico.  I  simply  present  the  document  as  an  iihistra- 
ti'ii!  of  the  Aztec  picture-writing,  with  interpretatiojis 
of  some  of  the  figures  as  given  by  Sefior  Ramirez, 
lta\ iiig  to  another  volume  all  consideration  of  the  old 
iilisiird  theory  that  a  part  of  the  })ainting  (fig.  1-G) 
pictures  the  fiood,  the  preservation  of  Coxcox,  the  Az- 
icc  Xoah,  and  the  confusion  of  tongues. 

The  winding  j)arallel  lines,  with  frecpient  foot-prints, 
hy  whidi  the  ditterent  groups  of  figures  are  united, 
all'  symbols  of  a  journey,  and  there  is  little  doul)t 
that  the  whole  i)ainting  describes  the  migrations  or 
waiulcrings  of  the  Aztec  people.  The  S(|uare  at  the 
li^ht  represents  the  j)lace  from  which  they  started. 
Fii;.  I,  2,  perhaps  express  phonetically  its  name,  but 
t\\v\v  interjn'etation  is  doubtful.  It  was  evidently  a 
wati  TV  region,  probably  a  lake  island  in  the  valley  of 
Mexico.  Fig.  3  is  a  xiidnnolpH/i,  'bundle  of  grass,' 
sviuhol  of  the  Aztec  cvcle  of  fifty-two  vears;  fijj;'.  4 
is  a  'curved  mountain,'  or  the  city  of  Culiiuacan,  on 
tlie  horders  of  the  lake;  fig.  5  is  a  bird  speaking  to 
the  people  (fig.  (J),  the  tongues  issuing  from  its  mouth 
hciii,;',  as  1  have  said,  the  usual  syHd)ols  of  speech. 
It  was  a  popidar  tradition  among  the  Aztecs  that  the 
Vdicu  of  a  bird  started  them  on  their  wanderings. 
The  lifteen  human  forms  (fig.  7,  12,)  are  the  chiefs  of 
the  migrating  tribes,  whose  names  are  hieroglyphically 


•'  III  Garcia  y  Culms,  Atlan,  with  nn  intcrpretntion. 


&M 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


I 


H\v 


The  Aztuc  Migrutiuu. 


nCTUKEWRITIXG  FROM  GEMELLI  CARERI. 


515 


■^r\ 


^  l°'l°23  ^2iYl  ^"^h 


Vol.  II.   a 


The  Aztec  Migratiuib 


646 


THE  XAHUA  XATIOXS. 


expressed  by  the  figures  connected  with  their  htjuls. 
At  their  first  stopping-phice  they  completed  another 
'slieaf*  of  fifty-two  years  (fig.  8),  and  perhaps  huilt  a 
temple  (fig.  11).  The  stay  at  Cincotlan  (fig.  15)  was 
ten  years  as  indicated  by  the  ten  circles;  fig,  17  is 
interpreted  by  CJemelli  Careri  Tocolco,  'humiliation,' 
and  fig.  18,  Oztotlan,  'place  of  caves.*  At  the  next 
sto])ping  place  fig.  20  represents  a  body  wrapped  in 
the  Mexican  manner  for  burial;  his  name  as  sliowii  l»y 
the  character  over  his  head  is  that  of  the  central 
figure  in  the* group  shown  in  fig.  7.  As  this  name 
does  not  appear  again,  the  meaning  is  perhaps  that 
one  of  the  tribes  here  became  extinct.  Fig.  25  is 
Tetzaj>otlan,  'place  of  the  tree  tetzapofl.'  The  gen- 
eric name  of  the  tree  is  tzapotl  (nuxlern  znpotc),  but  a 
particular  species  is  tetzapotl,  and  the  prefix  te  is  pho- 
netically expressed  by  the  stone,  tetl,  at  the  base  of 
the  tree.  Fig.  28  is  Tzompanco,  'place  of  skulls,' 
re})resenting  supposably  a  skull  imi)aled  on  a  stick ; 
fig.  2i)  is  Apazco,  'earthen  vase;'  fig.  31,  Quauhtitlaii 
'place  of  the  eagle,'  and  here  one  of  the  chiefs  of 
tribes,  the  right  hand  figure  of  group  7,  separates 
from  the  rest  to  form  a  settlement  at  fig.  33.  The 
time  of  stopping  at  each  place  and  the  completion  of 
each  fifty-two  years  are  clearly  indicated  and  need  not 
be  mentioned  here.  Fig.  34  is  Azcapuzalco,  'The  ant- 
hill;' fig.  83  is  Chalco,  'the  chalchiuite-stone;'  fig.  3(5, 
Tlecohuatl,  tletl-cohuatl,  or  'fire-serpent;'  fig.  31),  Chi- 
comoztoc,  'chicome-oztotl,'  'seven  caves;'  the  lower 
part  of  fig.  47  is  the  symbol  of  water;  fig.  48,  Teozo- 
inaco,  'the  monkey  of  stone.'  Fig.  50  is  Chapultepec, 
'hill  of  the  locust  or  grasshopper.'  After  the  arrival 
at  Chapultepec  a  great  variety  of  events,  most  of 
which  can  be  identified  with  traditional  occurrences  in 
the  early  history  of  the  Aztecs,  are  pictured.  1  shall 
not  attempt  to  follow  them.  The  route  seems  to  con- 
tinue towards  fig.  80,  Tlatelolco;  but  five  tribes  (Hg. 
53),  all  but  one  identical  with  those  of  the  group  in  tig. 
7,  12,  return  as  fugitives  or  prisoners  (fig.  51)  to  Cul- 


CHRONOLOGIC  RECORD. 


M7 


luiacan  (fijjf.  54),  the  orii^inal  startinnr-point.  Fi*:^.  01, 
and  one  of  tlie  characters  of  ti<>f.  05,  are  tlie  sviuliols 
of  coinhat  or  war.  Fig.  07  is  Inixiuhcaii,  'hirtli- 
])la('e,'  the  picture  representing  a  woman  wlio  lias  just 
•riven  birth  to  a  child.  Fig.  74  is  Tenochtitlan,  'place 
ot"  tciKH'htIi,*  the  tenochtli  being  a  species  of  nopal 
represented  in  the  figure,  and  being  also  the  sign  of 
the  name  of  Tenocli,  one  of  tiie  original  chiefs  «>f  the 
^noup  in  fig.  12,  and  also  seen  in  the  grou})  in  fig.  HI. 
Six  of  the  original  tribes  seem  to  have  reached  Te- 
iioehtitlan,  afterwards  Mexico,  with  the  tribe  tliat 
joined  them  at  Chapultepec;  nine  having  perished  or 
heen  scattered  on  the  way,  which  agrees  with  tlie  his- 
torical tradition.  The  preceding bri(jf  sketch  Mill  give 
ail  idea  of  a  document  whose  full  description  and  in- 
tetpretation,  even  if  possible,  would  reipiire  much 
jspjue  and  would  not  be  approj)riately  included  '"mc. 
The  picture-writing  shown  on  the  following  })ages 
is  the  one  already  mentioned  as  having  formed  })art 
of  the  Boturini  collection,  is  equally  important  with 
tile  one  already  described,  and  is  i)reserved  like  the 
former  in  the  National  Museum.  This  j)ainting,  like 
the  other,  describes  a  migration,  indicated  by  the  line 
of  foot-prints.  Starting  from  an  island,  .i  passage  by 
hoiit  is  indicated  to  Culhuacan,  'the  curved  mountain,* 
oil  tlie  mainland.  In  this  painting  we  have  not  only 
the  number  of  years  spent  in  the  migration,  and  at 
eacli  stopping-place,  but  the  years  are  named  accord- 
ing to  the  system  descril)ed  in  the  last  chapter,  and 
tlie  miirration  began  in  the  vear  (  e  Tecnatl.  The 
character  within  that  of  Culhuacan  is  the  name  of 
Huitzilopochtli,  the  great  Aztec  god.  Next  we 
have  in  a  vertical  line  the  names  of  the  eight  tribes, 
liieroglyphically  written,  who  started  on  the  nii- 
i^iiition,  the  Chalcas,  Matlaltzincas,  Tepanecs,  etc., 
ai^reeing  with  the  tradition,  except  three  which  can- 
uot  be  accurately  interpreted.  The  first  stoj)j)ing- 
l>lai'e  after  Culhuacan  was  Coatlicamac,  the  first  fig- 
ure in   the  lower  column  of  the  first  page.     Here 


648 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


S5 
O 

o 

I— I 


o 


o 
o 


i 


I 


•  »*S^V 


Ml*? 


«ii5a«t9 


'MWBiWM 


#> «' 


H-BHBIH 


Basis 


S  H-O  RBI 


THE  AZTEC  MIGRATION. 


640 


mOBM 


HSHH 


imui 


•Cases'* 


i-H^ 


tj^vG^ 


f 


sHlHEFS 


B 
£ 


^-HHl-H 


Bl^- 


* 


IHaWiB-B 


iHSHiwe' 

IHMHiHl 


■»Q 


IMS 


650 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


they  remained  twenty-ei^^ht  years  from  Ome  Calli  to 
Yey  Tecpatl  as  indicated  by  the  sijuares  connected  liy 
a  Hne.  The  hist  Imt  one  of  these  years  conipletvd  tlit 
cycle  and  is  re})resented  hy  a  picture  sliowiiiir  tin,' 
process  of  kindhng  (ire  by  friction,  instead  ot"  the 
bundle  of  jjrass  as  before.  Between  the  jjfroiips  of 
small  squares  are  the  hieroj2^1yphic  names  of  tlie  stop- 
ping-places, which  are  m  the  following  order,  bti^i li- 
ning with  the  second  column  of  the  tirst  page,  ( 'oatli- 
camac,  ToUan,  Atlicalaquiam,  Tlemaco,  Atotonilco, 
Apazco,  Tzomi)anco,  Xaltocan,  Acolhuacan,  KIilmh- 
tepec,  Tolpetlac,  Coatitlan  (where  they  first  cultivattd 
the  maguey),  Huixachtitlan  (where  they  made  pnltitic 
from  the  maguey),  Tecpayocan,  Pantitlan,  'jdnci'  of 
the  flag,'  Amalinalpan,  Azcapuzalco,  Pantitlan.  Acol- 

nahuac,  Popotla, ,  Atlacuihuayan  (Tacubay.i), 

Chapultepec,  Acocolco,  and  Culhuacan  (as  i>ris<)iitrs). 
The  migration  is  not  brought  down  to  the  arrival  in 
Tenochtitlan,  but  the  chronology  is  perfectly  ncoidrd. 
Several  of  the  names  of  places  are  indicated  bv  the 
same  hieroglyphic  signs  as  in  the  other  painting.  It 
will  be  observed  that  there  is  nothinjjf  to  locate  tlio 
starting-place  in  the  north-west.  It  was  probaMy 
either  on  the  lakes  of  Anithuac,  or  in  the  south  Ik- 
yond  what  is  now  the  isthmus  of  Tehuantepee.  JJoth 
of  these  paintings  will  be  noticed  in  the  historicjd  in- 
vestigations to  be  given  in  volume  V.  of  this  work. 

The  hieroglyphic  paintings  aftbrd  no  test  of  tlio 
Aztec  painter's  skill;  in  an  artistic  point  of  view  tlio 
picture-writing  had  probably  been  nearly  stationaiy 
for  a  long  time  before  the  con(iiiest.  The  pictinrs 
were  in  most  cases  conventionally  distorted;  indeed, 
to  permit  different  painters  to  exercise  their  skill  and 
fancy  in  depicting  the  various  objects  required  would 
have  destroyed  the  value  of  the  paintings  as  records. 
The  first  progressional  steps  had  taught  the  nati\'j 
scribes  to  paint  only  so  much  of  representative  and 
symbolic  objects  as  was  necessary  to  their  being  un- 
derstood;  convenience   and  custom  would   naturally 


THE  NEPOIUALTZITZIX. 


661 


tend  to  fix  the  forms  at  an  early  period.  Bold  oiit- 
liiifs,  and  hrijj^ht  contrasted  colors  were  the  ilesiderata; 
uleyfance  was  not  uinied  at.  Henco  no  arijunient  re- 
spectinjuf  the  Aztec  civilization  can  he  drawn  from  tho 
nide  mechanical  execution  of  these  painted  charac- 
ters. 

Tho  American  hieroLjlyphics  contair  n«>  element  to 
pnjve  their  foreign  i>ri<,Mn,  and  there  is  no  reason  to 
look  upon  them  as  other  than  the  result  of  original 
native  development.  Whether  enouo'h  of  the  painted 
records  have  heen  preserved  to  throw  much  additional 
liyht  on  ahoriiLrinal  history,  may  well  he  douhted;  hut 
it  is  certain  that  ;j^reat  proii;-ress  will  he  made  in  tho 
nrt  of  interpreting  such  as  have  heen  saved,  when  ahle 
men  shall  devote  their  lives  to  a  faitiiful  studv  of  this 
indigenous  American  literature  as  they  have  to  tho 
study  of  old-world  hieroglyphics.'* 

I  will  in  conclusion  call  attention  to  Boturini'a 
statement  that  knotted  cords,  sinnlar  to  the  ahoriginal 
Peruvian  <j(iii)iis,  hut  called  in  Aztec  Hcjfo/nKi/fiitziiif 
Were  also  emidoyed  to  record  events  in  early  times, 
l>ut  had  gone  out  of  use  })rol)al)ly  hefore  the  Aztec 
supremacy.  This  author  even  claims  to  have  found 
one  of  these  knotted  records  in  a  very  dilapidated  con- 
dition in  Tlascula.  His  statement  is  rej)eated  hy 
many  writers;  if  any  information  on  the  suhject  is 

'"  'Oil  (listiii<;uc  dans  Ics  peintnros  inoxicaiiips  dcs  tetos  «riiiu'  ;^raiHloiir 
t'liiiniu',  nil  fdrps  t'xocswivviiii'iit  coiirt,  ct  dcs  jiicds  i|ni,  par  la  li>iij.'iii'nr  dt-s 
iliiit;ts.  ri>MstMiililent  a  dcs  jiriflcs  d'oisean. . .  .'liiut  «'fci  iiidii|uc  I'l'iil'aiu-c  do 
I'iiit;  niais  il  iie  faut  pas  oiiMitT  (Hk- di-s  |)t'ii|iif^  (|ni  exiPi-iiiicnt  Iciirs  idi'fsi 
jiar  lies  |)ciiitiircs. . .  .attaclieiit  aussi  |icii  (riiiiinirtancf  ii  iiciiidri'  iMirrci'tc- 
iiit'iit  i|Uo  IcK  savans  d'Knru|ie  a  uniplnycr  iiiif  Ijidli-  t-rntnic  diiiis  Iciira 
iiiainiM'iits.'  Iliiiiiltolilt,  \'in;i,  toiii.  i.,  iiii.  I'.tS  '.'(K*;  llrnsxi  iir  ifi'  liniirhtiiinj, 
Jli-;/.  Xiit.  Cii'.,  toin.  iii.,  jij).  (m.S-4.  Aaladcs  in  ITiT'.*  ^taw'  an  Aniciicaii 
liliiiiictic  alpl<a)ict,  represent in;{  eat'li  letter  liy  an  <d)jei't  of  wIkik!  iiaiiie  it 
Was  tlie  initial  in  Hninc  lan^na<;e  not  the  Aztee.  Nothiii};  is  kixiwii  <»f  it. 
III.,  turn,  i.,  ]».  Ixx.  norunda  jihet*  a  Chirr  flriirnil  ilr  (irrnif/ifiro.s  Aiiirri- 
(■"//'<v,  ill  ]'oz  ifr  In  Patriii,  18.30,  toni.  iv..  No.  iii.  -an  extract  in  LniK  y 
Hiiiii'i,  f)iis  J'inlnis,  pt  ii.,  p.  .3.3.  Sr  KutVniio  Mendo/a,  in  Snr.  Mr.r.  (irnff., 
Hull  1(11,  '2da  epoea,  toni.i.,  p.  890,  nttaelies  Moiiie  iniportanee  to  Hornnda's 
oll'iiits.  ( hi  the  diltienlty  of  interpretation  see  llotiiriui.  Ii/ni,  p.  1 1(5;  Kings- 
biiri)iiii/i\s  ^fr.l•.  Aii/i'i/.,  vol.  vi.,  p.  87;  'rori/iirmntfn,  ^fininr'/.  Iiit/.,  toin.  i., 
]>.  U'.»;  Lrtliiforhitl,  Hist.  C/iirfi.,  in  Kiiitjsljuronyh's  Mrjc.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  ix., 
p.  "JOl;  Prescotl's  Mcx.,  vol.  i.,  p.  107. 


552 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


contained  in  the  uld  authorities,  it  has  escaped  my 
notice.'" 


•'  liotiirini.  Idea,  pp.  85-7;  Vfytia,  Hist.  Ant.  Mfj.,  torn,  i.,  p.  6;  C/n- 
vinero,  Sluria  Ant.  del  MrHHivu,  i»i\\.  ii.,  n.  I'.M;  Cnrlxijid  Eninum,  Hint. 
Alex.,  torn,  i.,  p.  050.  Soiiiuiuiditioiial  rcterciifCHon  hi«ri>glynliirH  nre:  Iil., 
pp.  244,  51)1-2,  OiVMl,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  M;  Nonnnn'H  Rmnhlen  in  Yuc,  pp.  'J'.U- 
6;  Itiiinenerh'ii  Ihnertii,  vol.  i.,  pp.  407-8;  Soilrn,  Spanier  in  Peru,  toiii.  ii., 
pp.  27-8;  HiMnierre,  VEmnire  Mex.,  pp.  175-6;  Afontnnus,  Nieiiwe  U'lr- 
reld,  pp.  2Mi-l;  Dapper,  Neite  H'eit,  p.  3(K);  Vela  field's  Antiq.  Ainer.,  p. 
42;  BonnycuatWa  Span.  Amer.,  voL  i.,  p.  52. 


CHAPTER  XVI IT. 


ARCHITECTURE    AND    DWELLINGS    OF    TIU:    NAIIUAS. 

AmiiFTErrtnE  of  the  Ancient  Nations-  ;;enerai.  Fv.  iTctres  ok 
Nahi-a  AnriiiTEcTrm:  — The  Arch  — Exteiikmi  and  Interior 
!»i;»'»kations— Method  of  IJijh-din<i  — Inci.i -ei'  I'lanes— Scak- 

F(»LI).S~ThI.  rSE  OF  THE  I'Ll'MMET—Ik'llniNC -MATERIALS— POSI- 
TION AND  Fortification  of  '.owns  — Mexico  Tfnochtiti.an  — 
The  (Jreat  Causeways— Qi-arters  and  Wards  of  Mexico— 
The  Market-Place— Fountains  and  Auieducts— Lkjiit-iioises 
and  Street -work— City  ok  Tezcuco— Dwelmngs— Aztk<;  (Jar- 
dens— Temple  OF  HiiTzii-oi*(MiiTLi— Temple  of  Mexico— Other 
Temples— Teocalli  at  Chollla  and  Tezcuco. 


I  shall  describe  in  tliis  chapter  the  cities,  towns, 
titmples,  palaces,  dwellinii^s,  roads,  bridges,  aqueducts, 
and  other  jjroducts  of  Nahua  architectural  and  con- 
structive art,  as  they  were  found  and  described  by  the 
Spaniards  in  tlie  sixteentli  century.  Monuments  of 
this  l)ranch  of  Nahua  art  chietly  in  the  form  of  ruined 
temples,  or  teocal/is,  are  still  standing  and  have  been 
exaniine<l  in  detail  by  modern  travelers.  The  results 
of  tiiese  later  observatiiHis  will  be  given  in  Volume  IV. 
of  this  work,  and  I  have  therefore  thought  it  best  to 
omit  them  altogether  here.  In  order  to  fully  com- 
prehend the  subject  the  reader  will  find  it  advantage- 
ous to  study  and  compare  the  two  views  taken  from 
diti'erent  standpoints.  It  is  Tor  a  general  and  doubt- 
less exaggerated  account  of  the  gnmdeur  and  extent 
of  the  Nahua  structures,  rather  than  any  details  of 


5i:i 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


tlicir  construction  that  we  must  look  to  the  Spani.sh 
chronicles;  and  it  is  also  to  be  noted  that  the  dcfscrip- 
tions  by  the  conquerors  are  confined  almost  entirely  to 
the  lake  region  of  Andhuac,  the  buildings  of  other 
re<jions  l)einjr  dismissed  with  a  mere  mention.  In 
this  connection,  therefore,  the  supplementary  view  in 
another  volume  will  be  of  great  vahie,  since  the  grand- 
est relics  of  Nahua  antiquity  have  been  found  outside 
of  Anahuac  proper,  while  the  oft-mentioned  magniti- 
eeut  temples  and  palaces  of  the  lake  cities  have  left 
no  traces  of  their  original  splendor. 

The  Olmecs,  Totonacs,  and  others  of  the  earlier 
Nahua  nations  are  credited  by  tradition  with  the  erec- 
tion of  grand  edifices,  but  the  Toltecs,  in  this  as  in  all 
other  arts,  far  surpassed  their  predecessors,  and  even 
the  nations  that  succeeded  them.  I  have  in  a  preced- 
ing chapter  sufficiently  explained  the  process  by  which 
this  ancient  people  has  been  credited  with  all  that  is 
wonderful  in  the  past,  and  it  will  be  readily  under- 
stood how  a  magnifying  veneration  for  past  glories, 
lianded  down  from  father  to  son  with  ever  accunuilat- 
ing  exajjijeration,  has  transformed  the  Toltec  huild- 
ings  into  the  most  exquisite  fairy  structures,  incom- 
parably superior  to  anything  that  met  the  S[)anisli 
gaze.  With  architectural  as  with  other  traditions, 
however,  I  have  little  or  nothing  to  do  in  this  chapter, 
but  pass  on  to  a  consideration  of  this  branch  of  art  in 
later  times. 

Respect  for  the  gods  made  it  necessary  that  the 
temples  should  be  raised  above  the  ordinary  build- 
ings, besides  which  their  height  made  them  more 
conspicuous  to  the  immense  multitudes  whicli  iVe- 
quently  gathered  about  them  on  feast-days,  render- 
ing them  also  more  secure  from  desecration  and 
easier  of  defence  when  used  as  citadels  of  refuge, 
as  they  often  were.  But  as  the  primitive  ideas  of 
engineering  possessed  by  the  Aztecs  and  their  insuf- 
licient  tools  did  not  permit  tlieni  to  combine  strength 
with  slightness,  the  only  way  the  required  elevation 


NAHUA  ARCHITECTURE. 


665 


could  be  attained  was  by  placing  the  buildinfif  proper 
upon  a  raised,  solid,  i)yranndal  substructure.  The 
j)revalence  of  eartlnpiakes  may  also  have  had  sonie- 
tliing  to  do  with  this  solid  form  of  construction.  Jn 
tlio  vicinity  of  the  lake  of  Mexico,  the  swampy  na- 
ture of  the  soil  called  for  a  broad,  secure  foundation; 
lure,  then,  the  substructure  was  not  confined  to  the 
ttinples,  but  was  used  in  building  public  edifices, 
}i;ilaces,  and  private  dwellings. 

Another  general  feature  of  Nahua  architecture  was 
tlie  small  elevation  of  the  buildings  proper,  comj^arcd 
with  their  extent  and  solidity.  These  rarely  exceeded 
one  story  in  height,  except  some  of  the  cliapels,  which 
luul  two  or  even  three  stories,  but  in  these  cases  the 
ui»i>yr  floors  were  invariably  of  wood. 

Whether  the  Aztecs  were  acquainted  with  our  arch, 
with  a  vertical  key-stone,  is  a  mooted  point.  C'lavi- 
j;er<)  gives  jilates  of  a  semi-spherical  estiifa  constructed 
ill  this  manner,  and  asserts,  further,  that  an  arch  of 
this  description  was  found  among  the  Tezcucan  ruins, 
l)ut  I  find  no  authority  for  either  picture  or  assertion. 
The  relics  that  have  been  examined  in  modern  times, 
moreover,  seem  to  show  conclusively  that  key-stone 
arches  were  unknown  in  America  before  the  advent 
of  the  Europeans,  ^hougli  arches  made  of  overlapping 
stones  were  often  cut  in  such  a  manner  as  to  resem- 
l»lc  them.  The  chaplain  Diaz,  who  accompanied 
(bijalva,  mentions  an  'arc  antique'  on  the  east  coast, 
hut  gives  no  description  of  it.  Nevertheless,  as  the 
'antique'  would  in  this  connection  imply  a  peculiar,  if 
not  a  primitive,  construction,  it  is  not  probable  that 
the  arch  he  saw  had  a  key-stone.^ 

As  decorations,  we  find  balconies  and  galleries  sup- 
ported by  square  or  round  pillars,  which  w^ere  often 
monoliths;  but  as  they  were  adorned  with  neither  cap- 
ital nor  base  the  effect  must  have  been  rather  bare. 


'  f'/nnffrro,  Sforia  Ant.  M  Mrs-siro,  torn,  iv,,  p.  212;  Diaz,  ftiiirrni'rr, 
in  T'  nnnij-Coiiifians,  I'oi/.,  serie  i.,tom.  x.,  j>.  27;  Brasseur  de  liuurbunnj, 
Hist.  Sat.  Civ.,  toiii.  iii.,  p.  658. 


556 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


Battlements  and  turrets,  doubtless  first  used  as  means 
of  defense,  became  later  incorporated  with  decorative 
art.  The  bareness  of  the  walls  was  relieved  by  cornicts 
and  stucco-work  of  various  designs,  the  favorite  H'j;- 
ures  being  coiled  snakes,  executed  in  low  relief,  '*liitli 
probably  had  a  religious  meaning.  Sometimes  tin  y 
were  placed  in  groups,  as  upon  the  tem})le  walls  at 
Mexico,  at  other  times  one  serpent  twined  and  twisttd 
round  every  door  and  window  of  an  apartment  until 
head  and  tail  met.  Carved  lintels  and  doorposts  wtrc 
common,  and  statues  frequently  adorned  the  court  and 
approaches.  Glossy  surfaces  seem  to  have  had  a  spe- 
cial attraction  for  the  Nahuas,  and  they  made  Hoors, 
walls,  and  even  streets,  extremely  smooth.  The  walls 
and  floors  were  first  coated  with  lime,  gypsum,  or 
ochre,  and  then  polished. 

No  clear  accounts  are  given  of  the  method  of 
erecting  houses.  Brasseur  de  Bourbourg  thinks  that 
because  the  natives  of  Vera  Puz  were  seen  l)y  liini 
to  use  scaffolds  like  ours,  that  these  were  also 
employed  in  Mexico  in  former  times,  and  that  stoms 
were  raised  on  inclined  beams  passing  from  seart'uM 
to  scaffold,  which  is  not  very  satisfactory  reasoniiiL;.^ 

However  this  may  be,  we  are  told  by  Toniuo- 
mada  that  the  Aztecs  used  derricks  to  hoist  heavy 
timbers  with.'  Others,  again,  say  that  walls  wtMc 
erected  by  l)iling  earth  on  both  sides,  which  served 
both  as  scaffolds  and  as  inclined  planes  up  which 
heavy  masses  might  be  drawn  or  rolled,*  but  al- 
though this  was  undoubtedly  the  method  adopted  hy 
the  Miztecs,  it  was  too  lal>orious  and  primitive  to  have 
been  general,"  and  certainly  could  not  have  been  cni- 


»   lirnsseurde  Bourbourg,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  Ct58. 

'  Tonjurinadn,  Monnrq.  Iiiil.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  274.  Sului^un,  in  (lescriliiii;^ 
how  the  people  riiiso<l  a  niaat  to  tl>o  f?o(l  of  fire,  says:  '  Atilhanle  dicz  ma- 

roinoH  por  la  iititad  de  el y  co.no  le  ibaii  levuiitiintlo,  |M>iiiaiile  uims  ma- 

(Icros  atailos  de  dos  en  dos,  y  uno»  puutale»  sohre  que  descaiizase.'  ///</. 
Iren.,  toin.  i.,  lib.  ii.,  p.  143. 

*  Jlerrera,  Ilist.  Gen.,  (Translation,  Lond.  17"2fi),  vol.  iii.,  p.  280. 

*  ('urbnjnl  Kspiiioan,  Ilist.  Mi-jc.,  toni.  i.,  p.  CG3;  t'/nriycro,  Storia  Aiit. 
del  Mcssico,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  201-2. 


BUILDING  MATERIAL. 


567 


])loyed  in  buildini^  the  three-story  chapels  upon  Huit- 
ziloj)ochtli's  pyramid.  The  perfectly  straiijclit  walls 
Itiiilt  by  the  Nahuas  would  seem  to  indicate  the  use 
of  the  plummet,  and  we  are  told  that  the  line  was 
used  in  making  roads."  Trees  were  felled  with  coj>per 
and  flint  axes,  and  drawn  upon  rollers  to  their  destina- 
tion,^ a  mode  of  transport  used,  no  doubt,  with  other 
cumbrous  material.  The  imi)lements  used  to  cut 
stone  blocks  seem  to  have  been  entirely  of  flint.* 

Tlie  wood  for  roofs,  turrets,  and  posts,  was  either 
Avhite  or  yellow  cedar,  palm,  pine,  cypress,  or  oyametl, 
of  which  beams  and  fine  boards  were  made.  Nails 
tJR'y  had  none ;  the  smaller  pieces  must  tlierefore  liave 
l)een  secured  by  notches,  lappinsi',  or  i)re.ssure.''  The 
(lirterent  kinds  of  stone  used  in  builchng  were  granite, 
alabaster,  jasper,  porphyry,  certain  'black,  shining 
stones,'  and  a  red,  light,  jwrous,  yet  hard  stone,  of 
which  rich  quarries  were  discovered  near  Mexico  in 
Ahuitzotl's  reign.^"  After  the  overflow  of  the  lake, 
which  hap])ened  at  this  time,  the  king  gave  orders 
that  this  should  be  used  ever  after  for  buildings  in 
the  city."  TecaU,  a  transparent  stone  resembling 
alabaster,  was  sometimes  used  in  the  temples  for  win- 
dow-glass." Adt)bes,  or  sun-dried  bricks,  were  chiefly 
used  in  the  dwellings  of  the  poorer  cljisses,  but  burnt 
bricks  and  tiles  are  mentioned  as  being  sold  in  the 

•■  Mittolinia,  Hist.  ItuUos,  in  Icnzhalrrtn,  Col.  de  Doc,  toiii  i.,  p.  63; 
('hii-iijiro,  Storift  Aiif.  ((el  Mi\s,siro,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  '2{)\. 

'  ■  Witli  tlicir  CopiJcr  Hati'hets,  ami  Axes  ciitiiiyiij.'ly  teniin'rcd,  tlu\v  fell 
tliiisL*  trees,   iiiid  liewc  them  siiuxitli. .  .  .and  hoarin^  a  hole  in  one  tif  tliu 

t'il;;is  (if  the  heaine,  they  fasten  the  rope,  then  Hette  tlieir  slanes  vnto  it 

imiiiii^'  round  hloeks  vnder  the  tiinlu-r.'  J'efcr  Murtijr,  dee.  v.,  lib.  x. ; 
Sah^Kjiiii,  Hist.  Gill.,  toni.  i.,  liii.  ii.,  p.  141. 

^  ('/(iriqcro,  Storia  Ant.  del  Mcnitico,  toni.  ii.,  p.  20.");  Gomnra,  Conq. 
Mr.,:,  f(d.  318. 

'■•  IVter  Martvr,  dec.  v.,  lib.  x.,  states  that  they  Itored  hides  in  beams. 
Tlu'v  may  therefore  huve  known  tlie  use  of  wooden  bolts,  but  this  is  doubt- 
fill,'        -^  _ 

'"'Le  r»7ro/'</«  (picrre  de  cheveux),  espece  d'umyfidalo'ide  poreusc,  fort 
•line,  est  une  lave  refroidie.  On  la  tronve  eu  ^rande  (inuntite  aiipri's  de  In 
lu'liic  \ille  de  San-At,'ostin  Tlalpnn,  ou  de  lar  <'ueva«,  a  4  1.  S.  de  Mexieo.' 
Itni.iiriir  ilr  Jioiirlidiin/,  ///.v/.  ^lflt.  ('ii'.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  381. 

"  I'/iirii/rni,  Sfon'a  Aiit.  drl  Afissiro,  torn,  ii.,  p.  202;  CarlxijiU  E.sjii- 
niisn.  Hist'  M,:r.,  tom.  i.,  pp.  (!f>3-4. 

'-'  1'rti.iiscur  dc  Dourbuur^,  Hist.  Xitt.  Civ.,  toni.  iv.,  f.  8. 


558 


THE  XAHUA  NATIONS. 


markets.''  Roofs  were  covered  with  clay,  straw,  and 
l)a!in  leaves.  Lime  was  used  for  mortar,  which  was 
so  skillfully  used,  say  the  old  writers,  that  the  joints 
were  scarcely  perceptible,"  but  probably  this  was 
j)artly  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  walls  were  alni«».st 
always  either  white- washed,  or  covered  with  ochre, 
gypsum,  or  other  substances. 

Frequent  wars  and  the  generally  unsettled  state 
of  the  country,  made  it  desirable  that  the  t(»uns 
should  be  situated  near  enough  each  other  to  afford 
mutual  protection,  wliich  accounts  for  tlie  great  luiiii- 
ber  of  towns  scattered  over  tlie  plateau.  The  same 
causes  made  a  defensible  position  the  primary  object 
in  the  choice  of  a  site.  Thus  we  find  them  situated 
on  rocks  accessible  only  by  a  difficult  and  narrow- 
pathway,  raised  on  piles  over  the  water,  or  sur- 
rounded by  strong  walls,  palisades,  earth- works  and 
ditches."  Although  they  fully  understood  the  neces- 
sity of  settling  near  lakes  and  rivers  to  facilitate  in- 
tercourse, yet  the  towns  on  the  sea-coast  were  usually 
a  league  or  two  from  the  shore,  and,  as  they  liad  no 
maritime  trade,  harbors  were  not  sought  for.^" 

The  towns  extended  over  a  compai'atively  large  sur- 
face, owing  to  the  houses  being  low  and  detached,  and 
each  provided  with  a  court  and  garden.  The  larger 
cities  seem  to  have  been  layed  out  on  a  regular  j>lan, 
especially  in  the  centre,  but  the  streets  were  nai'row . 
indeed  there  was  no  need  of  wider  ones  as  all  trans- 

"  Clni'igrro,  Sforia  Ant.  del  Mcssico,  torn,  ji.,  p.  205.  Cortds  inoiilinin 
a  'siu'lo  liidrilliulo' ut  Iztii|>iila|)uii,  Cartas,  p.  83,  uiitl  Herreru,  J//s/.  'f  '., 
<loi\  ii.,  lib.  vi.,  cup.  xii.,  both«t/oit's  and  ladrillos  in  Hpcukiiig  of  liiiildiii^'- 
inatcriiil. 

'*  Ihirila  Padilla,  Hist.  Fvnd.  Mi'x.,  p.  75;  Carbnjid  Enphiosit,  llisf. 
Mx.,  toin.  i.,  p.  (M55.  '  L'ijjnoraiite  Kioeroutore  iiepi  a'  Mossioani  la  chl:; 
iiizione,  e  I'liso  dollii  ealciiia;  iiiii  constii  per  la  testinioiiiaiiza  di  ttitti  ;.'li 
Storici  del  Messieo,  \vir  \i\  iiiatrieolii  du'  tributi,  e  soiiratiifto  |»er  j,di  ((lili/j 
anticlii  flnorii  aussi(*teiiti,  elie  tiitte  (|iielle  Nacioni  tafeaiio  della  lalcina  il 
incdeeiino  uso,  die  faiiiio  gli  Eur(>]H;i.'  Vlnvifjcro,  S/on'n  Aiit.dil  .lAxv/'", 
ttnii.  ii.,  p.  205,  toiii.  iv.,  i»|).  212-13.  Both  Corte«,  Viirtns,  p.  'jO,  and  llir- 
rera.  Hist.  Grn.,  ilec.  ii.,  Iil>.  vi.,  cap.  iv.,  nientinii  walls  of  dry  stone,  wliirli 
would  show  that  mortar  was  soiiietiiiics  di8|H.'nsed  with,  in  heavy  structimsj 
but  Heriial  Diaz,  Hint.  Cnnq.,  fol.  43,  contradicts  this  instance. 

'■  .\t  .Siencliinialen.   t'orfrx,  Cfirtns.  j).  ■'»7. 

••'  lintssciir  lie  Boitr'ouurij,  Hist.  Nat.  Vic,  torn,  iv.,  pp.  89-90. 


MEXICO  TEXOCHTITLAN 


559 


portation  was  done  by  carriers,  and  there  were  no  ve- 
hicles. At  intervals  a  market-place  with  a  fountain 
ill  the  centre,  a  square  filled  with  temples,  or  a  line  of 
shady  trees  relieved  the  monotony  of  the  long  rows 
of  low  houses. 

The  largest  and  most  celebrated  of  the  Nahua  cities 
was  Mexico  Tenochtitlan."  It  seems  that  about  the 
year  1325  the  Aztecs,  weary  of  their  unsettled  condi- 
tion and  hard  pressed  by  the  Culhuas,  sought  the 
marshy  western  shore  of  the  lake  of  Mexi'.'o.  Hero, 
on  the  swamp  of  Tlalcocomocco,  they  came  upon  a 
.stone,  upon  which  it  was  said  a  Mexican  priest  had 
forty  years  before  sacrificed  a  certain  prince  Co})il. 
From  this  stone  had  sprung  a  nopal,  upon  which,  at 
the  time  it  was  seen  by  the  Mexican  advance  guard, 
sat  an  eagle,  holding  in  his  beak  a  serpent.  Impelled 
by  a  divine  power,  a  priest  dived  into  a  pool  near  the 

"  Mexico  is  generally  taken  to  be  derived  from  Mcxitl,  or  Mexi,  the 
nther  iiiiuie  of  Hiiitzilopuclitli,  the  favorite  god  and  leader  of  tlie  Azters; 
many,  liowever,  tliink  that  it  conies  from  incxiro,  springs,  which  were  jdcn- 
tifiil  ill  the  neighborhood.  Tenochtitlan  comes  from  teonoe/itli,  divine  iioch- 
tli,  tiie  fruit  of  tiic  nopal,  a  species  of  wild  cactus,  and  (it/an,  conijiosed  of 
/>'//,  stone  or  rock,  and  an,  an  affix  to  denote  a  place,  a  derivation  whidi  is 
"iHi'iiiily  accepted,  as  may  lie  seen  from  tlie  amis  of  the  city.  Otiiers  say 
tliat  it  is  taken  from  Tciiurh,  one  of  the  leaders  of  the  Aztecs,  who  wt'ttled 
u|)()u  tiie  small  island  of  Pantitlan,  both  of  which  names  would  together 
fiirm  the  word.  '  C'e  noni,  qui  veut  dire  Villc  <le  lit  Tuna . . . .  Le  fruit  lie  cet 
ailirc  est  appele  uorhtli  en  mcxicain,  car  le  iioni  de  tuna. . .  .est  tiro  de  la 
l:uigiic  dcs  insulaircs  de  I'ile  de  Cuba. . .  .On  a  aussi  pretemlu  (jue  le  veri- 
talilf  iiom  de  Mexico  etait  Quauhnochtitlan,  ce  qui  veut  dire  I'iijiiicr  de 
I'Mi/li'..  ..D'autres,  enfin,  prt'tendent  que  ce  figuier  d'Indc  netait  jias  iin 
)i'>'7(//(  proprenient  dit,  niais  d'une  espfece  sauvage  qu'on  appelle  tntorhtli, 
oil  lie  celle  que  les  naturels  nomment  froiiorftlli  oil  tiguc  divine.'  'Kilo 
ayait  nris  du  dieu  ^lexix  celui  de  Mexico.'  Coiminfo,  Hist.  Thi.r.,  in 
Xnimi/rs  Aiinnfes  dm  Voi/.,  184.*},  torn,  xcix.,  pp.  i74-5.  'Los  Iinlios, 
ilt'ziaii;  y  dizen  oy  Mexico  Tenuchtitlan;  v  assi  se  pone  en  las  I'nmi- 
si'iiics  Keales.'  llrrrcrn,  Hist,  (h'li.,  dec.  li.,  lib.  vii.,  cap.xiv.  'Tenox- 
titliiii.  que  significa,  Tunal  en  piedra.'  Ant.sfti,  1/i.st.  t/c  tii.i  Yhi/.,  p. 
4ii().  The  natives  'ni  Hainan  Mexico,  sino  Teiiiichtitlan.'  7'i>rijiiriiiii(/ti, 
Miiiiiiri/.  Iiid.,  toin.  i.,  p.  *203.  'Teimchtitlan,  (jue  significa  friita  do 
pieilra.  'Taiiibien  dizen  algunos,  que  tiiiio  esta  ciudad  iioinbre  de  .«u 
i>riiiii'i-  fundador,  que  fuc  Teiiuch,  hijo  segundo  de  IztacniixcoatI,  ciiyns 
iiijiH  y  deceiidientes  poblaron . . . esta  tierra. .  .Taiiii>(»co  faita  qiiieii  pieiise 
'jiK'  si.  dixo  de  la  grana,  que  llanian  Xuchiztli,  la  qual  sale  del  iiiesiiio  car- 
"I'lii  iiiipiil  y  friita  niichtli. . .  .Taiiibien  aliriiian  otros  que  se  llama  Mi-xico 
<lf  111-*  I (i-i Micros  fundadores  que  se  dixeron  Mcxiti.'  GmiKirn,  Cnu'i.  -'^'•'■•i 
fill.  Il;t-I."t;  Mofo/iiiin,  Hi.it.  Iin/ios,  in  Irmhiilcctn,  Col.  dr  Doc,  toiii.  i., 
Ji.  ISd;  I '/(iritffro,  Sforin  Ant.  del  Mrssicn,  toin.  i.,  jip.  l()8-0.  'Tciior/i- 
iiiliiii,  cVst-a-ilire,  auprhs  des  nopals  du  rocher.'  'Ti-tlaii  est  pris  pour  le 
lieu.'  Bntsscur  dc  Bourbourg,  Hist.  Xat.  Vic,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  44G-U. 


SCO 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


stone,  and  there  had  an  interview  with  Tlaloc,  ffod  of 
waters/*  who  gave  his  permission  to  the  people  to  set- 
tle on  the  spot.*'  Another  legend  relates  that  Huit- 
zilopoehtli  appeared  to  a  priest  in  a  dream,  and  told 
him  to  search  for  a  nopal  growing  out  of  a  stone  in 
the  lake  with  an  eagle  and  serpent  upon  it,  and  there 
found  a  city.** 

The  temj)le,  at  first  a  mere  hut,  was  the  first  Imild- 
ing  erected,  and  by  trading  fish  and  fowl  for  stone, 
they  were  soon  enabled  to  form  a  considerable  town 
about  it.  Piles  were  driven  into  the  soft  bottom  of 
the  lake,  and  the  intermediate  spaces  filled  with  stones, 
branches,  and  earth,  to  serve  as  a  foundation  ior 
houses.''* 

Each  succeeding  ruler  took  pains  to  extend  .'ind 
beautify  the  city.  Later  on,  Tlatelulco,'"  which  luul 
early  separated  from  Mexico  Tenochtitlan,  was  re- 
united to  it  by  king  Axayacatl,  which  greatly  increased 
the  size  of  the  latter  city.  Tezcuco  is  said  to  have 
exceeded  it  in  size  and  in  the  culture  of  its  people, 
but  from  its  important  position,  imposing architettu re, 
and  general  renown,  Mexico  Tenochtitlan  stood  })ie- 
eminent.  A  number  of  surrounding  towns  and  vil- 
lages formed  the  suburbs  of  the  city,  as  Aztacaleo, 
Acatlan,  Malcuitlapilco,  Atenco,  Iztacalco,  Zaneo- 
pinco,  Huitznahuac,  Xocotitlan  or  Xocotlan,  Coltonco, 
Necatitlan,  Huitzitlan,  etc.^  The  circumference  of 
the  city  has  been  estimated  at  about  twelve  miles,  and 
the  number  of  houses  at  sixtv  thousand,  which  would 


"  Tic  is  also  termed  god  of  the  earth  in  the  fahle. 

'"  Torquemnda,  Monarq.  Ind.,  torn,  i.,  j»p.  91-4,  289-91;  lim.s.inir  tic 
Boiirhoiinj,  llist.  Nat.   Civ.,  toin.  ii.,  pp.  44;}- 9. 

*"  Arosfa,  Hist,  dc  lets  Viid.,  pp.  405-7.  See  also  Clnviqrrn,  Stnrin  Ant. 
dd  Messico,  toiii.  i.,  pj).  107-8.  Nearly  all  the  authors  give  the  whole  oi 
the  above  iiieanings,  without  deciding  upon  any  one. 

*'  Carbnjid  Espinosa,  Hist.  Alex.,  toiu.  i.,  p.  313;  Hercdia  y  Sarmirnto, 
Sermon,  p.  95. 

"  It  nienn.i  islet,  from  flatelli,  island.  Herrera,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  ii.,  li'' 
vii.,  cap.  xiv.  Veytia  says  it  is  a  corruption  of  x'dtelolco,  sandy  ground. 
Hist.  Ant.  ."W.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  141;  Gontara,  Conq.  Mcx.,  fol.   115. 

*5  Carbajal  Espinosa,  Hist.  Alex.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  218;  Brasseiir  dc  Uuiir- 
bourg,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  iv.,  p.  5. 


CITIES  OF  ANAHUAC. 


661 


jiflve  a  population  of  three  hundred  thousand."  It 
was  situated  in  the  salty  part  of  the  lake  of  Mexico, 
fifteen  miles  west  of  its  celebrated  rival  Tezcuco, 
about  one  mile  from  the  eastern  shore,  and  close  to  the 
channel  through  which  the  volumes  of  the  sweet  water 
lake  pour  into  the  briny  waters  of  the  lake  of  Mex- 
ico, washing,  in  their  outward  flow,  the  southern  and 
western  parts  of  the  city.  The  waters  have,  however, 
evaporated  considerably  since  the  time  of  the  Aztecs, 
and  left  the  modern  Mexico  some  distance  from  the 
l.oach.'"' 

Fifty  other  towns,  many  of  them  consisting  of  over 
throe  thousand  dwellinofs,  were  scattered  on  and 
around  the  lake,  the  shallow  waters  of  which  were 
skinnned  by  two  hundred  thousand  canoes.^  Four 
i^raud  avenues,  paved  with  a  smooth,  hard  crust  of 
coinent,'^^  ran  east,  west,  north,  and  south,  crosswise, 
funning  the  boundary  lines  of  four  (juarters;  at  the 
meeting-point  of  these  was  the  grand  tem})le-court. 
Three  of  these  roads  connected  in  a  straight  line  with 
large  causeways  leading  from  the  city  to  the  lake 
sliores;  constructed  by  driving  in  piles,  filling  up  the 
intervening  spaces  with  earth,  branches,  and  stones, 
and  covering  the  surface  with  stone  secured  by  mor- 


'^*  The  AnonvmoMs  Conqueror  says  two  and  a  half  tothreolea<;ucsiiifir- 
ciiiiifcreiice,  wliicli  is  acceptotl  by  most  antliors.  Iti'ldtioiie  fiitta  f^tcr  vn  (jfu- 
liVlinoino  ilcl  Sii/nor  Ferntindo  Corfcic,  in  Ilnmiitiio,  Nurii/fi/ioiii,  toiii.  iii., 
f«l.  :{(>!>.  Hut  as  the  cinhankincnt  which  forimul  a  scfiii-fiirlc  round  the 
ti)wii  was  three  leaj^ies  in  len<^h,  the  eireuniference  4>f  the  eity  would  not 
Imve  Wii  less.  Brasseur  de  lionrhouni,  Hist.  Xaf.  Cir.,  toni.  iv.,  p.  4. 
Corti's  says  that  it  was  as  large  as  Seville  or  Cordova,  dirttis,  p.  103.  Ay- 
Itiii,  in  III.,  p.  43,  pl.nes  the  number  of  houses  as  low  as  SO.tMM).  Las 
Ciisas,  Ifi.sf.  Apoloffcli'it,  M.S.,  cajt.  1.,  who  is  usually  soextravayant  in  his 
ilesi'riptions,  eontines  himself  to  'nuis  de  einquenta  mil  casus.'  (iomara, 
<'<)iiq.  Mcr.,  fol.  113,  00,000,  eacii  of  which  contained  two  to  ten  occu- 
iKuits.  Tonjuemada,  Monurq.  Iti(f.,  toin.  i.,  p.  'iltl,  places  the  number  as 
lii^'h  iis  I'iO.OOO,  which  may  include  outlyiuf;  suburbs.  The  si/e  and  busi- 
ness of  the  nuirkets,  the  remains  of  ruins  to  be  .seen  round  modern  Me.xieo, 
.•luil  its  fame,  sustain  the  idea  of  a  very  large  po|)ulatiuii. 

'' SvvCitrhajal  Espinosii,  Hint.  Mcx.,  tom.  li.,  pp.  216-17,  on  fornuT 
ami  iirescnt  surroundings.  Herrera,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  li.,  lib.  vii.,  cup.  xiv. ; 
'"'•'(v,  Cartas,  p.  103. 

*'  Goiiiiiru,  Conq.  Mcx.,  fol.  Wit. 

^  'Krano....di  terra  come  nuittonata.'    Riiationf  fatta  ftrr  vn  gtntij^ 
hunmo  (li-l  Siifnor  Fernnndo  Vortrst,  in  Itttmusio,  N'teigationi,  tom.  iii., 
f'»l.  Wi;  J'rcsroft's  Mix.,  vol.  ii.,  p.  110. 
Vol.  II.    36 


562 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


tar.  They  were  broad  enoufyh  to  allow  ten  hors^o- 
men  to  ride  abreast  with  ease,  and  were  defended  by 
drawbridges  and  breastworks.''* 

The  southern  road,  two  leagues  in  length,  com- 
menced half  a  league  from  Iztapalapan,  and  was 
bordered  on  one  side  by  Mexicaltzinco,  a  town  of 
about  four  thousand  houses,  and  on  the  other,  first  by 
Coyuhuacan  with  six  thousand,  and  further  on  by 
Huitzilopochco  with  five  thousand  dwellings.  Half 
a  league  before  reaching  the  city  this  causeway  was 
joined  by  the  Xoloc  road,  coming  from  Xochiniilco, 
the  point  of  junction  being  defended  by  a  fort  named 
Acachinanco,  which  consisted  of  two  turrets  sur- 
rounded by  a  battleniented  wall,  eleven  or  twelve  foot 
high,  and  was  provided  with  two  gates,  through  wliich 
the  road  passed.*®  The  northern  road  led  from  Tej>ey- 
acac,  about  a  league  oflt";  the  western,  from  Tlacopan, 
half  a  league  distant;  this  road  was  bordered  witli 
houses  as  far  as  the  shore.*'     A  fourth  causeway  from 


*»  'Fueron  hechas  h  mano,  de  Tierra,  y  Cespedes,  y  niui  quajndas  ile 
Piedra;  son  anchas,  que  piieden  pasar  por  cada  viia  de  ellas,  tren  ( 'iirrctiis 
juntas,  h  diez  Honibrcs  h  Cahallo.'  Torqucmada,  Mouurq.  Itul.,  toni.  i.,  y. 
292;  Las  Casn.i,  Hist.  Apulogftira,  MS.,  cap.  1.;  PrcscotCs  Mcj:,  vol.  ii., 
p.  Ci);  Carbajnl  Espinosa,  Hist.  Mex.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  2J7.  'Tan  anclia  idiiio 
dos  lanzas  jinetas.  Cortes,  (.'arias,  p.  103.  He  nientiona  four  caiisewavs 
or  entrances,  but  this  must  include  either  tlic  branch  which  join.s  tlic  south- 
ern road,  or  the  aqueduct.  'I'ueden  ir  por  toda  cllo  ocho  de  cahallo  li 
la  par.'  Id.,  p.  83.  The  view  of  Mexico  published  in  the  Lu.xenibur^'  edi- 
tion of  Cortis,  Cartas,  points  to  four  causeways  liesiiles  the  aqtieduct,  but 
little  reliance  can  be  phv'ed  on  these  fanciful  cuts.  Helps  thiuKs,  however, 
that  there  must  have  been  more  causeways  than  arc  mentioned  by  tiic 
conqiierors.  Span.  Cutiq.,  vol.  ii.,  pi>.  4.50,  472.  'Entrano  in  essa  per  trc 
strade  alte  di  pietra&  di  terra,  ciascuna  largatrenta  passi.'  Rdationr  f'ntta 
per  vn  gcntiVhuonw  del  Signor  Fernando  Corte.sr,  in  liumv,sio,  Narlijiifiimi, 
torn,  iii.,  fol.  309.  lirasseur  de  JJourboitrif,  Hist.  iV«<.  Civ.,  toni.  i\.,  p-  4- 
'Las  puentes  que  tcnian  hechas  de  trecho  d  trccho.'  Bernul  Diaz,  ll(>>f. 
Conq.,  fol.  70. 

89  'Dos  puertaa,  una  por  do  cntran  y  otra  por  do  salen.'  Corf/s,  Carlrri, 
p.  84,  which  means,  no  doubt,  that  passengers  nad  to  pass  throu;;h  the  fort. 
He  calls  the  second  town  alou}^  the  roa<l  Niciaca,  and  the  third  lliichilo; 
huchico.  Brasseur  de  Bourbourg  states  that  within  the  fort  was  a  Icoralli 
dedicated  to  Toci,  on  which  a  Iwacon  ))lazed  all  niyht  to  jjuide  travelers. 
Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  iv.,  pp.  209-10.  But  this  is  a  mistake,  for  Tczn/o- 
moc.  Hist.  Mex.,  pt  ii.,  p.  184,  his  authority  for  this,  says  that  the  beacon 
was  at  a  hill  'avant  d'arriver  fi  Acuchinanco.' 

^  Torqucmada,  Monarq  Ir.d.,  torn,  i.,  p.  292;  Las  Casas,  Hist.  Apoln- 
gdtica,  MS.,  cap.  1.;  Corl/s,  Cartas,  p.  84.  The  Anonymous  ('oii(|iicror 
calU  them  two  leagues,  one  league  and  a  half,  and  a  quarter  uf  a  Ica^'uo 


QUARTERS  AND  WARDS  OF  MEXICO. 


CCS 


liis  lie 
nettm 

,■1 

south- 
Ho  li 
;  I'tli- 
but 

)\vi"ver, 

)>•    till! 
n'T  trc 

fiitta 

it  (till  i, 

hisi. 


lai 


let 


Curt  HI, 
lu  fort. 

uiliil"; 
tt'ocalli 
ivi-lors. 
rc/.o/.<>- 
Iknu'ou 

Jpoln- 

mil"*'™"" 
,  IcafUO 


Chapiiltepec  served  to  support  the  aqueduct  which 
supplied  the  city  with  water. ^* 

The  naines  of  the  four  quarters  of  the  city,  which 
were  thus  disposed  according  to  divine  connnand,  were 
Tlaquechiuhcan,  Cuecopan,  or  Quepopan,  now  Santa 
Maria,  lying  between  the  northern  and  western  ave- 
nues; Atzacualco,  now  San  Sebastian,  between  the 
eastern  and  northern;  Teopan,  now  San  Pablo,  be- 
tween the  eastern  and  southern;  and  Moyotlan,  or 
Mayotla,  now  San  Juan,  between  the  western  and 
southern;  these,  again,  were  divided  into  a  number 
of  wards. **  Owing  to  the  position  of  the  city  in 
the  midst  of  the  lake,  traffic  was  chiefly  conducted 
by  means  of  canals,  which  led  into  ahnost  every 
ward,  and  had  on  one  or  both  sides  quays  for  the 
reception  and  landing  of  goods  and  passengers.  Many 
of  these  were  provided  with  basins  and  locks  to 
retain  the  water  within  them  ;^  while  at  the  mouth 
were  small  buildings  which  served  as  offices  for  the 
custom-house  officials.  Bridges,  many  of  which  were 
upwards  of  thirty  feet  wide,  and  could  be  drawn  up 
so  as  to  cut  off  communication  between  the  different 
parts,  connected  the  numerous  cross-streets  and  lanes, 
some  of  which  were  mere  dry  and  paved  canals.^ 

loiif^  respectively.  Relatione  fatta  per  tvi  gentir/ivotno  del Sitjiior  Fernnntfo 
('(irtrsc,  in  Ramtisio,  Nungaiiotii,  toin.  iii.,  fol.  305);  IJruMseiirde  Rourbouij;, 
lltsf.  Nat.  Civ.,  toiii.  iv.,  p.  4,  makes  the  slutrtest  a  lea<^iie. 

"  '  Habia  otra  algo  mas  estrecha  para  los  dos  acuediictos. '  Carhajal  E.sjii- 
»iosn,  Hist.  Mex.,  tom.  ii.,  p.  217. 

'^  III  Tezcuco  the  wards  were  each  occupied  hy  a  <listinct  class  of  trades- 
people, and  this  was  doubtless  the  case  in  Mexico  also,  to  a  certain  extent. 
'("aiia  Oticio  se  vsase  en  Barrios  de  jMirsi;  de  sucrte,  que  losuuc  eran  Plate- 
ros  (le  Oro,  avian  de  estar  juntos,  y  todos  los  de  a(iuel  Itarrio,  lo  avian  de  »er, 
y  no  se  avian  de  inezclar  otros  con  ellos;  y  los  de  Phita,  en  otro  IJarrio,'  etc. 
Tiii'iiu'iiimla,  Monarq.  Iiuf.,  tom.  i.,  p.  147;  lira.i.icur  de  liuiirhounj,  Ihst. 
Nat.  Cii\,  toiu.  iv.,  p.  3;  Carbaial  Espino.'ta,  Hist.  Mix.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  218. 

^^  'Al  rededor  de  la  ciudad  iiabia  muchos  di<iucs  y  esclusas  para  conto- 
ner  las  a^uas  en  caso  neccsario. . .  .no  |K>cas  que  tcnian  en  medio  una  ace- 
quia  eiitre  dos  terraplenes.'  Carbaial  Espinosa,  Hist.  Mex.,  tom.  ii.,  pp. 
218-19. 

'<  'Hay  sua  puentes  de  rauy  anclias  y  nniy  pandes  vign  ;  juntas  y 
rccias  y  ))ien  labradas;  v  tales,  que  por  muchas  delms  puedcn  p  ..sar  dicz«le 
caliallo  juntos  li  la  par.  In  case  of  necessity  'quitadas  las  pue  ites  de  las 
ontiiulas  y  salidas.'  With  this  facility  for  cutting  off  retreat,  f  itrtes  found 
it  best  to  construct  hrigantines.  Cartas,  p.  103;  Motoliiiin,  Hi."!  ,  Indins,  iu 
Icuzbaketa,  Col.  de  Due,  tom.  i.,  p.  187 i  Jicmul  Diaz,  Hist.  C'<  -«2'»  ^"l-  'i''^' 


&(U 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


The  chief  resort  of  the  people  was  the  levee  wlildi 
stretcheil  in  a  seiiii-circle  round  the  southern  part  of 
the  city,  forming  a  harhor  from  half  to  tiiree  quartn  h 
of  a  leajxue  in  breadth.  Hero  during  the  (lav  tlic 
merchants  hustled  about  the  cargoes  and  the  custum- 
houses,  while  at  night  tlie  promenaders  resoitcd 
there  to  enjoy  tlie  fresli  breezes  from  the  lake.  Tht; 
construction  of  this  emb.ankment  was  owinjjf  to  an  in- 
undation  which  did  serious  harm  during  tlie  reimi  <»f 
Montezuma  ^.  This  energetic  monarch  at  once  took 
steps  to  prevent  a  recurrence  of  the  catastrophe,  and 
called  upon  the  neighboring  towns  to  assist  witli  pco- 
j)le  and  material  in  the  construction  of  an  outer  wall, 
to  check  and  turn  aside  the  waters  of  the  fresh  lake, 
which,  after  the  heavy  rains  of  winter,  rushed  in  vol- 
umes upon  the  city  as  they  sought  the  lower  salt  Inkf. 
The  length  of  the  levee  was  about  three  leagues,  and 
its  breadth  thirty  feet.  In  1408,  fifty-two  years  after 
its  construction,  it  was  further  strengthened  and  en- 
larged.*^ 

Although  the  Spaniards  met  with  no  very  impos- 
ing edifices  as  they  passed  along  to  the  central  part  of 
the  city  where  the  temple  stood,  yet  they  must  have 
found  enough  to  admire  in  the  fine  smooth  streets, 
the  neat  though  low  stone  buildin<js  surmounted  l>v 
j)arapets  which  but  half  concealed  the  flowers  behind 
them,  the  elegantly  arranged  gardens,  gorgeous  with 
the  flora  of  the  tropics,  the  broad  squares,  the  lolty 
temples,  and  the  canals  teeming  with  canoes. 

Among  the  public  edifices,  the  markets  are  espe- 
cially worthy  of  note.     The  largest  in  Mexico  Tent)eh- 

'Otra  Calle  avift. . .  .mui  nngosta,  y  tanto,  que  apenas  podian  ir  dos  Pcrsci- 
lias  juntas,  son  finalmcnte  vnos  Callcjoiics  mui  esticclios.'  Tonjiirniiii/'i, 
Monnrq.  Intl.,  toni.  i.,  p.  291;  Jielafione/atta pir  vn  ;iiiilil'/iiiomii(li f  Si'/n'ir 
Fernando  Cortese,  in  Kainusio,  Nnvigationi,  toni.  iii.,  fol.  30!(;  llvrnin, 
JUst.  Gen.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  vii.,  cap.  xiii. 

'■^  Torqueniadn,  Monarq.  Ind.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  157-8.  It  is  here  said  to  he 
four  fathoms  liroad.  lirnssmr  de  liourhourif.  Hist.  A'at.  Cir.,  torn.  iii..  1>|'- 
'2'.i\-'2;  Klemm,  CnUur-Gesc.hichte.,  tom.  v.,  p.  32;  Miililenpfordt,  Mji'-i^, 
torn,  ii.,  pt  ii.,  p.  25.5,  says:  '  Reste  des. .  .  .gegen  39,400  Fuss  lan'jt'iiainl  ii'> 
Fuss  breit«n  Dainmcs  uus  Steincii  in  Lehm,  zu  beideu  Scitcn  niit  I'allisi- 
ditn  verbramt.' 


FOINTAINS  AND  AtilKDUCTS. 


Cfiu 


titlan,  was  twice  as  larjj^o  as  tlio  snuare  of  Salamanca, 
says  Ct)rtes,  and  was  Hurrouiulcd  ny  jMnticoos,  in  and 
iilioiit  Vvhich  from  sixty  tlioiisand  to  one  liundred 
thousand  buyers  and  sellers  foinul  room.*'  The  mar- 
ket-place at  Tlatelulco  was  still  lari,'er,  and  in  the 
midst  of  it  was  a  Sfjuare  stone  terrace,  fifteen  feet 
hiyfli  and  thirty  feet  lonjjf,  which  served  as  a  theatre,"" 
The  numerous  fountains  which  adorned  the  city 
were  fed  l)y  the  aqueduct  which  hroujjfht  water  from 
the  hill  of  Chapultepec,  ahout  two  miles  ort",  and  was 
niiistruoted  upon  a  causeway  of  solid  masonry  five  feet 
iiiL,'h  and  five  feet  broad,  runnini(  parallel  to  the  Tla- 
copan  road.^  This  acpieduct  consisted  of  two  pi[)es 
of  masonry,  each  carryin«:f  a  volume  of  water  e(pial 
in  bulk  to  a  man's  l^ody,**  which  was  conducted  by 
branch  pipes  to  different  j)arts  of  the  town  to  supply 
fountains,  tanks,  j)onds,  and  baths.  At  the  different 
canal -bridij^es  there  were  reservoirs,  into  which  the 
pipes  em})t''!d  on  their  course,  and  here  the  boatmen 
who  made  it  a  business  to  supply  the  iidiabitants 
witli  water  received  their  carjjfoes  on  the  payment  of 
a  fixed  price.  A  vigilant  police  watched  over  the 
distribution  of  the  water  and  the  care  of  the  pipes, 
only  one  of  which  was  in  use  at  a  time,  while  the 
otliur  was  cleansed.*'     The  suj)])!)'  was  obtained  from 


^^CortAt,  Cnrta.1,  p.  103;  Gomrtrri,  Com/.  .Vr.r.,  M.  lift;  Oririln,  Hist. 
(li)i.,  tdiii.  iii.,  p.  2!)!);  Carhnjul  Kapiiin.tn,  Hint.  Mi.r.,  (oni.  i.,  p.  (JOS. 

^'  'Cosi  {^riiiiiic  CKiiie  siircldii'  tre  volt*'  in  pia/xii  ili  SiilainaiK'u.'  lirfn- 
tiiiiir  fiiffn  per  rn  (jentirhitomn  <lrl  Sii/nor  Ftriiiiinfit  Cnr/csr,  in  Jitniiiini'), 
Xnrii/ulidin,  turn,  iii.,  fol.  SO'J;  Mutuliiiia,  Uis(.  Imlios,  in  Icuzlmlirlit, 
Cul.  lie  Dor.,  toin.  i.,  p.  181. 

'^*  The  Anonymous  Continoror  states  that  this  roail  carried  the  a({ueiluet 
which  was  tliree  quarters  of  a  U'a;,'ue  in  U'n;.'th.  li'lnliinii  fntlo  pir  rn 
!l''iilir/iiiuino  del  Siifiior  FeriKiin/o  Curtixr,  in  linniiisio,  Xiiriiidtiinii,  toni. 
iii.,  fill,  30!);  C'ortdn,  Citrtiii,  )>.  lOS;  Ihuissntr  dr  liinir/ioiin/,  lli-it.  Xnl.  dr.. 


tiiiii.  iv.,  p.  4;  Torquenutda,  Monarq.  Iiid.,  toin.  i.,  p.  207;  I'reiirott'n  Mix., 
vol.  ii.,  p.  114. 

^'■' '  lios  eanos,  que  eran  dc  mailera  v  <le  eal  y  canto.'  Curtfn,  Cartas,  jiji. 
20;»,   lOS;  Oriedo,  Hist.  Gen.,  toni.    iii.,  p.  304.     Other  writers  make  thii 
lijK's  larger.     'Tan  gorilos  como  vn  liuey  eaila  vno.'  doniara,  i'lnni.  Mrj-., 
113.     'Tan  anelias  oonio  tres  liomhres  juntos  y  mas.'   Lan  Casus,  Hist 
Ajiiiiiiiirtica,  MS. ,  cap.  1. 

*"  Cortes,  Cartas,  |».  108,  says  'echan  la  ilulce  por  unas  oanalcs  tan  <;rue- 
Ms  ciiiiKi  un  buey,  (lue  son  de  la  lon<;ura  ile  his  diehas  |)nentes.'  Tori/iie- 
tiuiJa,  Mouarii.  Jau.,  torn,  i.,  p.  207;  Lus  Cuaas,  Ilisl.  Apoloi/e.tica,  ilS., 


a 


5<;n 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


u  fiiio  H|»nii_ijf  on  tlio  smninit  of  Mount  Cliiipultcjur, 
wliicli  was  jjfiuinlod  l)y  two  Hj^iiroH  rut  in  tho  sidid 
Htono,  ri'prusi;ntin<,»'  Montexunia  and  liis  father,  aniird 
with  huu'tJS  and  nhii-lds."  Tho  present  a<jUeduet  was 
l)artly  ret'onstrurted  hy  Montexuina  II.  on  tlie  oM 
one  ere<'te(l  hy  the  first  kini(  of  that  name.  Its  in- 
auLfuration  was  attended  hy  inij)osin<,'  eerenumics, 
of!erin;^^s  of  quails,  and  hurnin*^  of  ineense." 

Durin«^  Ahuitzotl's  rei^n,  an  attempt  was  made  to 
hrinjjf  water  into  tl»e  city  from  an  immense  sprini;-  at 
Coyuhuacan.  Tlio  lord  of  tliat  phice  eonseiited,  as 
lienune  a  loyal  vassal,  to  let  the  water  ij^o,  but  piv 
dieted  disastrous  oonseijuencos  to  the  city  from  tlio 
overflow  which  would  he  sure  to  follow  if  the  water 
Were  taken  there.  This  warninj^,  however,  so  enraged 
tlie  kin»^  that  he  ordered  the  execution  of  the  iiuhlc. 
and  innnediately  levied  men  and  material  from  tho 
iiei<.jhhorins.j  towns  to  huild  the  a(|ueduct.  The  ma- 
sons and  laborers  swarmed  like  ants  and  soon  linislud 
the  work.  When  everythin<^  was  ready,  a  yrand  pre- 
cession of  ])riests,  princes,  nobles,  and  plebeians 
marched  forth  to  open  the  ^ates  of  the  acpieduct  and 
receive  the  waters  into  the  city.  Speeches  were  made, 
slaves  and  children  were  sacrificed,  the  wealthy  cast 
precious  articles  into  the  rollinjj^  waters  with  words  of 
thanks  and  welcome.  But  the  hour  of  sorrow  was  at 
hand.  The  })rediction  of  the  dead  lord  was  fultillcd; 
the  waters,  once  loosed,  could  not  be  fettered  aLjain; 
a  g  jat  part  of  the  city  was  inundated  and  nuich  daiu- 
ii^j^v  vas  done.  Then  the  distracted  king  called  ome 
mo  upon  the  neighboring  towns  to  furnish  men,  but 
this    ime  to  tear  down  instead  of  to  build  u[).*' 

A  lonsj  the  arranoements  for  the  convenience  of 
the  J  iblic  may  be  mentioned  liglithouses  to  guide  the 

cap.  1.;  PrrsrotCs  Max.,  vol.  ii.,  p.  114;  Carbajal  Espiiiosa,  Hist.  M.c., 
toil),  i.,  p.  (>(>4. 

<i  (roiuara,  Conq.  Mcx.,  fol.  113;  Ilcrrcra,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  ii.,  lili.  vii., 
cap.  xiii. 

*^  Aconfri,  Hint,  dc  Ins  Ynd.,  pp.  J>00-1;  Torqurmailn,  MoiKtrq.  Im!-, 
torn,  i.,  |i.  '207:  nrrtft.tnir  (fr  Hoiir/wurtj,  lli.if.  Nut.  Vir.,  torn,  iv.,  p.  4. 

<2  Duran,  Hist.  Iiulias,  MS.,  torn,  ii.,  cup.  xiviii.,  xlix. 


LKJIITIlOLSliS  AND  STUKETWtUtK. 


667 


ciinoos  which  bi'ou<,^lit  sii|)|»lioa  to  th'j  <,^rcat  inutr(»|K)lis. 
Tlit'sc  wt'io  erocteil  ut  lUH'oreiit  |H>ints  upon  towers 
and  liuit^lits;  tho  principal  one  Hocnis  to  havo  l»uun  o\\ 
Mount  Tocitian,  whoro  a  wooden  turret  was  ereited 
to  hold  the  Haniinjjf  beacon.**  Tl»e  streets  were  also 
lighted  hy  l)urnin<jf  braziers  jdaced  at  convenient  inter- 
vals, which  were  tended  by  the  nij;ht  patrol.  A  force 
of  over  a  thousand  men  kept  the  canals  in  ordc-r,  swept 
the  streets  and  s[.''>ikled  theiu  several  times  a  day.*'^ 
Pulilic  closets  wero  placed  at  distances  aloni^^  the 
canals.*"  Tho  care  of  buildiii(>;s  also  received  the  at- 
tention of  the  government,  and  every  eleventh  month 
was  devoted  to  repairing  and  cleaning  the  temjtles, 
j)iil»lic  edifices,  and  roads  generally.*^  A  number  of 
towns  on  the  lake  were  built  on  piles,  in  imitation  of 
Mexico,  chiefly  for  the  sake  of  security.  Thus,  Izta- 
])alapan  stood  half  on  land,  half  over  the  water,  and 

«  finmsriir  ffr  Tiniirhniirfi,  ffisf.  Xiif.  Cii'.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  427,  ioiii.  iv.,  i>p. 
•-•0!>-l(»;   Tizozuiiiur,  Hist.  Mij-.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  184. 

<>  ()rfci/a,  ill  Vi-ijliii,  Hist,  Ant.    McJ.,   toiii.  iii.,   p.  319;  Tunjiiciiiailii, 

MniKtrq.  iiiii.,  toiii.  i.,  np.  '2(W,  4()0. 

*^  Itrdnnenr  lie  liDurlioiinj,  Hi.it.  Nat.  Cir.,  toin.  iv. ,  p.  7.  '  Kn  todiw 
1 :....o  ....»  »....:....   1....'.!.....  .1..  ..,..*...„    >.   ....:,.    x  .-...■>•,.,.    ...........   ....  |,,^ 


—    I  #r  (f  ti.ir'.f  r    fft'   j#i#tcr  i/('f».  •/.    Mft.iM.    AT.if,      v».'.,      txiriii.      iv.|     I*.      I.  a.ii     iirii.Ffi 

I  M  citiiiiiiiiH  (iiio  tt'iiiiiii  heciioH  do  cufias,  o  piijii,  b  yorviiH,  ]Mir(|iu'  no  los 
>i('sscii  Ids  (|iie  piisHiisen  por  elloM,  y  alii  su  iiietiiiii.  Hi  toiiiuu  pinii  ih'  piir- 
};ar  los  vieiiircH,  piin^ue  iiu  »u  lus  ])vrdit'.-iMO  uiiuellii  Hiiciedad.'  Ikrmil  liiuz. 
Hist.  I'oiiq.,  fol.  70. 

<'  Tinqiicmtiila,  Mimiirq.  hid.,  toin.  ii.,  p.  '2!IS.  The  aiithoritii-s  for  tlio 
(livsi'i'lptioii  «)f  the  I'ity  are:  liiiiitiiiin'  fattn  /'<'>'  I'li  iinitil'liitiiino  i/il  Siijitor 
Fvniiiii(lo  Curfr.si-,  in  lioniu.sio,  Xdritfiitioiii,  toin.  iii.,  fol.  .'{(M),  and  in  Irnz- 
liiilrrfit,  Vol.  <lc.  Dor.,  tinii.  i.,  ji.  J^'.M>-'J,  with  plaiiw;  Corfc'i,  I'nrlu.i,  pp. 
r.i,  S:{-4,  1(I--M>,  '2m);  Ll.,  l)r.if,„tr/ti:s,  p.  .'{;«,  plan;  lliniiil  Jim:,  Hint. 
<'iiiii/.,  fol.  7(>-.'<;  Ton/iiniiiiita,  Miniarq.  tint.,  toni.  i.,  jip.  '.(1-4,  147,  l">7-H, 
•J(M1  7.    '-'SS-iKS,    3(Mi  7,   AM);  A  tost  a.    Hist.   ,li    Ins    Yiiil.,   pp.   4(;.">-S,  .')0i»   1; 


-in.     I,       «^.f..»— .fij,      *f,r,.-f,     -I....,     .iiT.......       «,.....      ...       .■...       I    ......     ^.|..      T....     v.,     ......      ■ 

Miitiiliniii,  Hist,  liidios,  in  Ivazltuln-ln,  Cut.  ilf  I)oi\,  toin.  i.,  jip.  l,S(l-.'{,  1S7- 
S;  I.ii.f  Va.tifs,  llist.  Apolui/i'tifii,  MS.,  cai).  !.;  (ronioni,  Cniiu.  J/cj-. ,  fid 
11:{-1();  Oi'iido,  ni.st.  Giii.,  toin.  iii.,  1>1).  -.VS;}-!,  '-".«),  .H(l.">;  ]  iijliii,  lli.st 
.\iif.  STiJ.,  tinii.  ii.,  p.  141;  (trtrijn,  in  lit.,  toin.  iii.,  p.  ',]\'.);  llvi-nni.  Hist 
/'....      .1....    :i      i:i.    .::      ......    x\\\      ^\,.     .i....    ii;      i;i.    >!      ...n.     v!  ■   /./ 


Id., 


-ir;t-lo;    <  iiniiijoi  rfyilllo.sti,  Jii.fi.    .tiiu.,  loiii.   i.,    |i|,.    ,iio-it,    init,     mni.    ii., 

[111.  •-'KS-'iS,  with  plan;  Prr.ii'ult's  Mix.,  \»\.  i.,  i>p.  1()-17,  vol.  ii.,  p|).  (i'J, 
((i-S('>;  ^fidlf^•ll/lfo^lt,  Mijiro,  toin.  ii.,  jit  ii.,  I>.  '25.">;  Aldiiinii,  J'lsniit- 
'•/o//fv,  toin.  i.,  p.  184-8;  jfel/i.s^  S/mii.  Citiiq.,  vol.  ii.,  pp.  310-14,  4.')1>,  471- 
-.  4'.M)-|,  with  plaii»;  Caiii,  (Jurtus,  pt  i.,  pp.  3j-G;  I'ftcr  Murtijr,  dec.  v., 
lib.  .\. 


568 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


Ayotzinco    was   founded   entirely  on   piles,  and  luid 
canals  instead  of  streets.*" 

Other  towns  had  recourse  to  stron*^  walls  and  dcop 
ditches  to  secure  their  protection.  Tlascala  especijillv 
was  well  defended  from  its  ancient  Aztec  eneniv,  Itv 
a  wall  of  stone  and  mortar*"  which  stretched  for  six 
miles  across  a  valley,  from  mountain  to  niouMtaiii. 
and  formed  the  boundary  line  of  the  repuhlic.  Tin's 
wall  was  nine  feet  hiij;-!!,  twenty  feet  hroad,"^"  antl  sur- 
mounted by  a  breastwork  a  foot  and  a  half  in  tliitk- 
ness,  behind  which  the  defenders  could  stand  wiiiK- 
Hghtini^.  The  only  entrance  was  in  the  centre,  wlicrc 
the  walls  did  not  meet,  but  described  a  senii-ciicic, 
one  overlapping  the  other,  with  a  sjiace  ton  i)a(«'s 
wide  and  forty  long  between  them.''^  The  other  side 
also  was  def-Mided  by  breastworks  and  ditches."'-  Tlir 
city  itself  stood  u])on  four  hills,  and  was  crossed  l»y 
narrow  streets,^*  the  houses  beinijf  scattered  in  irret>u- 
lar  groups.  In  size  it  was  t;ven  larger  than  (Ji-anada, 
says  Cortes,  which  is  not  unlikely,  for  the  market  liad 
acconnnodation  for  thirty  tlu>usand  people,  and  in  one 
of  the  temples  four  hundred  S[)aniards  with  their  at- 
tendants found  ample  room.^  At  Huejutla  there 
was  a  curious  wall  of  masonry,  the  outside  of  which 
was  faced  with  small  blocks  of  tetzontli,  each  alu)ut 
nil'..'}  inches  in  diameter  on  the  face,  which  was  it>uii(l- 
ed;  the  end  of  each  block  was  pointed,  and  inserted  in 
the  wall.'' 


*^  C'frlxfjal  E.ijyinosa,  Hist.  Mcx.,  toni.  ii.,  ]>.  1!)7;  J'irsr(i//'.s  Mt.r.,  vdl. 
ii.,  i».  ()!». 

■•'J  ('<irt(''s  says  'j)ie<lra  seca.'  Cur/n.i,  p.  (iO,  lnit  tliis  is  contraclirtccl  liv 
l?t'nial  l>iaz.  wlio  fouiul  it  ti»  lio  of  sIoih'  ami  mortar.  His/.  :'-iii'/.,ii>l.  Kt. 
'Sill  mc/i'la  di'  t'al  ni  liarro.'   Ilirrmi,  Hint.  Ili  n.,  dci-.  ii.,  lilt,  vi.,  rA]<   iv. 

iu  ('/iin'i/iro.  Sfnriii  Ant.  ihl  Missifit,  toin.  ii. ,  ]i.  150,  give  the  iiiiM^iirr- 
iiu'iit  at  ciijiit  feet  in  liciiilit  ami  i'i;;hli'oii  in  wiillii. 

■''•  ('ortc.f,  Ciirtii.'i,  i>.  (>(»;  llrrniil  hiiiz,  lli.it.  Ciiinf.,  fol.  4'^■,  W'lsl-Inilisiiif 
S»ir'/Iiif,  ]»[».  L'2.">-().  C/ariijiro,  Storiti  Aiit.  </rl  J/c.v.v/co,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  1">0, 
witli  a  rut. 

•''■•■'  K/iitilll,  Cill/iir-dr.irliirJitr,  toill.  v.,  ]).   18(>. 

■''■'  Dciaportf  says  that  streets  met  on  the  liiils.   /'('/.sv//,  torn.  \..  l>.  ■-■">i''. 

^*  ('iii'!('s,  Car/ii.s,  \t.  (JT;  Ulittioiir  fiitla  jnr  rii  ifriiti/'/iiiniiio  i/i  /  .'^.iin"/' 
Firiiiiiii/i)  ('iirti.tr,  in  llnniii.'iio.  Xnritjutiniii,  Unix.  iii. ,  fol  ,'t((S;  Ih  lui  m. 
llisl.  dr.'i.,  (lee.  ii.,  lib.  vi.,  eap.  xii. 

jj  Cor'is,  Curtiis,  p.  171.     Sec  ll'urthn,  Jiir/ivrc/iis,  pj>.  ('»7  S,  on  fortill- 


THE  CITY  OF  TEZCUCO. 


509 


Tlio  city  next  in  fame  and  rank  to  ^Toxico  To- 
lUK-lititlan  was  Tezcneo,""  which  Tonjueniada  atHrnis 
cDiitaincd  one  Innidred  and  forty  thousand  houses 
Avitliin  a  circumference  of  from  three  to  four  leagues." 
It  was  divided  into  six  divisions,  and  crossed  by  a 
si'iies  of  fine  straiu^ht  streets  Hned  with  elei^ant  huiKl- 
iii;;s.  The  old  })ahice  stood  on  the  border  of  the  hdvc 
u[t(ia  a  tri})le  terrace,  guarding  the  tt)wn,  as  it  were; 
thi'  newer  structure,  in  the  construction  of  wliich 
two  liundred  thousand  men  had  been  employed,  stood 
at  the  northern  end;  it  was  a  magniHci'ut  building 
and  contained  three  liundred  rooms.  This  eity  was 
tlic  seat  of  refinement  and  elegance,  and  occupied 
relatively  the  same  position  in  Atexico  as  I'aris  does 
in  Kurope/* 

The  style  of  architecture  for  houses  did  not  exhibit 
much  variety ;  the  difference  betwe.'ii  one  house  and 
another  being  chieHy  in  extent  and  material."''     The 

cations.  Tn  Miclioacan,  soino  towns  had  walls  of  planks  two  fathoms  liij;li 
uMil  Kuc  hroail.    Hrrnrii,  Hist,  (int.,  dof.  iii.,  lil».  lii.,  fa|).  iii. 

■'''  Mi'aiiiii^j;  ]<laco  of  dftcntion,  herause  horc  tin?  ininii-ivatin;,'  tribes  usi-ii 
ti  li.ilt,  wliilo  ilcri(lin<5  npon  their  sfttienu'iit.  Ixlliljfurliill,  ll/'.st.  ('hich.,  in 
Kiiiifxliiiniiiff/i's  Mir.  Atitiii.,  vol.  ix.,  ]>.  i!14. 

'"  Las  Casas,  Hist.  A/iiUoiir/icti,  .MS.,  eap.  xlix.,  says  that  it  was  nearly 
iH  I;n;;i-  as  .Mexico.  Goninnt,  Cmiq.  Mcr.,  fol.  II.").  Motolinia,  ///.v/.  Inilins, 
ill  !rii:l)ii/rrti),  Co/,  i/c  Ihc,  toni.  i.,  ]t.  182,  fjives  it  a  lea.Ltne  in  width  iind 
^i\  ill  leii;:;th.  I'eter  Martyr,  dee.  viii.,  lih.  iv.,  j;ives  it  '.MMMK*  houses. 
Caili.ijal  r.s|iiiiosa,  llisf.  .Vc./-.,  torn,  i.,  lip.  87  8,  estimates  it  at  :{l).(K)ll 
iiniisi's.  and  lliinks  tliat  Tornneniada  ninst  nave  ineliided  the  three  outlying 
tnwiis  to  attain  liis  li;rnre.    'lori/iiriuin/d,  Mnnuni.  //((/.,  torn.  i.,p..'t(t4. 

'■*  lii'iis.siuir  (l(  l>iiiir/iiuif!/,  /lis/.  .\tit.  dr..  torn,  iv.,  pii.  8'.)-ita,  .'{llli-l;  Cnr- 
liij'i/  /\x/iiiiitsii,  l[isf.  Mi.r.,  torn,  i  ,  pp.  87-8;  I.ftlil.riirhill,  /lis/,  t'/iir/i.,  in 
Kiii'is'iiiriiiiifh's  .\fi:r.  Aii/itj.,  vol.  ix.,  pp.  '24'2-4.  For  fiirtiier  references  to 
Mi'xii'.in  towns,  fort-,  etc.,  see:  ('ortis,  Cartits,  pti.  'J I,  .")7-(iO.  <>7-S,  7  J-."), 
'.L'-:i,  l."i;(.  171.  1S<>.  I'.Xi;  ll'riDi'  DiilZ,  Ifi.tf.  Com/.,  fol.  -»;{;  /i'r/„/ioi,r/(if/„  firr 
rn  ii'ii/i/'/nioino  i/ff.  Siijiior  Frnimitio  Corfcsf,  in  Itdiniisio,  Xiifiifi'/ioiii, 
tun.  iii.,  fol.  .SOS;  I.cllil.iorhitl,  /fisf.  Cllirh.,  in  Kiiu/sliorou'l/i's  .Mrx.  .In/ii/., 
tiiiii,  i\.,  |i|i.  •>\4,  '2V2.  '2M-2,  •J.">7;  Las  Cnsus,  llisf.  A/io/o;/i  /irn,  MS.,  cap. 
xli\.;  Tor/iiriiiiiifc,  }f<iiiini/.  //('/.,  torn,  i.,  jip.  -.">l-'2,  1101,  4  l',)-.")t(;  doiiiiirn, 
''iii'f.  .l/r.c,  fol.  '2t>,  .')l,  11.");  Ifrrrrn.  llisf.  (Ini.,  dec.  ii.,  lih.  v.,  cap.  viii., 
lili.  vi.,  cap.  iv.,  \ii.,  x\  i..  lili.  vii.,  cap.  iv. ,  dec  iii..  iiii.  iii.,  cap.  iii. ;  I'luri- 
wrii,  S/oriii,  Ant.  t/il  J/'v.s/co,  torn,  ii.,  p.  l.")t>,  with  cat;  I'l/rr  .Murh/i;  dec. 
IV..  HI),  iv. ,  vii.,  dee.  viii.,  Iii).  i\.;  Orin/o.  Hisf.  (Int.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  '2K\\ 
W'rsi-fiiifisi'fie  S/)irif/ii'/,  pp.  '22\,  "Jl'Jt")-*);  Itoloijiii',  in  Tirinni.r-Coiii/iims, 
1  "7  ,  si'rie  i.,  toni.  x.,  p.  2\2;  Moiitiniiis,  Xiruiir  Wirnhl,  p.  '2'M't\  Khnnii, 
l'iil'iir-(!isr/iir/''i\  torn,  v.,  p.  18(i;  /)r/it/>or/i;  llri.'nii,  torn.  x..  p.  'J.'mI;  ''(//•- 
''//■'/  Ksjiiiiiisii,  llisf.  Mi:i\,  tom.  i.,  ])p.  87  8,  'J.")'.»,  (id.'l.  toai.  ii.,  [iji.  ."il,  H>l; 
U'lir/iii,  It'i'hi'rvhi's,  pp.  (17  S;  I'nsm/f's  .Mr.r.,  vid.  ii..  p.  (!.");  Ihfjis'  Sjkih. 
•  ''■'7,  vol.  ii.,  ](.  'i'.IU;  jiii^sirnr,  1/ Kui/iirr  .Mr.r.,  p]».  'J  10.  '2VA. 

■'''  I.as  ("a«as  statu.-)  tliut  whoa  a  warrior  dislin;'iiished  himself  abroad 


&■ 


B70 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


dwullhii^s  of  tlio  nobles  were  situated  upon  terraces 
of  various  lieiglits,  wliich  in  s\vani})y  j)laces  like 
Mexico,  rested  upon  tiers  of  heavy  piles.*'"  They  were 
usually  a  j^roup  of  buildings  in  ihe  form  of  a  ]>:u'a]- 
lelograni,  built  of  stone  or  in  Mexico  of  tetzoiitli, 
joined  with  fine  cement,  and  finely  polished  and  uhite- 
washed."*  Every  house  stood  by  it.self,  separated  fruni 
its  neii>hb(jr  by  narrow  lanes,  and  enclosed  one  or 
more  courts  which  extended  over  a  large  s})a(e  of 
ground."^  One  story  was  the  most  common  form,  and 
there  are  no  accounts  of  any  palaces  or  })rivate  liou.ses 
exceeding  two  stories."'  Broad  steps  led  up  the  ter- 
race to  two  gates  wliich  gave  entrance  to  the  courts; 
one  opening  upon  the  main  street,  the  other  upon  the 
back  lane,  or  canal,  that  often  lay  beneath  it.  Tlie 
terrace  [datform  of  the  houses  of  chiefs  often  had  a 
wide  walk  round  it  and  was  especially  spacious  in  I'lont, 
where  there  was  occasionally  a  small  oratorio  facing 
the  entrance.  This  style  was  })articularly  noticed  on 
the  east  coast."*  The  court  was  surrounded  by  numerous 

lio  was  alldwcd  to  liuilil  liis  house  in  tlio  style  used  by  the  enemy,  ii  inivi- 
lej^o  allowed  to  none  else.  Hist.  Apnltujilird,  MS.,  eaj).  Ixvi. 

•'"  'I  fondanienti  delle  ease  f^randi  della  (  apitale  si  j^ettavano  a  ca;:!!!!!!' 
della  ]io('a  sodezza  di  (juel  terreno  soju-a  un  i)iauo  di  jjjrosse  s!anj:lit'  di  (fdni 
liccate  in  terra.'  ('hnuijrru,  titinin  An/.  </tf  ^fr.wico,  tout,  ii.,  \>.  202.  'I'or- 
<|ue  la  huniedad  no  les  eausase  enferineiiad,  alzahau  los  aposentos  liii>t:i  uu 
estado  |Mico  mas  o  menos,  y  asi  (piedahan  eoino  entresuelos.'  M  inHitu, 
Hist.  Erics.,  j>.  121.  Speakinj;  ».f  C'eiupoalla,  I'eter  Martyr  hays:  '\iit(i 
these  houses  or  haliitations  they  ascend  liy  10.  or  12.  steiijies  or  stayri'.s.' 
Dee.  iv.,  lil>.  vii.  Th'^  floor  of  the  jialaceat  Mitia  eonsisteil  of  slahs  of  sluiie 
tliree  feet  thiek,  wiiit''.  rested  on  ten  feet  jjiles.  Jtra.s.^ciii-  de  Ihiiirliuiinu 
Hist.  \<if.  I'll'.,  ti)ni.  iii.,  ]>.  2().  Houses  with  elevated  terraees  were  only 
allowed  to  ehiefs.   TiZozotiior,  Hist.  Mf.i\,  toin.  i.,  p.  188. 

li'  hits  CiisKs,  Hist.  Aji»/oi/(tint^  MS.,  eaji.  .\lix.  This  nioile  of  wliite- 
washin^  the  walls  and  polishiuj^  them  with  <iypsum  seems  to  have  hccn  vciy 
eommon  in  all  parts  of  Me.xieo,  for  we  rei>eatedly  meet  with  meiitions  nf 
the  da/./,lin;t  white  walls,  like  silver,  v.hieh  the  Spaniards  noticed  all  tli:ini;.'li 
their  marcli.  Tarqiu'iiKi-hi,  Moimrq.  liul.,  torn,  i.,  p.  251;  C/aviijrro,  SlmiK 
Ant.  (Ii'l  M'ssico,  toni.  ii.,  )>.  202. 

•'^  In  Cempoalla,  say.s  I'eter  Martyr,  'none  may  eharj^e  his  neijih  hours  wall 
with  hi-ames  or  rafters.  All  the  houses  are  seperated  the  distaud'  of  .S. 
paces  asunder.'  Uee.  iv.,  lib.  7.  Cortes,  Cartas,  p.  24,  mentions  as  iii.iiiy 
as  livt>  courts. 

''J  Toniiii'iiiKifa,  Moiiarq.  htil.,  torn,  i.,  ]>.  201',  l.as  Ca.sas,  Tfist.  A/m/n- 
grfira,  y\S.,  L'i\[>.  I.;  /'rr.sroff's  Mc.r.,  vol.  ii.,  ])p.  7(>-7;  I'/icniliir,  Mi^i'. 
Aiiririi  it  MikI.,  |i.  17.'<.  'N'avaient  ;;uere  i[u'uu  eta;,'e,  ii  cause  dc  la  frc- 
tjuence  des  tremhlemcnt  de  terre.'  Bussivrir,  L'Eiiqtirc  J/c.c.,  p.  IT-i. 

ti'  Cortes,  Cartas,  p.  24. 


DWELLINGS  OF  THE  RICHER  CLASSES. 


571 


porticoes  decorated  witli  porphyry,  jasper,  and  alahas- 
tci'  ornaments,  wliicli,  again,  led  to  various  eliambers, 
and  lialls,  lighted  by  large  windows.  Two  great  halls 
and  several  reception-rooms  were  situated  in  front ;  the 
sleeping-chambers,  kitchen,  baths,  and  store-rooms 
were  in  the  rear,  forming  at  times  quite  a  complicated 
labyrinth."'  The  court  was  paved  with  flags  of  stone, 
tesselated  marble,  or  hard  cement,  polished  with  ochre 
or  gypsum,*'  and  usually  contained  a  sparkling  fount- 
ain; occasionally  there  was  a  flower-garden,  in  whicli 
a  [)yramidal  altar  gave  an  air  of  sanctity  to  the  place.''^ 
Tlie  stairway  which  led  to  the  second  story  or  to  the 
roof,  was  often  on  the  outside  of  the  house,  and  by  its 
grand  proportions  and  graceful  form  contributed  not  a. 
little  to  the  good  ai)pearance  of  the  house. "^  The  roof 
was  a  flat  teirace  of  beams,  with  a  slight  slope  towards 
tlic  back,"^  covered  with  a  coat  of  cement  or  clay,™  and 
surrovmded  by  a  battlemented  paraj)et,  surmounted  at 
times  by  small  turrets.''^  There  were  generally  flow- 
ers in  pots  upon  the  roofs,  or  even  a  small  garden ; 
and  here  the  members  of  the  household  assembled  in 


'''' Cliiiir.%  Rapport,  in  Trn''ii.r-Cninp(ri>>i,  Voi/.,  slm-Io  ii.,  toiii.  v.,  p. 
^2S.  Tlie  palai'i'  at  To(']ii'(pu',  says  Las  ("asas,  was  a  vory  laliyriiifli,  iii 
wliii'Ii  visitors  wt'rt'  liahlo  to  Iom-  tluMiisclves  witlioiit  a  jj;tii(le.  In  the  pal- 
ii'c  ;illcitt(>i|  to  Cortos  at  Mi'xiro  1r'  fmiiul  comfortalilo  quartors  for  100  of 
lii>  own  men,  itXM)  all  it's,  and  a  nunilicr  of  attendants.  Ili.sf.  A/m/nf/i/ii'n, 
M><  ,  I'aji.  Iii.,  1.  'Auia  salas  con  sns  caniaras,  (jnc  (•al>ia  cada  vno  en  sii 
ciiiia,  I'ionto  y  fincui'iita  Casti'llanos.'  Uirrirn.  lltuf.  <{ni .,  lU'f.  ii.,  lili.  \ii., 
I'lip.  V.  'Intorno  d'nna  ;,'ran  corti  fosscro  ])rima  ;:raiidissinic  sale  t^v  slant ic, 
jirin'  vY'ra  vna  sala  c(tsi  ^^raiide  rlio  vi  jiotcano  star  dcntro  scnza  dar  i'nn 
t.i-tidio  all'altro  pin  ili  tre  niila  piM'sonc.  It  hifiniiifiitla  prr  ni  i/rii/ir/nin- 
iii'i  (/i/ Si'jnur  FentiiiKlo  Curtrsr,  in  lianiitsio,  Xiiciijutioni,  toni.  iii.,  fid. 
3(r.t. 

'■''  t'/(iriijrro,  Sforin  Ant.  <hl  Mi-^sico,  ton».  ii.,  j)p.  200,  202;  Ti)riiiiriiiii<lii, 
Mmiiirii.  Intl.,  toni.  i.,  j>.   2.">1. 

' '  Tczozonioc,  Ilisf.  Mr.r.,  toni  i.,  p.  ISS,  says  that  cliirfs  were  )>»'rniitt('d 
til  licit  towers  ])it>r('t'(l  with  arrows  in  tlie  courtyard.  I'l-isrnll's  .IAm.  ,  vol. 
ii  .  |i.  r.'O.  The  Ikonses  were  often  ipiite  surrounded  with  trees.  W'lsl-In- 
('/.v  /,,•  S/iirti/irf,  p.  220. 

'■<  Itni.s.sciir  i/r  Jiiiiirhnin-ff,  Uixt.  Xiit.  Civ.,  toin.  iii.,  p.  G5(). 

''•  Tiiltir\i  AiKtliUiir,  pp.  l,T)-(>. 

""  TdrfjKciiiitifti,  Mtiiun-ij.  I  ml.,  toni.  i.,  p.  201.  Las  CaHn.i,  Ilisf  A  polo- 
ij'ii'ii,  M.S.,  cap.  I.,  says:  '  Mncalados  jior  cncinni,  ipie  no  sc  pnedcn  llnver.' 
■I'liiirrcd  with  reede,  thatch,  or  inarisli  scd^fc:  yet  many  of  tlicni  arc  cmicrcil 
"iili  slate,  or  shinj.de  stone.'  /'i/ir.)fiirfi/r,  dec.  iv.,   lil>.  vii.,dec.  w,  lili..\. 

"'  I'r'rr  Mtirljir,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  iv.,  dee.  v.,  lib.  x.;  Citiljujal  Lsptiuinn, 
Hut.  Mvx.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  2iy, 


572 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


the  cool  of  tlie  evening  to  enjoy  the  fresh  air  aiul 
charming  prospect."  Some  Jiouses  had  galluiles, 
whicli,  like  most  work  added  to  the  main  striutuic, 
Avere  of  wood,"  though  supported  upon  columns  of 
marble,  por})hyry,  or  alabaster.  These  i)illars  were 
either  round  or  square,  and  were  generally  monoliths; 
they  were  without  base  or  capital,  though  ornanK'ntid 
with  figures  cut  in  low  relief  Buildini»s  were  furtlu  r 
adorned  with  elegant  cornices  and  stucco  designs  of 
Howers  and  animals,  which  were  often  painted  witli 
brilliant  colors.  Prominent  among  these  fii»ures  was 
the  coiling  serpent  before  mentioned.  Lintels  and 
door-posts  were  also  elaborately  carved.'* 

The  interior  displayed  the  same  rude  magnificence. 
The  floors  were  covered  with  hard,  smooth  ccnicnt 
like  the  courtyard  and  streets,  rubbed  with  ochre  or 
gy[)sum,  and  polished.'^®  The  glossy  walls  were 
painted  and  hung  with  cotton  or  feather  tapestry,  to 
which  Las  Casas  adds  silver  plating  and  jewels.  The 
furniture  was  scanty.  It  consisted  chiefly  of  soft 
mats  and  cushions  of  palm-leaves  or  fur,  low  tahlo, 
anvl  small  stools  with  palm-leaf  backs.  The  beds 
were  mats  piled  one  upon  another,  with  a  block  or  ;i 
j)alm-leaf  or  cotton  cushion  for  a  pillow;  occasionally 
they  were  furnished  with  coverlets  and  canopies  of 


'2  llijps'  S/mn.  Coiiq.,  vol.  ii.,  p.  .S14. 

''^  Jirii.'isriir  t/r  lioHrhiiinuj,  Uisl.  Xnt.  Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  TmS. 

'*  Clnriijrro,  Storia  Aiif.  (hi  Missiro,  torn.  ii. ,  pp.  '2()(>-'2;  Bw^siinr, 
L'Eiii/iiir  Mi\t:,  pp.  173-4;  Corbnjul  EspiiioiiK,  Hist.  Mr.r.,  toiii.  !.,  pp. 
(>G'2  3,  ()(■>,"). 

'^  '  Ki'iin  lo.s  Piitio.s,  y  Siiclos  de  ellos,  «le  ar<i;iiinasji,  y  di'spucs  dr  I'lici- 
liulos,  culiriau  la  siipcrlicio,  y  liaz,  cdii  Aliiia^fro,  y  di'spues  Id-iiniaiiln-i,  nm 
viKi.s  {jiiijamts,  y  ])iedi-aM  imii  iisjis,  y  <iiioda)mii  con  tan  huriia  tc/,  ,\  t:iii 
]icriii(.>aiii(>iito  hnifiidos,  one  no  |iodiu  ewtarlo  mas  \ii  Plato  dc  I'lalii;  piics 
fonio  fucsc  do  niariaiia.  y  ol  Sol  coniLMivaso  a  dorraniar,  y  o.sparcir  la  l.uiiilin' 
dc  !sus  liaios,  y  fonion\'ascn  fi  reltervorar  en  lo.s  Snelos.  iMicciidiaiiln--  dc 
iiiani'i'a,  (pu'  a  iiuicn  llovalta  tan  \nic\i  dcsco,  y  ansia  de  liaber  Oio.  _v  I'latii. 
le  pudo  parecor.  ([iio  era  Oro  el  Siielo;  y  es  niui  cierto,  <ine  los  siu'lns  ilc  lii-< 
Casas,  y  de  los  Patios  (en  esj>ecial,  <le  los  Teinplos,  v  de  los  Sefiores,  v  I'l'i- 
hiiiias  Piincipales)  .se  liaeian,  y  adere(,'alian,  en  aipiellos  Tienipos,  talo,  ipu' 
eran  niui  de  ver,  y  ai^^unos  de  estos  lienios  visto  tan  lisos,  y  Iini|)ios.  ((iie  >iii 
asco  se  ]iodia  eonier  en  ellos,  sin  Manteles,  <puiliinier  Manjar.'  Tuni'iriiinilii, 
Mniiurq.  litiL,  toin.  i.,  pp.  251-2;  Lus  Casus,  llist.  A/iolu(jctiai,  SlS.,  cap. 
.\lix. 


HOUSES  OF  THE  LOWER  CLASSES. 


573 


cotton  or  feather- work."  Vases  filled  with  srnolder- 
iiiL,'-  incense  diftiised  their  perfume  through  the  ehani- 
l»ers.  The  rooms  which  were  used  in  winter  were 
jiiovided  with  hearths  and  fire-screens,  and  were 
lii^lited  by  torches,"  There  were  no  doors,  jiroperly 
called  such,  to  the  houses,  hut  where  privacy  was  re- 
(juired,  a  hanihoo  or  wicker-work  screen  was  sus- 
IHiided  across  the  entrance,  and  secured  at  night  with 
a  har.  To  this  was  attached  a  string  of  shells,  which 
the  visitor  rattled  to  call  the  host  or  his  attendants  to 
tile  entrance.  The  interior  rooms  were  separated  l»y 
hangings,  which  probably  also  served  to  cover  the 
windows  of  ordinary  dwellings,'^  although  the  trans- 
parent tecali  stone,  as  before  stated,  answered  the 
purpose  of  window-glass  in  certain  parts  of  some  of 
the  temples.'" 

The  houses  of  the  poorer  classes  were  built  of 
adube,  wood,  cane,  or  reeds  and  stones,  mixed  with 
imul,  well  plastered  and  polished,'*  and,  in  Mexico, 
raised  on  stone  foundations,  to  prevent  dam})ness,^* 
though  the  elevation  was  less  than  that  of  the  houses 
of  the  richer  people.  They  were  generally  of  an 
oMong  shape,  were  divided  into  several  a{)artments, 
aii<l  occasionally  had  a  gallery  in  front.  They  could 
not  attbrd  a  central  court,  but  had  instead  a  flower  or 
vt'getal)le  garden  wherever  space  })ern.itted.  Terrace 
roots  were  not  uncommon  in  the  towns,  but  more 
'^t'uerally    the    houses    of    the    })oorer    })eople    were 


1 


liK. 
I'!' 

.1/. 


111). 


""'  'Tdltlillos  ciicinia.'  Brrnut  Dioz,  III.it.  Con/j.,  fol.  fifi. 

"'  I. us  (^nsii.s;  ffisf.  Ajwftii/vfirn,  MS.,  cii]!.  1.;  (umxini,  Coiif/.  Mr. v.,  fol. 

;  li'i-iiiil  Jtia.:,  llixt.   Coiii/.,  ftil.  (Id,  (18;  Urnrra,    His/.   (Int.,  dec.  ii., 

vii.,  cap.  v.,  vii.;   llu.s.iirrrr,  L'Kui/iiir  .Mcr.,  \)p.  171-");  Ctir/r.s,  Ciirtas, 

Til.    17-1  .">.     Kloiiiiii,   Viilliii-(lisrhirhl'\  tiiin.  v.,    pp.    l.">-lt),  lui'iitioiis 
il^  of  ciuio  and  rood;  ami  liroliiij^s  wiiicli  wen-  iiM-d  fur  lij^hts. 
"'■  Tor'/ii'-,iiiii/ii,   Mi)ii(in/.  fill/.,   toin.   ii.,   p.  'M\;  ('Inriijirn,   Sturin  Atif. 

Miftniro,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  '201;  dn-hiijal  Es/iiinisd,  Hist.  Mix.,  toin.  !.,  p.  ()(i'_'. 

'  av  iiiicrtas  iii  veiituiiu.s  que  oorrar,  todo  t'S  aliierto.'    Uoiiicni,  Coiki. 

'..'fol.  318. 

"''  Uni.wsniv  ifr  Bniirhniirij,  Ifisf.  Xnf.Cir.,  torn,  iv.,  |).  8. 

-f  ll.rrcra.  Hist.  Gni.,  deo.  ii.,  lilt,  vi.,  cap.  xii.;  Prlrr  Mniti/r,  dec.  v., 

X.;  Lns  Casus,  Hist.  Ajxilotfetivn,  MS.,  cap.  xlix-1.;  l'n:iiott\t  Mcu., 

ii..  p.  7fi. 
"'  I'ckr  Murtyr,  dec.  v.,  lib.  x. 


674 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


thatched  ^vit^.  a  kind  of  long  thick  grass,  or  witli 
overlapping  maguey-leaves.^^ 

Besides  the  oratory  and  store-house  with  wliicli 
most  houses  were  provided,  a  temazailli,  or  batli,  was 
generally  added  to  the  dwelling.  This,  accordiiin-  to 
Clavigero,  consisted  of  a  hemisphere  of  adobe,  ha\  inij 
a  slightly  convex  paved  floor  sunk  a  little  below  the 
level  of  the  surrounding  ground.  The  entrance  was 
a  small  hole  just  large  enough  to  admit  a  man.  (  Mi 
the  outside  of  the  bath-house,  and  on  the  opposite  side 
to  the  entrance,  was  a  furnace  made  of  stone  or  biiek, 
separated  from  the  interior  by  a  thin  slab  of  (cfzonfli, 
or  other  porous  stone,  through  which  the  heat  was 
comnmnicated.  On  entering,  the  door  was  closed, 
and  the  suffocating  vapors  were  allowed  to  csca|)u 
slowly  through  a  small  opening  in  the  to}).  The 
largest  bath-houses  were  eight  feet  in  diameter,  and 
HIS.  feet  in  height.  Some  were  mere  square  chanibeis 
without  a  furnace,  and  w^ere  doubtless  heated  and  the 
fire  raked  out  before  the  bather  entered.** 

The  storehouses  and  granaries  which  were  attaclicd 
to  farms,  temples,  and  palaces,  were  usually  s(|uaio 
buildings  of  oxametl-woo  '.,  with  thatched  roofs.  The 
logs  had  notches  near  the  ends  to  give  them  a  secure 
hold.  Two  windows,  or  doors,  one  above  the  other, 
gave  access  to  the  interior,  which  was  often  lar^e 
enough  to  contain  many  thousand  bushels  of  grain. 


Hi 


82  .^rnfolhifn.  Hint.  Inffio.i,  in  Irazhalrcfn,  Col.  ih  Doc,  toin.  i.,  p.  1!'0; 
Chiritji'ro,  Sforia  Ant.  <1cl  Mrs.sico,  torn,  ii.,  p.  '2(K>;  OoiiKini,  ('mn/.  .V'.r., 
fill.  ;{1S;  lim.i.icitr  de  liourboiirij,  Hi-it.  Nat.  Civ.,  toiii.  iii.,  p.  (i.')7;  V(irliiij<il 
E.s/iiiit.,sn,  Hist.  Mcx.,  toin.  i.,  pn.  ()01-2. 

s^  ('fnrhjrro,  Storia  Ant.  del  Mesnko,  toiii.  ii.,  pp.  214-15,  with  "ut; 
Ciirhiijid  Enttinosa,  Hist.  Mcx.,  toiii.  i.,  pp.  G62,  071-2,  with  cut.  The 
pdoicr  liiul  (loiihtless  resort  to  public  Imtiis;  they  certainly  existed  in  Tlii-*- 
calii.  Hiiirm,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  vi.,  cap.  xvi. ;  Bussicnr,  l/Enijure 
Mcj:,  p.  240. 

•*<  ('/(irijrro,  Storia  Ant.  del  Messieo,  torn.  ii.,p.  155;  Bra-iseur  dr  Iho/r- 
hoiir;f.  Hist.  Xnt.  Civ.,  toin.  iii.,  p.  0.35;  Torque mada,  Moiiarq.  Itid.,  tmii. 
ii.,  p.  .5(!4.  For  description  of  houses,  see:  Torqwmndit,  MutKirq.  Intl., 
toni.  i.,  pj).  251-2,  291,  torn,  ii.,  jip.  .S81,  504;  Hcrrern,  Hist.  Gin.,  dtc. 
ii.,  lib.  VI.,  cap.  xii.,  xvi.,  lib.  vu.,  cap.  v.;  Clavigero,  Hforia  Aitl.  il'l 
Me.isiro,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  155,  200-2,  214-15,  with  cut;  Las  Cas((s,  Hist.  Aju'/h- 
{fi'tii'ii,  MS.,  can.  xlix-lii;  CorlAi,  Cartas,  p.  24;  Relatione  fattii  i><r  v,\ 
ijentiVhuouio  del  Signor  Fernando  Cortese,  lu  liaiuusio,  Navigutioiii,  tmii. 


AZTEC  GARDENS. 


575 


T  with 

which 
th,  was 

[lilllLf   to 

liavuig 
lt)\v  the 

IK'ii  WilS 

ill.     <  Ml 
^ito  side 
)r  l)rk'k, 
U'tzoittii, 
eat  was 
closed, 
)   e.sciipu 
p.     'Ihe 
iter,  and 
hand  K  IS 
and  thu 

atta«-hc'd 
/■  stiuare 
fs.  The 
la  secure 
le  other, 
ill    hirii'o 


gram 


hi 


i.,  p.  IW; 
'iim/.  M'l-, 

•;  C(irl>"j'il 

with   «tit; 

cut.     'I'lii! 

led  ill  Tliis- 

L'Eiiijiiie 

\ir  (Ir  />'""'■- 

[lid.,  ttilii- 

l(fnv/.    /'"/•> 

1  t]ill.,    lll'C. 

\list.  A/'ol'i- 
tia  iiif  *''» 
^tioiii,  tmii. 


Love  of  flowers  was  a  passion  with  tlie  Aztecs,  and 
they  bestowed  great  care  upon  the  cultivation  of  gar- 
dens. The  finest  and  lar<jfest  of  these  were  at  Izta- 
palapan  and  Huastepec.  The  garden  at  lzta}>alapan 
was  divided  into  four  squares,  each  traversed  hy 
sliaded  walks,  meandering  among  fruit-trees,  hlossom- 
in<jf  hedj^es,  and  borders  of  sweet  herbs.**  In  the  centre 
of  the  garden  was  an  nnniense  reservoir  of  hewn 
stone,  four  hundred  paces  square,  and  fed  by  naviga- 
ble canals.  A  tiled  pavement,^  wide  enough  for  four 
j)ersons  walking  abreast,  surrounded  the  rescivoir,  and 
at  intervals  steps  led  down  to  the  water,  ujton  the 
surface  of  which  innumerable  water-fowl  s])orte(l.  A 
large  pavilion,  with  halls  and  corridors,  overlooked 
the  grounds.*^ 

The  Huastepec  garden  was  two  leagues  in  circuit, 
and  was  situated  on  a  stieam;  it  contained  an  im- 
mense variety  of  plants  and  trees,  to  which  additions 
were  continually  made.^  The  cJiinanipas,  or  floating 
jiardens,  have  been  described  elsewhere.*'''' 

'{'he  Mexicans  recjuired  no  solid  roads  for  heavy 
trafric,  since  goods  were  carried  upon  the  shouldeis  of 
slaves,  but  a  number  of  pathways  crossed  the  country 
in  various  directions,  which  underwent  repair  every 
year  on  the  cessation  of  the  rains.     Here  and  there 

iii.,  fol.  300;  Brrmd  Diaz,  Ifisf.  Ciiiiq.,  fol.  fifi,  fiS;  Gniiinrrt,  Conq.  Mrj-., 
fill.  ;{1S;  Mofolinin,  Hist,  liitlios,  in  Irnzhith'cla,  Cul.  <li-  flar.,  toni.  i., 
]i.  I'.l'.t;  Mciii/ti:((i,  Ifisf.  Erlvn.,  j).  I'JI;  Tiziizoiiioc,  Hist.  Mij\,  toiii.  i.,  j). 
ISS;  I'lfi'T  Marlijr,  di'c.  iv.,  lilt,  iv.,  vii.,  doc.  v.,  rap.  x.;  (7iiins,  It'n/i/iorf, 
ill  i'l  riiiiii.r-Coitipiiiin,  Vol/.,  suiie  ii.,  tmii.  v.,  p.  328;  IVr.st-liiilisihi-  ,Sj„if//i,/, 
|i. 'JJl;  HrojiHCHr  ill'  liourhoiirif.  Ili.st.  Sal.  ('ir.,  tmii.  iii.,  jni.  "JCi,  '-'•J'-'.  (i.'J."), 
(ri(!-S,  iv.,  p.  8;  I'ri'.sriitf'.f  J/cc,  vol.  ii.,  pp.  7(i-7,  l-t*;  ('lirnifiii;  .1/r'j-., 
Aiiricii  ct  Mod,.,  I).  31;  liii.s.sirrir,  f,''/!i,i/iirr  Mr.c,  jtp.  173-."),  •240;  Vnr- 
li'ijii/  K..</iiiiosa,  Ili.st.  Mrr.,  toiii.  i.,  jip.  (itil  -3,  ()71-2,  witli  cut,  titin.  ii.,  )>. 
-l!>:  Ti/Zor^n  Aiiahune,  pp.  13.")-4);  A/'umi.  Ciiltiir-di'iic/iir/ilr,  Um\.  v.,  j)p. 
I.VIC.  ' 

>*'  '  Kl  aiidcn,  hiicia  la  pared  do  la  liuerta,  va  ttulo  laLrado  dc  cafia.s  coii 
Unas  vcr^'us.'  Cnrten,  CnrUi.s,  p.  83. 

'"'  'I'll  aiulcii  do  in\iy  bucii  siiclo  ladrillado.'  Cort^.f,  Cnrtas,  p.  83. 

**'  Orieilo,  Ili.'it.  Geii.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  283;  Ilrn.ssnir  lie  lioiirlinnnf,  JlisL 
Nut.  ('in.,  toiii.  iii.,  p.  63(5;  Clavigcro,  Utoria  Ant.  del  Mcssico,  tola,  ii.,  |». 
1. ■)(■). 

*^  (.'ortis,  Cartas,  p.  196;  Clavigcro,  Storia  Ant.  del  Messico,  toiii.  ii.,  p. 
157. 

89  See  this  vol.,  p.  345. 


W6 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


country  road.s  crossed  streams  by  means  of  siisj)eii- 
sion-l)ridj^es,  or  fixed  structures  mostly  of  wood,  hut 
sometimes  of  stone,  witli  small  spans.  The  susjioii- 
sion-bridges  were  made  of  ropes,  twisted  canes,  or 
touij^h  branches,  attached  to  trees  and  connected  l»y 
a  netting.  The  Spaniards  were  rather  fearful  of  cross- 
ing them,  on  account  of  their  swinging  motion  when 
stepi)ed  upon  and  the  gaping  rents  in  thorn."" 

Almost  the  only  specimen  of  Nahua  architecture 
which  has  withstood  the  ravajjes  of  time  until  our 
<l.iy  is  the  temple  structure,  tcocaUi,  'house  of  (Jod,' 
or  ti'opan,  'place  of  God,'  of  which  Torquemada  asserts 
there  were  at  least  forty  thousand  in  Mexico.  Chivi- 
gero  regards  this  as  a  good  deal  below  the  real  num- 
ber, and  if  we  consider  the  extremely  religious  el larac- 
ter  of  the  people,  and  acce])t  the  statements  of  tlie 
early  chroniclers,  who  say  that  at  distances  of  IVoni  a 
<juarter  to  half  a  league,  in  every  town  and  village, 
were  open  places  containing  one  or  more  temples,"' 
and  on  every  isolated  rock  or  hill,  along  the  country 
roado,  even  in  the  fields,  were  substantial  structures 
<levoted  to  some  idol,  then  Clavigero's  assertion  may 
be  correct.*' 

The  larger  temples  were  usually  built  upon  pyrami- 
dal parallelograms,  square,  or  obhmg,  and  consisted  of 
a  series  of  super-imposed  terraces  with  perpendicular 
or  sloping  sides."^     The  celebrated  temple  at  ^lexico 

90  'Hay  siis  puentes  de  miiy  anchiis  y  imiv  grandes  vij^ns  juntas  y  ni i.is 
y  l)ieii  lal»i"uias;  y  tales,  que  jmr  muelias  dellas  puedcn  jiasar  <liiz  <1('  <;i- 
i)allo  juntos  il  la  par.'  Vortrs,  Cnrf(is,]t.  103.  lirassour  de  l5oiirl)c>iiij,'.  ///^'. 
X(d.  Cii:,  ti)in.  iii.,  p.  (5.32,  saj.s  that  stone  brid;,'es  were  most  inniiiiuii, 
wliicli  is  doubtless  a  mistake.  Speaking  of  swinging lirid;4es,  Kltiiiiii  mi'.>: 
'.Mani'lic  waren  so  fcst  angespanin,  dass  sie  gar  keine  scliwankciiik'  iicui'- 
gang  Initten.'  ('ultiir-Grsc/iicHte,  toni.  v.,  p.  7.");  C!aritjrn>,  Sturin  Aid.  il<l 
Mrssiro,  torn,  ii.,  p.  109. 

91  'En  los  niismos  patios  de  los  jiueblos  prineipales  luibiaotros  caila  (Imc 
o  i[uince  teoeallis  harto  gramles,  uiios  niayores  que  otros.'  ^fo/(l/^lli'l.  II'^'- 
liiiUon,  in  Iciizbdlrc'a,  <'■>/.  ilr.  I}oc.,X{^\n.  i.,  p.  (54.  'Hntre  <|iiatr(),  it  citiin 
barrios  tenian  vn  Adoratorio,  y  sus  idolos.'  Benuil  Ditiz,  Hint.  Coii'i.,  IhI. 
7.'. 

'J2  Mrndietn,  Ilixf.  Fr/rs.,  pp.  84-0,  Torqucmnihi,  Monari/.  ItnL,  tinii. 
ii.,  p.  141;  Li(.s  C(t.sn.s,  Hist.  Apoloffctt'a,  MS.,  eap.  cxxiv. :  Vlari'tjiru,  S/u- 
rill  Aiit.  <hl  Mcs.s'iro,  torn,  ii.,  p.  .35. 

93  C/ini<ii:n>,  S/orin  A  lit.  del  .Ifr.s.tffo,  toni.  ii.,  i)p.  20.  .34,  outs;  Hcnrrx, 
Jlixt.  Gen.,  {Tittiialution,  j^ond.  ll-o),  vol.  ii.,  i>p.  37-,  37S,  cuts. 


TK.MPLi:  OF  IIUITZIL()r(X'HTLr. 


forms  a  fair  typo  of  the  latter  kind  and  its  (Ic'tailcd 
(li;si'ri})tioii  will  give  tliu  best  idea  of  this  class  of  edi- 
lices. 

When  tlic  Aztecs  halted  on  tho  site  of  ^lexico  after 
their  lon^-  wandering's,  tho  Hrst  care  was  to  erect  an 
iihode  for  their  chief  divinity  liuitziiopochtli.  Tho 
spot  chosen  for  the  humble  structure,  wliich  at  first 
consisted  of  a  mere  hut,  was  over  the  stone  whereon 
the  sacred  nochtli  ufrow  that  had  been  ])ointed  out  bv 
tlu'  oracle.  A  buildiuiv  more  worthy  of  the  n'od  was 
soon  erected,  and,  later  on,  Ahuitzotl  constructed  tlie 
L'llitice  from  whose  sununit  Cortes  looked  down  upon 
the  scenes  of  his  conquest.  The  labor  luistowed  u|)on 
it  was  inunense,  and  notwithstanding^  tliat  the  mate- 
riiil  had  to  be  bronuj-ht  from  a  distance  of  three  or  four 
Kir^ues — a  serious  matter  to  a  people  wlio  were  sup- 
]ilied  with  no  ade(|uate  means  of  trans[iort  the  tem- 
])le  was  com[)leted  in  two  years."*  The  inaun'uration 
took  i)lace  in  148G,  in  the  presence  of  the  chief  })rinces 
and  an  innnense  concourse  of  people  from  all  ([uarters, 
and  72,.')44  cai)tivcs,  arrani>*ed  in  two  lonu^  iiles,  were 
saciiliced  durinic  the  four  days  of  its  duration."'  Tho 
site  of  the  buildiuL^  was  indeed  worthy  of  its  charac- 
ter, standing  as  it  did  in  an  innnense  s(juaro  forming 
th-'  centre  of  the  town,  from  which  radiated  tlie  four 
c'lief  thorouo'lifares.'-'"  The  idea  of  thus  kee])ing  the 
J,'' )  I  before  the  pjaplo  at  all  times  had,  doubtless,  as 
imich  to  do  with  this  arrangement  as  that  <jf  giving 
liiiii  the  ]»lace  of  honor.     A  H(|uare  wall"'  about  four 


'  i 


'  I 


'■"  Ti-iizniiinr,  Ifi-tf.  ,1//^.,  toiii.  i.,  ]>]).   l.")l-n. 

•"  I'dniii  /iKdfii,  Jfoiiiiri/.  lilt/.,  tiiiii.  i.,  i>.  ISCi;  I'rfinirrrf.  Trufrii  Mr.f., 
Jit.  ii.,  p.  .'{7.  Oilier  iuitliors  '^\w  the  iiiiiiilicr  at  (iO.  !(',(»,  aiiil  (lie  attciHi- 
aii  I'  lit  (>,();):),());).    'Unriijcrti,  Sliirin   Aiil.  ihl  Mc.ssiri,,  tmii.  i,,  |i.  •2'>~. 

"'  ■  UiM'iliiii  (k'litro  lie  sii  hiieco  tiiilit  el  siu'lii  cii  ciuc  aora  c-ita  cililicadii 
la  I  ;li'>ia  .Muioi-,  Casas  del  .ManiiU's  del  \'alle.  Casas  lleales,  y  Casas  Airo- 
l'i>]ia!('s,  con  iiiucha  parte  de  lo  ((lie  aora  es  IMaea,  iiue  jiarece  eoNa  iiicre- 
iii'    ■    ■    ■ 


'1\ 

\a 
70 


■.    Siihaiiiiii,    (|iii>te<l  ill    Tiir'jiiiiiiii'ln,    .Uuiinr'/.    lii'/.,  toiii.   ii.,   p.    IW>. 

day  the  ( 'atlieilral  stands  \i](oii  the  I'la/.a,  and  many  houses  occupy  the 

t;  see  <  '(ir'/iij'il  JCsjiiiinsii,  Jfi.st.  M'\t.,  toiii.  ii.,  pp.  'J2()-7. -."tlJ-").  ('pjio- 
c  llie  south  ;;ate  was  the  market  and  'en  face  dii  ttraiid  teniide  se  trou- 
it  Ic  jialais.'  Tizitz'jiniic,  Hint.  Mrx.,  toiii.  i.,  ]).    152. 

''  '  Dos  eercas  al  redoJor  de  eal,  y  cuiito.'  Bcriial  Diaz,  Hist.  Cuiiq.,  fol. 
i-l. 

Vol.  U.    37 


578 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


tlioiisaiul  eiijclit  hundred  feet  in  circuniferenoo,  fidiu 
eiifht  to  nine  feet  in  heiglit  and  of  j^reat  thickiirss, 
with  its  sides  fainnj^  the  cardinal  points,  formed  tlio 
courtyard  of  the  temple.""  It  was  built  of  stone  and 
lime,  plastered  and  polislied,*^  crowned  with  hattit  - 
ments  in  the  form  of  snails,  and  turreted  and  udormd 
witli  nuiny  stone  serpents, — a  very  common  orniuncnt 
on  edifices  in  E<^ypt  as  well  as  Antlhuac — for  which 
reason  it  was  called  coafepantli,  'wall  of  snakes.'""' 
At  the  centre  of  each  wall  stood  a  laryfe  two-stoiv 
liuildini.;",  divided  into  a  number  of  rooms,  in  wliicli  the 
iniHtary  stores  and  wea[)ons  were  kept.  Tiiese  factd 
the  four  chief  tiiorou  oh  tares  of  the  town,  and  tluir 
lower  stories  formed  the  portals  of  the  ji^.nteways  which 
jrave  entrance  to  the  courtyard.^"*  This  was  partly 
paved    with   large   smooth   Hag-stones,    partly   with 

•'  'Mayorcs  que  la  pla^a  que  ay  en  Salamanca.'  Biriinl  Din:,  Iflsf. 
Cuiiif.,  fol.  70.  Cortes,  Cartas,  p.  10(5,  states  that  a  t(»\vn  of  odO  Iioiim  ■; 
could  lie  loi'uteil  witliiii  its  coniiiass.  Ton|Uenia(la,  Mtinnrq.  Iiiif.,  toiii,  ii., 
p.  144,  (toinara,  Coin/.  Mcx.,  fol,  119,  Las  ('asas.  Hist.  Aixiloi/r/ini,  MS., 
cap.  li.,  ami  Herrera,  Hist.  Gcii.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  vii.,  cap.  xvii.,  a<;n'o  ii|mhi  ;i 
leii;,'tli  to  each  side  of  one  cross-i»o\v  or  musket  sliot,  and  tliis,  accoriliiii,'  Ik 
Las  ("asas,  cap.  cxxxii.,  is  7")0  i)aces;  in  the  same  ])laccs  he  j^ivcs  the  l('ii;,'tli 
at  four  shots,  or  .3(M)l)  paces,  an  evident  mistai^e,  unless  hy  tills  is  meant  ihi' 
circumference.  Hernande/  estimates  it  at  about  8tj  i)erches,  or  l,4_'(l  feet. 
Saiia^un,  Jlist.  Gi;n.,Unn.  i. ,  lib.  ii.,  p.  197,  who  seems  to liavc  invest i^rated 
the  matter  mine  closely,  places  it  at  iOO  fathoms,  which  cannot  be  toolii^'b, 
when  wc  consider  tinit  tlie  court  enclosed  77  or  more  editices,  liesidcs  the 
great  temple,  ('arhajal  Espinosa,  Hist.  Mcx.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  '2.i*S,  ;;ivcs  a 
leniitli  of  "J.^O  vara.s. 

"9  '  Era  to<h>  cercado  de  piedra  do  manpostcria  mui  bien  labrado.'  Tm-- 
nxcmittlti,  MoiKii-'i.  Ind.,  tom.  ii.,  p.  144.  'Estaban  mui  bien  encalailas, 
blancas,  y  bruuidas.'  /(/.,  p.  141. 

100  Cfiirii/cro,  Utoria  Ant.  del  Mcsnico,  tom.  ii.,  p.  27;  Iirn.isr>ir  dr  llom- 
hour;/,  llist.  Nat.  Cin.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  0(51;  J'irsrott'.'i  Mcx.,  vol.  ii.,  \\  14.. 
'  Era  labrada  de  ])iedras  {jfraiides  a  mancra  de  culebras  asidas  las  vnas  a  l;is 
otras.'  Acosfa,  IliM.  dc  his  Ynd.,  p.  333;  Motoliiiia,  Hist.  Iiidios,  in  Z'"^- 
halcctn.  Col.  de  Due,  torn,  i.,  p.  (53. 

""  Acosta,  Hist,  dc  las  Ynd.,  p.  .S33,  says  an  idol  stood  over  cadi  jr.iti'. 
faciii<:[  the  road.  It  is  not  stated  by  any  author  tliat  the  arsenals  fonniil 
the  jiatewav,  but  as  tliey  rose  over  the  entrance,  and  nearly  all  nu'iitinn 
niijier  and  lower  rooms,  and  as  1)uildin<xs  of  this  size  could  not  liave  rcstcil 
upon  the  walls  alone,  it  follows  that  the  lower  story  must  have  formed  tin- 
sides  of  the  entrance.  'A  cada  parte  y  jiuerta  de  las  cuatro  del  jialio  del 
tem|)lo  ftrande  ya  diclio  liabia  una  K™"  ^w^l*  <""'»  '"••>'  bucnos  aposcntos  altos 
y  bajos  en  rededor.'  Las  Casas,  Hist.  ApolociHicn,  MS.,  cap.  11.;  Turqio- 
vnnla,  Monnrq.  Ind.,  tom.  ii.,  p.  146;  Goniara,  Conq.  Mcx.,  fol.  120.  Ti  ■ 
zozomoc.  Hist.  Mcx.,  tom.  i.,  p.  1,V2,  mentions  three  yates.  'A  I'orlcnt  ct  ;i 
I'occident  d'une  petite  porte  et  d'uue  grande  vis-Ji-vis  de  I'escalier  niuriili- 
oiial.' 


TIIK  (JltEAT  TF.Mri.K  OF  MF.XICO.  579 

rcinont,  plastered  .'iiul  pollslwd,  jiud  so  sli|ijvM'y  tliat 
tlii!  liDi'ses  of  tliu  Spaniards  could  scari't^ly  keep  their 
lootiiij^.'"'^  In  the  centre  stood  the  jj^reat  temple,  an 
(iltlonijf,  parallelograniic  pyramid,  about  three  hundred 
and  seventv^-tive  feet  lonuf  and  three  huiulred  feet 
hroad  at  the  base,  three  hundred  and  twenty-tive  by 
two  hundred  and  fifty  at  the  summit,  and  risiny  in 
five  superim[)osed,  ])erpen(licular  teiraces  to  the  heiuj-Iit 
of  eighty-six    feet.*"^      The    terraces   Avere   of   etpial 

'"2  'Y  el  miMino  pntio,  y  Hitio  todo  eiiimMlrnilo  do  picdras  j,'rjindi'H  dt»  Iosiih 
lil:iiic!is,  y  iiiiiy  lisas:  y  udoiide  no  iiiiia<tf  a([iu'll)iH  jiii-dras,  ostaiia  fiicaluilo, 
y  liriifiido.'  lii  nidi  I)itiz,  Hint.  Coiiq.,  fol.  70.  Tlio  wliito  stimos  liad  no 
cl(iiil)t  received  tlnit  color  from  jtlaster.  'Fjos  patioH  y  nucIos  craii  tenidos 
(If  .\lniaj;rc  hrunido,  y  incornorado  con  la  inisina  cal.'  Tonim-itKuln,  M'l- 
iiiir-/.  IikL,  toni.  ii.,  ]).  141;  A'».*  ('tisus.  Hist.  .Ijioloi/ftim,  MS.,  cap.  .\lix. 
i'lif  iliniensions  j^iven  by  tlie  dilferent  authors  are  extremely  varied;  the 
Aiiciuymoiis  Concineror,  an  theoidy  eye-^^itness  who  has  ;;iven  any  mea.siire- 
iiicnts,  certainly  deserves  cTedit  for  tiiose  that  ai>]K'ar  rea.sonable,  namely 
liic  len;;th  and  width;  the  liei};ht  seems  out  of  jiroiMirtion. 

'"■'  'Cento  I'll:  cini|iiaiita  jtassi,  o  jioco  pin  di  lnn;{hezzu,  vS:  cento  qiiindici, 
ii  cento  &  venti  di  lar;;iie/za.'  lidnliinif  ftttid  jirr  ni  (jrnHr/iiioDin  i/ii 
Siiiniir  Frru(iti(/o  Curfrse,  in  Jiniiiitsio,  ^tiriffafioiii,  torn,  iii.,  fol.  3(17. 
Tliis  would  ;;ive  the  lenj^th  and  breadth  of  the  base  in  the  text,  nssumiii;; 
two  and  a  half  feet  to  the  jtace.  With  a  decrease  of  two  j^ood  paces  for 
c;ii'h  of  the  four  led<j;es  which  surround  the  pyrami<l,  the  summit  measure- 
iiiciit  is  arrived  at.  The  terraces  are  stated  l>y  the  same  author  to  be  two 
iiit'Ms  stature  in  hei<;ht,  but  this  scarcely  aj;rees  with  the  height  indicated 
liytlie  120  or  30  steps  <{iven.  liernal  Diaz,  lli.if.  (,'««(/.,  fol.  70,  counte«l  114 
steps,  and  as  most  authors  estimate  each  of  these  at  a  span,  or  nine  inches  in 
lici;;lit,  this  would  give  an  altitude  of  8()  fi'et.  (.'lavi;;ero,  Storia  Aiit.  tlrl 
M'isiro,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  28-9,  jjives  about  50  fathoms  (jterches,  he  calls  them) 
liy  43  to  the  base,  and,  allowing'  a  nerch  to  the  led>;cs,  he  places  the 
siiiiiniit  dimensions  at  43  by  ,34  fatlioms.  The  hei<;ht  he  estimates  at 
lit  fathoms,  fcivinj;  the  lieij^ht  of  each  step  as  one  foot.  To  prove  that 
lie  lias  not  over-estimated  the  suntmit  dimensions,  at  least,  lie  refers  to 
tlic  statements  of  Cortes,  who  atlirnis  that  he  fouf,'ht  iVK)  Mexicans  oji 
tiic  top  platform,  and  of  Diaz,  who  says  that  over  4,000  men  garrisoned 
tiic  temple.  Torqucmada,  Mniiorq.  Itid.,  toui.  ii.,  pp.  144-r»,  who  fol- 
liiws  Sahagun,  states  it  to  be  .300  feet  square  at  the  base,  and  over  70 
at  the  top;  the  steps  he  says  are  'vna  tercia,  y  mas'  in  height,  which 
cliiscly  approaches  a  foot.  Las  ("asa.s.  Hint.  A/)o!of/('ticii,  MS.,  cap.  Ii.,  says: 
'I'lia  torre  triangular  o  de  tres  escpiinas  de  tierra  y  piedra  maciza;  y  uiicha 
lir  cs(|uina  il  esquina  de  cieuto  y  viente  j)asos  6  cuasi....con  xni  llano  o 
jihiza  de  obra  de  sctenta  pies.'  In  cap.  cxxxii.  he  calls  it  100  men's  stature 
III  height.  Goniara,  Vo>iq.  Mcj-.,  fol.  11'.),  .says  50  fathoms  square  at  the 
liasc  am'  18  at  the  top.  IxtlilxoehitI,  Hist.  Chirk.,  in  Kiii<ishoriiii(f/i's 
.'/'■'•.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  245,  descril>es  a  tenii)le  which  seems  to  l)e  that  of 
.Mexico,  and  states  it  to  Ite  80  fathoms  square,  with  a  height  of  27  nien'H 
stature.  Herrera,  HLst.  Geii..  dec.  ii.,  liV).  vii.,  cap.  xvii.,  places  the  dimen- 
sions as  low  as  30  varas  s<piare  at  the  base  and  from  12  to  15  at  the  top.  Of 
miMlcrii  authors  Urivsseur  de  Bourbourg,  Hii-t.  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  ]>.  C5y, 
(.'ivcs  the  dimensions  at  .3W)  by  250  feet  for  the  ba.se,  and  CO  feet  tor  tlie 
siiminit,  after  aUowing  from  5  to  6  feet  for  the  ledges,  a  rather  extriwirdinary 
cumputation;  unless,  indeed,  we  ossuuie  that  the  terraees  were  sloping,  but 


1 


580 


Tllli  NAIU'A  NATIONS. 


lioii^lit,'"*  tlio  low(!st,  ftccordiiiijc  to  Tezozomoc,  liaviii.f 
H  foiiiHlatioii  a  fjitlioiii  or  more  in  doptli,  uiid  cadi  if 
ceded  iil>out  .six  foot  from  tliu  odu^o  of  tlu;  one  l)uii(atli 
it,  Kviviiij^  a  Hat  ledyo  round  its  Ijaso.'"''  At  tlir 
north-west  corner  the  led<jes  wore  iifradtid  to  Inrm  a 
ML'rios  of  steps,  ono  luuidred  and  I'oiirtetni  in  all,  ami 
eacli  about  nine  inches  hi.L,dj,  whicli  led  from  terrace  \<i 
terrace,  so  tliat  it  was  necessary  to  walk  complit.  Iv 
round  the  ediHce  tou^iJn  the  succeedinijf  HiLjht.'""  This 
htyle  »>f  huildini^  was  |>i'»l)al)ly  tU'\  ised  for  show  a^ 
Avell  as  for  defence,  for  by  this  means  the  •'•oryt'oii^lv 
<lressed  j)rocession  of  priests  was  ohlii^ed  i-o  pass  in 
siufht  of  the  entire  multitude  leathered  on  all  sidt  s  nf 
the  timple,  windiuijf  at  a  solemn  j)ace  round  each  di 
race.  The  structure  was  com[)os(xl  of  v/ell-raiiiiind 
earth,  stones,  and  clay,  covered  with  a  lavcr  ot'  lar^c 

fliiTc  i«  no  roliivldo  nit.  or  (Ipsrription  to  ronfinn  such  n  .HiipiMi-itinn 
IIiiiiiImiMI,  /•J.iniii  I'lil.,  toin.  i..  pp.  I(l'.(-7t>,  liiis  ',(7  nit'tit's  fur  ilic  M|iiaii'. 
iiiiil  .'{7  for  llic  lii'i;,'lit.  Oric;,'a,  in  l'ii//iii,  llisl.  Aiil.  M'j.,  turn.  iii..  \<\i. 
•_'S(t-Si,  is  positivf  tlmt  the  lici;;lit  was  certainly  no  less  llian  .'is  \ai:i--. 
J'rcscott,  ,1/r.c.,  vol.  ii.,  |>.  Ill,  ri'iiiarks  iliat  tlirn-  is  no  aiillmiiiy  I'-r 
(U'scriiiin;,' the  teniiilc  as  oltlon;^,  except  t\u'  rim/riii/i/ili/r  {.•»{  of  tiie  .\i,nii\- 
inous  Conijueror.  Tliis  may  l>e  just  eno'i;,'li  as  reuanls  tlie  eiit,  imi  ir'  lie 
liad  examincil  tlio  desci-iptioii  attaeluMl  to  it  it.  lie  would  lia\'e  foiiinl  tlic 
iliinen.sions  of  an  ohloiij;  stiiietnre  i;iveii.  We  must  eonsider  thai  iln' 
Anonymous  ('on(|ner<>r  is  tlio  onlv  eye-witness  who  j^ivcs  any  nirM-iiii-- 
iiient,  and,  further,  that  as  two  eliapels  wtM-e  situated  at  one  end  di'  iIh' 
]>latform  the  strueturo  uii^ht  to  have  heeii  obloii;^  to  ;,'lve  the  s])ace  in  I'nuii 
u  fair  outline. 

"I*  '  Alto eome  duo  stiitiircd'vn  liuonio.'  llrlnliiDir  futtn  /iirrn  ffniti/'/i'i"- 
mo  (III  Siifiior  FiriiiiiH/o  ('nrfrsr,  in  Kmiiiisio,  \i(rit/ii/ioiu\  toni.  iii.,  I'd).  lii'T. 

'"■' 'Lasi'iaiio  vmi  strada  di  lar:.;lie/,/a  di  duo  passi."  lllnllinif  fniln  /" '• 
vn  (ii'iiHrimniiiii  I'll  '^if/nor  Firniiiii/o  ('<ir/i:ii\  in  Ji'tiiiiisi'o,  Xdrii/d'niiii, 
torn,  iii.,  fol,  :<i)7.  S.  ;  note  87;  Muhtliitin,  lli.st.  Indios,  in  Irnzlidl'' I't, 
Vol.  ill'  Dor.,  torn.  !.,  )'.  (it. 

IOC 'I'll o  Anon  ill' us  ('onqueror,  Jlrlaf/o/ic,  eto.,  nhi  supra,  Lasi'a-^as. 
Hi.sf.  A/ioloij' ii<(,  MS.,  eap.  oxxiv.,  (ioniara,  Voikj.  Mix.,  fid.  ll'.t,  .ni'l 
Toi'i|ueiiia<la,  Moiiuri].  Iml.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  14.">,  all  say  that  there  wa-  ii" 
led;,'e  on  the  west  side,  merely  steps,  hut  tlii.s  is,  doulitless,  a  i'aicli>^ 
expression,  for  '2'i  steeps  allotted  to  each  terrace  would  scarcely  lia\c  i\- 
tended  over  a  leii;:th  of  ahout  'MM  feet,  the  hreadth  of  the  pyraiiiiii.  Ncmi- 
ly  all  aj^reo  upon  fho  iiumher  of  the  stops,  namely  114.  Ixtlilxodiitl,  //'^'. 
C/iir/i.,  ill  Kitiijshnroiiiili.t  Me.v.  Aiifii/.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  '24.'),  however,  ;:i\c-  U'>^ 
stops;  Oviedo,  ll/xf.  (li:n.,  toni.  iii.,  ]>p.  r)(>2-l{,  (>(»  steps;  and  Acoslii,  II--I. 
,lc  Am  Villi.,  ]>.  3:}3,  SO  stejis,  :\i)  fathoms  wi<le,  hut  the  latter  aiilliMr  ha-* 
evidently  mixed  up  tlio  accounts  of  two  diU'eroiit  temples.  Te/.o/nini"', 
Ili.sf.  I\fix.,  torn,  i.,  p.  I.VJ,  states  that  tlio  temple  hail  three  stairwa\s 
with  H()0  stops  in  all,  one  for  everyday  in  the  .Mexican  year.  Accmclin;^ 
to  Klriiiiii,  ('iiltiir-di'.srhirhir,  loin,  v.,  p.  l.V),  the  ste|is  are  on  the  MHitii 
ooriie-  hut  there  is  no  authority  for  this  statomeiit;  in  the  cuts  llicv  aji- 
jjoai     .1  thf  north. 


TIIK  (JUKAT  TKMl'I.i:  o|'  MKXICO. 


r>8i 


s  (iiiivo  ]>i(!C('s  of  ti'tzoiitli,  nil  of  cijiiiil  si/c,  lu-wii 
s;ii  M)th  Jiiid  joiiu'd  witli  a  lim;  i'i;iiu'iit,  wliicli  scarci'Iy 
1 't't  a  mark  Id  l)0  isoeii;  it  was  Ix'sidrs  covi-it'd  with  n 
|t  iIIsIkmI  ciiatiiii^  i)t'  limo,  or  !jfy|>siiiii."''  'I'lio  sttjis 
Win;  of  solid  stoiu;  and  the  pl.itt'onn  of  the  saiiu'  s!i|)- 
jH'i-y  character  as  the  court.""*  .\t  its  eastern  end 
st  tod  two  three-story  towi'i's,  lil"ty-six  feet  in  height,'"' 
s;'|iaratod  from  the;  ed^'*;  hy  a  walk  hari'Iy  wideeiioM^h 
\\>v  one  jfursi  II.  The  h>wer  stoiy  was  ot"  masonry  with 
till'  tloor  raisi'd  a  tew  I'eet  altove  tiie  platloi'm  and  an 
r:it ranee  on  the  west;  the  two  upper  stories  wens  of 
wood,  witii  windows,  to  which  acci'ss  was  had  hy  mov- 
ahle   laihlers.""     A   wooden  cupohi  well  painted  and 

1(17  <p,.  ♦icrra  y  i)if(lrii.  inczi'lailii  con  ."al  niny  mari/aila. '    ff  rrifn,    lf'\f. 


i\v 


lil 


>.    VII. 


.wii.      'I'orla   ]>aiti'  ilc  fiirra  il»a  sii   parcil  dc 
■    "  k: 


III  11,1  liil'll  tapiaila.'    M iluliniil,    Ifi.s/.  Iinlin.i,  in    li-nzhnln  In,    i'lil. 

lull.  i..  ii|).  <i."{-4.     '  llci'lia  ill'   iiiaii|)iwtfria.'   ruriiiniiiiiilii,    Miiin 


Ira:  In  <lc  ticlitrii  lii'iiifiiaiilo  dr  |iit'iliii  titiln,  i'>  ilc  liairi)  v  ailnlic;  otro.silii 

/>'/'■., 
inini.  /ill/., 
tiiMi.  ii.,']>.  141.  Till'  pyraiiiiil  nt'  Tcotiliiiacan,  wliicli,  avcnnliii;;  to  .hiiihc 
jiilli'ij-H,  lia.-*  lu't'ii  a  iiumIi'I  fm-  otlicrs.  is  Itiiiit  of  clay  iiuximI  with  niiiall 
si'iiii's,  covcnMl  liy  a  licavy  wall  nf  U't/oiitii,  wliicli  is  cnatcil  with  lime. 
Iliiiiiliiilill,  Kssiii  I'll!.,  tiMii.  i.,  p.  1S7.  'Tnilas  las  picilras  cstaiian  a.sscn- 
lii'las  (|((  (al  Hiicrtc,  4110  la  luc/.cla  casi  no  parccia,   siiui  todas  las  picilras 


Ihirlh,  r,„lilhi,   Ulsl.   Fnnl.   Mr 


V 


'riic  whitewash  iiiav,  liow- 


vi'i',  liavc;,Mvcii  it  thissolid  a|ii>carancc.  '  Tndos  aiiuidlos  Tciiiwlos,  y  Sahis 
tidas  siis  |)arcdcs  i|iic  los  cci'caliaii,  cstahaii  iiiiii  liii-ii  ciicaladas,  lilaiicas, 
liiiifiidas.'   Tiin/ifiiiiii/ii,  Miiiinr/.  Iiul.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.   III.     The  mortar  was 


d   with   precious  sti 


iiiil  ;,'old-diist.     TiZDZ 


(' I'll II it'll  Ml 


Ml 


Ktml'tliiiriiiiiih's  Mi:r.  y\ii/ii/.,  vol.  i.\.,  p.   (!(>. 

!"■'  Ih-asseiir  de  Iloiirhoiir;;,  Jlis/.  Xnf.  ('if.,  toiii.  iii.,  ji.  (i.'tO,  states  that 
tliice  sides  of  the  platfuriil   weif   iirotected   liy  a    lialilstiaile  of  sciilptiiifd 

le,  and  this  is  not  iiiiliUely  when  we  consicler  the  sli|_ppery  iiatme  of  the 

'liiniiiiilii.    M'liiiir'/,    Jill/.,    toiii.    ii.,    p 


II.  f. 


iiid  the  di/zv  hei<dit.     See    'J'ai 


(1.1  t  ii.ta.s; 


l/i.^f. 


.  [jiiih 


iiifrfiril. 


M:- 


S..  cap.    .\lix..  c.\.\iv,  and  note   /.'i  on 


IIk' 


i:ri, , 


li-liecl  Moors.     Carhajal  Mspiiicoa,  llist.  Mli.,  toni.  i.,  p.  (iCil,  states  that 
--iiinniit  was  paved  with  iiiaihie. 

eci  slat  lire  d'hiiomo."  J!'  /ii/imir  foZ/n  prr  rii.  i/ni- 


laaito  d 


(lode 


(/-•/  ,SV 


lei'i 
ii/iiur  I'triiiiiKlt)  i'urlrsr,  in  ICniiiii.sn 


S 


(I  t'lll'llllllll,    tolil.    Ill 


fil.  ;!t7.     This  is  followed  hv  ( 'lavi''ero,  ,sV(;/vV(  Aiil.  (h/  Mr.s.siri),  toin.  ii 


:it,  w 


ho  savs  ."»()  feet,  or  aftoiit  !• 


lerclnv 


liiiiii'd  liv  the  old  chroniclers;  IJra>scnrdc  rHtiulionri,',  however,  [,'ivestliem  a 


.No  other  dliiiensioiis  are  nieii- 
h 


if -JO  feet  si[uare,  Uisl.  Xa>.  'Vc.ti 


ii  I'lin 


k'liei 


1  we  i:olisi( 


ler  th 


pp.  ().")'.Mil),  iilll  this  hecol 


t  of  the  l)nildin;:s,  and  the  accoiiini 


ti'ii  reipiired  for  the  j,'i;;antic  idols  they  contained.    'I'liis  author  ha 


/arils  tin 


<>;>iiii>ii 

t    1     M' 


lllV 


I  that  the  chapids  were  placed  dose  to  the  eil;.'e,  to  eiialde  the  people 


tlie 


dols  from    helow,   hill   there   is    no    mention  of  aiiv   doors 


^t  side,  and  it  is  stated  that  the  chajiels  were  placed  at  this  end  so  that 
till' people  ill  jirayin;^  nii^iht  face  the  rising;  snn.  Goiiinrit.  ('diii/.  Mr.r.,  fol. 
'!'.>;   I.iis  t'lisiis,   Itisf.  A/iii/iif/rfird,  .MS.,  cap.  Ii. 

""  M^ue  se  inaiidahan  por  la  iiarte  de  adeiitro,  por  unas  escaleras  de  nia- 
ilfiM  niovedi/.as.'  I.i'llll.rnf/iill.  Ili-tf.  C/iir/i.,  'u\  Kiiiii-sliiiviiiiijii's  Mix.  Aiiti/., 
viil.  \k.,  p.  245.     .Vcosta  status  tliat  the  towers  were  asceiiiluu  by  120  steps. 


11 


it 


i 


582 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


adorned  formed  the  roof.^"  The  sanctuaries  were  in 
the  lov/er  story,  the  one  on  the  right  hand  dedicatud 
to  Huitzilopochtli  with  his  partner  and  lieutenant,  thu 
other  to  TezcatHpoca."'*  The  gif^antic  images  of  tlicso 
gods  rested  upon  large  stone  altars  three  to  four  feet 
high,"'  their  monstrous  grandeur  shielded  from  thf 
vulgar  gaze  of  the  multitude  by  rich  curtains  ]uiiii,r 
with  tassels  and  golden  pellets  like  bells,  which  rattlcMl 
as  the  hangings  moved.  Before  the  altar  stood  tlio 
terrible  stone  of  sacrifice,  a  green  block  about  five  i'tot 
in  length,  and  three  in  breadth  and  height,  rising  in 
a  ridge  on  the  top  so  as  to  bend  the  body  of  the  vic- 
tim upwards  and  allow  the  easy  extraction  of  the 
heart."*  The  walls  and  ceilings  were  painted  with 
monstrous  figures,  and  ornamented  with   stucco  and 

Hist,  dp  Ins  Ynd.,  p.  ,3.34.  The  toweia  were  made  of  'artesoncs.'  (loiiinrn, 
Coiiq.  Mcx.,  fol.  111).  Brasaeiir  ilc  IJoiirl»i>ur<i  states  that  the  oiiti^itlc  ui  the 
walls  was  painted  with  various  fij^iires  and  monsters,  but  this  scimhs  to  lie  a 
misinterpretation  of  (iomara,  who  places  the  |>aiiitin(;son  the  inside.  Hist. 
Nat.  Civ.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  GOO.  Bernal  Diaz  says,  besides,  that  the  towers  wire 
'todas  blanqueando.    Ilist.  Conn.,  fol.  70. 

'"  The  caves  or  the  domes  of  the  temples  were  tlecoratcd  with  fmc  ird 
and  white  pilhiis,  set  with  jet  Mack  stones  and  holdin<^  two  li^iircsdi'  >\mw 
with  torches  in  their  hands,  which  supported  a  battlement  in  form  of  s|iir;il 
Hhells;  the  torches  were  adorned  with  yellow  an<l  <;reen  feathers  and  friii,L;t's. 
Acosfn,  Hist,  dc  las  Ynd.,  p.  .33.3;  Montinius,  Niiittrc  Wcvirld,  p.  'IVl. 

•'*  Most  of  the  old  authors  say  that  Tlaloe  oc(rupied  the  second  ciiiiin'l, 
hut  as  the  next  lar<^cst  temple  in  the  court  is  dedicated  to  this  ^md,  I  am 
inclined  to  think,  with  Clavi;;ero,  that  Tezcatlipoca  shared  the  chief  px  ra- 
nud  with  Huitzilonochtli.  Another  reason  for  this  belief  is  that  Tc/i  iilli- 
poea  was  held  to  oe  the  half-brother  of  Huitzilonochtli,  and  their  fcasls 
were  sometimes  attended  with  similar  ceremonies,  rezcatlinoca  was  also  uw 
of  the  hij^hest  if  not  the  hi}j;hest  }^od,  and,  accordingly,  entitled  to  the  plaic  ui 
honor  by  the  side  of  the  favorite  god  of  the  Aztecs.  Tlaloe,  on  the  oilier 
hand,  had  nothing  in  common  with  HnitziIo|)ochtli,  and  the  only  ]Missili!o 
ground  that  can  1)0  found  for  his  promotion  to  the  chief  pyramid  is  to  Ik' 
msen  in  the  fable  of  the  foundation  of  Mexico,  in  which  Tlaloe,  as  tiic  VnA 
of  the  site,  gives  the  Aztecs  permission  fo  settle  there.  We  have,  bcsi  Ics, 
the  testimony  of  Hcrnal  Diaz,  who  saw  Tezcatlijioca,  adorned  with  (lu' 

tczratl,  or  mirror  ornament,  seated  in  the  left  hand  temple.   ///.^^  CdH'i I. 

71;  Ortcjfa,  in  Vciftin,  Hist.  Ant.  Mrj.,  tom.  iii.,  p.  281.  Urassenr  (U-  limii- 
bourj'.  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  tom.  iii.,  p.  (iOO,  thinks  it  possible  that  the  scoiinl 
tein|i1e  was  oceu]»ied  by  different  iihds,  in  turn,  according  to  tlie  fcsiival. 

"3 'No  eran  mas  altos  q.ie  cineo  jtalinos.'  Goinara,  Cunq.  Mcj:.,Ui\.  110. 
Clavifiero,  Sturin  Ant.  del  J/m.v/co,  torn,  ii.,  )>.  '20. 

"<  Clavigcro  thinks  that  the  stone  was  of  jasper,  ^tor'a  Ant.  d<l  '.V.vv/cii, 
torn,  ii.,  p.  46,  with  cut.  It  isdilhcnlt  todeiine  the  posit  ion  of  thissti  iic;  wiiiii- 
jdaee  it  nefore  the  idol  within  the  ehajiel,  others  at  the  western  i'Xtrci:iity 
of  the  platform.  Keferriiig  to  the  idols  in  the  chapel,  Salui.^rui!  lys;  ''''■ 
lante  de  cada  una  de  estas  estaba  una  piedra  redomla  a  mam  ra  dc  tajmi 
que  Uuniau  tcxcuti,  doiide  matabau  los  que  sacrilicabau  il  h<  ara  dc  i\i[w\ 


THE  SACIUFICIAL  STONE. 


683 


carved  wood-work,  and,  according  to  Las  Casas,  the 
o^old  and  jewel-decked  interior  exceeded  even  Thebe's 
tamed  temple  in  beauty;"'  but  the  venerable  bishop 
was  evidently  led  away  by  his  well-known  enthusiasm 
for  whatever  concerned  the  natives,  for  Bernal  Diaz 
and  others  state  that  the  floors  and  walls  were  steeped 
with  blood,  diffusing  a  fetid  odor  which  made  the 
visitors  glad  to  escape  to  the  fresh  air.""  The  upper 
stories  were  used  as  receptacles  for  the  ashes  of  de- 
ceased kings  and  lords,"''  and  for  the  instruments  con- 
nected witli  the  service  of  the  temple,  but  Diaz  also 
noticed  idols,  half  human  half  monstrous  in  form,  and 
f(Hmd  the  rooms  blood-stained  like  the  lower  apart- 
ment."® Before  each  chapel  stood  a  stone  hearth  of 
a  man's  height,  and  of  the  same  shape  as  the  piscina  in 
Catholic  churches,  upon  which  a  Are  was  continually 
kept  burning  by  the  virgins  and  priei-itei,  and  great 
misfortunes  were  apprehended  if  it  became  extin- 
guished.""    Here  was   also  the  large  drum  covered 

(lids,  y  (lesdc  la  jMcdra  hasta  almjo  iin  regaxal  de  sangrc  de  los  que  niutii- 
liaii  eii  cl' — he  <lesfribes  the  stone  as  rouiul.  Hist.  Gun.,  toin.  i.,  lih.  ii.,  p. 
1!H.  And  this  I  am  inclined  to  acee^it  as  correct,  esneiiiilly  as  several 
lioiiits  indicate  that  tlie  stones  stood  inside  the  chapel.  I'lieir  Hoor,  we  are 
fdltl.  were  steeped  in  blood  that  mast  have  flown  from  the  victims;  fiirtiier, 
V(>  know  that  the  reekmj?  heart  was  held  np  before  or  thrown  at  the  feet  of 
tlic  idol,  immediately  after  bein<;torn  ont.  Tiie  act  of  sacrilice  was  in  itself 
ii  I'crcmony  which  could  only  have  been  perfornu'd  before  tiie  id(d.  Acosta, 
Ui.-it.  ile  his  Viiif.,  p.  334,  and  Solis,  Ifisf.  Conq.  }ftx..,  toni.  i.,  j).  .^07,  place 
it  ill  tiie  middle  of  the  platform.  Prescolt,  Mix.,  vol,  ii,,  p,  145,  states 
that  the  stone  (one  only)  stood  near  the  I'.ead  of  the  stairway,  bnt  this  is 
iiKist  likely  a  ha-ty  interpretation  of  Diaz'  vaj^ue  account.  There  may, 
liiiAcver,  hav;  been  a  large;  -.tone  at  this  jilace.  which  was  nsed  for  the 
(.'■('iit  and  general  -iicrilices.  lierind  Dim,  Hist.  Coin/.,  M.  70;  I."s  Cif.tas, 
His/.  Afiu/iiiirfirii,  MS,,  cap.  cxxiv.  Hriis.senr  de  IJourbonrg,  Ilisf.  Xnf. 
I  !'•.,  torn,  iii,,  pp.  i»()()-l,  manages  very  <'.exteronsly  to  jilace  tin;  two  stones 
lu'l'iirc  the  chapel,  and  at  the  same  time  near  the  bead  of  the  steps,  KIcmm, 
<''il'i>r-G(ic/>!c'u'-;  Mm.  v.,  p.  IKS,  mentions  one  stone  with  a  hollow  in  the 
iiiiilille. 

"^  ^»^y  Cnsixs,  Hist.  Apohg^t'ca,  MS.,  cap.  cx.x.vii.;  Goiiiani,  i'oinj. 
Mix.,  fol.  Hi), 

i>«  lirninl  Diaz,  Hist.  Voiiq  ,  fol.  71. 

'"  Ciirti'.v,  Citr/iis,  p.  10().  It  is  alsi>  stated  that  certain  chaiids  in  the 
strci'iswere  used  for  burial  pla.'cs  by  the  lords.  'Indc  Strateii  wareii  vecl 
('a|i|ifl!en,  die  nicest  dicntledeii  tot  begravinghc  van  de  groote  llcereii.' 
Wts'Iiiilisi-lir  S/tii'if/u!.  p.  •24S. 

"■*  '  De/iir.i,  (jne  era  nl  Dios  do  las  sementj-ra." '  (c  illed  Centcolll.  I'lrnnl 
I>i'i:.  Ili.'if.  Cnm/.,  fol.  71, 

"'  ('ini'ijcrn.  Storin  Ant.  del  Mf.^v'ro,  torn.  it..  pr>,  •2!)-30;  Cnrhdjnf  Es- 
liiiiuiii,  Hii>l.  Alex.,  tutu,  ii.,  p.  -28;  Tvniucin-.Hdi,  Mumir'^.  IiuL,  torn,  ii., 


584' 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


witli  snake-skins,^*'  whose  sombre  notes  resounded  ovw 
a  distance  of  two  k.lles  on  feast-days  and  other  extra- 
ordinary occasions — many  a  death-knell  it  struck  for 
the  Spaniards  before  they  became  masters  of  it. 
From  this  lieight  the  Spaniards  gazed  down  upon  hu- 
tween  seventy  and  eighty  other  edifices  within  the 
enclosure,  with  their  six  hundred  braziers  of  stone, 
some  I'ound,  some  square,  and  from  two  to  live  feet 
high,*-^  wliose  bright  fires  flared  in  perpetual  adoration 
of  their  idols,  and  turned  the  night  into  day.  Al)out 
forty  of  these  were  temples,  each  with  its  idols,  scat- 
tered round  the  court  and  facing  the  great  pyramid  as 
if  in  adoration.^^^  They  were  considerabh  -initi'ltr 
than  the  central  temple,  and  dififered 


•hi  il 


1  -nv 


form  of  the  roof  which  was  round,  square,  vi  yiy  ;iiii- 
dal,  according  to  the  character  of  tiie  ido!.'^'^  The 
lartjest  was  that  of  Tlaloc,  which  stood  nearest  tlu; 
pyramid,  and  was  ascended  by  fifty  steps.*'^  Quctzal- 
coatl's  was  the  most  singular  in  form,  being  circular 


p.  145;  on  p.  141,  lifi  says,  in  contradiction:  'Delante  dc  los  Altans  cii 
ostos  'roniplos  avia  vnos  lirascros  iiecluis  de  pitsdra,  y  cai,  de  trcs  ([iiiirt.i^cii 
alto,  tie  li^iira  I'ircuiar,  o  redoiida,  y  otros'ciuadrados,  dondo  dc  dia.  y  dc 
Modie  ardia  continuo  fuc^^o,  tonian  sus  fojjoncs,  y  braseros  todas  la>  Salas 
di!  los  dichos  Tcniplos,  donde  oiicendian  fiicgo,  p.ara  culentarse  los  Scrimcs, 
•jiiando  ihan  a  eilos,  y  para  los  Sacerdotes.'  'Ian  altos  conio  trcs  iialiiim 
V  cuatro.'  Las  Cusdn,  llist.  A/iuloifrlicd.  MS.,  cap.  cxxiv. 

"20  llrnifil  Diaz,  Hist.  Com/.,  fol.  70. 

'21  Sec  note  111);  Motoliiiiii,  Hist.  IiuUos,  in  Icazbnlcrta,  Cut.  ilr  Pur., 
toni.  i.,  p.  ().">. 

'22  Cliiriijem,  Sforia  Aiif.  tirl  Mmsico,  toni.  ii.,  p.  30.  Las  (  asas,  ■'//>'. 
Apoloiivtira,  MS.,  . -ip.  1'',,  and  Motoliiiia,  ll'sf.  Iiit/iiis.  in  Iriizhdln/ti,  To/ 
f/i'  Dor.,  toni.  i.,  p.  ()4,  say  tiiat  tiiey  face  in  all  tlirections,  wliicli  (ciiils  ',, 
]irove  that  they  must  have  faced  the  temple  of  tiie  supreme  ami  |ia!n)u 
puis.  '  K  'ando  cncontrados,  y  puestos  vnos  contra  otros,'  adils  '/'•/, '/"•• 
■mi((lii,  Moii(iri{.  IikL,  tom.  ii.,  pp.  141,  14."i.  (iomara,  Coin/.  Mr.i\,  fnl.  Mil, 
states  that  tiiey  were  turued  a.irainst  all  poiuls  Imt  the  cast,  so  as  in  ililli  r 
froui  the  chief  temple.  'Tciiiii:!  la  cara  acia  el  occidcntc'  Sd/ii'imi.  U"<i. 
Crn.,  tom.  i.,  lil».  ii.,  p.  108.  Acosta,  Hist,  ih  Ins  Yini.,  p.  3.H  slate-  lliat 
the  court  held  eijjht  or  uine  temples  facin,irall  cpiartcrs. 

'^3  'Todos  erau  viios;  jiero  diferenciahanse  en  el  asiento.  y  pn-tnra.' 
Torqiiriiiiii/ii,  .)f(nitir(/.  fin/.,  tom.  ii.,  p.  14.").  '  La  I'uliierta.  .  .  .cia  dciliMT- 
sas,  y  \ arias  formas,  que  aunipi''  eran  vnas  d«!  nuidera,  y  otras  dc  |ia!a, 
coiuo  de  Centeno,  eran  nuii  primal. :r'nte  lahradas,  vnas  coliertuias  ]iiiaini- 
dales,  V  <iuadradas,  v  otras  rcdondas,  v  de  otras  formas.'  I/i.  (loin"' 
Com/.  '.}fr.v.,  fol.  118-19;  Jlra.miir  de  JiuurltoKi-t),  Hist.  Nat.  Vir.,  tout  .: 
pp.  OO'i.S. 

'2<  '  I,a  nienor  dellas  tieiie  (jintjiicnta  pscalonoa  para  sultir  al  cncr(ii>  il(  ; 
torre.'  Ocicdo,  llist,  (Jen.,  toni.  iii.,  ji.  302;  CorKs,  L'urtas,  p.  100. 


TEMPLES  OF  MEXICO. 


585 


and  surmounted  by  a  dome,  symbolic  of  tlie  abode 
of  the  jjcod  of  air;  a  snake's  jaws  with  exposed  fan«j^s 
formed  the  low  entrance,  and  made  the  stranijfer  shud- 
(Kr  as  he  stooped  to  pass  in.^*'  Among  other  notable 
edifices  were  the  tezcacaUi,  or  'house  of  mirrors,'  so 
called  from  the  mirrors  which  covered  its  walls,  and 
the  tecclzcnlli  'house  of  shells,'  to  which  the  king  re- 
tired at  certain  times  to  perform  penance.  The  high- 
jtriest  also  had  a  house  of  retirement  called  po'udiJilht, 
a!;d  there  were  several  others  for  the  use  of  cer- 
taiii  other  priests.  Among  these  was  a  splendid 
l)uilding,  provided  with  baths,  fountains,  and  every 
comfort,  in  which  notable  strangers  who  visited  the 
temj)le  or  the  court  were  entertained.  The  llhuicatit- 
laii  temi)le,  dedicated  to  the  planet  Venus,  contained 
a  large  column  painted  or  scul[)tured  with  the  image 
of  the  star,  before  which  captives  were  sacrificed  on 
the  appearance  of  the  planet.  Another  temple  took 
the  form  of  a  cage,  in  which  the  idols  of  conquered 
nations  were  confined,  to  prevent  them  from  assisting 
their  worshipers  in  regaining  their  liberty.^^"  The 
ijiKiu/i.ricak'o  was  used  as  a  rece})tacle  for  the  bones 
of  victims  sacrificed  at  various  sanctuaries.  The 
skulls  of  those  killed  at  the  great  temple  were  depos- 
ited in  the  tzompantll,  '^^  which  stood  just  outside  the 
court,  near  the  western  or  main  gate.  This  consisted 
of  a!i  oblong  sloping  parallelogram  of  earth  and  ma- 
sonry, one  hundred  and  fifty-four  feet  at  the  base, 
ascended  by  thirty  steps,  on  each  of  which  were 
skulis.^'"  Round  the  summit  were  upwards  of  seventy 
raised  poles  about  four  feet  apart,  connected  by  mi- 
iiierous  rows  of  cross-poles  passed  through  holes  in 
the  masts,  on  each  of  which  live  skulls  were  tiled,  the 


'-''  Torffwiiiorfrt,  M(}nnrq.  Tnil.,  turn,   ii.,  p.   H.'>. 

'-'i  Tiiriiiti'iiiiidii,  Moiiiin/.   Iiid.,  t«iin.   ii.,  pp.    147  ."jO. 

^''  Sii/iiii/iiii,  Jli.st.  <i'ni.,  Unii.  i.,  lili.  ii.,  pp.  'JOl  7;  Ti>rrfiinii(ii/'i,  Mn- 
uiirij.  Iiiil.,  ttim.  ii.,  p.  Hit;  Claviyeni,  Sturiu  Aiit.  del  MtHA-iro,  torn,  ii,, 
|i.  K'J.  calls  it  Iliicit/i>iii]iiUk. 

''^'I",n   litH  oMi-aloiioN  Imbi'i  tiiinliien  uu  criliioo  eiitro  piedra  y  pit><lni.' 
"''"/",  in  t'cif/iii,  Hist.  Ant.  ^f|j.,  toin.  iii.,  p.  287.     But  this  i.s  unlikely. 


"rni/ii^  III   I  ciifiii,  llist.  Ant.   M<J.,  ltd 
Si'c  ilso  (Joinoni,  Cuiiq.  Mix.,  fol.  121 


586 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


sticks  being  passed  through  the  temples. ^^  In  tlic 
centre'*^  stood  two  towers,  or  columns,  made  of  skulls 
and  lime,  the  face  of  each  skull  being  turned  outwards, 
and  giving  a  horrible  appearance  to  the  whole.  This 
effect  was  heightened  by  leaving  the  heads  of  dis- 
tinguished captives  in  their  natural  state,  witli  hair 
and  skin  on.  As  the  skulls  decayed,  or  fell  from  the 
towers  or  poles,  they  were  replaced  by  others,  so  that 
no  vacajit  place  was  left.  The  Spaniards  are  said  to 
have  counted  one  hundred  and  thirty-six  thousand 
skidls  on  the  steps  and  poles  alone,  but  this  nund^i- 
,  iio  doubt,  greatly  exaggerated."*  In  the  court 
w.  a  large  open  space,  which  stretched  to  the  foot  of 
the  .stairway  of  the  great  temple.  Here  tlie  gieat 
d.inces  were  held  in  which  thousands  took  part,'"  antl 
liere,  in  full  view  of  the  multitude  gathered  to  join 
in  the  festive  ring,  stood  the  gladiatorial  stone,  the 
tt'tnalacatl,  upon  which  the  captives  were  placLil  to 
hght  with  Aztec  warriors,  for  their  liberty  as  it  was 
termed,  but  rather  for  the  delectation  of  the  masses, 
for  their  chance  of  victory,  as  we  have  seen,  was  wry 
small.  It  consisted  of  an  immense  tlat  circular  stone, 
three  feet  in  height,  very  smooth,  with  scul]»tured 
edge,  ])laced  upon  a  small  pyramid  eight  feet  in 
height.**'  In  another  part  of  the  court  were  three 
large  halls  with  flat  roofs  and  plastered  walls,  i)ainted 
on  the  inside,  which  contained  a  number  of  low,  dark 
chambers,  each  the  abode  of  an  idol;  the  walls  were 

'29  '  Estos  ftalos  luiziun  muclias  aspas  por  las  vigas,  y  cada  tercio  dc  iispa 
o  nulo,  tenia ciiii'o  oahL'(;a8  eiisartailas  por  las  sienes.'  Gomnra,  Cini'/.  Mix., 

fol.  r_'l-2.     Acosta,  i//.v/.  dc  bin  Yiid.,  p.   3.S4,  plai'os  tlic  masts  a  latl i 

apart,  and  twenty  skulls  upon  each  cros8-i)ole,  which  is,  to  say  tlie  Iciisl, 
.very  dose  i)ai'kinj:. 

13«  At  each  end  of  the  platform.    Warden,  Rcchcrchcs,  p.  fifi. 

'''  t'lnriifiro,  S/oria  Aiif.  del  Mcssiro,  torn,  ii.,  y.  3'2;  Goinoro,  ''>////. 
Mi'.i'.,  f(d.  I'JI-'J;  Jfnrrra,  Ilinf.  Gen.,  dec.  m.,  lilt,  vii.,  cap.  xviii;  .l"'v/", 
Jlist.  dc.  Inn  Ynd.,  j)]).  ;W.S-5.  The  account  of  the  latter  author  is  so  iiiixiil 
HI)  with  that  of  f  lie  chief  temple  us  to  he  of  little  value;  Moutanus,  M,nin- 
U'cnrlif,  ]ip.  l»4'J-.%  follows  him. 

"2  Acosta,  Hisf.  de  l,i.i  Ynd.,  p.  .3.3.1,  says  that  8,000  to  10,0(K)  lu'isoiis 
could  dance  with  joined  hands  in  this  place. 

''3  <'/iirif/rn>,  .Sftiria  Anf.  del  Mesxiro,  toni.  ii.,  n.  48,  with  cut:  Tuni'n-- 
inndit,  Miinin-<i.  hid.,  tom.  ii.,  p.  l.")4;  Orteifa,  in  Veijtia,  Ili.st.  Anf.  .V'j-, 
torn,  iii.,  p.  L'83;  JJranncttr  dc  liuuibuimj,  Hist.  Nat.  i'iv.,  tom.  iii.,  p.  IJI'-- 


THE  TEMPLE  COURT. 


687 


covered  with  blood,  two  fingers  in  thickness,  and  the 
tioors  to  the  depth  of  a  foot  ahuost.*^  The  court  also 
contained  a  grove  in  which  birds  were  raised  for  sacri- 
Hcerf,  and  whence  the  procession  started  on  the  day 
devoted  to  the  great  hunt  in  honor  of  Mixcoatl ;  there 
Avcre  also  a  number  of  gardens,  where  flowers  and 
herbs  for  offerings  were  grown.  There  were  several 
l)athing-places,  one  of  which,  the  tetzaapan,  'cleans- 
ing water,'^*'  was  set  apart  for  those  who  had  made 
vows  of  penance,  and  another,  at  Mixcoatl's  temple, 
tilled  with  black  water,  for  the  priests.  The  toxpalutl 
was  >  fine  fountain,  the  waters  of  which  were  only 
ilrunk  at  solemn  festivals.  It  was  supposed  to  have 
been  the  identical  spring  in  which  the  Aztec  priest 
had  the  interview  with  Tlaloc  and  obtained  })ermis- 
sion  for  the  nation  to  settle.  The  care  of  all  the 
temple  buildings  devolved  upon  a  perfect  army  of 
priests,  monks,  nuns,  school  children,  and  other  peo- 
jile,  estimated  at  from  five  to  ten  thousand,  who  all 
.slept  within  the  sacred  precincts.^*'  The  passing  and 
repassing  of  such  numbers  must  have  made  the  place 
teem  with  life,  yet  everything  was  in  such  perfect 
(H\ier  and  ke})t  so  scrupulously  clean,  says  Diaz,  that 
not  a  speck  or  a  straw  could  he  discover.^" 


"1  Gomara,  Conq.  Mcx.,  fol.  120;  Torqucmada,  Momnq.  Inil.,  torn,  ii., 
I'll.  UO-T;  Las  Casus,  Hist.  Ajioloijeticii,  MS.,  nip.  Ii. 

^'■'' Turqucmada,  Monarq.  Ind.,  toiii.  ii.,  j).  IT)!;  Ixililxorhitl,  Hist. 
Cliii'/i.,  in  Kingsltoniiiijh's  Mcx.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix.,  ji.  '244. 

'■"i  '  Kt'siden  en  el  a  la  eontina  cinco  mil  jiL-rsonas,  y  tii<Ia.<  ihuTinen 
(li'iitro,  y  oonieii  a  su  eosta  liol.'  (ionnmt,  Conq.  Mix.,  fol.  TJO.  '\"liatu'a 
Mill  ;,'uarnij;i<»ne  di  dieci  n.ila  honiini  tli  guerra.'  12il<ili(iur  futtn  /»/•  ni. 
(I'li/i/'/iiioiiio  del  Siffitor  Fcnuuidu  Cortvsv,  in  liatitttsio,  S(irii/<iliiiiii,  toni. 
lii.,  fol.  3()y. 

'"  Tlic  aiitliorities  on  the  tcnijile  of  Mexico  are:  lirrnnl  DInz,  Hist. 
I'liiKj.,  fol.  70-'2;  Jirlatiiiiii:  fii/td  jtir  rii  (jnttirhudiiiit  dil  Sitfiior  F)  viimido 
Ciiflrsr,  in  Iiiimiisio,  Niiriij<itiii)ii,  toni.  iii.,  fol.  ',Wt,  I?(»'.(,  and  in  [inzlml- 
iric,  fill,  di:  Doc,  toni.  i.,  |M).  .■{S4-r>,  3'.>4-.'),  with  cnts;  Turqiunindii,  Moiinn/. 
hill ..  toni.  i.,  ]).  1S('»,  toni.  ii.,  ])]>.  14()-r><);  Sii/i(i<fini,  lli.st.  (fiii.,  toni.  i., 
lil>.  ii.,  1»|>.  197-211;  Corirs,  t.'iirlns,  p.  KXJ;  GotiKiin,  Conq.  Mix.,  fol. 
IIS-'J'J;  Las  Ciisas,  J/ist.  Apofof/^fifa,  3lS.,  cap.  xlix.,  Ii.,  cxxiv.;  I'rfini- 
I'll.  Tiiitro  Mm:,  pt  ii.,  p.  .'{7;  Clariiirrn,  Slorin  Ant.  dvl  Mr.f.siro,  toni. 
i .  |i|i.  •2.'>7-S,  toni.  ii.,  jip.  25-3'J,  4(i-S.  with  cuts  made  up  from  the  varimiH 
lii'^ciiptions  of  Hiaz  and  other";  ;,  c  his  rcmarlvH,  p.  'it).  Arostn,  Hist.  dr. 
/'^  )'iii/.,  pji.  ,'1,'W-");  this  antlior  mixes  up  the  descriptions  of  the  chief 
1'1ii|p1c  and  the  Tzompanfii,  and  rcnrcsents  this  account  :is  tlnit  of  Htii- 
t'.iln|iochtli's  sanctuary;  Ucnxnt,  Hist.  O'cii.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  vii.,  cap.  xvii., 


588 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


(I   :i 


Bosides  this  there  wer;j  several  other  temples  jind 
public  ortitoi'ies  in  tlie  city,  situated  either  in  jjiioujis 
within  a  square,  or  scattered  throujjchout  the  wunls, 
and  attended  to  by  their  special  priests  and  servants. 
Torqueniada  thinks  tiiat  their  number  equaled  tlir 
days  in  the  Aztec  year,  namely,  three  hundred  and 
sixty,  and  Clavigero  believes  that  there  were  two 
thousand  chapels  besides. ^^ 

The  tenqjles  in  otJier  towns  were  pretty  mucli  lik 
the  fbreiifoing,  three  being  usually  grouped  aroun 
central  pyramid  in  a  square,  each  with  its  idol  and  ono 
or  two  braziers.  Others  were  mounds  of  earth  cased 
with  stone,  with  one  broad  stairway  in  the  centre  of 
tlie  western  side,  or  with  steps  on  three  siiles,  some- 
times at  each  oorner.***  The  cliapels  on  the  platloini 
^\ere  usually  two  or  three  stories  in  heiglit,  often  ])i-o- 
vided  with  balconies,  the  whole  edifice  being  plastered 
and  polished."" 

The  i)yramid  at  Mexico,  large  as  it  was,  did  not 
equal  that  at  Cholula,  which  Hundioldt  estimates  iit 
five  thousand  seven  hundred  and  sixty  feet  in  cinnni- 
ference  and  one  hundred  and  seventy-seven  feet  in 

xviii. ;  Motolinia,  Hist.  Indios,  in  Irnzhnlcetn,  Col.  dc  Dor.,  toiii.  i.,  ]i]). 
(i.V5;  (Jr/rif(i,  in  Vrytia,  hist.  Ant.  Mcj.,  toni.  ill.,  pp.  27!t-8i);  TrziiziiiiKu; 
Hist.  Mt\i\,  toni.  i.,  pp.  151-3,  litS;  Ixtlilxochitl,  Hist,  t'liiclt.,  in  Kiiii/sln,,-- 
oiiif/i\i  Mcr.  Atitiq.,  vol.  i.\.,  p.  24i);  Oviedo,  Hist.  Gcii.,  toin.  iii.,  |i|i. 
30-2-3,  r)0'_>-3;  iJuvila  Padilhi,  Hist.  Frud.  Met:,  \>.  7');  Sotis,  Hist.  (n,i'/. 
Mcx.,  t(»ni.  i.,  i)p.  394-98;  Moiitanns,  Nicinrc  Wrercld,  p.  242;  Wrsl-ln- 
disilic  S/>irr//nl,  p.  248;  Jliiinbo/dt,  Ks'stii  Pol.,  toni.  i.,  \>.  1S7;  Klcunn, 
('idtur-Gesrhirhfe,  toni.  v.,  pp.  ir)4-.5;  Jimssciir  dc  Bonrhoiirg,  Hist.  Xni. 
Civ.,  toni.  iii.,  pp.  fi59-()5;  Carltajitl  E-^pinosa,  Hist.  Mrx.,  toni.  i.,  ji.  (iiil, 
toni.  ii.,  pp.  22(i-;}5,  with  cuts;  Warden,  Ecchcrc/ics,  p.  GO;  I'rcscolt's  .M'.r., 
vol.  ii.,  jtp.  142-5. 

13S  Tiininrniada,  Monarq.  Iiid.,  toni.  ii.,  j).  145;  Clariffcro,  Storin  .Inf. 
drl  Missiro,  toin.  ii.,  p.  .33.  tioinara,  Coiiq.  Mr.r.,  foi  120,  says  tlial  tlirrc 
were  2001)  idols,  each  of  whiuli  is  wupposed  to  iiave  iiatl  a  Hcpaiatc  eh:!!  "l. 
Cam,  Tirs  Sit/los,  toin.  i.,  p.  2;  7>(«.s  Ca.sas,  Hist.  Apolotfclica,  MS.,  ciii. 
t'X.\xii. ;  ill  cap.  cxxiv.,  lie  adds  tliat  100  of  these  were  j^reat  temples. 

^'^^  (lonatra,  Couq.  71/c.r. ,  fol.  120.  Some  tenijile  ]>ynimi»ls,  says  I):ivil:i 
Padilhi,  formed  a  perfect  cone,  the  casiii}^  liein"^  composed  of  larjjtc  slmu- 
at  tiie  liottoni;  as  the  wall  rose,  the  stones  decreased  in  size;  the  siiiniiiil 
was  crowned  with  a  precious  Btuiie.  Hist.  Fvnd.  Mex.,  ji.  75;  Pirsmtf't 
Mex.,  vol.  i.,  p.  72. 

•lo  '  Los  graniles  tenian  tres  sohradoa  encima  de  his  altares,  toihis  (h-  '» /- 
rrt//o«  »y  hieii  altos.'  Motolinia,  Hist.  Indios,  in  Irazbahrta,  Col.  di'  I'm' , 
toin.  i.',  p.  f>4;  Las  Ca.sa.i,  Hist.  Apoloijitica,  MS.,  cap.  cxxiv.;  Tdrqin- 
mada,  Monarq.  Ind.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  141. 


TKOCALLI  AT  CHOLILA  AND  TEZCUCO. 


589 


liei^ht.  It  consisted  of  four  square  terraces  facing 
t.\\o  cardinal  pinnts,  wliicli  seem  to  liave  been  com- 
ix »sed  of  alternate  layers  of  adobe  and  clay,  and  was 
surrounded  by  a  double  wall,  according  to  Diaz.  On 
the  top  stood  the  semi-spherical  chaj)el  of  Quetzal- 
coatl,  with  its  door  made  low  so  that  all  who  entered 
sliould  bend  in  humility.'"  This  city  contained,  be- 
sides, a  great  number  of  smaller  temples,  the  total 
e((ualing  the  number  of  days  in  the  Mexican  year."^ 
The  temple  at  Tezcuco  was  also  several  ste})s  higher 
than  the  Mexican  pyramid."^  King  Nezahualcoyotl, 
who  is  said  to  have  believed  in  one  su})reme  god, 
elected  in  his  honor  a  nine-story  building,  to  indicate 
the  nine  heavens,  the  roof  of  which  was  studded  with 
stars  and  surmounted  by  three  [)innacles;  the  interior 
was  decorated  with  gold  and  feather-work  and  })re- 
cious  stones.  The  u})per  floor  was  a  receptacle  for  mu- 
sical instruments,  irom  one  of  which,  the  chil'ditli, 
the  edifice  was  named,"*  Tiie  traditional  temjtles  of 
early  times,  very  I'airy  creations  according  to  the  ac- 
counts of  the  natives,  were  lar  superior  to  the  later 
(tiu's;  but  these  relations  are  little  more  than  super- 
natural fables."^ 


'<'  Las  Casas,  Ilist.  Apolor/i'tirn,  MS.,  cap.  cxxiv;  Iliimhihit,  Essai  Pol., 
tniii.  i.,  |>i).  23i)-40;  Clariijcro,  S/nrix  Ant.  ticl  Mi'sniro,  toin.  ii.,  pii.  3.3-4. 
I'xTiial  Diuz  eouiilcid  I'iO  stepw,  wliicli  sciirccly  nyn-es  with  tlie  li('ij;lit  of  llio 
]i\iaiiii(l.  Hist.  (Joiiq.,  fol.  72.  Acosta,  II/kL  (/<■  /as  Yn(L,  \>\>.  3!((>-l,  nicn- 
tiniis  (>()  steps  only.  'Alto  bieii  mas  de  (iiiareiita  estailos;  fiu>  Ium'Iio  <lc 
.•\(lip\c,  y  I'icdra.'  Tor(/ii('iiiti(f(i,  Moiim-q.  Inil.,  toin.  i.,  ji.  281.  Moiitaniis 
iiildi  that  on  the  HUiiiiiiit  stood  a  stiuare  strurtiire,  supiiorted  Ity  28  pillars, 
vitliiu  which  were  thoiisamls  ot  skulls;  he  mentions  two  chapels.  Xirmn: 
Wm-rlil,  p.  2.30.  It  had  l.")()8  steps;  in  the  wall  was  a  larj;e  diamond. 
]V(xf-fii(/isrhc  Spiff/fi'cl,  ]).  238. 

"^  Liis  Casas,  llist.  Ajmloiji^tica,  ^[S.,  cap.  xlix.  Sonic  of  these  had  two 
cliiipcls,  which  would  make  the  niimher  of  towers  about  40().  Ikrrcra, 
Ili.st.  (,'rii.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  vii.,  cap.  ii. 

'^^  Ixllilxochitl,  Jlist.  C/u'r/i.,  in  Kiiiff shorn iif]/i's  Mi\r.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  ix., 
H). -'15.  The  description  of  the  temi)le  as  ;;iven  by  this  writer  is  almost 
iiii'iitical  with  that  of  the  };rcat  tem|de  at  Mexico.  liiriml  Diaz,  Hist. 
'''iiii).,  fol.  72;  Toniiidiiai/a,  Munarq.  Iiid.,  tom.  i.,  p.  .31)5. 

'"  Ixtlilxochitl,  Hist.  C/iirh.,   in  Kiiiffsboroiajh's   Mcjc.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix., 

^*'  Siifiaffun,  Hisf.  flri).,  tom.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  pp.  107-8.  Further  nnthori- 
liiN  (111  Mexican  huildiiifjs:  Ilrrrvra,  llist.  diui.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  vii.,  cap.  iv-v., 
viii  \i.,  xiii-xviii.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  i.,  cap.  viii..  lib.  ii.,  cap.  xi.,  xv. ;  I'rfir 
Murlijr,   dec.  v.,  lib.  ii-iii.,  viii.,  x.;  dec.  viii.,  lib.  iv. ;  Mciulivta,  hist. 


590 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


Eiics.,  pp.  84-7,  121;  Vet/fia,  Hist.  Ant.  Mrj.,  torn,  i.,  p.  l.'S;  Zuazo,  Curia, 
ill  Ivuzbiilvcta,  Col.  ik  Doc,  toiii.  i.,  jip.  359,  302;  Wc.st-In(iixrhf  Sitiiijlul,  |,|,. 
24(>-8;  Mtiiintcr,  Cosmoijriijj/ua,  p.  1410;  Montaniis,  Niriiirr  UV' ;•</(/,  |i|i. 
8(>-.5,  2.35-7,  242-3;  Vo'rte.i,  Aren.  y  Conq.,  pp.  120,  128-33;  Ii,i.ssi,rrr, 
J: Empire  Mrx.,Y\).  123-7,  172-5,  252-3,  258-}>,  2tMi;  Klemm,  Ciilhir.i;,. 
srhichte,  torn,  v.,  pp.  31-2,  75,  84-5,  97-9,  1.52-«2;  Monqlme,  Kfsum.  yy. 
20-1,  24-5,  3()-7;  Touron,  Hist.  «<<«.,  torn,  iii.,   pp.  40-8;  Cooper's  Hist.  \. 


Amer.,  pt  ii.,  p.  104;  Lafond,  Voyage,  torn,  i.,  pp.  106-7;  BroinieU'ti  Iml. 
Raren,  pp.  92-5;  Rankiiig's  Hi.st.  Researches,  pp.  .336-7;  Domenerh.  Mi.r- 
iqiie,  pp.  70  2;  Foster's  Pre-Hist.  Races,  p.  .391;  Dihrorth's  Conq.  Mi\r.,  pp. 
64,  70-1;  Lenoir,  ParalUle,  pp.  20-1;  Pimentel,  Mem.  sobre  la  Razn  Imli- 
qena,  pp.  55-7;  Chevalier,  Mex.  Ancien  et  Mod.,  pp.  30-3;  Purcliun  /us 
Piljlrimea,  vol.  iv.,  pp.  1033,  1123-4,  1133. 


CHAPTER    XIX. 

MEDICINE   AND    FUNERAL     RITES   AMONG    THE   NAIIUAS. 

Mexican  Contributions  to  Medical  Science  — The  Botanical 
Hardens— Longevity— Prevalent  Diseases— Introdi'ction  of 
Small-pox  and  Syphilis- Medical  Treatment  -The  Temaz- 
cALLi  — Aboriginal  Physicians  — The  Aztec  Faculty— Stand- 
ard Remedies— Surgery— Superstitious  Ceremonies  in  Heal- 
iNO -Funeral  Rites  of  Aztecs— Cremation— Royal  Obsequies— 
Embalming-The  F>'neral  Pyre- Human  Sacrifice— Disposal 
OF  THE  Ashes  and  Ornaments- Mourners  — Funeral  Cere- 
monies OF  THE  People  — Certain  Classes  Buried  — Rites  fob 
THE  Slain  in  Battle— Burial  among  the  Teo-Chichimecs  and 
Tabascans— Cremation  Ceremonies  in  Michoacan— Burial  by 
the  Miztecs  in  Oajaca. 


Writers  on  Mexico  have  paid  but  slight  attention 
to  aboriginal  medical  science,  although  the  greatest 
lienetit  which  Europe  derived  from  that  jiart  of  the 
New  World  came  doubtless  in  the  form  of  medicinal 
substances.  Most  of  the  additions  to  tlie  world's 
stuck  of  remedies  since  the  sixteenth  century  were 
indigenous  to  tropical  America,  and  i:i  few  instances, 
if  any,  were  their  curative  properties  unknwn  or 
unt'iuniliar  to  the  native  doctors.  Jalap,  sarsaparilla, 
tobacco,  with  numerous  gums  and  balsams,  weie 
among  the  simples  of  American  origin.  Dr  Hernan- 
dez, physician  to  Phillip  II.,  was  sent  to  Mexico  by 
his  king  to  investigate  the  natural  history  of  the 
country.     The  results  of  his  researches,  in  which  he 

(59IJ 


l:  ■ 


692 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


was  assisted  l)y  native  experts,  were  pul)li: 'umI  in  ,1 
lar<^e  work,  which  contains  lonj*-  hsts  of  plants  with 
their  medicinal  i)roperties,  and  whicli  has  been  nmcli 
used  l)y  later  writers.  I  sliall  not,  however,  attt'iii|it 
in  tliis  diapter  to  oive  any  catalo<»ue  of  mediciiiiil 
plants.*  The  healini(  art  was  })rotected  by  roy.ilty, 
and  tlie  numerous  rare  plants  in  the  royal  nardtiis, 
collected  at  great  ex})ense  from  all  parts  of  tJie 
country,  were  placed  at  the  dis|)osal  of  the  doctois  in 
the  large  cities,  who  were  ordered  to  exj)eriment  with 
each  variety,  that  its  curative  or  injurious  ])ro[)ertic.s 
might  lie  utilized  or  shunned.  Thus  the  court  physi- 
cians derived  fi-om  these  constantly  increasing  colKc- 
tions  all  the  advantages  of  travel  through  distant 
provinces.'' 

The  Nahuas  were  a  healthy  race;  naturally  so  with 
their  fine  climate,  their  hardy  training,  active  hahits, 
frequent  bathing,  and  temperate  diet.  The  extraordi- 
nary statements  respecting  the  great  age  attained  hy 
their  kings  in  the  earlier  periods  of  Nahua  history  aiv 
of  course  absurdly  exaggerated;  but  as  centenarians 
are  often  met  with  among  their  descendants  at  the 
present  day,  there  is  no  doubt  that  they  were  a  long- 
lived  race,  and  that  tliose  who  did  not  attain  a  hini- 
dred  years,  succumbed  for  the  most  j)art  to  arnt^ 
diseases.^  Indigestion  and  its  accompanying  ills  wtru 
unknown,  and  deformed  people  were  so  rare  that 
Montezuma  kept  a  collection  of  them  as  a  curio-ity. 
The  diseases  most  prevalent  were  acute  fevers,  colds, 
pleurisy,  catarrh,  diarrhea,  and,  in  the  coast  districts, 

'  IlrriKiinfrz,  Nova  Planfarinti,  etc.  The  MSS.,  coniprisiii;,'  -\  tidnks  nf 
text  ami  11  liooks  of  ])lafos,  were  sent  to  the  Kscurhil  in  Spain,  ami  timn 
them  aliri(l,!^('(l  eilitions  wimv  pulilisiied  in  Mexico,  1(51."),  ami  linnic,  lii.'il. 
The  latter  eijition  is  the  one  in  my  colhiction.  Sahaifiin  also  devotrs  I'nii- 
Hiileralile  space  to  a  ilescriptiou  of  lierhs  and  their  j)roi)erties.  Hist,  (int., 
toiii.  iii.,  lii).  X.,  \i. 

2  C/(in')/rrft,  S/oria  Aiit.  ifrf  Mrssim,  tom.  ii.,]).  \'y~;  Ifrrririi,  Ilisl.  l!iii., 
dec.  ii..  lil>.  vii.,  cap.  xi.;  Carhnjul  Ksf)iiios)i,  Hint.  Mrx.,  torn.  i..  ]ip.  (l-.'M. 

3  'K'lla  maravi;,'liare,  ehe  i  Messicani.  e  massiniamenle  i  iioveri,  W'U  in-*- 
sero  a  in.dto  nialattie  sottoposti  atteso  hi  ()na!itii  de'Iont  alinieiiti.  TA"/- 
f/cro,  S/nn'a  .litt.  del  Mctmicu,  turn,  ii.,  p.  217;  lluniiiuhf,  Esaai  I'ui,  tuiu. 
1.,  p.  8S. 


EI'IDLMICS  AM)  TilKlU  ilAVACKS. 


DDa 


intermlvteiit  fuver,  spjisniH,  and  consumption,  a<jfi;ra- 
viiti-'J  by  exposure.* 

Deadly  epideniics  swept  the  country  at  intervals, 
tiie  traditional  accounts  ot"  wliicli  are  so  intermingled 
with  t'ahle  that  we  can  i'orm  no  \Av;i  ol'  their  nature. 
One  of  the  most  fatal  and  wide-spread  recorded  was 
that  hrou^^ht  on  by  I'aminu.  war,  and  the  anther  «»f  the 
oods  at  the  hreakini;'-up  of  the  Toltec  empire.''  'I'he 
iiKifldzahnatl  was  a  }»estilence  said  to  he  contined  en- 
tirely in  its  ravages  to  the  natives,  and  which  made 
<ji(iit   havoc  even    after  the  Spaniards   came,      it   is 


tllolILl' 


htl 


>v  some 


to  h 


lave  attacked  the  jieojile  periodic- 


ally in  former  times,  and  to  have  been  similar  in  its 
nature  to  the  yellow  fever.  Wiiile  the  Aztecs  were 
shut  u})  in  their  island  home,  a  curious  malady,  con- 
sisting of  a  swelling  of  the  eyelids,  followed  by  a  vio- 
lent dysentery  ending  in  death,  or,  as  others  say,  by 
a  swelling  of  the  throat  and  body,  attackeil  the  na- 
tions on  tile  main  land,  esj)ei'ially  the  Tejjaiiecs.  The 
jiopular  tradition  was  that  the  fumes  of  roasted  fisli 
iiiid  insects  wafted  from  the  island  to  the  shore,  cre- 
ated a  powerful  longing  for  this  new  and,  tt)  them, 
iiiiohtainable  food,  ami  that  the  pangs  of  an  un«atisHed 
appetite  originated  the  ])estilence.''  Jxtlilxochitl  re- 
lates that  a  catarrhic  sct>urge  fell  uj>on  the  ]>eo])le 
(hiriiin'  the  unusually  severe  wiiiter  of  lAi)()  and  car- 
lied  oif  lari^e  numbers,  osoeciallv  of  the  ayed,^ 

The  vices  introduced  by  the  Spaniards,  their  op- 
pression of  the  natives,  and  tlie  coiisetpieiit  disregard 
(if  the  ancient  regulations  respecting  cleanliness  and 

'<■,  craii  <lo 

IS    til 


<  'Tiiis  prinripalos  onforincdiidcs  i|ii(>  (••iriiaii  ciitrc  csta 
iilMiii<laiifia  ilo  coicra,  v  llcii 


(I  utnis  iiialiis  IniiiMiirs,  t. 


lala 


ila.  y  falta  tie  at>ii^o.'  Ih 


His/.  C 


lice,  ii.,  11 


lit- 


Ml 


7 


I'ZDZdiiini'. 


Mr 


H\l.    XXl 


HI 


,  I II  '/.v 


/loriiiii/Ji's  Mix.  Antiq.,  vtil.  i.\.,  j).  (il; 


ilf  liDiirltiiiirij,  Hist.  Slit,  dr.,  tiuii.  i.,  ]).   'M't't. 


llai'ia  iiiaiparir  las  Miil 


(laliaii 


I'aiiia/as 


alt 


:t'it's,  tic  aiittijK  tit'  fiMiiiT  tit'  aipifllii  i|iip  asa 


it'iDs  ill'  tlt'si'ti  tit'  fiiiiit'r  Ml'  a(Hiillii:  \  a  las 


se  Ins  Iiiiii'liahan  Ids  Ina/io.  las  man 


hi 


iniiilio,  y  iiiiinau  oiiii  ai) 


lU'l  l^ll 


i)s,  y  las  iiuTiias,  i|iii'  ailuiLi'iau 


lli.^l.  I  ml  ills,  .MS..  I 


■  nil.  I.,  fail. 


N.    'roniiu'inaila  i|iialitii's  this  hy  'I'.siti  ilifhii,  past'  jmr  fiifiitit.'   .Moimnj. 


Lilt.,  toni.  i.,  |).  03;  Tizn'-iiiiini',  I'niii 


Ml 


.1. 
Umt.  ('Ill 


I 


(i4. 


ill  Kiiiiislwroiiijli's  M'.i:.  Ai 


Vol.  II.    M 


Kiiiijiburuiiijh^a  Mcx.  Antiq. ,  vol.  ix.,  [i.  I'oO. 


mi 


TIIK  XAIU'A  NATIONS. 


tlio  UKc  (»r  licjuors,  prepared  tlie  way  f»)r  new  iiialii- 
(lit'H.  With  the  Spaniarcl.s  came  tlie  Hinall-|)(ix, 
ineaslew,  atul  as  Home  heheve,  the  sypliiliH.  8mall-|)(i\ 
is  said  to  liave  been  introduced  by  ti  neji'To  from  oiu' 
of  Narvaez'  ships  and  s])read  with  frin^htful  rapidity 
over  tlie  wliole  country,  destroying  wlu>le  hoiistliold-; 
who  died  and  found  no  other  *(raves  than  tlieir  iiousts. 
Measles  were  introduced  some  ten  or  eleven  years 
later  also  from  the  Spanish  Hhij)8.  The  yellow  fev*  i- 
has  never  jirevailed  to  any  great  extent  among  thi- 
natives/  Kespecting  syphilitic  diseases  and  tlieir  oii- 
gin  there  has  heen  much  discussion.  The  first  appeiir- 
ance  of  the  malady  has  heen  attrihuted  to  the  old 
world  and  the  new,  and  to  many  localities  in  the  ini- 
mer.  But  naturally  neither  continent,  nor  any  iiatidii 
has  heen  willing  to  accept  the  so- regarded  dislionor  of 
inllicting  on  the  world  this  loathsome  ])lague.  Tlir 
discussion  of  the  suhject  seems  improtitahle  and  1 
shall  not  reo[ien  it  here.  The  testimony  '  he  matter 
a[)pears  to  me  to  prove  that  syphilis  exi  "n  Euiopii 

long  before  the  discovery  of  America;  but  there  an' 
also  some  indications  in  the  traditional  history  of  tin' 
Nahua  ])eo})les  that  the  disease  in  some  of  its  foinis 
was  not  unknown  to  the  aboriginal  Americans  beiuro 
their  intercourse  with  foreiirners." 

Accustomed  to  look  on  death  in  its  most  teniMi" 
form  in  connection  with  their  oft-recurring  religious 
festivals,  the  })eople  seem  to  have  become  somewliat 
callous  to  its  dread  ])resence,  and  to  have  met  its 
approach  with  less  fear  of  the  dark  and  unknown 
hereafter  than  might  have  been  expected  from  their 
superstitious   nature.     An  attack  of  illness  did  n^t 

*  Mot  nil  II  in,  Hist.  Iiirfin.i,  in  Icazhalceta,  Col.  dc  Doc,  torn,  i.,  ]>.  )•'; 
(li)ni(trii,  IJomj.  Mr.r.,  fol.  148. 

'■>  Cfririi/iro,  Sforiii  Aiif.  (/rl  Mrssiro,  torn,  i.,  pp.  117-19,  torn,  iv.,  jii'. 
30;i-'2S;  Ilrrimi,  Hist,  (ini.,  dcf.  ii.,  lib.  x.,  cap.  xxi.;  Cioiiitini,  ('im'/. 
M:\r.,  fol.  14S;  I'aiiw,  Rich.  Phil.,  toiu.  i.,  jip.  4(W>;  Piiiiciilil,  Mem.  .sahrl" 
Hiiztt  IiH/iijriifi,  ]>]>.  W-lOl;  Pir.sro(t\s  Mcx.,  vol.  ii.,  pp.  434-5;  Hiiniltnlill. 
J'^s.sfii  Pol.,  toil),  i.,  pp.  (1(5-71;  Chcvnlirr,  Mcx.  Anciett  et  Mod.,  l>.  ^^''•: 
Jlrnssriirt/p  lioiirboiir;/,  Hi.sf.  Xiif.  Civ.,  toin.  i.,  p.  182;  A/.,  in  \oinr//y- 
y  iiiKiliii  (Ics  Voij.,  1858,  tola,  clx.,  p.  280;  Sahugvn,  Hint.  Gen.,  tout,  ii., 
lib.  vii.,  p.  246. 


ATTI.NTIONS  T(>  Til  I",  SK'a, 


r>\K, 


m'ccssarlly  in'odiici;  j^Toat  ai'.xii'ty,  or  ai  imiucdiatt' 
ivi'ourso  to  tlu!  (liK'tor'ts  services;  Imt  the  cDiimioii 
people  resorted  tor  the  most  part  to  siiMjtle  home 
cures,  whieh  wi^ro  tlie  inoru  etieetive  us  tlie  curative 
properties  of  lierhs  and  their  modes  of  a])|)licati(<n  were 
miierally  well  known. "^  The  unconcern  with  which 
they  rei^arded  sickness  did  not  result  fVom  want  of 
allection,  tor  the  Aztecs  are  said  to  have  heen  very 
iittentive  to  their  sick,  ami  spi'ut  tiieir  wealth  without 
.stint  to  save  the  lite  of  tViends,  Yet  the  TIascaltecs, 
a  liardier  race,  are  reported  hv  ^[otolinia  to  have 
iieeii  less  attentive,  and  some  other  Teo-Chichimec 
tiihes  did  uot  hesitate  to  kill  a  patient  whose  malady 
(lid  not  soon  yield  to  their  treatment,  under  pretense 
of  jjuttintif  him  out  of  his  misery,  hut  really  to  «,''et 
hiui  oti'  their  hands.  This  work  of  charity  was  per- 
i'onned  hy  thrustin*,'-  an  arrov  down  the  throat  of  the 
invalid,  and  old  j)eoj)le  were  especially  the  recipients 
of  such  favors." 

The  favorite  remedy  for  almost  every  ill  of  the 
lli'sh  was  the  vapor-hath,  or  tiniunvaUi.  No  well-to- 
do  citizen's  house  was  complete  without  conveniences 
for  indulgiui''  in  these  haths,  and  the  poorer  fauiilies 
of  each  community  owned  one  or  more  temazcalli  in 
connnon.  The  reader  is  already  sutiiciently  familiar 
with  the  general  features  of  these  haths,  a  confined 
space  with  facilities  for  converting  water  into  steam 
hiing  all  that  was  required.  Clavigero  descrihes  and 
jiictures  a  very  graceful  structure  for  this  juirjiose,  for 
which,  as  it  seems  to  involve  the  then-unknown  prin- 
ciple of  the  arch,  he  prohahly  drew  somewhat  upon 
his   imagination.     It  is  of  adohes,   semi-globular   in 


i 


i 


'"  'Roth  men,  women,  and  cliildron,  liiul  fjreat  knowledrje  in  liorbs.... 
Tlicy  did  i4)>end  little  anionj^  I'liysicians.'  (hujrs  Svir  Surrey,  ]>.  111.  '< "asi 
IimIos  .SUM  nialcM  curan  con  yeruas.'  <io'itora,  Votiq.  Mi.r.,  fol.  1)7.  'No  ><! 
;.'ii:iriluiian  de  males  conta^jiosos,  y  eufcrmeilados,  y  liestialmente  se  dexavaii 
iiiiiiir.'  Herrern,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  vi.,  cap.  xvi. 

"  Sdhagun,  Hist.  Gen.,  toni.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  jt.  119.  'Si  aljrnn  medico  eiitn* 
fllds  (Tla.scaltecH)  facilnicntc  se  nnede  liaber,  sin  mnclio  rni<lo  ni  costa,  viin 
li' ;i  ver,  y  si  no,  mas  pacieiicia  tienen  qne  Job.'  MotuUiiia,  Hist.  Iiulios,  in 
Jaabulceta,  Cot.  dc  Doc. ,  toni.  i.,  p,  7C. 


i  1; 


If 


596 


THE  NAHL'A  NATIONS. 


form,  about  eight  feet  in  diameter,  six  feet  high,  witli 
a  convex  floor  a  little  below  the  level  of  the  ground. 
On  one  side  was  an  opening  sufficiently  large  to  admit 
a  man's  body,  on  the  opposite  side  a  square  furnace 
separated  from  the  interior  by  a  slab  of  tetzontli,  ,uid 
at  the  top  an  air-hole.  Most  of  the  bath-houses,  how- 
ever, were  simply  square  or  oblong  chambers  with  no 
furnace  attached,  in  which  case  the  fire  had  of  course 
to  be  removed  before  the  apartment  was  ready  for  use. 
When  the  apparatus  was  properly  heated  a  mat  w;\^ 
spread  on  the  floor,  and  the  patient  entered,  sometimes 
accompanied  by  an  assistant,  bearing  a  dish  of  wati  i- 
to  be  thrown  on  the  floor  and  walls  to  produce  steam, 
and  a  bunch  of  maize-leaves  with  which  his  body, 
and  especially  the  pait  attected,  was  to  be  beaten.  A 
plunge  into  cold  water  after  a  profuse  perw})iration 
was  frequently  but  not  always  resorted  to.  As  I 
have  said,  there  were  scarcelv  any  maladies  for  wliirli 
this  treatment  was  not  reconnnended,  but  it  was  re- 
garded as  particularly  efficacious  in  tlie  case  of  feveis 
brought  on  by  costiveness,  bites  of  venomous  ser[)cnts 
and  insects,  bruises,  and  unstrung  nerves,  and  to  re- 
lieve the  pains  and  purify  the  system  of  child-bearing' 
women.  The  steam-baths  were  also  nuicli  used  to 
promote  cleanliness  and  to  refresh  the  weary  bodies 
of  those  in  good  health.  ^^ 

Tlie  beneficial  eftects  of  a  change  of  climate  u[)on 
invalids  seem  to  have  been  a})preciated,  if  we  may 
credit  Herrera,  who  states  that  Michoacan  was  nuu  li 
resorted  to  by  the  sick  fnmi  all  parts  of  the  countiv." 
For  severe  cases,  the  expenses  of  treating  wliich  could 
not  be  borne  except  by  the  wealthy  classes,  liosjiitals 
were  established  by  the  government  in  all  the  iaim  r 
cities,  endowed  witli  ample  revenues,  where  patients 
from  the  surrounding  country  were  cared  for  by  ex- 


's Clnvt'tfcro,  Sforin  Anf.  del  Mrssico,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  214-1(5,  witli  cuts 
C()]iicd  in  V^rhnjal  Kspiiionn,  llisf.  Mcx.,  toin.  i.,  pj).  G71-3;  So/mt/iui,  lli"/. 
Gi'i..  torn.  iii..  lib.  xi.,  p|>.  'J8(>  7. 

'^  lLrr< .a,  Hist.  Gen.,  due.  iii.,  lib.  iii.,  caj'.  i\ 


THE  NAIIUA  ESCULAriUS. 


597 


porienced  doctors,  surgeons,  and  nurses  well  versed  in 
iill  the  native  healing  arts."  ]V[edical  practitioners 
were  numerous,  who  attended  patients  for  a  small 
remuneration;  the  jealousy  of  Spanish  physicians, 
however,  brought  them  ii.to  disrepute  soon  after  the 
conquest,  and  the  healing  art,  like  others,  greatly  de- 
generated. It  is  related  that  a  famous  medicine-man 
of  ^Eichoacan  was  summoned  before  the  college  of  j)hy- 
sicians  in  Mexico  on  the  charge  of  being  a  quack.  1  n 
re})ly  to  the  accusation  he  asked  his  judges  to  smell  a 
certain  herb,  which  produced  a  severe  hemorrhage,  and 
then  invited  them  to  check  the  flow  of  blood.  Seeinu' 
that  they  were  unable  to  do  this  promptly,  he  admin- 
istered a  powder  that  immediately  had  the  desired 
effect.  "These  are  my  attainments,"  he  exclaimed, 
"and  this  the  manner  in  which  I  cure  the  ailint»s  of 
my  patients.  "^^ 

The  Esculapius  of  the  Naliuas  was  embodied  in  the 
persons  of  Uxomococipactonatl  and  Tlateruinxochi- 
Ciioaca,  who  wero  traditionally  the  inventors  of  medi- 
cine and  the  first  herl)alists  among  the  Toltecs.  Soon 
after  its  invention  the  healing  profession  became  one 
of  the  most  highly  honored,  and  its  followers  consti- 
tuted a  regular  faculty,  handing  down  their  knowledge 
'ill']  practice  from  generation  to  generation,  according  to 
the  Nahua  caste-system,  according  to  which  tlie  son 
almost  invariably  adopted  the  i)rofession  of  his  father, 
liy  whom  he  was  educated.  This  system  of  education 
fiom  early  childhood  under  the  father's  guidance,  tlie 
ojiportunities  for  practice  in  the  public  hospitals,  free 
access  to  the  botanical  gardens,  and  the  mnnei'ous  sub- 
jects for  anatomical  dissection  sui)plied  by  sac'-i'lcial 
rites,  certaiid^"  offered  to  the  Nahua  doctor  abun<liint 
(tp[tortunities  of  acquiring  great  knowledge  and  skill. 

•<  'En  l;iM  Cindatlcs  |)rim'ijmIos. . .  .lialiia  !iitH|)itali's  ilotadas  dt;  rciitas  y 
viis;il!(is  (loiiilo  St!  R'sal)iaii  y  I'lirahan  los  i-iifeiiiios  |miI(ivs.'  Lus  I'n.'ni.s,  His/. 
A/Hi/iii/r/ird,  MS.,  rii]).  i^'xU.  '  De  ciiuikIk  on  oiiaiuln  van  \>»r  tixla  la  iini- 
viiicia  a  bnscar  los  enfernioH.'  Motoliuia.  lli.it.  Iinlim,  in  Irnzlmlntd,  Col. 
ill-  tti)i'.,  tiMu.  i.,  J).  131;  TonjiiciiKiiio,  Moiiarq.  Itnl..  i^oin.  ii.,  j).  10.5;  Var- 
liiijiil,  Di.sriirso,  ]>p.  .37-S. 

'j  lUiiitainuiitv,  in  liuluujun,  Hist.  Gen._  +'>n'.  iii,,  lib.  xi.,  p.  '28'2. 


598 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


The  profession  was  not  filto£fether  in  the  hands  of  tlie 
sterner  sex;  for  female  physicians  were  in  higli  repute, 
especially  on  the  eastern  coast.  In  certain  cases,  as 
t>f  childbirth,  we  find  the  patient  attended  by  none 
but  women,  who  administer  medicines  and  baths  and 
render  other  necessary  assistance,  even  going'  so  far  as 
to  cut  out  the  infant  in  order  to  save  the  mother's 
life.^« 

Medicines  were  given  in  all  the  usnal  forms  »»f 
drauglit,  powder,  injection,  ointment,  piaster,  etc. ;  the 
material  for  which  was  gathered  from  the  tliree  nat- 
ural kingdoms  in  great  variety.  Many  of  the  lierl)s 
were  doubtless  obtained  from  the  gardens,  but  large 
quantities  were  obtained  in  the  forests  of  ditili-eiit 
]»rovinces  b^  wan<^jring  collectors  who  brouglit  their 
herbs  to  tlie  market-places  for  sale,  or  even  peddk'd 
them,  it  is  said,  from  house  to  house.  Eadi  ailment 
had  its  particular  corrective,  the  knowledge  of  which 
was  not  entrustetl  to  the  memory  alone,  but  was  also 
recorded  in  painted  books."  JJoubtless  many  of  tlie 
vegetable  and  other  medicines  employeil  were  mere 
nostrums  administered  to  give  an  e.xalted  oj)inion  of 
the  doctor's  knowledge  and  skill  rather  than  with  any 
hope  of  effecting  a  cure. 

Sahagun  gives  page  after  page  of  native  reciju's  for 
every  ailment  of  the  human  body,  which  cannot  he 
re[)roduced  here.  !Many  of  the  remedies  and  methods 
of  api)lication  are  as  absurd  as  any  of  those  whi*  li 

•''  t^ahnifit)).  Hist.  Gni.,  tnm.  ii.,  lib.  vi.,  p.  185;  Hcrrrrn,  Ilisf.  lini., 
(lee.  iv.,  nil.  ix.,  ct\]t.  vii. ;  ('lai'irjrro,  Storiii  A  tit.  drl  Mrssiro,  toiii.  ii.,  |>|i. 
'_MI-l'i,  "ilO-lT;  Mit/o/itiid,  Hist.  Indios,  in  Icazhalceta,  Vol.  <le  Hnr.,  tcmi. 
i.,  p.  i:u. 

"  'll:iy  cnlle  de  herholarioa  doiide  hay  toilai*  las  raices  y  ycrlms  incdiii- 
iiali's  fpio  on  la  tit'i-ra  se  liallan.  Ilay  i-asas  coiiio  do  hotirarios  domic  so 
vciidoii  las  iiiodicina^s  lioclias,  asi  pittaldcs  como  uiiu'iioiito.'s  oiii]piastii.s.'  'oc- 
ics,  Cnrfa.s,  p.  l((t.  Tlu'y  'pus.si'daioiit  dos  livros  dans  loscjiiols  I'-taiciit 
«'i>iisi;,nii'('H  iiiiiiutiouspiiuMit  timtos  lours  ol-orvatioiis  ivlativos  aux  siicni  I'-i 
iiatiirollos.'  Jtnis.inir  i/r  liimrhDiini,  Ifl.if.  ,'rtt.  Ch:,  toni.  iii.,  I']'-  <!'!"-'>• 
St'o  also  ,SV>/(((7««,  Jli.if.  (icti.,  torn,  iii  ,  lib.  x.,  p.  IKi;  Oiicda.  llisl.  (iiii., 
turn,  iii.,  p.  .S(k(;  (roiiiiirti,  Coiir/.  .l/rr.,f(d.  117;  liifnfioiir  f'titfit  firr  m  irii- 
tirhitoinn  del  Siijiior  FrniuiK/o  O^c/r.sv,  in  liiiniii.iio,  Xnriifitfii/iii,  toni.  in., 
fid.  .30!).  'Tonian  sioto,  o  oolio  nianrras  do  rayzcs  do  yoruas  y  lluic-i:  ili' 
yi'i-iuiH  y  aibido.*,  iiiic  cran  las  niio  mas  cniuiinnionto  vsauau  para  ciiimi^c. 
Jicnrni,  Hist.  Lfeii.,  dco.  ii.,  lib.  .\.,  cap.  .\.xi. 


TREATMENT  OF  VARIOUS  DISEASES. 


5')9 


have  been  noticed  among  tlie  wild  tribes.  For  dis- 
tii'^es  of  the  scalp  a  wash  of  urine,  an  ointment  of 
soot,  and  an  application  of  black  clay  were  prescribed, 
toi^ether  with  vegetable  specifics  too  numerous  to 
mention.  The  white  of  an  ejjg  was  much  used  in 
mixing  remedies  for  wounds  and  bruises;  a  certain 
jinimal  tapaiaxui  was  eaten  for  a  swollen  face;  the 
l)rotli  of  a  boiled  fowl  was  recommended  for  conva- 
lescents. Cataracts  on  the  eye  were  rasped  and 
scraped  with  certain  roots;  for  blo(xlshot  eyes  tlie 
membrane  was  cut,  raised  with  a  thorn,  and  anointed 
with  woman's  milk;  clouded  eyes  were  treated  with 
lizard's  dung.  Morninijf  dew  cured  catarrh  in  newlv 
1)()ni  children.  Hoarseness  was  treated  by  drinking 
lioney,  and  an  external  application  of  Tndia-rublx'r. 
Wounds  in  the  lips  must  be  sewn  up  with  a  hair;  a 
certain  insect  pounded  and  hot  pei)per  were  among 
the  remedies  for  toothache,  and  great  care  of  the 
teeth  was  recommended.  Stammering  in  children 
was  supposed  to  be  caused  by  too  long  suckling. 
Remedies  for  a  cold  were  nearly  as  numerous  as  in 
our  day.  Copper-filings  were  applied  to  bubos,  which 
may  or  may  not  have  been  syphilitic  sores.  For 
looseness  of  the  bowels  in  infants,  tlie  remedv^  was 
t^iveii  not  only  to  the  child  but  to  the  nurse.  For  a 
severe  blow  on  the  chest,  urine  in  which  lizards  had 
!)een  boiled  must  be  drunk.  The  necessity  of  regu- 
lating the  bowels  to  sustain  health  was  well  under- 
sbMid,  and  the  doctor  usually  efiectod  his  ])urpose  by 
injecting  a  herbal  decoction  from  his  mouth  tlirough 
the  leg-bone  of  a  heron.  Purgatives  in  common  use 
wei'o  jalap,  )>ine-cones,  tactntc/H',  iitn<ini<t.vthi,  and 
otlier  roots;  diuretics,  axixixttli  and  ((.rixf/ttrofl;  enict- 
ii'^,  tiH'.roc/ilfl  and  in'l.irotl<ij)((t/i'.  hficj)af/i,  and  t'lm- 
iiilltnic,  are  mentioned  among  the  remedies  for  fevers. 
IJalsams  were  obtained  i'rom  the  Iinif^ilo.cifl  \)y  distil- 
lation,  from  the  huacoin'x  bv  soakmg  the  bark  in 
water,  and  from  the  vi<(ripc>i(la,  by  boiling  the  j'ruit 
and    tender   stones.     Oils   were   made   from    tlapatl, 


000 


THE  NAHL'A  NATIONS. 


rlith',  chuui,  ocofl  (a  kind  of  pine),  and  tlio  India-ruh- 
l)cr  tree.  Oct/i,  or  wine,  was  often  prescrihod  to 
streni^-then  the  system,  and  was  also  mixed  witli  otlur 
medicines  to  render  them  more  palatable,  for  which 
latter  purpose  cacao  was  also  much  used. 

Several  stones  possessed  medicinal  properties:  tlio 
(izfcti,  held  in  the  hand  or  applied  to  tlie  neck, 
stopped  l)lee(ling'  at  the  nose;  the  xiuhtomohcti ,  taken 
in  the  form  of  a  powder,  cured  heartburn  and  internal 
heat.  This  latter  stone  fell  from  the  clouds  in  .stormy 
weather,  sunk  into  the  earth,  and  grew  continually 
larger  and  larger,  a  solitary  tuft  of  grass  alone  indi- 
cating to  the  collector  its  v/hereabouts.  The  bonos  of 
giants  dug  up  at  the  foot  of  the  mountains,  were  col- 
lected by  their  dwarfish  successors,  ground  to  ])o\V(ltr, 
mixed  with  cacao,  and  drunk  as  a  cure  for  diarihca 
and  dysentery.  Persons  suftering  from  fever,  or  w  isli- 
ing  to  allay  carnal  desires,  ate  jaguar's  fiesli;  MJiilc 
the  skin,  bones,  and  excrement  of  the  same  animal, 
burnt,  powdered,  and  mixed  with  resin,  fornu'd  an 
antidote  for  insanity.  Certain  horny-skinned  worms, 
similarly  powdered  and  mixed,  were  a  speciric  for  the 
gout,  decayed  teeth,  and  divers  other  ailments. 

Surgery  was  no  less  advanced  than  other  bnuiclios 
of  the  healing  art,  and  Cortes  himself  had  occasion 
to  acknowledge  the  skill  and  speed  with  wliicli  they 
cured  wounds.  Snake-bites,  common  enougli  anions' 
a  barefooted  peo[)le,  were  cured  by  sucking  and  scari- 
fving  the  wound,  coverinir  it  with  a  thin  transparent 
])ellicle  from  the  maguey-plant.  Rubbing  with  snnfl" 
together  with  heat,  was  another  treatment,  and  the 
i'oaiu'm'piHI  and  coapatli  were  also  considered  anti- 
dotes. Fractures  were  treated  with  certain  herhs 
and  gums,  different  kinds  for  diiierent  lind)s,  ami 
bound  up  with  splints;  if  the  healing  did  not  pro- 
gress satisfacitorily  the  bone  was  scraped  before  tlic 
o|)eration  of  resetting.  For  painful  operations  ot 
this  nature  it  is  possible  that  narcotics  were  admin- 
istered, for  at  certain  of  the  sacrifices  it  is  related 


SUPERSTITIOUS  CURATIVE  UITES. 


GOl 


tliat  the  victims  were  s})riiikled  with  yauhfli  powder 
to  render  them  less  sensitive  to  pain.  Mendieta 
states  that  a  stupefying  drink  was  given  on  simihir 
occasions;  and  Acosta  mentions  that  oli/iiih(jin  was 
taken  by  persons  who  desired  to  see  visions.  This 
latter  was  a  seed,  which  was  also  an  ingredient  of  the 
tcopatU,  or  divine  medicine,  composed  besides  of  India- 
iiil)ber  gum,  ocotl-resin,  tobacco,  and  sacred  water. 
This  medicine  could  only  be  obtained  from  tlie  ])ricsts. 
Jjlood-letting  was  mucli  in  vogue  for  various  ills,  the 
lancets  used  being  iztli  knives,  porcui)ine-(juills,  or 
maguey-thorns.  UUi-marked  jiapers  were  burned  )>y 
the  recovered  patient  as  a  thank-otfering  to  the  gods. 
W'terinary  surgeons  are  mentioned  l>y  Oviedo  as  hav- 
ing been  employed  in  the  zoological  gardens  of  Mon- 
tezuma.^'^ 

The  medicines,  though  prepared  and  applied  by  the 
(^K'tor'^  themselves,  were  not  deemed  sufficient  foi*  the 
]);itient;  superstitious  ceremonies  were  held  to  be  in- 
dispensable to  effect  a  cure,  and  to  enhance  the  value 
(if  professional  services.  Evil  beings  and  things  had 
to  be  exorcised,  the  gods  must  be  invoked,  especially 
tilt.'  })atron  deity,  known  chiefly  by  the  name  of  Te- 
ti'ionan,  who  was  esteemed  the  inventor  of  many 
valuable  specifics,  as  the  ocotl-oil  and  others,  and  con- 
fessions were  extorted  to  ease  the  conscience  and  a})- 
pcase  the  offended  deity.  The  affected  parts  wei'e 
iiihbed  and  pressed  amid  nuitterings  and  strange  ges- 
tures, and  to  work  the  more  upon  the  simple-minded 


'■*  Acosta  adds  that  the  ashes  of  divers  poisonous  inserts  were  mixed  with 
tlir  Icopatli  c'<iMi|iosition,  wiiich  Iieuiinihed  tiie  ]iart  to  wiiieii  it  wiis  apidied. 
'Aplicado  ])or  via  de  oiiiplaslo  aniorti;,'iia  las  eariies  esto  solo  |ior  si,  (juaiito 
iii.i-i  I'on  taiito  ;,'eiiero  <h'  iioiicofias,  y  como  les  amort ij,'natia  el  dolor,  parcein- 
!('•-  I'fi'ctode  saiiidad,  y  de  virtiid  diiiimi.'  Hist,  ilr  Ins  Viiif.,  pp.  .STit  -I.  J'or 
(IctMiJH  I'f  medical  practice  see  Sn/idi/iii),  lli^t.  t!rn.,  torn,   iii.,  lili.   .\.,  pjt. 


N'>-lii:),  )()!»,  lil).  xi.,  i)p.  'IVl,  'i.Sfi-Sti,  torn,  i.,  lil>.  ii.,  i)p.  •.'14-1.');  Lus  <'(i.i,is, 
ll'^f.  .\/ii)/i)i/r/iiri,  MS.,  cap.  e.\li.,  ccxiii.;  Mnnliiiit,  Hist.  Krics.,  j;p.  KM), 
l:ih  Tiirqii'iiini/(t,  Moiirirq.  IikL,  toin.  ii.,  pp.  '271,  .').")().  i)58;  On'nli,,  Hist. 
III'!.,  toni.  iii.,  p  3()(!;  I'ctiW  Mnrfjir.  dec.  v..  Ill),  ii-iii.;  Jfrrrcm,  Il/sf.  (Ini., 
•lii;  ii..  lil).  X.,  cap.  xxi  ,  dee.  iii.,  lih.  ii.,  ea|).  xvii.,  dec.  iv.,  lih.  ix.,  caj!. 
viii.;  I7<irii/irn,  Storio  Aiit.  (frl  ^^es.<lit•o,  t(»in.  ii.,  pji.  77,  Sl'J-lO;  /Irnssrin' 
ilr  JSiiiirliitiirij,  Hint.  iN'a<.  Civ.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  181),  toiii.  iii.,  i»p.  038-40,  toiii. 
iv.,  ]i.  355, 


602 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


jiatient,  they  pretended  to  extract  a  piece  of  coal,  l)one, 
wood,  or  other  olyect,  the  supposed  cause  of  the  ail- 
ment. A  favorite  treatment  in  certain  prostratiiiL,' 
cases  was  to  furm  a  fijjrure  of  corn  douyh,  wliicli  w  as 
hiid  upon  a  prickly  maguey-leaf  and  placed  in  the 
road,  with  the  view  of  letting-  the  first  passer-hy  carry 
away  the  disease — a  charitable  hope  that  secnis  to 
have  aftbrded  much  relief  to  the  afflicted.  However 
absurd  this  jugglery  may  appear,  it  no  doubt  gave  ii 
])owerfnl  stimulus  to  the  imagination,  which  must 
have  aided  the  workinsf  of  the  medicine.  In  critical 
cases,  chance  was  often  consulted  as  to  the  fate  of 
the  sufferer.  A  handful  of  the  largest  grains  or  l)eans 
were  thrown  on  the  ground,  and  if  any  ha])i)ene(l  to 
fall  upright  it  was  regarded  as  a  sure  sign  that  the 
jmtient  would  die,  and  he  received  little  or  no  atten- 
tion af'.n"  that;  otherwise  prescriptions  and  encouiag- 
ing  words  were  not  spared.  Sometimes  a  nuuiher  of 
cord  rings  were  thrown  in  the  same  manner,  and  if 
tliey  fell  in  a  hcaj),  death  was  expected  to  result;  luit 
if  any  fell  apart,  a  change  for  the  better  was  looked  for. 
To  encounter  a  snake  or  lizard  was  held  to  be  a  sign 
of  death  for  the  person  himself  or  for  his  sick  friend. 
Although  no  curative  process,  probably,  in  the  case  of 
a  serious  illness  was  altogether  free  from  superstitious 
rites,  yet  it  is  surprising  that  these  played  so  unim- 
portant a  role.  Among  a  people  so  addicted  on  every 
occasion  to  complicated  ceremonies,  the  most  conij)li- 
cated  might  naturally  be  sought  in  their  efl'orts  to 
coml)at  disease;  but  it  is  just  here  that  the  least  reli- 
ance seems  to  have  been  placed  in  supernatural  agen- 


cies 


19 


'9  Lfis  Cdscis,  Hist.  Jpnhfffftra,  MS.,  cap.  cxlJ. ;  Ttf.,  in  Kinfj/slinr'ni'ili'-i 
Mcx.  Aiillq.,  vol.  viii.,  p. '2.'U.  '  Liin/iiliiiiilns  (uiios  iiortlt'les  cmiio  lliivi'i'il 
en  el  suelo,  y  si  (luedahaii  revueltos,  (Uu'iiiii  (lue  era  seniil  do  inut'ito.  ,  ^  >^i 
al}{uiii)  6  al<;iiiu>s  .saliau  e.xteiulidos,  tetiiaiilo  \ioy  sefial  de  vidu,  dicicniln: 
(jue  ya  comeiizaba  el  cnfernii)  a  extender  '<»s  pies  y  las  manos.'  Mnii/nfn, 
Jlist.  Erli's.,  ]).  110;  MotoUnia,  Uial.  Iiulios,  in  Icnzhdlrctii,  Co/.  </'■  I '<"'■< 
tiini.  i..  ])p.  l.SO-1;  Torqitniiftihi,  Moiutrq.  Iiid.,  toni.  ii.,  i)p.  4ill--:  /("'• 
n  rn,  llist.  (ini.,  dee.  iv. ,  li!».  ix..  cap.  vii. ;  Ctrtrirfero,  Sluriit  A  lit.  ihl  .l/rwirvi, 
toni.  ii.,pp.  '21(>-17.  Other  a\itliorities  (in  medicine  are:  I'nir/in.'i  Ids  I'll- 
yriiiicii,  vol.  iv.,  p.  1133;  Giti/c'n  .S'cic  Hurcei/,  p.   Ill;   Went-  IndUchc  .*>j'«V- 


The 

of  thei 

pomp  1 

><<-'({  uies 

dc.scri])l 

monies 

J're.sent 

WJiei 

Jipparen 

I'atron  [ 

was  sen; 

iiohles  ol 

who  wer 

fives  to 

•'^"on  as 

ters  of  c« 

it  was  t( 

douhtless 

I'loiied  tc 

corpse   Av 

chiefiy    ft 

^'iidjalmin 

.'//"■A  p.  247;  , 

<  <ii-Ihij,iI   J^sj 

/"■".  toin.  i.^  J 
'■'"''■'■'•,   JfiW. 
■^1111.  .so/trc  III 
^'•'■y  'are  and 
!'•"*  "leiiii'iiial 
111  Neville  in  i; 
,   -"•I'onen 
<•  "mil III,  CoiKj 

"  vi'il  was  thr, 
I'lit  nil.  'Sui\ 
iiicr  roi  de  Tol 
'■[  l"i>ii  coiivrait 
'  ''•.  tdiii.  iii. 
"!■  <il  un'altra 
'""I;  ii.  p.  !)."). 
,,   •'  'Ciertas  n 

'"■'".    in    IriK 

'("'I'-;.;-  fiiinks  i 
;;"■'•  '■'>.,  (,„„. 
'-/(/,„,.„  }i,.^.^ 

''  '^iiazii  sav 
"•"  K'liiaie  slirou 
^''''•,  toiu.  i.,  p, 


FUNErwVL  RITES  OF  KINGS. 


603 


The  Aztecs  were  very  particular  al)out  tlie  disposal 
of  their  dead,  and  conducted  funeral  rites  with  the 
])onip  that  attended  all  their  ceremonials.  The  oh- 
setiuies  of  kin<^s  were  especially  imposing,  and  their 
(lcscrii)tion,  embracing  as  it  does  nearly  all  the  cere- 
monies used  on  such  occasions  hy  these  nations,  will 
present  the  most  complete  view  of  the  })roceedings. 

When  the  serious  condition  of  the  monarch  became 
apparent,  a  veil-'*  was  thrown  over  the  face  of  the 
jiatron  god,  to  be  removed  on  his  death,  and  notice 
was  sent  to  all  the  friendly  princes,  the  grandees  and 
nobles  of  the  empire,  to  attend  the  obsecpiies;  tiiose 
who  were  unal)le  to  attend  in  person  sent  representa- 
tives to  deliver  their  condolence  and  presonts.  As 
soon  as  the  king  had  breathed  his  last,  certain  mas- 
ters of  ceremonies,  generally  old  men  whose  business 
it  was  to  attend  on  these  occasions,  and  who  were 
doubtless  connected  with  the  priesthood,^^  were  sum- 
iiioiied  to  prepare  the  body  for  the  funeral.  The 
coi'pse  was  washed  Avith  aromatic  water,  extracted 
cliietly  from  trefoil,"  and  occasionally  a  process  of 
embalming  was  resorted  to.     The  bowels  were  taken 

,'//('/,  p.  247;  PrrscotVH  Mcx.,  vol.  i.,  p.  48,  vol.  ii.,  ]>p.  lin-'20,  1.17,  4.34-.">; 
('(irlxijal  Espittusa,  Hist.  Mix.,  torn,  i.,  i)p.  (itiS-74;  Miililiniifurilt,  Mr- 
jii-ii,  toin.  i.,  pp.  132-4;  Klfinin,  Cii//iir-(fr.sr/iir/i/e,  torn,  v.,  p]).  (M)-l;  C/ir- 
I'filirr,  Ml'.!'.  Ancirn  ct  Mud.,  p.  !(>;  IJiiri/,  Mf.rii/iir,  j).  •26S;  J'inirn/i/, 
Ml  III.  xohfc  III  Itazii  Iiii/ii/ciia,  p.  51.  1  furllier  liiivu  in  my  |iossi's.sioii  ;i 
vci'v  rare  and  furious  medical  work  liy  I>r  .Moiuinles,  treatiu;;  of  tlie  vari- 
ous inedicimil  ])lauts,  etc.,  found  in  Mexico  iiiul  Central  America,  i)rintcd 
in  Seville  in  1574. 

'•"  'i'oneii  luawoaras  a  Tezcatlijiuca,  o  Vitzilopnclitli,  o  a  otro  idolo.' 
(!iiiiiiiii(,  Coiiq.  .l/(;,r.,  foi.  30',).  As  tlie  idols  wore  masks,  it  is  more  likely  that 
!i  veil  was  thrown  over  the  face,  than  that  another  mask  siiould  have  hceu 
]'iit  on.  'Suivant  uno  contnnie  antiipie  attrihui'e  a  Topiltzin-.Acxitl,  iler- 
iiicr  roi  do  ToUan,  on  niettait  un  masi|ni'  an  visa;,'e  des  prineijjales  idolcs, 
I'!  Ton  eouvrait  les  autres  d'nne  Voile.'  lini.^si-iir  ili'  lliiiirhniirii,  His'.  Xn.'. 
''if.,  toni.  iii.,  J).  .')72.  '.Mettevan  una  maschera  all"  Idolodi  lluitzilopnch- 
ili.  cd  un'altra  aipiello  di  Tezc-i'M  >ca.'  L'iaciijcro,  Sturia  Ant.  del  Min.siro, 
Iiiiii.  ii.,  p.  i)5. 

-'  'Ciertas  mujeres  y  homhres  que  estiiu  salariados  de  jnihlico.'  Zmizo, 
''mill,  in  Inizliii/irtii,  Cut.  ilr  Ihir.,  tom.  i.,  p.  3(J4.  IJrasseur  de  liour- 
liiiiu;.;-  thinks  that  tliey  were  only  employed  hv  the  common  people.  Hl.\t. 
-N"'.  '/c,,  toni.  iii.,  (1.  5()i(.  Tezozomoc  .states  lliat  princes  dressed  the  hody. 
I'nhiint   Mi.r.,  in   Kiiiii-thiiriiiiijli'.s  Mc.r.  Aii/ii/.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  14'2. 

■-'  Ziiazo  says  that  tlie  corpse  was  ludd  on  the  knees  of  one  of  the  male 
iir  fi'iiiale  siirouders,  while  otlier.s  washed  it.  Carta,  iu  Icazbakctu,  Col.  de 
i->'jr.,  torn,  i.,  p.  3G4. 


G04 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


out  .and  replaced  l)y  aromatic  substances,  liut  tlio 
metliod  does  not  seem  to  have  been  very  c(jni])liti', 
and  may  only  have  been  intended  to  serve  wliile  the 
body  lay  in  state,  for  no  remains  of  embalmed  mum- 
mies have  been  found.  The  art  was  an  ancient  one, 
liovvever,  dating  from  the  Toltecs  as  usual,  yet  yi  ii- 
erally  known  and  [)racticed  throughout  the  wliuKj 
country.  A  curious  mode  of  preserving  bodies  \\,i;^ 
used  by  the  lord  of  Chalco  who  cai)tured  two  Tezc  ii- 
can  ])rinces,  and,  in  order  that  ho  might  feast  his  eyes 
upon  their  hated  forms,  had  them  dried  and  placed  ms 
light-holders  in  his  ball-room.^  When  the  iuvitid 
ffuests  had  arrived  the  body  was  dressed  in  niaiiv 
mantles,  often  to  the  number  of  fifteen  or  twenty, 
such  as  the  king  had  worn  on  the  most  solenni  occa- 
sions, and  consequently  richly  embroidered  and  glit- 
tering with  jewels.'^*  While  some  were  shrouding 
the  body,  others  cut  papers  of  different  colors  into 
strips  of  various  forms,  and  adorned  the  cor[)se  there- 
with. Water  was  then  poured  upon  its  head  witli 
these  words:  "This  is  the  water  which  thou  uscdst 
in  this  world  j"^'"'  and  a  jug  of  water  was  i)laced  among 
tlie  shrouds,  the  priest  saying:  "This  is  the  water 
wherewith  thou  art  to  perform  the  journey."  ]\!oro 
papers  were  now  delivered  to  the  deceased  in  buuclus, 
the  priest  explaining  the  import  of  each,  as  he  })la(  cd 
it  with  the  body.  On  delivering  the  first  l)uiicli  ho 
said:  "AVith  these  thou  art  to  pass  between  two 
mountains  that  confront  each  other."  The  second 
bimch,  he  was  told,  would  pass  him  safely  over  a 
road  guarded  by  a  large  snake;  the  third  would  ion- 
duct  him  by  a  place  held  by  an  alligator,  xocliiloitaf; 

23  7\irqiicmnfl(i,  Monarq.  Iiid.,  toiii.  i.,  pp.  151,  87;  Vetinirrrf.  Tniln) 
Mrx.,  ])t  ii.,  p.  1(>;  i'ldciii'fo,  Storia  Aiit.  drl  Mc.ssico,  toiii.  i.,  p.  U">,  tuMi. 
ii.,  p.  W;  H'-rrrrn,  Hisf.  (fi'.ii.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  iii.,  cup.  \iv. 

*<  Tim  (•liji]>tor  on  diess  fiiniiMlics  all  tlie  iiitorinatiou  n'spectiii;:  tlit; 
royal  wardrobe.  If,  is  not  unlikely  that  princes  assisted  in  robing'  tlic  kiii^'. 
for  such  was  the  custom  in  Michoacan,  and  that  the  mantles  l)riMiL;lii  liy 
them  were  used  for  shrouding,  but  authors  arc  not  very  explicit  <iii  'I'i^ 
point. 

25  Hrasseur  de  Hourbourfj  uses  the  expressiim  'C'est  cctte  eau  (|iic  tii  :is 
re9ue  cu  veiuiut  au  inonde.'  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  5G'J. 


VVVA  VllATION  FOU  FUTURE  EXISTENCE. 


605 


the  foiuch  would  protect  and  aid  him  in  travorsln<if 
the  't'i^ht  deserts;'  other  ))a|)ers  would  facilitate  the 
])assa'(e  of  the  'ei^ht  hills,'  and  still  others  afford  }»ro- 
tcction  against  the  cutting  winds  termed  itZi'h(riii/<(H, 
which  were  so  strong  as  to  tear  out  rocks  and  cut  like 
very  razor^  ;  here  the  wearing-apparel  buried  with 
hi  HI  would  also  be  of  great  service.  A  little  red  <log 
was  thereupon  slain  by  thrusting  an  arrow  down  its 
throat,  auJ  the  body  j)laced  by  the  side  of  the  de- 
ceased, with  a  cotton  striuijf  about  its  neck.  The  do<r 
was  to  perform  the  part  of  Charon,  and  carry  the 
king  on  his  back  across  the  deep  stieam  called  Chicu- 
nahuapan,  'nine  waters,'^"  a  name  which  points  to  the 
nine  heavens  of  the  Mexicans. 

Jt  will  thus  be  seen  that  the  dead  had  a  difficult 
road  to  travel  before  reaching  their  future  abode, 
whicli  was  on  the  tilth  day  alter  the  burial,  and  that 
they  needed  the  articles  of  comfort  and  necessity,  as 
food,  dresses,  and  slaves,  which  aflectionate  friends 
provided  for  their  nse.  The  ideas  entertained  by  the 
Xahuas  respecting  a  future  life  belong  to  another 
department  of  my  work,  and  will  only  be  alluded  to 
incidentally  in  this  chapter.  Aftjr  the  defunct  had 
received  his  passjmrts.  he  was  covered  with  a  mantle 
like  that  of  the  god  which  his  condition  and  mode  t)f 
death  rendered  appropriate,  and  decorated  with  its 
image.  As  most  kings  were  warrioi's,  he  would  be 
dressed  in  a  mantle  of  Huitzilop(X'htli,  and  would,  in 
addition,  wear  the  mantle  of  his  favorite  god.^^  A 
lock  of  hair  was  cut  off  and  placed,  with  one  tliat  had 
heeii  cut  at  his  birth,  as  well  as  small  idols,  in  a 
casket  pahited  inside  and  out  ^  Ith  the  images  of  the 


5"'  Tnrqncmndn,  Monnrq.  Iiid.,  toin.  ii.,  p.  'vH;  Clavigcro,  Storin  Ant. 
(W  Mrssiro,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  !(4.  (Joiiiiirti  Sily^s  tho  ilog  served  us  yiiide:  'vii 
]>L'rro  i|iio  lo  fj;uiiiH.He  ailoiule  uuiii  (li;  yr.'  I'mi'/.  .(//•.<■..  f<»l.  ',WX 

■'''  'Ix'  poniiiii  los  vestidiis  del  Dios,  fjiie  teiiiii  pi),  mas  IVineipal  en  sti 
I'lii'lild,  en  cilia  Casa,  5  Teiiiplo,  o  I'atii)  se  iiavia  ile  eiiterrar.'  7'or/iir- 
Mini 'I,  Moniirq.  I  nil.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  521;  (J/iirir/rrii,  Storin  Ant.  i/rl  Mrsniro, 
tiHii,  ii.,  pp.  -j:i-,5.  Dnraii  meiitUHis  an  instance  where  a  kiiij?  was  dressed 
ill  tlie  mantles  of  four  difl'erent  },'i>ds.  Jlist.  Inilias,  MS.,  torn,  i.,  cap. 
x.wi.v. ;  Uoniara,  L'onq.  Mcx.,  fol.  30i). 


coo 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


juitron  deity.  The  casket  used  for  this  purpose  in 
the  case  of  some  of  the  Chichiuiee  kings  is  described 
to  have  been  of  emerald  or  otlier  tine  stone,  tliiVL' 
feet  s<[uare,  and  covered  by  a  gold  lid  set  with 
j)recious  stones.  A  mask  either  painted,  or  of  gold, 
or  of  turquoise  mosaic  was  i)laced  over  the  face,'^**  and 
a  ehalchiuite,  which  was  to  serve  for  a  heart,  betwitii 
the  lips.  According  to  Tezozonu^c  and  Duran  a  statuo 
wa.  placed  with  the  king,  dressed  in  royjil  insignia  liy 
the  hands  of  })rinces.  The  chiefs  of  the  senate  ic- 
dressed  it  in  otlier  robeso  after  [)ainting  it  blue.  It 
was  then  honored  with  addresses  and  presents,  uiid 
again  undressed,  painted  black,  and  arrayed  in  a  robe 
of  Quetzalcoatl ;  a  garland  of  heron -feathers  was 
jdaced  upon  its  head,  bracelets  €and  jewelry  about  its 
body,  a  small  gilded  shield  by  its  side,  and  a  stick  iii 
the  hand.  This  figure  shared  the  honors  given  to  tlie 
body  and  was  burned  with  it.^-* 

The  arrayed  corpse  was  either  laid  upon  a  litter 
covered  with  rich  cloths,  or  seated  upon  a  throne,  and 
watched  over  by  a  guard  of  honor,  while  princes  and 
courtiers  came  to  pay  their  last  respects.**  They  ap- 
proached with  great  manifestations  of  grief,  weeping, 
lamenting,  clapping  their  hands,  bending  the  body  or 
exhibiting  neglect  of  person,  and  addressed  the  dc- 


*^  'Sol)re  la  niortnja  le  ponian  viia  mascara  pintada.'  Torquemrida,  -V"- 
varq.  Ind.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  521.  Perhaps  he  coiifouiKlM  the  itlnl  itiia;,'i'  mi  the 
rohe  with  the  mask,  for  it  is  unlikely  that  the  mask  shdiild  lie  placed  iii'nii 
the  Hhrmid.  'V'isa^'e  decouvert.'  Cdmarffo,  Jlisf.  Tl«.c.,  in  Ndiirrllia  An- 
ii((lcs  dcs  Vol/.,  1843,  torn,  xeviii.,  p.  201.  S])eakiiig  of  the  ohseqiiios  df 
TezDZomocof  Azeapuzalco,  Ixtlilxoehitl  says  tiiat  a  turquoise  mask  wiisjiiit 
over  his  face,  'coiiforme  lo  tisoiiomia  de  su  rostro.  Esto  no  sc  usahu  sind 
con  los  monarcas  de  e.sta  ticrra;  a  los  deinas  reyes  les  ponian  una  niiiscaia 
de  oro.'  Iti'.htvioiics,  in  Kiiigsboroiiff/i's  Mix.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  370.  \  cytiii 
states  that  it  was  a  j^old  iiuisk  'j^arnecida  de  tunpiezas.'  lii.ft.  Ant.  M'J., 
toiii.  iii. ,  J).  5.  The  hair,  .says  <!ouuira,  'quedaua  la  iiiemoria  de  su  aiiiina.' 
Coiitj.  .]fix.,  fol.  30i>. 

*'■*  Tczozomor,  Cronica  Mcot.,  in  Kvigsho>-oiif/fi''s  Mcx.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  In.,  iip. 
flfl,  98-y;  Diinui,  Hi.st.  Iiiduts,  MS.,  tiim.  i.,  cap.  xxxix.  'On  ]ilac;iit  siir 
le  lit  de  parade  la  statue  que  ron  faisait  toujours  h,  riniajrc  du  roi.'  J!ni<'"  m- 
dc  lionrhoimj,  Hist.  Nat.  CU\,  tom.  iii.,  p.  572.  The  only  statue  n  fi  rml 
to  hy  other  authors  is  that  made  of  the  ashes  after  the  cremation. 

3"  Some  of  the  early  Chichimec  kinjrs  lay  five  days  in  state,  ami  Tlaltc- 
catziu,  forty  days,  hishody  heinghnried  outhecis.'htieth  day.  TorqiicuiMla, 
Moiiarq.  Ind.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  61,  72,  87. 


ROYAL  OBSEQl'IKS. 


COT 


fiinct,  roforrin*^  to  liis  present  happiness,  the  loss  his 
departure  liad  caused,  liis  i-xxxhiess  and  hravery,  and 
lu'LfLfed  liis  acceptance  of  the  presents  tlieyliad  hnaiylit. 
This  performance  was  enacted  hy  all,  those  of  hiifher 
rank  taking  |)recedence  and  leaving  olllrings  of  ten 
slaves,  a  hundred  rohes,  and  other  things,  while  otherH 
hidUijfht  jififtH  of  less  value.  Then  came  the  women, 
and  while  they  were  leaving  their  presents  of  food, 
the  aged  courtiers  intoned  the  funeral  chant,  the  )iiic- 
(•iicuicatl.  Addresses  of  condolence  were  also  made  to 
the  royal  family  or  the  senate.  The  human  sacrifices 
were  inaugurated  at  this  time  by  the  immolation  of 
the  sacerdotal  slave  under  whose  charge  the  house- 
liold  idols  stood.^^  ( )n  the  fifth  day,  before  daybreak, 
u  grand  jirocession  formed  for  the  temple,  preceded  by 
an  enormous  paper  banner,  four  fathoms  in  length,  and 
richly  adorned  with  feathers,  on  which  the  deeds  of 
the  defunct  were  doubtless  inscribed,  and  attended  by 
jtriests  who  wafted  incense  and  chanted  his  ghjry, 
though  in  mournful  strains,  and  without  instrumental 
accompaniment.^^  The  corjtse  was  borne  uj)on  the 
(state  litter  by  the  most  trusted  of  the  noble  servitors, 
wliile  at  the  sides  walked  the  chief  lords  and  jtrinces 
dressed  in  mourning,  their  attire  consisting  of  h^iig, 
sijuare  mantles  of  dark  color,  trailing  on  the  ground, 
without  any  ornaments;  some,  liowever,  were  ])aint<(l 
with  figures  of  skulls,  boiu.'s,  and  skeletons.  JJehind 
them  came  the  and)assadors  of  absent  princes,  the 
Li'iaiidees  and  nobiesfrom  all  parts  of  the  country,  each 
lurrying  some  insignia,  weapons,  or  jewels  to  be  oHure<l 
on  the  pyre.^     In  the  procession   were  also  a  large 

"  Acosta,  JFisf.  delns  Vnd,  p.  321,  ainoni;  otlicrs,  callstliissljivoH  priest. 

^-  Althougli  Aco.sta  sjiys,  'tiUUMiclo  tiistcs  llaiitas  y  atamlinrcs.'  flisL  dc 
'"^'  Vii'L,  p.  ^I'l;  JliTi-rra,  Hist,  (liii.,  dec  iii.,  lili.  ii.,  caii.  xviii.  'On 
lai-^ait  deux  f;rainlos  bamiieres  <1(!  liai)ii'i'  Itlaiic'  t'hui'cs,  llnjtiiorl,  in  Tcr- 
iii(ii.r-(,'o))n)niin,  Vol/.,  surie  ii.,  toin.  v.,  i).  .Sit'.l. 

'■''  I.rtlilxochitl,  liilariours,  in  Ki));/s/ttirfiiii/i'.i  Mix.  Aiifii/.,  vol.  ix.,  p. 
"70;  Vri/lin,  Ili.st.Aiif.  Mij.,  toin.  iii.,  ])p.  0-7.  Duian  states  that  kinj,'s 
li'irc  tlie  ectrpse  and  that  the  mourners  were  dressed  as  water-^^oddesses. 
llisi.  Iiiflin.s,  MS.,  toni.  i.,  cap.  xx.xix.,  xl.,  toni.  ii.,  cap.  Ii.  Acosta  say.s 
that  the  arin.s  and  insignia  were  carried  before  the  body  by  kiiiyhts.  Jlid, 
lie  laa  Yiid.,  p.  321. 


G08 


THE  NAIIl'A  NATIONS. 


nuinUor  of  slavoH,  all  newly  attired  in  tlie  rovul  ii\ . 
ery,*^  aM«l  cariyinjLJf  clotlien,  implements,  and  otln  i 
articles,  acc'ordinjjf  to  the  duties  assiij^ned  them.  ( iii 
reac'hinijc  the  courtyard  of  the  temple,  tlie  priest  who 
directed  the  hurniiiL;'  eame  to  rectiive  the  pnut  ssimi, 
and  conducted  it  to  the  altar  devoted  to  cremation,  ;ill 
chantinuf  the  while  a  moral  sonjjf,  in  which  thiy  ic- 
minded  the  mourners  that  as  they  were  now  c<ui\  in,;- 
a  sensciless  hody  to  its  last  restin«(-]>lace,  so  would  they 
be  carried;  they  also  reminded  them  that  i^'ood  dei.ds 
alone  would  remain  to  keep  their  renaanhraiice  jn'itcii, 
and  pictured  the  j^loi'ies  in  store  for  the  (leser\  in;^. 
These  jtriests  were  called  coacnUcs,  and  their  oirice 
was  held  to  he  of  sudi  imjiortaiice  that  they  pre|i;iiv(l 
for  it  i)y  fastin<(  and  confession.  They  ajtpcared  i:i 
the  same  idol  dress  as  the  dead  V\\v^,  tlHiU'^h  with 
more  elaborate  ornaments.  We  find  them  on  one  dc- 
casion  as  demons  with  faces  at  different  j)arts  of  tin  ir 
dress,  set  with  eyes  of  mirrors  and  j^;n»inL;"  mouths; 
and  at  another  i\\v<^  with  blackened  or  dyed  lioi'ie- 
and  paper  maxtlis,  swin!Ji'in<^  the  yellow  sticks  w^vA  f-. 
stir  the  aslies.  According  to  Ixtliixochitl,  tlic  lii_:h- 
])riest  of  Cihuacoatl,  who  was  su})posed  to  gather  thij 
dead,  cMnie  out  to  receive  the  ])rocession.''^ 

The  o]»inions  as  to  the  introduction  of  cremation  aio 
extremely  varied,  but  it  seems  to  have  been  ])iaitii(  d 
in  very  ancient  times  by  the  miLrratin<jf  trihis,  who 
took  this  means  to  secure  the  remains  of  hoiioicil 
chiefs  from  desecration;  their  ashes  could  thus  be  car- 
ried alono"  and  serve  as  talismanic  relics.  IxtHLxn- 
chitl  skives  an  instance  of  this  in  tlie  case;  of  a  (hi- 
cliimec  kin<r  who  died  in  battle  an<'  wli        'loch   was 


^*  Tozozoinoc,  ffdnirrt  Mrx..  in  Kiir  -'v  .1/r.r.  .\iit!<;    vol.  i\-.,  jip. 

90,  l-l'i.  st.itfs  that  tlicy  wore  dressc'd  ii  al  iusijiiiia  ami       vi'ls,  wliirli 

irt  not  very  liki'ly;  .i  niinihcr  of  tliciii.  In         it,  wen    loailcil  \.  itli  tlie  i'iv:il 
warilrolic.  wliicli  fact  may  liavo  ;;iviMi  rise  |.    i  iii.s  sr     .■inent. 

^^  lliliuioiirs.  in  Kiiiiisliiti'iiitijli's  Mix.  Ah/,'/.,  vo  ix.,  p.  ;$7(t; 'S"".''"""""' 
(/i'//r  Tiiro/r  <lrl  ('<it/:rc  Mr.ririnio  (N'aticaiio),  in  A/.,  vol.  v.,  ]i|>.  U'liH-l; 
Arosfii,  Hint,  ilr  Ins  Yii<l.,  ]).  ',\11\  Jhinni,  His/.  Imlins,  MS.,  toni.  !.,  i:i|i. 
xl.  'Saliaeljiran  Sacerdotc,  con  los  otros  Miuistros,  ii  rccibirlo.'  TvPiM- 
vuulit,  Muiiurq.  I:i(/.,  toni.  ii.,  ji.  5i!l. 


('UEMATH)X  AND  INTIIKMKNT. 


0)09 


Imnied,  so  that  the  ashes  iniLjht  bo  carried  lionio  with 
cDiiveJiiciK'o  and  siifety.  Brasseiir  de  JJ()url)()inx  'dso 
liolds  tliat  croiiiiitioii  was  an  aiu'ioiit  Tolttc  tustoin, 
hvit  the  Hrst  recorded  case  is  tljat  oi'  tl»e  last  'I'oltec 
kiii'j^,  Topiltzin.**  Otiiers  assert  that  the  Toltecs  who 
niiiainecl  in  the  country  after  the  destruction  <A'  their 
e!ii}>iro  adhered  to  interment,  as  did  tiie  early  (Jhiclii- 
juecs.  Veytia  attirins  tliat  Ixtlilxochitl  or  'IVzo/onioc 
was  the  first  to  he  deposited  accorihiii;'  to  the  I'ornis  in- 
f^tituted  hy  To[)ilt/in  and  used  hy  the  Me\i«'aiis, 
namely,  hurniniic;  'J'onjuemada  distinctly  states  that 
the  Chichimecs  used  crfMuation,  and  C,'laviL»'ero  a-^rees 
with  him.'"  Veytia  also  thinks  that  the  tirst  A/.tei; 
kiiiLCs  were  buried,  but  this  is  contrary  to  all  other 
n'liable  accounts.  1'he  custom  niiiy  not  have  btsen 
viTV  i^eneral,  for  Saha^un  states  that  durinuf  Itzcoatl's 
rci'^n  it  was  resolved  by  the  cliiefs  that  all  should  he 
hurned,  indicatiiiL,'  at  the  same  time  that  cremation  was 
then  already  in  use.  The  later  established  usa<jfe  was 
to  burn  all  except  those  who  died  a  violent  deatli,  or 
of  incurable  diseases,  and  those  under  seventeen  ye;irs 
of  a-jfo,  who  were  all  interred.  The  Tlascaltecs  and 
Tiirasi'DH  practiced  burninof  like  the  Aztecs.** 

The  altar  devoted  to  the  burninLj  was  doubtless  one 
Jittached  to  the  temple  consecrated  to  the  deity  to 
whose  abode  the  deceased  was  supposed  to  g"o.      Cha- 

'^^'fr>fif.ror/ii/f,  Rrlacionrx,  ill  f{iiif/.<tlior')ni/fi'.-<  Mi\c.  Aiiti'j.,  vol.  ix.,  i)i>. 

3;L',  :{.':•.  :{J7,  .ssh. 

^"  'ill  (tliu  iii(iili')  ([n<M?stos  f 'lii('liiiiio<'iis  vsarDti,  fiicqucmarlos,'  }fonf(r'/. 
hid.,  tiiiu.  i.,  |>i).  (!((,  7-,  iS7;  l.iiliUdcliill,  Ji(  fnriiinrs,  in  Kiinislidniifih  a 
yiy.  Aii/i'/.,  vol.  ix.,  i>ii.  'SM,  SSS;  /«/.,  J/i.t/.  Cliirl,.,  y^.  I'lJ,  •_'_':(,  -.'(ii-J. 
At'vtiii.  will)  iiitroilucos  sonic  ar;.'iiiiii>iils  on  this  point,  thinks  tliiit  Tf/ozo. 
iiioi-  iiitroihicoil  hiirnin;.;,  yet  lu'  (lescrih's  I'ci-L-nioiiitil  crciiiiitions  in  the  cast! 
of  M'vi-ral  kin;,'H  hufore  him.  Hist.  Ant.  M'j.,  toni.  iii.,  ]>[>.  'A—i,  toiii.  ii.,  p. 
ll;{.  Cfiin'i/rro,  Sliiriti  Ant.  dil  Mi.tsini.  toni.  i.,  p.  1  ti>,  |i'!;i.  ii.,  pp.  il7-H. 

■><  <  'xniiinio,  Hist.  T/11.V.,  in  Snui'illi.t  Ainittn-.s  dr.s  I'oi/.,  ISI.'J,  toni. 
Xi'viii.,  p]).  l(i."),  ■_'()■_'.  'La  yiMite  iiicnmla  ('oinuiinit'iiti!  so  ciitcnaua."  fio- 
iiiiii-n.  Coil'/.  Mix.,  fol.  3I)S;  S/iirifftzio/ir  ilrHi'  Ttini/r  drl  ('oi'irr  .Ur.rirtnio 
(Vati<'aiio),  ill  Kinij.shoninijh'.s  Mc.r.  Aiitii/.,  vol.  v.,  ]>.  "JIM);  Toiqiiimndn, 
Mnmrq.  IikL,  toni.  ii.,  p.  .riS;  Vcifliit,  tliiit.  A  tit.  Mi  J.,  toiii.  iii.,  p.  4; 
Hi-iissrnr  (fc  liourbuiini,  ilist.  Xitt.  Cir.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  12i>.  'Sahiajjor  las 
liiiitiiras,  fjne  se  qiieiiiaroii  en  ticm|)o  del  .scfior  ile  Mexico  qno  s(!  deciii 
lf:'(i  itl,  en  enya  e]ioca  los  sefiores,  y  los  i)riiici])ales  i[ue  liaMa  eiitoiice.s. 
ii'iirilaroii  y  niandaron  (jiie  se  niieina.sen  totlas,  para  ([ue  no  vinicscn  d  ma- 
iioti  (ill  viil<'o.'  Suhugitn,  Hist.  Gen.,  toiii.  iii.,  lib.  x.,  pp.  110-1. 
Vol.  U     S» 


610 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


ves  (lo.scril)es  it  as  three  feet  in  lieight  and  the  same 
in  width/'  on  wliich  a  heap  of  ocotl  was  piled.  Upon 
this  ]>yi'e  the  body  was  hxid  in  full  array,  together  with 
the  do'jf,  and,  as  the  fire  flared  up,  the  mourners  added 
insignia,  jewels,  weapons,  food,  and  other  tributes. 
Two  of  the  demon- like  coacuiles  stirred  the  fire  while 
others  stood  by  chanting  appropriate  songs  and  sjtrink- 
ling  blessed  water  and  incense  upon  the  remains,  as 
well  as  u}>on  the  mourners.  Now  began  the  sacrifice 
of  those  doomed  to  follow  the  deceased  to  the  otlier 
world  and  there  administer  to  his  wants  and  pleasuiv. 
These  were  at  first  but  few  in  number,  but  during  the 
bloody  dominion  of  the  Aztecs  they  increased  to  se\  - 
eral  hundred,  as  at  the  funeral  of  Nezahualpilli,  when 
two  hundred  males  and  one  hundred  females  were  im- 
molated; they  consisted  chiefly  cf  slaves  and  deformed 
beings  from  the  royal  retinue,  and  such  as  had  been 
presented.  Duran  says  that  all  slaves  and  defoiined 
persons  belonging  to  the  household  were  killed,  and 
Acosta  goes  so  far  as  to  state  that  the  whole  myal 
household  was  dispatched,  including  the  favorite 
brother  of  the  king;  but  this  must  be  taken  with  a 
grain  of  allowance,  for,  at  this  rate,  the  nobles,  who 
crowded  the  service  of  the  monarch,  even  in  menial 
positions,  would  soon  have  been  exterminated.  Some 
courtiers  were,  no  doubt,  expected  to  prove  the  sin- 
cerity of  their  life-long  adulations  by  either  ofl'eiinn- 
themselves  as  victims,  or  submitting  to  a  selection 
made  from  their  number.  Sometimes  a  chief  wonKl 
signify  his  preference  for  those  among  his  concnl)ines 
whom  he  wished  to  have  with  him,  a  mark  of  i'avoi 
often  received  with  great  joy,  for  they  would  thus  he 
sure  of  entering  into  the  supreme  heaven,  where  the 
warlike  lords  nsually  went,  while  they  n.ight  other- 
wise be  doomed  to  dark  Mictlan.  Self-i:nmol;!tii)n 
of  wives  was,  accordingly,  not  uncommon,  although 
not  prescribed  by  law  as  in  India.     Brasseur  says 


"  Rapport,  iu  Ternaux-Cotnpans,  Voy.,  seric  ii.,  torn,  v.,  p.  ."iOO. 


DISPOSITION  OF  THE  REMAINS. 


611 


40 


that  captives  were  sacrificed,  but  Duran  states  that 
they  were  not  ottered  except  to  the  g'ods.  Persons  l)orn 
(hirinjj  the  last  tive  days  of  the  year — tlie  unhicky 
days— were,  however,  reserved  for  royal  obse(]uies. 

This  array  of  victims  was  liarano^ued  by  a  rehitive  of 
the  deceased,  who  dilated  on  the  happ/iness  before 
them  in  being  allowed  to  join  their  m-tster,  and  ad- 
monished them  to  serve  him  as  faithfullv  in  the  next 
world  as  they  had  done  here.  They  were  then  con- 
signed to  the  priests,  who  laid  them  upon  a  teponaz- 
tli,"  cut  open  the  breast  and  tore  out  the  h'^jart,  which 
was  thrown  upon  the  pyre,  while  the  bodies  were  cast 
upon  another  blazing  hearth  near  by  *^  Gomara  and 
(»thers  state  that  the  t)odies  were  interred,  but  as  tlui 
dog  and  the  property  were  burned,  it  is  iv  t  likely  that 
the  more  important  and  useful  human  servants  were 
buried.*' 

When  the  body  had  been  thoroughly  burned,  the 
fire  was  quenched,  the  blood  collected  from  the  vic- 
tims being  used  for  this  purpose,  according  to  Duran, 
and  the  ashes,  sprinkled  with  holy  water,  were  placed 
with  the  charred  bones,  stones,  and  melted  jewelry  in 
the  urn,  or  casket,  which  contained  also  tlie  hair  of 
tlie  deceased.  On  the  top  of  this  was  placed  a  statue 
of  wood  or  stone,  attired  in  the  royal  habiliments, 
and  bearing  the  mask  and  insignia,  and  the  casket 
was  deposited  at  the  feet  of  the  patron  deity,  in  the 


*"  Ixtlilrochifl,  Rdnrioncs,  in  Kinrfshorourjh's  ^^rJ•.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix.,  p|>. 
37'.),  388;  Duran,  lluit.  Indian,  MS.,  toiii.  i.,  cap.  xxxix.,  xl. ;  liofoijiir,  in 
Tf  rndiix-Cuiiijmna,  Voi/.,  scrie  i.,  toni.  x.,  ]>\i.  '21.3-14;  Soli's,  Hisf.  Cdik/. 
Mi:i\,  torn,  i.,  p.  432;  dd/narffo,  Hisf.  Tn  .r.,  \n  Noitrr//rs  Aiuui/csdrs  ]'iiif,, 
ISI3,  toni.  xcviii.,  p.  '2()i*.  Jir<'sifur  tie  Bourl)o:ir(j,  Hist.  Xat.  Cir.,  toni.  iil., 
p.  .")73;  Veyfia,  Hisf.  Ant.    McJ.,   torn,   iii.,   pp.  8-9. 

<•  Tczozomoc,  Crdnira  Mrx.,  in  Kinrjf.s'horoiKj/i's  ^fr.v.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix.,  p. 
W:  Duran,  Hist.  Inditut,  MS.,  toin.  i.,  rap.  xxxix.,  toni.  ii.,  cup.  11. 

^'^  Torniifnia(la,Afotiarq.  Ind.,  tmn.  ii..  jt.  521;  Arnsta,  Hist,  dc  Ins  Ynd., 
p  .321.  Ciiniiir(jo  indicutcM  that  the  hodit's  were  tinown  npnn  tlie  sanio 
jivre  to{»ether  with  the  presents.  Hist.  TInx.,  in  Xau relics  Annilis  di:, 
Vii'j.,  1843,  toin.  xeviii.,  p.  2()2.  'Saciindoles  los  corazoues,  y  la  saii^rre  dti 
illiw  en  nnii  hatea 6  gran  xlearii,  con  la  enal  roeiavan  ti  Hnit/iiopoilitli.  d 
(inicn  le  presentaron  los  corazones  de  todoM  los  nuierto.s.'  Tezozoniuc,  Crdnira 
>"''•.,  in  Kinffsbnrouffh's  Mex.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix..  p.  Di). 

<'  Gnmarn,  Conq.  Mex.,  fol.  .30H;  I.rilil.rnrhitl,  Relneinne.i,  in  Ki.'.g^- 
Imroiijh's  Mex.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix.,  p.  370;  Tezozoniuc,  ubi  »up. 


6ia 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


chapel."  On  the  return  of  the  procession  a  grand 
banquet  was  given  to  the  guests,  ending,,  as  luual, 
with  a  presentation  of  gifts.  For  four  days  tlio 
mourners  paid  constant  visits  to  the  shrine  to  man  it  est 
their  sorrow  and  to  present  the  offerings  of  lood, 
clothes,  or  jewels,  termed  quitonaltia,  'to  give  good 
luck.'  These  were  either  placed  by  the  urn  or  iijtou 
the  altar  of  the  god,  and  removed  by  the  priests,  who 
ate  the  food  and  sent  the  valuables  to  the  teiiiplo 
treasury.  These  ceremonies  closed  witli  tlie  sac  riliru 
of  ten  to  fifteen  slaves,  and  then  the  casket  was  de- 
posited in  that  part  of  the  temple  apjiointed  fur  its 
permanent  reception.^^  Among  the  Ohicliimccs  tliu 
royal  casket  often  remained  fortv  days  on  view  in  tlic 
palace,  whence  it  was  carried  in  procession  to  its  liual 
resting-place.*" 

In  cases  of  interment  the  deceased  was  deposited 
in  the  grave,  seated  on  a  throne  in  full  array,  facing  tlio 
north,*^  with  his  pi'operty  and  victims  around  him. 
In  early  times,  when  the  practice  of  interment  Mas 
more  general,  the  victinib  were  few,  if  nut  dispensed 
with  entirely,  and  consisted  usually  of  two  favuritc 
concubines,  ])laced  one  on  each  side  of  their  master, 
who,  it  is  said,  were  entombed  alive,  though  it  is  muie 

**  '  La  colooarou  en  el  niisnio  lugar  cii  que  ardio  la  pira.'  Vcijtia,  llisl. 
Ant.  Ma.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  9.  This  author  says  tliat  tlic  inoutli-stoiie  of  il.t; 
dei'casedf  tojj;etli(n'  willi  the  mask,  robes,  and  ornaments  were  taken  oil'  In- 
fore  tlie  liody  was  j)hu'('d  upon  the  |>yre;  tliis  could  only  have  heen  for  tlie 
purpose  of  dressiuf^  the  wooden  statue  therein;  the  stone  was,  liowcvcr. 
j)laci'd  inside  tlie  urn.  Ixtlih'ovhitl,  uhi  su]i.  IJrasseur  de  liourbour','  cicl!-* 
this  liundle  of  hnnvti  /liiqiiimilnlh',  wliicii  he  says  was  8iiere<lly  ]>r('.--erM'il, 
whether  of  kind's  or  braves.  Xouirlfrs  An  miles  I'-'s  Vo>/.,  1858,  torn.  il\., 
p.  i()8.  In  the  case  of  Nauhyotl  of  ("uliinacaii,  the  bones  were  eNlniiii d 
and  phiced  in  ii  statue,  which  was  nuide  in  his  Inuun-,  and  deposited  in  a 
teni|)Ie  consecrated  to  liiiu.   I)i(ri(ii,  Hist.  Iiit/iits,  MS.,  toni.  i.,  caj).  xx.\i\. 

*■>  'Al  eiiarto  dia,  a!  aiuiclieeer,  earjjaron  los  sacerdotes  la  area  de  l:is 
reui/.as  y  la  estatua,  y  la  eoioearon  en  una  especie  de  nicho,  dentro  tbd  tciii- 
pb).'  Vi';//iii,  Hist.  jut.  ^fl•J.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  10.  'Scuis  le  pave  nicnic  dii 
sanctuaire,  (levant  la  Htiituc  ilu  dieu.'  Brci.s.iritr  de  JioiirbiiKr;/,  Hist.  ^nl. 
Cir.,  tiun.  iii.,  p.  .574.  Duran  mentions  that  the  ashes  of  one  kin;^  vcrf 
deposited  at  the  foot  of  the  stcnie  of  sacrilice.  Hist.  Iiiifias,  MS.,  toni.  ii., 
cap.  Ii.;  Ti'znzomor,  Crdiiica  Mcx.,  in  Kiiiif.ftioroufjfi's  Mcr.  Aiitii/.,  vol.  i\., 
J).  142;  Cortes,   Cartas,  \t.  lOG,   Las  Casus',   Hi,st.  Apofogefiea,  MS.,  ciip.  Ii. 

<fi  Toniiirmtii/a,  Mnunrq.  Iiid.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  72,  87;  Vctanccrl,  TcKtru 
Me.r..  i)t  li.,  i)p.  l.VKi. 

*'  iiahaijHii,  Hist.  Gen.,  toin.  ii.,  lib.  vii.,  p.  2.")7. 


fi'ssor  siibjji 


NAHUA  SEPULCIIUES. 


613 


j»r()!)al)lc  tliat  tliey  wore  stupefied  by  narcotic  drinks, 
or  clubbed,  as  in  Michoacan.  This  practice  of  bury- 
ing alive  is  ascribed  to  the  Toltecs.**  The  <jfraves  were 
usually  large  subterranean  vaults  of  stone  and  lime,  sit- 
uated in  the  temple  court,  palace,  or  S(mie  favorite  spot 
near  the  city,  as  Chapultepec.  It  is  related  that  the 
temple  pyramid  in  Mexico  was  the  superstructui'e  of 
royal  graves,  the  remains  being  deposited  on  the  sum- 
mit, and  the  successor  to  the  crown  erecting  upon  this 
another  platform.  On  destroying  the  temple,  the 
Sj)aniards  found  several  vaults,  one  beneath  the  other, 
with  their  valuable  contents  of  jewelry.*''  The  Tol- 
tecs  also  buried  their  dead  in  and  near  the  temples, 
and,  according  to  some  authors,  the  mounds  at  Teoti- 
huacan,  to  the  number  of  several  hundred,  which  will 
b(3  described  in  Vol.  IV.  of  this  work,  are  the  graves 
of  Toltec  chiefs."  The  Chichimec  kings  were  usually 
buried  in  round  holes,  five  to  six  feet  deep,  situated  in 
caves  beneath  the  palace  or  in  the  mountains;  in  later 
times,  however,  they  chose  the  temples.''^ 

Twenty  days  after  the  burial  further  offerings  were 
made,  together  with  a  sacrifice  of  from  I'our  to 
five  slaves;  on  the  fortieth  day  two  or  three  more 
(lied;  on  the  sixtieth,  one  or  two;  while  the  final  im- 
molation consisting  of  ten  to  twelve  slaves  took  })lace 
iit  the  end  of  eighty  days,  and  i)ut  an  end  to  the 
mourning.     Motolinia   adds,    however,    that  testimo- 


^^liraiinur  dc  Bonrhmn-fi,  His/.  \,if.  Ci>:,  torn,  i.,  ]>i).  ."UO,  .Til;  Ho- 
lui/iir,  in  Ti;t'iKiii,r-(Joiii}>fHi.i,  I'o//.,  si'rie  i.,  toiii.  x.,  |i|».  '21H-14;  Vmiuir'in, 
llisf.    Tlux.,   in  Noarellca  Aniui/cs  dr.f  I'o;/.,    184;},  tuiii.   xcviii.,   i)[i.  IDl', 

Oj|.) 

^'  'La  muerte  ac  liatjian  enternir  en  la  niiis  alta  nia'lu.  e  <les|>iic»  ol  n\\\>- 
ri'ssor  Wllhia  otrax  (Ids  c:;i-;i(i:ix. '  l)n'i''lii.  Hist.  (Irii.,  \tt\\\.  ill.,  J>.  r)(n.  'hos 
i'liiii'ini'x  ni>('i'-iital>aii  do  ;,'iiiii  scimltiira.  |ii)ri|ii('  sn  llcvahan  tra«si  lainayor 
|i:nt(' (lo  siis  riiiue/as  y  faiiiilia.'  Xi<//.v,    Ilist.    I'mn^.   M'V.,    toiii.    i.,   ]>.   4;{-'. 

1  aiiitai  a  caiiar  d'viia  st'iioltura  frc  iiiila  < 'asti;,'liaiii  jnn'o  jiiu  o  menu.' 


ir  fiittit  pi'r  rn  ffrnfir/iuoiiio  del  Siijiior  Fcnimiilo  Caiiixr,  in  Rnntn- 


/; 

i/ <,  X'lrlijdtioiii.  t(ini.  iii.,  fol.  mo. 

''"  Sii/{<i;/i(ii,  11  .if.  (r'c//.,  torn,  iii.,  lib.  x.,  p.  141;  T.rtlilrorhlfJ,  liihulo- 
>i  V,  in  KiiKfuhoruiiiftCs  Mi\v.  Aiifi'/.,  veil.  ix. ,  j).  1527;  Iliinihu/i/t,  I'ssai  I'nl,, 
tun.  i..  p.  iS9. 

'I  f.i'lilxoi-hitl.  Hist.  O/n'rfi.,  in  KinqshnrntifflCii  Mr.x.  Audi/.,  vol.  i\., 
1'  -11;  f d.,  Ilrhicioiivs,  l^l>.  liW'i,  341;  Cidl'ifJCi'u,  StuiUK  Ant.  del  Mftsici, 
t'Mii.  ii.,  p.  'J8. 


6U 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


nials  of  sorrow  accompanied  by  offerings  contimiud 
to  be  made  every  eightieth  day  for  the  space  of  a 
year/^ 

The  obsequies  of  the  subjects  were,  of  course,  on  tx 
scale  of  much  less  grandeur,  though  the  rich  and  no- 
bles ventured  to  exhibit  a  certain  pomp.  The  connuon 
man,  after  having  been  washed  in  aromatic  waturs, 
was  dressed  in  his  best  garments;  a  cheap  stone  callud 
the  tentetl,  'mouth-stone,'  was  inserted  between  tlic 
lips;  the  pass[)ort  papers  for  the  dark  journey  wtio 
handed  to  him  with  the  usual  address;  and  hy  his  side 
were  placed  the  water,  the  dog,  the  insignia  of  liis 
trade,  as  arms,  spade,  or  the  like — spindle  or  brtx^ni  in 
the  case  of  a  woman— with  the  dresses  and  utlR;r 
things  required  for  comfort.  Lastly  the  mantle  of  the 
god  which  his  condition  in  life  and  manner  of  de.itli 
rendered  appropriate,  was  placed  upon  him;  thus,  a 
warrior  would  wear  the  mantle  of  Huitzilopoclitli 
with  the  image  of  the  war  god  upon  it;  a  merclmnt 
tlie  mantle  of  lyacatecutli;  the  artisan  that  of  the 
patron  deity  of  his  trade.  A  drunkard  would,  in  ad- 
dition, be  covered  with  the  robe  of  the  god  of  wine;  a 
])erson  who  had  died  by  drowning,  with  that  of  the 
water  gods;  the  man  executed  for  adultery,  with  tliat 
of  the  god  of  lasciviousnoss;  and  so  on.*^^     According- 


52  Hi.it.  Tiidios,  in  Icnzhalcctn,  Col.  de  Doc,  torn,  i.,  n.  31;  llilns  An/i- 
ffiiDS,  ji.  "20,  iu  KiiiijshoroiiijICs  Mcx.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix.  Ixtlilxocliitl.  /.'■/"- 
c.iniii'n,  ill  Kiii(jslitiri)u<fk''s  Mcx.  Ai)ti'[.,  vol.  ix.,  j).  371,  states  tliui  tlic  sai- 
rilii'es  on  the  fourtli  day  consisted  of  live  to  six  slaves,  on  tiie  teiitli  of  ciin', 
on  tile  ei;;litietli  of  three.  'Le  cin<inietnc  on  sacriliait  i)lnsienrsesi'lavi's,  ct 
cette  iniinolation  se  ivpetait  eneore  quafre  fois,  de  <lix  en  dix  jonrs,'  /I'/vrv- 
sciir  (/r  ISoiirhoiirrj,  lli.sf.  Xat.  Cir.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  ."74.  Diinin,  Jfif/.  Iidlin-i. 
M.S.,  toni.  i.,  eap.  xiv.,  .\xxix.,  mentions  a  fast  of  ei;,'lity  days,  at  tlif  iinl 
«if  wliieh  a  statne  was  made,  like  one  wiiicli  he  states  was  linrned  with  ilu^ 
«'or|)se,  and  to  this  exactly  the  same  eercmonies  were  paid  as  totlie  dct'iiini, 
tlie  statne  hein;;  hnrned  with  an  ecinally  large  nuniher  of  slaves  as  Ix'i'nic. 
The  fullest  desorijitions  of  royal  olise^nies  are  given  in  TorqitniKiiln,  .M"- 
ii'iiq.  fii(L,  toin.  d.,  ])p.  .5'21-3;  Vi'ijtia,  Hist.  Ant.  MiJ.,  toni.  iii.,  |)p.  .VII; 
Cfiin'i/i'ro,  S/nri'a  Ant.  del  Mrs.siro,  toni.  ii.,  i)p.  0.')-8;  Gumitrn,  Cum/.  .1/'.'., 
f(d.  3i)D-10;  Bra.i.snir  t/r  JJuiirhoiirg,  Hist.  Aa<.  Cic,  toni.  iii.,  i>i).  .'iTl-t; 
Diintii,  Hist.  Intlias,  M.S.,  toni.  i.,  eap.  xxxix.,  .xl.,  toni.  ii.,  cap.  xbiii.; 
Te~ozfimoc.  Crdnica  Mcx.,  in  Kiiigsftoroiigh''s  Mcj:.  Antiq.,  vol.  ix.,  jiji  Mi- 
90,    9!). 

''■' .After  descrihing  the  rolling  of  dniiikards  and  others,  (Joniiuii  ^<.lvs; 
'V  iinalinente  a  eudu  oiieiiil  dauan  el  traje  del  idolo  de  aiiiiel  olieiu,"  uliii  li 


PLEBEIAN  FUNEIIAL  RITES. 


G15 


to  Zuazo,  the  corpse  was  further  decorated  with  feath- 
ers of  various  colors,  and  seated  in  a  chair  to  receive 
the  expressions  of  sorrow  and  resi)ect  of  friends,  and 
tlieir  humble  offerings  of  flowers,  food,  or  dresses. 
After  a  couple  of  hours  a  second  set  of  shrouders 
removed  the  garments,  washed  the  body  again,  re- 
dressed it  in  red  mantles,  with  feathers  of  the  same 
color,  and  left  it  to  be  viewed  for  an  hour  or  more,  ac- 
cordinsx  to  the  number  of  the  visitors.  A  third  time 
the  body  w'as  washed,  by  a  fresh  corps  of  attendants, 
and  arrayed,  this  time,  in  black  garments,  with  feath- 
ers of  the  same  sombre  color.  These  suits  weie  eitlier 
given  to  the  temple  or  buried  with  the  body.'^*  No- 
bles had  the  large  banner  borne  in  their  procession, 
and  seem  to  have  been  allowed  the  use  of  sacrifices.''^' 
According  to  Chaves  the  common  people  were  also 
l)urned  in  their  own  premises  or  in  the  forest,  a  state- 
ment which  Acosta  and  others  indirectly  confirm  by 
saying  that  they  had  no  regular  burial-places,  but 
their  ashes  were  deposited  in  the  yards  of  their 
liouses,  in  the  temple  courts,  in  the  mountains,  or  in 
tlie  field.  Upon  the  graves  were  placed  flags,  orna- 
ments, and  various  offerings  of  food  during  the  four 
(lavs  of  mourninof.  Visits  of  condolence  with  attend- 
iiut  feasting  extended  over  a  period  of  several  days, 
liowever.^'"'  People  who  had  died  a  violent  death,  by 
ligiitninsf  or  other  natural  causes  or  of  incurable  dis- 


ccrtiiinly  indicates  that  a  drowned  or  Itosottcd  artisan  wonld  wear  the  niaii- 
tlo  due  ti)  his  position  in  life  as  well  as  that  dne  to  his  manner  of  death. 
>''iiiq.  Mix..,  fol.  30!).  ("Iavi;,'ero,  Sforia  A  ill.  drl  Mntsiro,  toni.  ii.,  pn.  i».'{-4, 
iiM's  the  fullowinj?  expression:  '\'estivanlo  d'nn  aliito  eoriispondente  alia 
sua  eondizione   alle  sne  facolla,  iil  alle  eireostanzechdla  sua  inorte.' 

>^  Zii<iZo,  <  iirtd,  in  Irnzhidri'tn,  Cut.  tlr  Pm'.,  toni.  i.,  pp.  lUU-."). 

^^  Caniarj.o  says,  with  reference  to  saerilices  and  pompous  eerenionies, 
'tout  eein  avait  lieu,  plus  ou  moins,  a  toutes  Ics  funi'railles,  selon  larichesst! 
dii  di'funt.'  y/.'-s/,  TIax.,  in  Xuiiirlh-.-i  Ainnda  df.s  Vo').,  1843,  toni.  xeviii., 
]i.  L'O^;  l'n\'<r<itrs  Mix.,  vol.  i.,  p.  (i3. 

i''  Zidir.o,  Ciirtit,  in  Ifdzlxilcctn,  Co!.  <lc  Dor.,  toni.  i.,  j).  3(i.");  f'/invr.i, 
l!ii/i/iorf,  in  Trniiiiix-Coiii/xiii.i,  \'oi/.,  sui'ic  ii.,  toni.  v.,  p.  310;  'l>uraiian 
las  i'X('([uiiis  diez  dias.'  Amstn,  Ilixt.  (/r  /'».v  Viiil.,  \\.  .321.  'On  jiass.iit  vin;,'t 
<';i  trente  jours  an  milieu  des  fOtes  et  <les  festins.'  C(tiiiiiv(jo,  lli.-il.  T/cr.,  in 
.\,,iiir//rs  Aiiiialr.i  (lis  Vol/.,  1843,  toni.  xeviii.,  ji.  202.  Jfn-nrn,  Ib'sf. 
<!'ii..  dee.  iii.,  lib.  ii.,  eap.  xviii.;  Cliii'i<ji:ro,  Sturia  Ant.  del  Mcssko,  torn. 
ii.,  pp.  1)3-5.    • 


616 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


eases,  such  as  leprosy,  tumors,  itcli,  gout,  or  drojisy," 
were  not  burned  but  interred  in  special  graves.  BraiidiLs 
or  shoots  of  amaranth  were  i)Uiced  upon  their  clicuks, 
tlie  brow  was  rubbed  with  texatli,  certain  pa})ers  wcit^ 
hiid  over  the  brain,  and  in  one  hand  was  plticcd  u 
wooden  rod  which  was  supposed  to  become  gret'ii  niid 
throw  out  brandies  in  the  other  world.  The  Ixulics  of 
women  who  died  in  childbed  were  also  buried;  and 
the  Ijurial  was  attended  by  great  difficulty,  since  war- 
riors and  sorcerers  fouglit  bravely  to  obtain  possession 
of  some  part  of  her  body,  as  has  been  stated  in  a  i)ru- 
ceding  chapter." 

A  trader  of  the  rank  of  pochteca,  who  died  on  a 
journey,  was  dressed  in  the  garb  of  his  class,  witli 
eyes  i)ainted  black,  red  circles  round  the  mouth,  and 
with  strips  of  paper  all  over  his  person.  Tlie  body 
was  then  deposited  in  a  cacaxtli,  or  sipiare  basket, 
well  secured  by  cords,  and  carried  to  the  toj)  of  a 
mountain,  where  it  was  fixed  to  a  tree,  or  [pole  driven 
into  the  ground,  and  left  to  wither.  The  s[)irit  was 
supposed  to  have  entered  the  abode  of  tlie  sum."'"  On 
the  return  of  the  caravan  the  death  was  rejjorted  to 
the  guild,  who  broke  the  news  to  the  family  (jf  the 
deceased.  A  puppet  made  of  caiidlewood,  and  adorned 
with  the  usual  paper  ornaments,  was  left  at  the  tem- 
ple for  a  day,  during  which  the  friends  mourned  over 
it  as  if  the  body  was  actually  before  them.  At  niitl- 
night  the  puppet  was  burned  in  the  quauhxicalco  and 
tlie  ashes  buried  in  the  usual  manner,  Funeial  eere- 
moiiies  were  held  for  four  days,  after  which  the  rela- 
tives washed  the  faces,  that  had  remained  uiitouclied 
by  water  during  the  absence  of  the  trader,  and  jint 
an  end  to  the  mourning.  The  practice  of  l>ayini;' 
honors  to  the  dead  in  effigy  was  especially  in  v()L;ue 
anionjr  the  warrior  class.™ 


57  Tor'fuemada,  Mminrq.  Ind.,  tom.  ii.,  p.  520;  Sahagun,  Hist.  d'n. 
111.  ii.,  lib.  vi.,  np.  18(i-91.     Seep.  '21)9  of  this  volui 
'•^  Sii/iiif/iiii,  Ilisf.  Goi.,  torn,  ii.,  lib.  i.\.,  p.  .S.">8. 


luiiie. 


!>^  Siiiiaj.(||ii  iiitiiKutes  tlmt  tlie  puppet  was  for  tliose  who  were  sIm'hi  liv 
enemies,  but  udda,  ufteiwurds,  that  u  puppet  wus  burned  w ith  the  s.iur  cii- 


HONORS  TO  Till::  SLAIN  IN  BATTLE. 


617 


Besides  funeral  honors  to  individuals,  ceremonies 
for  all  those  who  died  in  a  battle  or  war  were  of  fre- 
quent occurrence,  as  that  ordered  hy  the  lirst  Mon- 
tezuma in  memory  of  the  slain  in  the  campaign 
aixainst  Chalco.  A  procession  of  all  tlie  relatives  and 
iViends  of  the  dead,  headed  by  tlie  fatheis  bearino- 
decorated  arms  and  armor,  and  terminated  by  the 
chiklren,  marched  throu'jfh  tlie  streets,  dancin<if  and 
chanting  mournful  songs  in  honor  of  those  \\]u)  had 
fallen  fighting  for  their  country  and  tlieir  gods,  and 
for  each  other's  mutual  consolation.  Tijwards  even- 
ing presents  were  distributed  by  the  king's  ofHcials, 
clothing  to  tlie  common  people,  ornaments  to  the 
chiefs,  and  food  to  all.  An  effigy  was  then  j)re- 
})ared,  the  details  of  whose  dress  and  decoration  are 
minutely  described,  and  l)efore  it,  placed  in  the  ci- 
Jiuacalli,  war  songs  were  chanted,  instruments  were 
]»layed,  women  danced  and  cried  for  four  days; 
then  the  image  was  burned  before  the  temple,  tlie 
ceremou}^  being  called  qniflcpaiiquetzln,  'burning  the 
dead  of  the  last  war.'  Some  of  the  ashes  were  scat- 
tered upon  the  relatives,  who  fasted  for  eighty  days, 
tlie  remaininuf  ashes  beinjji:  in  tlie  meantime  buried: 
but  after  the  eighty  days  had  jiassed  they  were  dug 
up  and  carried  to  the  hill  of  Yahualiuhcan,  on  the 
boundaries  of  Chalco,  where  they  were  left.  Five 
(lays  later  a  feast  took  place,  during  which  the  gar- 
nieiits  of  the  dead  Avarriors  were  burned,  more  otfer- 
iugs  were  made,  and  as  a  final  honor  to  the  memory 
of  the  departed  all  became  intoxicated  with  i)ul(jue. 
Very  distinguished  warriors  were  sometimes  honc^red 
with  the  funeral  rites  of  royalty/'" 

The  ceremonies  during  the  })eiiod  of  mourning  were 

niioiiies  ill  the  court,  of  the  lionsc,  if  they  died  at  home.  Ifisf.  Gtii.,  toni. 
i.,  lilt,  iv.,  J)]*.  314-15;  Torijuciii(iifi(,  Mininvii.  fiiiL,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  M7;  ISriis- 
iii)ir  tic  Jioiirbourg,  Hist.  Nat.  Vic,   toiu.  iii.,   pp.  G21-"2.     See  tiiis  vol., 

''"  Tc-ozoinoc,  Crdiiicn  ^fl•x.,  in  King.sboroiififh'.i  .l/cr.  Anfiq.,  vol.  i.x.,  pp. 
H7-S,  8(i-7,  1(51-2;  Diiraii,  Hist.  Iiirlifi.i,  MS.,  torn,  i.,  cap.  xviii.,  to'ii.  ii., 
i'i;|).  xlviii. ;  Brusscnr  ile  Boitrbourg,  Hist.  Nut.  Cii.,  toiii.  iii.,  pp.  '-'.">i'-01, 

4U7-8. 


618 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


not  the  last  honors  paid  to  deceased  friends.  Every 
year  during  tlie  four  years  that  the  souls  were  sup- 
posed to  live  in  a  preparatory  state  in  the  heavens," 
offerings  of  choice  viands,  wine,  flowers,  and  reeds  of 
perfume  were  placed  before  tiie  casket  or  upon  tliu 
grave;  songs  extolling  the  merits  of  the  departed 
were  sung,  accompanied  by  dances,  the  whole  dossing 
with  feasting  and  drinking.  After  this  the  dead  weie 
left  to  oblivion."^  These  commemorations  took  ])la(e 
in  the  months  of  Tlaxochimaco  and  Xocotlhuetzin. 
The  former  was  termed  'the  small  festival  of  tlie 
dead,'  and  seems  to  have  been  devoted  to  the  coninioii 
people  and  children,  but  at  tlie  celebration  in  the  lat- 
ter month  great  demonstrations  were  observed  by  all; 
and  certain  royal  personages  and  warriors  who  liad 
died  for  their  country  were  awarded  divine  honors, 
their  ;;*:atues  being  placed  among  those  of  the  gods, 
to  whose  presence  they  had  gone.  While  the  priests 
were  burning  incense  and  making  other  offerings  to 
the  dead,  the  people  stood  with  blackened  bodies  on 
the  roofs  of  their  houses,  and,  facing  north,  ]»raye(l  to 
their  dead  relatives,  calling  on  them  to  visit  their 
former  homes."' 

In  the  month  of  Quecholli  another  celebration  took 
place,  which  seems  to  have  been  chiefly  intended  lor 
warriors  who  had  perished  in  battle.  On  the  filth 
day  certain  small  arrows  from  five  to  nine  inelies  in 
length,  and  torches,  were  tied  in  bundles  of  four  each 
and  placed  upon  the  graves,  together  with  a  pair  of 
sweet  tamales.  At  sunset  the  bundles  were  set  on 
fire,  and  the  ashes  interred  with  the  dead.  The  sliield 
of  the  dead,  with  arrow,  mantle,  and  maxtli  attached, 

<>'  Explicnrione  drl  Corhx  Tellcriano-Rnnensis,  in  Kiiiffsltoroiif/h's  .V'.". 
Antiq.,  vol.  v.,  ]i.  l.'W;  Spicguzionc  dellc  Tavole  del  C'odicc  Mcxkunu,  {\a- 
tioiino),  in  Id.,  p.  193. 

62  Motolima,  Hist.  Indios,  in  Icazhalrcta,  Col.  de  Doc,  torn,  i.,  p.  31; 
Toff/ lie itiadd,  Moiiarq.  Iiid.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  5'23. 

''■•'  Torque madn,  Monarq.  Intl.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  298;  Spiegazione  deUr  '/'"- 
vole  del  Vodie.e  Mexicniio  (Viitieano),  in  Kuiffsborouffh's  Mcx.  Antiq..  vdl. 
v.,  pp.  193-4.  'Los  tres  dius  ultininH  tie  este  nies  aynnaviin  todos  los  \ivcps 
A  los  inucrtos.'  Explintcionc  del  Codex  Tellerinno-Remen.sis,  in  Kimjtilju- 
roujlCs  Mex.  Antiq.,  vol.  v.,  p.  130.     fcsce  this  vol.,  pp.  328,  331. 


FUNIIRAL  RITES  OF  THE  TAUASCOS. 


C19 


was  afterwards  fastened  to  a  stalk  of  maize  of  nine 
joints,  mounted  l)y  two  paper  flacfs,  one  of  which 
reached  the  lenijth  of  the  stalk.  On  the  small  Haj.'' 
was  a  cross,  worked  in  red  thread,  and  on  the  other 
jin  ornamentation  of  red  and  white  thread,  from  the 
white  part  of  which  a  dead  humming-bird  was  sus- 
pended. Bunches  of  white  aztatl  feathers,  tied  in 
pairs,  were  also  attached  to  the  stalk  by  a  thread 
covered  with  white  hen-feathers.  This  was  burned 
at  the  quauhxicalco.'''* 

Among  the  peojiles  whose  funeral  ceremonies  differ 
from  those  described,  may  be  mentioned  the  Teo-Chi- 
(liimecs,  who  interred  their  dead,  and  danced  and  sang 
ior  several  days  after. "^  In  Tabasco  interment  seems 
also  to  have  prevailed,  for  Grijalva  found  a  grave  in 
the  sand,  containing  a  boy  and  a  girl  wrapped  in  cot- 
ton cloth  and  adorned  with  jewelry.®*'  In  Goazaco- 
alco  it  was  the  custom  to  place  the  bones  in  a  basket, 
as  soon  as  the  llesh  was  gone,  and  hang  them  up  in  a 
tree,  so  that  the  spirit  of  the  defunct  might  have  no 
trouble  in  findinof  tliem." 

In  Michoacan  the  funeral  rites  were  of  a  very  ex- 
acting character.  When  the  king  lay  on  his  death- 
bed it  was  incumbent  on  all  vassals  and  courtiers  to 
attend  at  the  palace,  and  those  who  stayed  away  were 
severely  punished.  WJiile  awaiting  the  final  breath 
tliey  were  royally  entertained,  but  none  could  enter 
the  death-chamber.  When  the  corpse  was  ready  for 
shrouding,  the  lords  entered  to  dress  it  in  festive  r(»l)es, 
each  attending  to  a  particular  part  of  the  attire;  tlie 
emerald  brooch  was  put   between  the  lips,  and  the 

'■'*  Sahnqun,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  i.,  lib.  ii.,  pp.  16.3-4;  Torqnemndn,  Mniuivq. 
/("/.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  281.  IJnisst'ur  dc  I>onrl>mirf^  say.s  tliat  this  felfliratioii 
\v;is  of  11  jfeneral  cliaracti'r,  and  dilutoH  tiio  iiiea^ne  ami  (loul»tfiil  iiifoi'iiia- 
tiiiii  of  his  aiitliority  coii.siilei'abiy.  Tiic  arrows  and  food,  'aprJ's  ([irellcsy 
uvMioiit  dcnieure  iin  jour  et  line  unit,  on  los  cnluvait  et  on  hrfiiait  Ic  tout 
I'lisctiilile  en  riionnour  de  Mi.xcoliiiatI  ct  dc  ses  conipaynons  d'arnies.'  Hist. 
Sii/.  f'ir.,  toin.  i.,  ]).  •2;J4,  toni.  iii.,  pi).  ."ViS  9. 

'''  S((fi(i(/ini,  H'st.  (j'rii.,  toui.  iii.,  lil).  x.,  p.  119. 

''8  J)ifi.~,  Itiiirnirio,  m  Ic.azlialccta,  Col.  de  Doc,  torn,  i.,  p.  304;  Oviedo, 
Ilisf.  Wrn..  toui.  i.,  p.  Ml. 

'-'  Hcrnra,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  i.\.,  cap.  vii. 


620 


THE  XAIIUA  NAIIONS. 


Ixuly  was  laid  upon  a  litter  covered  with  cl(  Jis  of  dif- 
ferent colors.  Oil  one  wide  of  the  body  we  e  jtlacid  a 
how  and  ([iiiver,  on  the  other  was  a  doll  made  nj)  of  lino 
mantles  and  dressed  exactly  like  the  kint,'-.'^  WIuIk 
the  courtiers  were  j^iving  vent  to  lamentations  and 
tenderini,'  their  respects,  the  new  kin^'  jjroceeded  t() 
select  those  amon*^  the  servitors,  who,  acc()rtlini,''  to 
the  invit)lai)le  law  of  the  country,  were  doomed  to 
follow  the  d'  ad  jtrince.  Seven  of  these  were  noMt! 
women,  to  Avhom  vjirlous  duties  were  assigned;  out; 
was  ap[)ointed  to  carry  the  precious  lip-ornament,  an- 
other to  keep  the  rest  of  the  jewels,  a  third  to  he  ciii)- 
bearer,  and  the  others  to  attend  at  table  and  to  conk. 
Amoniif  the  uiale  victims,  who  seem  to  have  Ixeu 
slaves  for  the  most  part,  every  trade  and  profession 
was  re  J)  resented,"*  as  valets,  hair-dressers,  perfumers, 
fan-holders,  chair -bearers,  wood-cutters,  boatmen, 
swee})ei"s,  doorkeepers,  and  artisans;  also  clowns,  and 
some  of  the  physicians  who  had  failed  to  save  the 
life  of  the  monarch.  Occasionally  some  oitluisiast 
would  offer  to  join  his  beloved  master  of  his  own  ac- 
cord, but  this  seems  to  have  been  prohibited;  besides, 
the  new  kin<^  had,  doubtless,  selected  all  that  were 
obnoxious  to  him,  and  could  not  afford  to  lose  i^ood 
servants.  At  midnio-lit  the  litter  was  carried  on  tlu; 
shoulders  of  the  chief  men  to  the  temple,  followed  by 
vassals,  warriors,  and  courtiers,  some  blowing'  trump- 
ets, others  chanting  tiie  glories  of  the  dead.  In 
the  van  of  the  procession  were  the  victims,  who  li.id 
been  bathed  in  aromatic  waters  and  adorned  ^vitli 
garlands  strij)ped  of  their  leaves  and  brandies,  and 
with  yellow  streaks  over  the  face,  who  marched  in  lilts, 

^  Gnmarn,  Conq.  Mrx.,  fol.  ,110.  'Esta  fipiira  se  la  ponian  cnciiuM  :il 
Difunto.'  ToniiiriiKK/ii,  MoHtinj.  Imf.,  toin.  ii.,  p.  .524.  U  is  imt  likilv, 
liowcver,  tliat  ii  lil'e-si/e  )ij;iire,  an  (Jomara  t'alin  it,  or  any  li;,'iii''',  foi'  tliiit 
matter,  hImiuIiI  have  boon  placed  over  tlie  oriianieiitHof  tlie  kiiij,'ainl  |in<-(cl 
ujioii  the  hody.  l{eaiiiiiont  says:  'Lo  cuhriancon  una  niaiita,  en  (lucoialia 
)>intad<>  ('»  real/ado  el  cadaver  eon  los  nMHnios  adornos.'  Cr 


pintado  o  r 
A  IS.,  p.  5.'). 


■n  (jii('('>i;iiia 
Crdii.  Jffc/iii'.'rfiii, 
^IS.,  p.,").').     'Au-dessus  on  asseyait  une  poupee  de  la  taillc  dii  d(niMt.' 
JimHSPiir  <!<•  Boiirhoimi,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  toni.  iii.,  ]).  8."?. 

•"^  'Mutuuaii  vuo,  y  ami  uuih  de  eada  oiieio.'  Goiuura,  Cuiiq.  M(\i.,  fol. 
311. 


CUE.MATION  OF  TIIK  TAUAHCAN  KINCJS. 


02 1 


poundincf  whistles,  rattlini^  lumos,  and  l)OMtiii'jf  tor- 
toist'-slioU  drums.  Torcli-hoarurs  attuiidod  tlu;  j'arty, 
and  alii  id  wont  a  nunilier  of  nion  who  swept  tho 
road,  sin^iiJi^  at  tho  same  time:  "  Loi'd,  lioro 
thou  liast  to  pass,  sue  tliat  thou  dost  not  miss 
tlie  road  I"""  Four  turns  wore  made  round  tho  pyre 
liot'oro  dopositini^  tho  corpse  iijk>m  it.  While  tho 
ilanios  sliot  up,  and  tho  funeral  ciiants  fell  froiii  tho 
lips  of  tho  mourners,  tho  victims  wore  stu|>oHod  with 
(hiidvs  and  cluhhod;  the  bodies  wore  thrown  into 
lioK'S  hehind  the  teni])lo,  hy  throes  or  fours,  toijcother 
Avitii  the  ornaments  and  other  holonoinys  of  tho  do- 
coasod.  The  aslios  and  valual»los  wore  ,i;atliorod  from 
the  smoking  pyre,  and  made  into  a  tii^uro,  which  was 
dressed  in  royal  habiliments,  with  a  mask  for  its 
face,  a  jj^olden  shield  on  its  back,  bows  and  arrows  by 
its  side;  this  was  sot  upon  a  tlirone  facint^-  tlio  east, 
tho  whole  being  placed  in  a  largo  urn,  whicli  was 
deposited  upon  a  bed  of  g(ddon  sliii  ids  and  silver 
articles  in  a  grave  with  stone  walls,  lined  with  mats, 
about  twelve  feet  square,  and  ocjually  dee]),  situ  ited 
at  the  foot  of  the  temple.  Tho  urn  was  covered  with 
a  number  of  valuable  mantles,  and  around  it  wore 
jilaced  various  implements,  food,  drink,  and  boxes 
tilled  with  feather- work  and  ornaments;  the  gi'avo  was 
tiiially  bridged  with  varnisliod  beams  and  boards, 
a!id  covered  with  a  coating  of  earth  and  clay. 
After  the  funeral,  all  who  had  taken  an  active 
l)art  in  the  ceremonies  wont  to  bathe,  in  oi'dor  to 
l)revent  any  injury  to  their  health,"  iind  then 
asstinbled  at  the  palace  to  partake  of  a  sumptuous 
repast.  At  the  close  of  the  bancjuet  a  cotton  cloth 
was  given  to  each  guest  wherewith  to  wipe  his  face, 
but  all   remained  seated  for  five  days  witli  lowered 

'"  Tor'/iirnififfn,  Mo»nrq.  Tiid.,  toin.  ii.,  p.  52o.  The  .slaves,  lie  says, 
'Ins  I'liiliailtinialtiiii  tcido  I'l  nu'ipo,  con  viiu  tiiita  ainarilla.'  '^'llall  las  aii- 
liiis  I'l  ataliud  en  huinbrus  <le  Iks  tres  principalos.'  licaiimont,  Crtiii.  Mvclioa- 
'"/'.  MS.,  ]).  .")(). 

"'  'Todds  los  que  habiaii  tocado  cl  Caltznntzi  y  d  los  deiiias  ouerpos  se 
i'lHii  ii  hanar  por  pieservarse  de  ulgmia  eiiferiiiedud.'  lieuKiiniiit,  Croii.  Me- 
dmbdii,  MS.,  \K  57. 


'  r-'l 

m 


f.22 


THE  NAIIUA  NATIONS. 


1  loads,  without  iittc;riii<jf  a  word,  except  tlie  {j^raiidci  s, 
wlio  went  ill  turn  l>y  nij^ht  to  watch  and  mourn  at  ilir 
i^rave.  Durinj;"  this  period  the  numrninj,'  was  '^i  n- 
eral,  no  corn  was  <;fround,  no  fires  liglited,  no  hiisim  ss 
transacted;  tlie  streets  were  deserted,  and  all  iv- 
niained  at  home,  mournin*^  and  fastinj,'.  The  oh- 
secjuies  of  the  peo|)lo  bore  a  general  resemhhmcc  to 
the  uoove,  the  ceremonies  beiiii^  rej^'uhited  hy  tin; 
rank  and  means  of  the  deceased.  The  graves  .\(  ic 
usually  situated  in  the  fields  or  on  the  slo[»o  of  ;i 
hill." 

Amon«^  the  Miztecs,  in  Oajaca,  where  creniatidu 
does  not  seem  to  liave  obtained,  compliments  and  ad- 
dresses were  presented  to  the  corpse  of  a  chief,  ju^t  as 
if  he  were  alive.  A  slave  arrayed  in  the  same  sjdt  ii- 
did  garments  worn  by  his  master,  with  mask,  iiiitiH', 
and  other  insignia,  was  placed  before  it;  and  wliilc  tliu 
funeral  procession  accompanied  the  body  to  burial,  liu 
represented  the  chief,  and  received  the  honors  ])aid  to 
royalty.  At  midnight  four  priests  carried  the  body  to 
the  forest,  where  it  was  placed,  in  the  presence  of  tlu; 
mourners,  in  a  cave,  with  the  feet  to  the  east,  and 
surrounded  with  various  weapons  and  implenuiits. 
Two  male  and  three  female  slaves,  who  had  in  tliu 
meantime  been  made  drunk  and  strangled,  were  also 
l)laced  in  the  grave,  together  with  idols  to  servo  as 
guides.  Burgoa  was  told  by  the  natives  that  devotod 
servants  used  to  follow  their  lord  alive  into  the  grave. 
On  the  return  of  the  funeral  cortege,  the  slave  who 
represented  the  deceased  was  sacrificed  and  deposited 
in  a  hole,  which  was  left  unclosed.  The  cave  selected 
for  the  grave  of  the  chief  was  supposed  to  be  tlic 
gate  to  paradise.  Burgoa  found  two  of  these  rcstiiiy- 
l)laces.  One  was  situated  in  a  hill  and  lighted  liv 
loopholes  from  above.     Along  the  sides  were  stoiio 

72  Beaumont,  Crdn.  Mechoacan,  MS.,  pp.  54-8;  Torquemtifh,  Mmt'iri/. 
Jiiif.,  toiu.  ii.,  pj).  523-();  Goiiitim,  Vunq.  Mix.,  fol.  .SlO-1'2;  Gikji's  \ni> 
Sun-ci/,  pp.  157-60,  with  a  cut;  liruJiseur  <le  Jioiirbourfj,  Hist.  A  at.  lir., 
timi.  iii.,  i)p.  82-6;  Pai/no,  in  Soc.  Hex.  Geoff.,  Jioletin,  2da  (ipoca,  toin.  i., 
pp.  717-19. 


SEPULCIIKi;s  IN  .OAJACA. 


(i:23 


licMU'lioa,  like  tronu^lis,  upon  whicli  lay  tl\o  Ixji'^-'Jci* 
skeletons,  uiul  hero  und  there  were  iiiehes  (icciipieu 
hv  idol.s.  Anotlier  was  a  stone  vault,  witli  jilasteied 
walls,  armnjred  like  the  Ibrnier;  a  stone  hlotk  closed 
the  entranee."  Some  authors  statt;  that  when  the 
iK'sh  was  consumed,  the  hones  were  taken  out  und 
)»lMc'ed  in  "graves  in  the  houses  or  in  the  tein])K's; 
this  may,  however,  only  have  ajiplied  to  certain 
chiefs,  tor  Bur<if<ja  found  skeletons,  as  we  have  seen, 
ill  the  caves  which  ho  explored.  Every  year,  on  the 
anniversary  of  the  birth  of  the  last  defunct  lord,  not 
on  tliat  of  his  death,  Lfreat  ceremonies  were  held  in  his 
lionor."*  Like  the  Aztecs,  they  helieved  that  the  soul 
wandered  about  for  a  number  of  years  before  enteriuLr 
into  perfect  bliss,  and  visited  its  friends  on  earth  onco 
a  year."  On  the  eve  of  that  day  the  house  Wijs  pre- 
]).ired  as  if  for  a  festive  occasion,  a  quantity  of  choice 
ibod  was  spread  uj»on  the  table,  and  the  inmates  went 
out  with  torches  in  their  hands,  biddinsjf  the  spirits 
jnter.  They  then  returned  and  s(piatted  down  round 
the  table  with  crossed  hands  and  eyes  lowered  to  the 
i;r(»un(l,  for  it  was  thought  that  the  spirits  would  be 
otl'ended  if  they  were  ^azed  U[)on.  In  this  position 
they  remained  till  mornino-^  prayinji^  their  unseen  vis- 
itors to  intercede  with  the  gods  in  their  favor,  and 
tlien  arose,  rejoiced  at  haviniy^  observed  due  respect  for 
the  de})arted.  The  food,  which  the  spirits  weie  sup- 
])osed  to  have  rendered  sacred  by  inhalini;-  its  virtue, 
was  distributed  among-  the  ])oor,  or  deposited  in  some 
out-of-the-way  place.  During  the  day  further  cere- 
monies, accompanied  by  offerings,  were  made  at  the 
temples,  and  a  table  was  spread  for  the  priests.'"' 

"'  Gm(J.  Dcacrip.,  torn,  i.,  nt  ii..  fol.  I(i0-1,  toin.  ii.,  pt  ii.,  fol.  .'?20. 

''  Cliirifjcro,  Sforia  A  it.  i/rf  Messirn,  toiii.  ii.,  ])]).  i)S-'.(;  Ilrnmi,  Ili.if. 
Grii.,  «U'c.  iii.,  lib.  iii.,  cap.  xiii. ;  Exjilirnrion  drl  Codix  Tcllcriaiio-Jlniiiii- 
*•<,  in  Kin<ishorou<i/i's  ifrx.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  v.,  p.  13(1;  S/iiri/azionr  (frl/r  Tufo/r, 
il'l  i^k/uv  Mrxiriiiio  ( Vtitii'iino),  in  ItL,  p.  193;  Lrusxciir  tie  Jiourbuunj, 
lUsi.  Nat.  Civ.,  toin.  iii.,  jip.  22-4. 

''  'All  d(m/i6nie  niois  <le  runiiee  zapotfcque.'  Brasscur  de  Bovrbovrg, 
II'-'.  .\'<if.  Civ.,  torn,  iii.,  p.  2.3. 

■''  Bunjua,  Geoy.  Dcucrtp.,  toiii.  ii.,  pt  ii.,  fol.  392-3;  Brasucur  de  Bour- 


024 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


The  Nnlmas  were  physically  a  fine  race.  They  aro 
described  by  all  the  old  writers  as  bein|L^  tall,"  well- 
formed,  and  of  an  olive  or  light  copper  color;  as  hav- 
ing thick,  black,  coarse,  though  soft  and  gloss\^  half, 
regular  tectli,  hnv,  narrow,  retreating  foreheads,''*  black 
eyes,  scant  beards,"    and   very   little   hair   on   ihcir 


bourg,  Ilist.   Nat.  Cir.,  torn,   iii.,  pp.  23-4.     Additional  references  tn  fu- 
neral fereiiKiiiies  arc:   l'(i//ia,  Hint.  Aiit.   Jli'J.,  toni.  i.,  j).  'J.'iS,  toiii.  i'.,  )i]i. 


79,  '2'.n--2,  'i'.iS;    Wtaiin-rt,  Tcntru   M. 


pt 


pp.  i; 


:;t:  T> 


ZttZomvc. 


Croiiirii   Mx.,  in  KiinifilioroiKi/i's  Mix.  Aiitiq.,   vol.  ix.,  ji]i.  >S'.M)1,  !I,S-'.I, 
141-2,  17S-'.I;  Pi(rr/uis'f,i.i  I'ttiirinirs,  vol.  iv.,  pp.  l()2!t-;{(),    WAS')-  (InmUi 


^(irrn. 


CliiirrliiH' <  ('ill,    ]'vt/iiiirs,  viil.   iv.,    p.  514;  Miiiihiii lis.   .Xi'iiii 


Wfirrfi/,  ]>]>.  •li'ii  •_';  Ji'An'fi/,  L'Aiiiiriiiin;  turn,  ii.,  ]>.  OS);  Ai/n 


Ind. 


\>- 


Tiiiiriiii,   Hist,    dill.,  loni.   iii.,  jip.  t)-lt);  Jhfiijjorfr,  li<i.\ 


we 


I  inn: 


toil).  X.,  pp.  , 'lis  I';};  Lniiiir,  I'dnillili;  m^.  1  l-i:i,  28, ;{(»;  Xonnllis  A 


//.,   1S24,   toiii.  xxiv.,   pp.    1S7-8;  i'ninsliuni'.'i   World  ii,   Mi 
vol.    ii.,    p.    I'.t;    Miilivr,    Ainii'ikinnsitir    frirliii/om  n,    ]i.    (!()<);  / 


iiiidr.t 

iiiiiliii-'\ 

,1,1. 


.siilirc  III  Riir.li  Iiidiijiiiti,  ])p.  04-.");  I'lirluijal  K.sjiiintsii,   Uisl,   Mi.e. 
i.,   pp.  2;14,   r).")',l-('i4,    toni.  ii.,  pp.   .'J7,"»,  <i04;   JSnissi  nr  </i;  linHrliniiiij 


Mr 
toni. 

][isf.  A'li/.  Ct'r.,  torn,  ii.,  jjp.  424-'>,  roiu.  iii.,  i>it.  407-8,  4.");{,  iVid-H,  ."i'Js 
r)()i)-74;  Vnrli,  Ciirtiis,  pt  i.,  p.  J()7;  Mn/'e-llnai,  I'riiis  dc  In  (Irmj.,  to 
vi.,  p.  4.")(i;  Sill, 'Ill's  Trii  Tri/irs,  ])]).  27.">-(i;  Mniiii/urc,  Itisiinii.  \\.  : 
t'i>o}irr\s  Hist.  X.Anirr.,  vol.  ii.,  ]).  Ki.S;  Jinril,  Mr.riijiir,  ]>.  2(H{;  .l!iis.-.iir 
L'Eitiiiirr  .l/ci'.,  ]\\).  1  17-0;  liniil^iiiii'.s  Hist.  Jlr.srarr/irs,  jip.  ,S81-4;  liro 


Lid. 


"I. 


p.  ltd;  Klniiiii,   CiiUiir-Gcsrhirhtc,  toni.  v.,  ](p.  lU.  41l-,">,i 


184;  ('Krhiijid,  lUsriirsn,  p.  37 

T!  Kxccjit  the  /aptttecs,  who,  Carhajal  Espinosiasays,  wcreof  low  staf.iiu 


.!'. 


;4.->. 


and  l)road-s!iiHiMcrcd.  Hist.  J/i.r.,  foni.  i 

''' (lomara  savs  tliey  had  wide  forclicails.  t'luiq.  Mr.x.,  fol.  317.  '  l.a 
forma,  o  li;j;iira  de  las  ("ahcvas,  coninnniente  lastiencn  propdnionaila- m  \i\> 
ciicrpos,  y  i'l  los  otros  niicnihros  de  el,  y  dercciiiis;  a];.;iiiios  hi-  ticiicii  ciii- 
]iinadas,  y  his  I'rciitcs  (piadi'adas,  y  lianas;  ninis  (conio  son  e<«T<if<  Mcnkji- 
nos,  y  aU'MKiis  del  Pirii)  las  te?iian,  y  tieneii  de  niejor  fonna,  aL'n  de 
Iiceliiira  dc  ^'artilhi,  o  Navio,  ([lie  cs  la  nicjorfornia  lic  todas.'   't'limn,  „iiiiihi. 


[int..     tol 
tl 


]).  .'')82-3.     'The  .\ztcc  skulls  arc  dcscrihcd  a.-  iH-iii^,' 


rcmarKalilc  lur  the  shortness  of  their  axis,  tlicir  laij;i 


f  tl 


allelic 


I'ipiit 


iipicly  trim  •aiic 


1  lichiiid,  the  hei'dit  <.t  the  sciiiicirciilar  line  <>I  the  ■J»-iii 


ill 


jiles.  and  the  sliortncss  and  trapc/.oid'.l  foriii  of  the  ]iarictal  inaiic.  They 
pres  'lit  aiicicv,iti(in  or  ridue  alonj^tlu'  sauittal  sutim  ;  the  Imseiif  the  -kill' 
Is  very  slinrt,  and  the  faie  sir  litly  proj,''iatliu',  as  aiiioiijj;  the  M  iii;r"l-Ka! 
nines."     Thcv  liear  ii  stnni':  a.   doi;v  to  ine  skulls  of  a   l'crii\iaii   liiachycC' 


]ihali  fleiiiii'Micil  liy  Mortoi 


ii.vrr  s 


I', r.  Ilist.  11 


iia 


M 


i)f  our  own  tiiiM   arc  of  n 1  stature  ai 


1  their  liinUs.     Tlicv  have  ii  '.now  forehead^*,  hlacK  e 


retrnlar  tccili,  thi 


ck,  coarse  a 


I   I 


ssv  hii 


pMieral  willioiit  way  hair  on  t 


cir  lc!js, 


Ihi^d 


th 

IS,  or  arms. 


.•{•J(i.    'The  alinii^i- 

■ell  proportioned  in 

■s,    wiilte,  well-M't, 

icards.   and  .ire  in 


i'l 


lieir  skin  is  (jIim 


eoloiircil,  anil  many  line  yoiii;;;  woineii  may  he  s«'eii  amoiii^  them  \\  iili  e\- 
tremely  li;.'iit  eomplexions.  Their  scii.'<es  arc  very  acute,  more  esperinlly 
that  «if  sij^dit,  which  they  enjoy  unimiiaircd  to  tin  most  advaiiceil  ;c.'c.' 
yiijiiirr's  lliiiii.  Jhirr,  ]\.  4.")."».  l'"or  rcmarksoii  Mexican  Crania,  tlescriptioiiH 
and  iiiea-iiirenieiits  of  skulls  with  cuts,  see  .Mnr/oii's  Criiitia  Aiticr.,  [>[>.  1  II- 


7,  1.-.: 


3,  2.")7,  ami  plates  \vi-,\viii." ,  lix-Ix 


"9  AccorliiiLr  to   jlcrrera,  ///.s7.   (Ini.,  (l>oiid.  172(i.)  v(d.   iv..  ji.  12.',  Mini 


llrasscur  dc  liourliiuir;,',  Ilist.   \i(t.  Cir.,  tom.  iii.,   ji.  3.J,   the  Mi/tecs 
loll''  hcards. 


luiil 


PHYSICAL  PECULIARITIES. 


625 


Iwxlles.  Theii'  senses  were  very  acute,  especially  that 
of  sight,  which  they  enjoyed  unimpaired  to  tlie  most 
advanced  age.**^  Their  bodies  they  ke])t  in  tiaining 
by  constant  exercise.  They  were  wonderful  runners 
and  leapers,  and,  as  we  have  seen,  some  of  their  ath- 
letic and  acrobatic  feats  were  looked  upon  by  the  con- 
querors as  nothing  short  of  the  work  of  the  devil.  It 
was  no  unusual  thing  to  meet  with  peoj)le  wJio  from 
their  color  could  scar^t.iy  be  distinguished  from  Euro- 
peans. The  people  of  Miclioacan  enjoy  the  i'e[>uta- 
tion  of  having  bt'jn  the  tallest  and  handsomest  among 
the  Nahuas.***  The  women  of  Jalisco  found  great 
favor  in  the  eyes  of  the  reverend  Father  Torquemi'da. 
He  was  shown  one  there,  he  says,  wIkj  migiit  'oe  con- 
sidered a  miracle  of  beauty;  indeed,  so  fair  was  her 
skin,  so  well-proportioned  her  body,  and  so  rjgular 
her  features,  that  the  most  skillful  portrait-painter 
would  Ijave  been  put  to  it  to  do  her  justice  "^  De- 
formed people  Avere  very  anconnnon;  indeed,  as  we 
have  seen,  their  rarity  made  them  valuable  as  obj.-rts 
of  curiosity,  aiid  kings  and  princes  kept  collections* 
of  them.*^ 

"''  'Ell  los  Sentidos  pxteriov<'s  Vonio  non  los  do  c)  Vor,  *)ir,  (Mi-r.  y-^iiii*- 
tar)  l(»s  iik'ani,'an  adiniraldes;  iKirrfHt!  vi'ii  iniii  de  U-jkh,  y  im  vhjui  ilf  A^.'o- 
jiis,  si  i  1  s.wi  iiiui  |H(ciis,  (IcspiU's  (|ut>  Ills  luiu  vistii,  ei«  iiiit'stros  Ksp  ii6«i4t's, 
y  i.-.i>  OH  1  '1  la  v«'j('/,  y  tieiicii  I'miiiiiimi'iitc  lo.-i  ujuw  luici»»«»'  y  lit  riiinsns.  ciicii 
mm  ho,  )iut'lcii  tamliifii  iiuahiuier  cosa  ili'  imii  lojos;  lo  itiwnv  en  el  littMtn; 
v\  Sciitiilci  (li'l  tat'to,  1  iiiinuiiiiciito  es  (Iclirailo,  In  ijiial  st-  mrilica  ru  eliioN, 
pnniup  (|iialiiiii('r  cosa,  i[iu'  |iui'ila  iastiiiiarlas.  coino  »»s  fr'.i,  i-alor.  a«;"ti»H.  it 
ntia  exterior  atlic-iiiii.  los  aHi;if  iiu  i  faci!iiitMit<',  yen  iniidiit  irrail".  >  'jiial- 
<|iiii'ra  i'nferin*-.'la>l  Ins  a'l(>l;,Mia,  inas  prf^ln  los  criHit'iiicff,  y  inal^,  <|»»'  ii 
(itia  Nai'ioii,  asi  Ksimfioii!.  coiiio  utra  ai;:;uiia,  <'tiiin>  f.s  iiotiH'io,  a  fiwioM  ^>n 
i\ni'  los  coiioctniio'.  y  son  jiara  siifrir  iiiiii  \>'<{i  tra'iiijo.'  Tui'iyiiiiiniiii  Mo- 
iKirij.  fill/.,  toin.  ii.,  |>.  .'>S(). 

■*'  I'liuiiii'tiif,  ('ri'iii.  Mflionran,  MS.,  \>.  .'),);  I'miKiii-n,  Cnj,  Mr.r.,  W, 
'J18;  Torqifiii'v/'i,  Moiinrq.  Iiuf.,  toiii.  !.,  p  :i.S7,  toiii.  iii.,  p.  'AVP,  Jirrssi'ur 
di'  B{uir!iiiiir(j,  Hist,  Xaf.  Cir.,  torn,  iii.,  ji.  .')7. 

^2  III!  aclils  fnrtlu'r:  '  Y  I'sto  (auiKitic  no  on  ttuWo  extrenio)  ccurc.  iniii  vn 
;.'('iicral,  por  tculos  estos  lit'inos,  y  en  I'siporial  cii  a((iu'l  ilc  .Xalixn,  ^•^\  la 
N.ic'ioii,  line  llanian  Coca,  y  'reoiuw,  que  .soii  lo«  'J'onaUecos.  y  |n)r  aca  eii 
l.i  lie  'I'la.Kcalla,  y  otras  nniilias,  (jiu>  por  eseiiMar  <.'iifa*!o,  calio.'  yfiin'ii'i. 
lull.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  ")S"J;  see  also  loin,  i.,  p.  XV). 

^'^  'Soiiovi  eosi  rari  i  ilcfoinii,  die  tiitti  inieji;!!  Spa^^noioli,  e  Cic.ii^'li,  ehe 
lid  ITCiS.  veiiiiero  dal  .Messiro  in  It.tlia,  lestaioiio  allora,  e  sono  aiii  he  o;.'- 
H'lili  iDiiravi^jliati  ilall"  osservare  iidle  (  ittit  ill  i[iiesta  "oltixHiiiia  |ieiiisiihi  uu 
>i  ^'ran  niiniero  ili  dcdii,  di  jfohlii,  di  /oppi,  d'attratti  le.'  I'lni'i'v  i'".  •'^fon'u 
Aiit.  (hi  .)/  .v.v/Vo.  tniii,  iv.,  p.  iC.l.  Sec  farther,  eoii.'eniiii;^  the  pliy^leal 
Vol.  II.    4U 


iir 


m 

MIS 


h  m 


026 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


The  cliaracter  of  the  Nahuas,  although  the  .state- 
ments of  the  best  authors  are  nearly  unanimous  con- 
cerning it,  is  in  itself  strangely  contradictory.  Wa 
are  told  tliat  they  were  extremely  frugal  in  tlRir 
liahits,  that  wealth  had  no  attractions  for  them,  vet 
we  Hud  them  tratticking  in  tlie  most  shrewd  and  caic- 
ful  manner,  delighting  in  splendid  j)ageants,  gori^coiis 
dresses,  and  rich  armor,  and  wasting  their  suhstaiu't; 
in  costly  feasts;  they  were  tender  and  kind  to  tluir 
children,  and  soHcitous  for  their  welfare,  yet  tJie  j)iui- 
ishnients  they  inflicted  upon  their  offspring  were  cnit  I 
in  the  e.Ktreme;''*  they  were  mild  with  their  slave 
and  ferocious  with  their  captives;  they  were  a  joyous 
race,  fond  of  feasting,  dancing,  jesting,  and  innocent 
amusem<Mits,  yet  they  delighted  in  human  sacrifices, 
and  were  caimiUals;  they  possessed  a  well-  (i^  Mced 
civilization,  yet  every  action  «/f  their  lives  w^;.  :iitlu- 
enced  by  gn^ss  superstition,  by  a.  religion  inconceivahlv 
dark  and  bloody,  and  utterly  without  one  redeeinin"- 
featiu'e;  they  were  brave  warriors,  and  terrible  in  \\:ii\ 
yet  servile  and  submissive  to  their  superiors;  tlhv 
had  a  strong  imagination  and,  in  ,s<;nie  instances,  good 
taste,  yet  they  represented  their  g/>ds  as  jnoiisteis, 
and  tlu'ir  i-cligious  myths  and  hist<>/icajl  legends  are 
absui'd,  di.sgusting,  and  puerile. 

'J'liat  tlie  Nahuas  were  a  most  ingtsnious  peopK'  r>{ 
abundantly  proN-en  by  their  work  as  well  as  by  tli  ■ 
Htatements  </  tliose    who  knew  Miem.      It  has  heeii 

pc'^Hliiiritios  1^/  the  Mjhuux  and  oarlicr  peoples:  I tllilj-ncjiitl .  fxrhiciimi^, 
tn  l<iii'f.<l/'irO'/f//f's  Mo'.  Aiili'i.,  ^^  ix,,  |)j>  'i'lfi,  //M^'i.  34'  Ml-.'),  *.''>; 
Vcliiiiiirl,    '/'i//lr'/  ifj'      '■■■'■     ii      |>      .'     (Iitiiinrii.   Cinni.    }fij      i<t\    'fl.  II. 

'1;   fiirni"- 


ifi/  mi  ■ 
95,  318;  M'lf,ii(/l/ii,   fljl 

'■  ,     ' 
P    .i;   Urri-itll,  /lis/.  I,   ,'     .In 
f</)ii,   iii.,  B.   V^.);  <'liirilj///i,   .>'/ 


Un\t.  t 


Jil>.  X.,  p.    H"/   119,    iA2.  Jon/I. 
.il.  ol,  ^Af),  Umt.  ii.,  pp.  ,">«♦»«:-:    '' 
4///    Mij-,  torn,  i  .  j>p.  143  «i 
'      X  ,   <aii.  xix.;  i/rii'dii,    ll)-.i    ' 
^/r.ssiro,    Oim.    i.,    pp     !  !■ 


^A/ 


.ii^iff .  jy . ,  py.  l(il-7f);  y?''/(/A.  /  •  ///"  /  //(T  ni  (Ji nlU'Inniinit  ifil  Si)/. 
P0m<ii  I'litfrit' ,  \\\  lliifiiUKi-,  •//  i//'/fi/,,ii,  Uym.  iii,,  ixA.'MH.  Jlrn^ 
milfhoi/rij.  11/4-  Ndf.  ^  ' 

p.  35 J  Cf/rlii////  f,.s-/,h'i        i!    I 
4S7;  thifiiilr,  fl,l ,  -iHv  Km 
71  2;  t),lhn,'H  llixl.    Mif      ,  / 

Y  'f\.  i'iiOi>it'it  llitt.  N.  A //III  ji   h/',i. 

w  4**  Hi  is  vv/Juiiio,  p.  '/A'J. 


Ii.,  pj).  187.  I«»,  I 

;«»,  '.'4.'v  t'lm.  ii..  pi' 

/    •  /  //    „,    V 

J 


CIIAHACTEll  OF  THE  XAHl'AS. 


G27 


said  that  they  wei'c  not  inventive,  Init  this  ClaviL,»'er<) 
iiuliguantly  denies."'  It  is  certain  that  their  jxtwcr  of 
imitation  was  very  ^reat,**"  and  that  tliey  wt-re  very 
(|uic'k  to  learn  the  new  arts  inti'oduced  ainonn'  them  hy 
the  Spaniards.*''  They  were  generous  and  ieinarkal)ly 
free  from  avarice.*'  Tliey  are  said  to  have  been  Aeiy 
teni[)erate  in  their  liahits,**  hut  judLrinu^  from  tlie  vast 
luuuhcr  of  dishes  served  up  at  tiie  tahles  of  the  rich, 
and  tlie  strinLfent  hiws  which  were  necessary  to  |)ie- 
vent  druidcenness,  this  ap})ears  douhtfuL  Akhniiuh 
terrihk'  to  their  e.iemies,  and  naturally  wai'like,  they 
were  peaceable  ara.)iig  themselves,  and  seldnni  (piar- 
rcled.  Las  Casas  says  that  when  a  difficulty  arose 
between  two  of  them,  the  disi)utants  <lid  not  come  at 
once  to  blows,  but  contented  themsilves  with  sui'h 
}»ersonal  abuse  as:   "Go  to,  thou  hast  bad  eyes;  thou 

^''  'Vi  soiio  mohi,  clic  acconliuio  ni  Mpssicjuii  tiiiii  f,'raii<l('  aliilitii  |>i'r 
liiiiitii/imu';  nia  lur  ccnitiaslaiio  i|iu'lla  tlcll'  iiivciizioiif.  Emir  \nl^'a  c, 
'  li(^  tntvasi  siiientitii  nclla  Sturia  antica  di  <iuc'sta  Maziimo.'  iiloria  Aii^. 
<I<1  Mvssiro,  toiii.  i.,  |>,  120. 

*"'  St;o  tliis  voluiric,  ])j).  47r)-(). 

^  'I, OH  uinoH  <li'  los  liiiliit-i  UK  son  inolostos  con  ohstinarion  ni  porfia  h,  la 
V'c.  f'atliolica,  conio  lo  son  los  Morosy  Imlios;  antes  a|iiTnilfn  dc  tal  niancra 
la-i  vcnlailt's  de  los  ( "liristiauos,  (inc  no  solaniciitc  salcn  con  ellas,  sino  (iiui 
las  ;i;4.)taii,  y  L'stanta  sn  faciliil-id  ([ut.'  parecc  i|Ut;  so  las  luMicn.  AiirtMidcii 
nia-'  iHVsto  (|U(!  los  nifios  Es]ianoli's;  y  con  mas  contcnlo  los  ,\rticnlos  du  la 
I'l'  |)or  sa  ordcii,  y  las  dcina^  uracioncs  dc  la  iloctrina  Christiana,  rctenii-ndo 
I'll  la  nicnioria  ticlnicnte  lo  i|Ui'  so  los  onsofia."  I>i'irila  /'iii/i//ii,  His/,  i'vtid. 
Mc.i\,  ]>.  i;j!).  'II  n'l'tait  lion  ijuo  los  liidions  n"a|i|irissont  avt'o  iitio  raiiidito 
sMrjironanto,  ot  s'il  arrivait  ijnol(|no  nonvi'an  niotior  tlont  ils  n'oiissont  au- 
I  iMU!  connaissanco,  ils  s'aii|ili(|naiont  ii  lo  \oir  fairo  a\oo  tant  d'intollijronco, 
(|ao,  nial^'ro  los  soins  do  1  oii\  riiT  ii  lour  oailior  son  soorot,  ils  lo  lui  iMJovai- 
ont  an  liont  do  ((nohjui's  jours.'  Jirti.snniir  dc  limirhourij,  llixt.  Xol  Cir,, 
loMi.  iv.,  ](.  "'28. 

""*  'Son  inny  ladronos,  tnontirosos,  y  liol;;azanos.  I.a  fortilidad  do  la 
licrra  done  caiisar  tiiiita  |iori'/a,  o  |ior  no  sor  olios oodioioso.s."  lldiiKnn,  ('um/. 
Ml  r.,  I'ul.  ;U7.  'Ea  jiooraiita  o  lo  slaooainonto  da(|ualsisia  intorosso  sono  doi 
ininoipali  altrilinti  del  loro  oarattoro.  L'oro  non  lia  prosso  i  .Mossionni 
tiilta  (piolla  stinia,  oIh'  ;.'odo  iirosso  altri.  Dauiio  son/a  dispiacoro  (|nolio, 
ilio  si  prooaooiano  oon  sunn  iia  tat  ioa.  (^iiosto  lorostaroainculo  da  li'into  rosso, 
I'll  il  ])ooo  anioro,  <lio  purtano  a  i(noi  olio  ;:li  ;;ovornano,  ii  t'a  rifiutaro  (|uollo 
laliolio,  a  oui  sono  da  ossi  (ostrotti,  o  iiuosla  o  appunto  la  tanio  .  ~a;,'orata 
,  i.irrizia  ilo;;li  Anioriiani.'  ('Iinif/no,  Stmiii  Ant.  (Id   Sfinsim,   toui     i.,   ]iii. 

l-'l-'2.      'Estii    ru  lihros  do  III  onforniodad  do  la lioia,  y  no  ponsanan  on  I.i 

v.inidad  dol  or  y  pl:ila,  ni  liazian  osliniiKion  dollo.'  Ihiri/n,  Tnitro  Kilts., 
tniii.  i.,  p.  18.  'So;fnn  lo  (pio  aipiolla  odail  porniito,  son  inoliiiadissinins  ;i 
Mr  libonilos.  Taido  iiionla  ipio  lo  ipu'  si'  los  da,  so  do  a  vno  oonio  a  nin- 
clios:  ]iori|Uo  lo  (ino  mio  rocilio,  so  ropfirlo  luo^'o  entre  todos,"  llavila  I'n- 
ililln,  II, St.  Fniil.  .\frj-  ,  p.   i:i!t. 

"'J  'I'lie  most  solior  poopio  known.  ]'i  lutiotic  fnfla  prr  m  ijnifiriiuoino 
(III  Siijuor  Ftriiiiiido  i'oricxc,  in  llamusio,  Navi(jutwi(i,  tom.   iii.,  p.  3(»4. 


I 


628 


THE  NAHUA  NATIONS. 


art  toothless;"  or  they  threw  handfuk  of  dirt  hi  each 
otliur's  faces  and  then  separated  and  washed  tliLiii- 
sdIvos.  On  rare  occasions  they  pushed  and  ellxjvvt d 
eacli  other,  or  even  had  a  sculHe,  in  which  hair  was 
pulled  out,  clothes  were  torn,  and  bloody  noses  ic- 
ceived,  but  deadly  weapons  were  never  used,  nor  eNcn 
worn  except  by  soldiers  on  duty.  The  same  writn- 
relates  that  two  women  were  put  to  death  by  ordci-  <>l' 
the  kinj^of  Tezcuco  for  fightin*^  in  the  public  mark*  I 
])lace,  a  scandalous  outrage  upon  public  decency,  tin; 
like  of  which  had  never  been  heard  of  before.  II(! 
says,  further,  that  when  two  young  men  became  enam- 
ored of  the  same  woman,  or  when  one  carried  oil' 
the  other's  mistress,  the  rivals  were  allowed  to  fi^lit 
a  duel  for  the  possession  of  the  woman.  The  coniltat 
did  not  take  place,  however,  until  the  army  went 
forth  to  war,  w'hen  upon  the  first  engagement  tin  y 
sought  out  each  other,  and  fought  with  their  weapons 
until  one  was  vanquished.*'  They  seem  to  have  been 
veiy  strict  and  jealous  in  all  matters  relating  to  tluir 
women.^^ 

Tlie  Tlascaltecs  were  great  lovers  of  liberty,  and 
were  always  ready  to  fight  for  it;  they  were,  besides, 
quick  to  take  offence,  otherwise  they  are  said  to  ha\c! 
been  of  a  peaceable,  domestic  dis])osition,  content  to 
stay  at  home  and  listen  to  or  tell  stories  in  their  own 


9"  Las  Casn-t,  in  Kitigshorotir/Ji'ii  Mex.  Antiq.,  vol.  viii.,  pp.  124-.'). 

9'  'Sou  celo.sissinios,  y  nssi  his  aporroau  imirlio.'  (loiiKtnt,  Cnhi].  .!/•.'•,, 
fol.  IU7.  Wo  have  seen  in  a  former  eliapter,  that  Nezaiuiah'oyotl  put  liis 
dearest  sou  to  death  for  speaking  lewdly  to  liis  father'.s  (•oui'ultini\  Sec  iliin 
volume,  pp.  447,  ot  seq. ;  see  further  eoncerninj'  the  character  of  the  Mix 
icaus,  ahout  whom  the  above  remarks,  though  douhtiess  ajtplicalile  to  iiiiiiiy 
other  of  tlie  Naliua  nations,  are  more  particularly  nuulo:  J'J.sji/irnriiHi  i/r  In. 
Vo/rrcioii  (li;  Mcudozn,  in  KiuqshuroHqlt'ii  Mcx.  Aliliq.,  vol.  v.,  p.  4(1;  Ai'n.sln, 
llisf.  (fr  /as  YikI.,  pi).  458-0;' y>(f*77'f  Pudilla,  lllst.  Fvnd.  Mr.r.,  pp.  i:!!", 
'2~()\  Tiiripniiiiuln,  Motiarq.  hiiL,  toni.  iii.,  p.  'l^'l;  (liumtrii,  Cdin/.  J/'.'.,  pp 
317-IS;  J'(ii/i/(fi,  Coiu].  N.  Gnlicin,  MS.,]).  8;  Zori/n,  in  KhKjsh'iniiiii/i's  ]hx. 
All//'/.,  vol.  viii.,  p.  'iHf);  Trzozomor,  Crdtiirn  J/cc,  in  f</.,  vol.  ix  .  p-  l''7; 
Lti.s-  CiisK.i,  llisf.  AjtidogvUrit,  MS.,  cap.  xliv.,  .\lv.,  l.wii.,  cxl. ;  ('Inriiii  rn^ 
S/iiriii  Ant.  del  Mrssiro,  tonj.  i.,  j»p.  llft-'2.1,  torn,  iv.,  jip.  I77--'*-:  >'""''". 
S/Kuiifr  in  JVrii.  toui.  ii.,  p.  17;  Bro.i.fnir  dr  Jjoiirhiniri/,  llisf.  Xaf.  ''''■. 
toni.  iv.,  pp.  7l27-:{tl,  810;  I'Aliiihiinj/i  Rrrim;  1S()7;  h'/'iuii,  ('ii/tiir'<'<'- 
schi('hfi\  torn,  v.,  pp.  8-10;  Ks/iinitsii,  lILff.  ,1/r.r.,  torn,  i.,  ]ip.  00-H;  ii'i'i'i/on's 
Ilist.  and  (Jiuij.  Jlfin.,  pp.  73-0;  Chi  valid;  Mcxiqiic,  \i\).  D3-4. 


CHARACTER  OF  THE  NAIIUAS. 


629 


r,!inllies,  an  amuscnicnt  of  wliicli  they  were  very  fimd. 
They  are  f'urtlier  deseribed  as  triithtul,  just,  iVugal, 
and  industrious.*^ 

The  Cholultecs,  so  celebrated  for  their  pottery,  arc 
reported  to  have  been  very  peaceful,  industi'ious,  and 
shrewd  traders,  yet  brave  witlial,  and  capable  of  de- 
Ic'iidiiig  their  rights.'-'^  The  Zapotecs  were  a  licice 
jKople,  always  at  war  with  their  nei*,^hl)oi-s.''*  Tlie 
Miztecs  arc  said  by  Herrera  t'>  have  been  the  bravest 
jieople  in  all  New  Spain;  the  same  writer  asserts  Huit 
they  were  lazy  and  iniprovidei>t,  while  Espinosa  speaks 
of  them  as  an  industrious  race."^  The  natives  <»f  \'era 
Cruz  are  spoken  of  as  affable  and  slirewd.""  'I'he  ]»eo- 
])le  of  Jalisco  were  witty  and  slothful,  yet  tliey  will- 
ingly carried  burdens  for  the  Siuiniards,  Herrera  tells 
us."-'^  The  Tarascos  .vere  exceedingly  valonjus,  greai; 
liars,  and  industrious."'^ 

9  For  tlic  character  of  the  Tlasoaltccs  sec:  C'ortfa,  Crirfos,  p.  08;  Ca^ 
viitrrjo.  Hist.  Tl((X.,  in  Nnuirllcn  Aiiititirs  drs  Vov.,  1843,  toiii.  xcviii.,  i>|i. 
l',t7-'J<t(>,  toiii.  xcix.,  jip.  l;{(),  14'.>,  1.")!;  Motvliiiiu,'  Hi'x/.  Jiu/ios,  in  linjud- 
CI  til,  t'dl.  dc  lhu\,  toni.  i.,  ji.  TtJ;  (iomara,  Ci/ii</.  Afi\i-.,  f<il.  ,S7;  A/rrd,i, 
liiri\,  ttini.  v.,  1).  155;  Hcrc'iM  //  Stirminito,  S'rmon,  }>.  88;  /.'//d.nir/iid, 
lli^l.  C/iHi.,  in  Khii/shordiiif/i's  Mcx.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  ix.,  it.  ■2',)4;  I'rfir  Mar/i/r, 
(Ice.  v.,  HI),  i. ;  Priidf,  Cirrtns,  pp.  175-(>;  ('{irliiija/  Es/iiiio.'id,  Hist.  Mix., 
toiii.  ii.,  p|(.  121,  1'2!>.  511;  K/riiiin,  <'idfiir-(!<:ir,'iir/i(v,  toni.  v.,  pp.  180-7; 
/)'//.v.svVt;v',  Ij^Kiiipir'-  Mi.>:,  \t.  'I'M),  Ddlaii,  Hist.  Mix.,  p.  7. 

'>'■>  Oricilo,  Ili.tf.  (Ini.,  toni.  iii  ,  p.  40!t;  Goiiiiird,  Cinit/.  M'.i:,  fdl.  05; 
Vriiilt,  Ciirfii.f,  p.  17(»;  llraxsiiir  dr  liiDirlioiirij,  Hist.  Nut.  Cir  ,  foui.  iv., 
\i.  !.'{((;  ('iir/iii/iii  E.i/thiD.sii,  Hint.  Mr.i:,  toni.  i.,  p.  '_*5.),  fmn.  ii..  p.  I'_M,  'XM>. 

■''  llirivrii,  llisl.  (it'll.,  (Ice.  iii.,  lili.  iii.,  cap.  .viv. ;  Diirdii  J'add'n,  Uisl. 
Frill/.    Mix  ,  p.  54S:   h'l'/n/xirtr,  Un'.srn,  ton),  x.,  ji.   IS.S. 

!ij  llrrrmi,  Ui.tf.  (!ni..  dec,  iii.,  lib.  iii,,  caji.  \iii. ,  Curlinjid  K.iiinn.tu, 
lli\t.  .)fi:r..  toni.  i.,  p.  '244;  Ilrdn.siiir  dc  liunrhjiirij,  llist.  S'ltt.  Cir..  toiii. 
iii.,  p.  35. 

'"'  diiiiiiirn.  ///.s7.  Tiid.,  fol.  57. 

*"  Ilrrrrrn^  lli.st.  (foi.,  dec.  iv.,  lib,  viii.,  cap.  ii. 

''■^  Ihmiiiioiit,  t'rdii.  Merliitiicini,  MS.,  pp.  5l-'2;  Torqurninihi.  MiDinri/. 
lull.,  torn,  i  ,  )),  XVI,  torn,  iii.,  )i.  X^'l;  (trin/o.  Hist,  iloi.,  toni.  iii.,  p.  5(i;{; 
l.\-'lilxiirhitl,  Ifiif.  Chirk.,  ill  KiiiifstniriiiiijJi's  J\fix  AriN't/.,  vol.  ix.,  |i.  308, 
n^rrrni,  lli.if.  ^r'fv/,,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  iii.,  cap.  x. ;  (roiiinrii,  ''inn/.  M'X.,  fol. 
IMS;  liriitisriir  ilr  liiiurliiiiirij,  Ili.sf.  Xat.  Cir.,  toni.  iii.,  |>p.  5(J  7;  C'lr/tujul 
I'.siiiiioaii,  lli.st.  Mrx.,  toni.  i.,  p.  "291,  toni.  ii.,  j).  595;  .Midic-Brun,  i'nc/v 
ilr  /a  Gcug.,  toni.  vi.,  p.  450. 


w: 


CHAPTER  XX. 

GOVERNMENT,  SOCIAL  CLASSES,  PROPERTY,  AND  LAWS  OF  THE 

MAYA    NATIONS. 

iNTRoiuirTORY  Remarks— Votan's  Emi'irk— ZamnA's  Refon— The 
Royal  Families  of  Yucatan ;  Cocomes,  Titil  Xius,  Itz.\s, 
AMI  CiiELEs— Titles  and  Order  ok  SuccEasioN— Classes  ok- 
^^)ULES  — The  QLitiiE-CAKCHKirKi-  Emi-ike  in  Guatemala  — 
The  Ahau  Ahtop  and  Succession  to  the  Throne- PHivn.r.i;i;i) 
Classes  Covernment  ok  the  Provinces— The  Koyal  (  m m  ii, 
— The  Chiapanecs— The  Pikiles— Nations  of  NicARAtHA  Tiik 
Maya  Priesthood  -  Plebeian  Classes  —  Slaves  —  Ten  c  i:k  ok 
Lands— Inheritance  ok  Property  — Taxation— Dkhtous  and 
CREi>n'oRs  — Laws  AND  THE  Administration  of  Justice. 

My  reasons  for  dividing-  tlu;  Civilized  Nations  ot' 
our  territory  into  two  iL;rou|>s,  the  Naliuaa  and  tlic 
Mayas,  whose  institutions  are  separately  descrihcd, 
have  been  stated  in  the  G  liernl  view,  to  which  a 
preceding  cliapter  has  been  devoted'.  In  the  same 
place  was  given  an  outHne  sketcli  oif"  the  nations  c 'iii- 
l)osing  eacli  group,  and  their  nuitual  rehiti«jus/  wliirl) 
may  serve  as  an  introduction  to  tlie  remainder  ol  tliis 
volume.  Without  further  preliminary  remarks  1  niiij 
therefore  enter  at  once  ujxm  the  sul)ject-niattcr  <»t 
this  second  division  of  my  topic,  n  lU'scriptioii  ol 
Maya  institutions,  or  the  manners  an«i  cust«)ias  of  the 
civilized  nations  whose  homo  was  south  of  the  isthums 


1  Soo  i>|i.  81-P23  of  this  voluine,  Mini  ts]iu(inl1y  pp.  114-2.1,  on  tlu'  Mc  .1 
iiutiuiis. 

(030) 


VOTAN'S  MAYA  EMPIlcE. 


C31 


of  Tuliuaiitopec.  It  will  be  evident  to  the  reader 
IVom  what  has  been  said  that  this  account  must  bo 
not  only  much  briefer,  but  also  less  complete  and  sat- 
isfactory than  that  of  the  Nalma  nations.  Concern- 
iiii^  the  Aztecs  and  kindred  peoples  about  the  lakes 
of  the  Mexican  valley,  as  we  have  seen,  a  large 
.iiuount  of  information  has  been  preserved;  I  have 
consequently  been  able,  in  treating  of  the  northern 
])eoples,  to  take  tliese  nations  of  the  valley  as  a 
nucleus,  adding  in  their  pro[»er  places  such  fragments 
of  knowledge  as  are  extant  respecting  tril)es  outside 
the  limits  of  Anahuac.  In  tlie  soutli,  fragmciitiiry 
information  is  all  we  have;  there  is  no  nucleus  round 
Avhich  to  group  it;  the  matter  of  the  following  cliapters 
will,  therefore,  be  very  similar  in  its  nature  to  what  that 
of  the  preceding  would  have  been,  hud  1  undertaken  to 
describe  the  Tarascos,  Totonacs,  Zapotecs,  etc.,  with- 
out the  Aztecs.  In  this  branch  of  my  subject  I  shall 
follow  as  nearly  as  possible  the  same  order  as  in  the 
preceding,  bringing  together  into  one  chapter,  how- 
ever, the  topics  before  treated  in  several.  I  shall 
also  include  the  civilized  nations  of  Nicaragua  in  this 
division,  although  one  at  least  of  them  was  of  Nahua 
blood  and  language.  In  the  days  of  ancient  Maya 
I'jory  when  Votan  and  liis  successors  reigned  ovi.-r 
mighty  and  j)erhaps  confederated  enii)ires  in  ('hia])as, 
(iiiatemala,  and  Yucatan,  the  kings  played  rulos  to  a 
'^I'l-at  extent  mythical,  being  j)ictured  by  tradition  as 
ombining  the  charatter  and  powers  of  leuislatoj-.s, 
t^acliers,  high-priests,  and  monarchs.  Details  of  the 
system  by  whi«'h  they  governed  are  altogether  want- 
ing," but  after  a  long  term  of  prosperity  this  govern- 
nient  in  (iruatemala  and  ( 'hiapas  beeanie  weakened 
and  at   last   practically  destroyed;   the   country  was 

-  Althiia,','li  T>ras:»cur  <!(•  ^l)^ll•^o•lr!L,',  <^n  tlio  aiillmrity  nf  humii'  cif  liis 
iiiiTiiiiil  MSS.  pcrliaiis,  stales  tli,;«  Xiliallia  in  tlic  liriulil  itt'  its  ;;icny  was 
f  r. 'il  by  tliiitccii  iniiicfs,  two  of  wlioiii  wi'ic  kiiius,  tlic  M-conii  licin.'.;  ><nlk- 
iinliiiatL'  to  the  lirst ;  find  also  tiiat  tliei-c  was  a comiiil  of  twelve,  presiiU'd 
inir  by  tlie  kiiifi.  1I(!  also  mentions  a  sueeessioii  of  se\eiite<'ii  kinj^.s  after 
\  'tan.   ILnt.  A'u'.  Cn:,  toiu.  i.,  i)p.  127,  123,  5)5-7. 


632 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


divided  among  potty  chiofs,  concern iii^"  wlioso  rule 
even  loss  is  known  than  of  tluit  of  their  predecessors, 
but  Avlio  not  inijirobably  l)ased  their  forms  of  au- 
thority on  the  ideas  handed  down  from  Votan.  Froiu 
these  _i,''overnmcntal  relics  there  sprung  up  in  later 
years,  under  new  and  perliaps  foreign  leaders,  the 
Quiclie  and  Cakchiquel  emj)ires,  of  wliose  goveiii- 
ment  some  details  are  known,  since  these  natious 
came  into  direct  contact  with  the  Spaniards  at  the 
concpKist,  Leaving  these  nations  for  tlie  i)resent,  I 
will  speak  first  of  another  branch  of  the  primitive 
Maya  empire. 

Yucatan  received  its  culture  traditionally  from 
Zamna,  wlio  came  from  al)road,  governed  the  Mayas 
through  a  long  life,  and  left  the  throne  as  an  licritage 
to  his  successors.  He  was  doubtless  a  com])anion  or 
a  descendant  of  Votan,  and  founded  institutions  siiui- 
lar  to  those  of  the  Avestei-n  kingdoms  whence  he 
came.  The  govermnent  and  institutions  estaiilishi'd 
in  Yucatan  met  to  a  certain  extent  the  sauu;  fate  ;is 
those  of  Chiapas;  that  is,  the  country  was  finally  sjilit 
u[)  by  civil  wars  into  numerous  petty  independent 
sovereignties;  but  this  division  was  at  a  much  later 
date  than  that  of  A'^otan's  w^estern  empire.-  not  long 
preceding  the  Spanish  conquest — and  the  government 
of  the  independent  chieftains  was  substantially  that 
of  their  ancestors,  many  of  whom  claimed  to  bt'  of 
the  royal  family  founded  by  Zamnd.  Conse(|uently 
some  scra})S  of  information  are  extant  respecting  tlu- 
form  of  gov^ernment,  as  well  as  other  institutions,  in 
Yucatan;  and  from  these  we  may  form  a  faint  idea  ot 
the  earlier  institutions  of  (Guatemala  and  Chiapas. 

Zanma,  like  Votan,  united  in  himself  the  qualities 
of  ruler,  law-giver,  educator,  and  priest;  he  founthd 
the  city  of  IMayapan,  and  divided  the  Avhole  countiy 
among  the  chiefs  of  the  leading  families  who  came 
Avith  him,  making  tlusm  vassals  of  the  king  whom  In- 
left  on  the  throne  at  Alaya})an.  The  nobles  of  tlu' 
royal    family  were   of  course    the    highest,  a  i'amily 


THE  UUYAL  FAMILIES  OF  YUCATAN. 


G33 


wliicli  Wfis  perh.aps  tliut  known  later  as  tho  CocomoH, 
and  wliicli  lasted  to  the  coniiiii,^  of  the  Spaniards. 
Each  of  the  vassal  prhioes  had  to  live  in  the  capital 
(hirir.j;-  a  certain  part  of  every  year;  and  Brasseur  de 
iioLirhourg,  followinj^  ()rdt)nez,  thinks  that  ^laya|)an 
may  have  formed  a  confederacy  with  Tulhil  and  Pa- 
]en([ue  in  Chiapas.' 

Another  royal  famih'',  the  Tntul  Xius,  sprun<^  uj) 
later  and  became  very  })owerful  as  allies  and  vassals 
of  the  king  reigning  in  Mayapan ;  antl  still  another 
I'amily,  the  Itzas,  built  up  a  strong  government  of 
theocratic  nature  at  Chichen  Itza.  Then  came  Cu- 
kulcan  with  some  new  religious  teachings — a  famous 
})ors()nage  bearing  a  striking  resemblance  in  his  tra- 
(htional  career  and  in  the  etvmolo'jfv  of  his  name  to 
the  Quetzalcoatl  of  the  Nahuas.  lacing  finally  called 
to  the  throne  at  Mayapan,  he  formed  a  confederacy, 
making  the  princes  of  the  Tutul  Xius  and  Itzas  his 
associate  inonarchs,  subordinate  nomiiudly  in  rank  but 
])iactically  independent  except  where  mutual  assistance 
was  recpiired.  Cukulcan  Icl't  the  throne  to  the  Coco- 
nies,  seven  of  whom  ruled  during  a  period  of  great 
])i'osperity,  the  succession  being  from  father  to  son, 
down  to  about  the  eleventh  century.  Afterward  the 
( 'oc(Mnes,  becoming  tyrannical,  were  deposed  from 
their  high  })ositi()n.  ^layapau  destroyed,  and  a  new 
cnnfederacy  established  with  the  Tutul  Xius  at  the 
head,  Uxmal  being  at  first  their  capital,  tlic  Itzas 
sueoud,  and  the  C'heles  at  Izamal  tliird.  The  Tutul 
Xiu  rule  was  no  less  glorious  than  that  of  the  (\)co- 
iiies.  They  rebuilt  ^raya|)an  and  made  it  once  more 
tho  capital,  but  the  unfoilunate  city  was  again  sacked, 
this  time  l>y  foi'tiigncrs  perliaps  the  (,^)uic]n's  in  the 
thirteenth  century;  and  was  finally  destroyi'd  in  the 
middle  of  the  fifteenth  century  by  the  vassal  lords  of 
tlie  realm,  who  revolted,  overthrew  the  Tutul  Xiu  dy- 
nasty, obtained  their  comjilete  in(lc[»endence,  and  ruled 

^  Cofidlhiilo,  Hist.  Yur.,  ])]).  178-9;  OnfoTirz,  Hist.  iJrl  rirlo  j/ i/r  In  TkiTa, 
Ms.;  Brasseur  dc  Bourbon rg,  Hist.  Xat.  I'ir.,  tciiii.  i.,  \)i>.  78-80. 


0'J4 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


each  his  potty  provinco  with  sovoruisjfii  power.  This 
was  tlieir  coiulitioii  when  tho  Spaniards  camo,  but  l)o- 
foro  that  tiiiio  hy  civil  war,  and  hy  faniino  and  pcstj- 
loiu'o  alsij,  as  traihtioii  tulls  us,  tho  power  of  the  rulers 
and  tho  population  of  tho  country  had  l)een  urcatlv 
(Uniinished  and  tlio  ancient  Maya  ^lory  liad  (k'|)art((l 
forever.  Shortly  before  tho  final  dtistrut^tion  of  tin- 
iniuiaichy  a  portion  of  tho  Itzas  had  left  Chichen  ami 
miij^rated  southward  to  found  a  small  but  i)ow<rriil 
nation  in  what  is  now  the  province  <»f  Peten,  bcloiin- 
ia-^-  politically  to  (Juateinala.  It  is  from  traditionary 
accounts  of  the  kint^dom  under  the  Tutul  Xius,  and 
from  tho  moa.i^ro  observations  of  the  Spaniards  in  the 
sixteenth  century  that  our  sli<dit  knowled*jfe  of  Mava 
ijistitutions  in  the  })eninsula  is  jji^ained. 

The  hi^fhest  title  of  tho  kinn'  at  Maya])an  was  Ah- 
tepal,  which  siiJi-niHes  in  tho  Maya  tont^uo  'Maji'stic," 
or  'Au'^ust.'  His  power  was  absolute,  but  he  rarely 
acted  in  matters  of  importance  without  consultiiii;'  his 
lords,  and,  in  accordance  with  their  advice  and  that  of 
tho  chief  priests,  he  ai)]>oiuted  all  officials,  secular  and 
relii^ious,  in  the  kin,<^dom,  possossini^  nioreovei"  tho 
rii^ht  to  orufanize  all  courts  and  to  condemn  to  dcatli 
any  of  his  subjects.  The  succession  to  the  tluonc 
was  confined  to  the  royal  family,  to  the  male  line,  and 
to  tho  sons  of  noble  wives;  tho  eldest  son  seems  to 
have  been  the  acknowledged  heir  to  the  throne,  and 
Landa  tells  us  that  if  tho  kinjif  died  durinjif  the  cliild- 
hood  of  his  heir,  thou  his  eldest  or  most  capable  l)r(»th(  r 
ruled  not  otdy  during'  tho  son's  minority  but  duriiiL;"  all 
his  own  life;  and  in  case  there  wore  no  brothers  tho 
l)riests  and  nobles  chose  a  suitable  i)erson  to  reign.* 


<  'Si  luniiacl  acnor,  aunqnc  le  succcdiesse  cl  liijo  niuynr,  eran  siciiiinc 
Iks  (lumas  liijoH  may  acatadds,  y  aymladoH  y  tonidoH  iior  si-fiores.'  l.nn'l'i. 
Jii/tirio/i,\i.  \\'2.  'Si  (iiiaiido  ei  senor  iiioria  no  craii  los  hijos  i)aia  i('::iiy 
tenia  hcnnanoH,  rt'j,'ia  d(!  los  lit-iinanos  id  mayor  o  cd  mas  descnlniidtci  >  :d 
lu'iTilt'i-o  mostravaii  sus  costiiinbros  y  tiestas  para  quando  fiiesse  liombio  y  cs- 
tos  hcriuanos,  aiinqiic  td  civdcro  fiiesse  ]>ara  rcf;ir,  mandavan  toda  sii  \  iila, 
y  sinoavialuM'niaiioH.  elt';:;iaii  lossacerdotoMyfjcntf  jirincipal  uii  lionitin'  >:illi- 
(■iciite  para  (dlo.'  TiL,  ]^.  I.'IS.  lirasst-nr  de"Honrl)oiu%  in  his  Frcncli  irnis- 
latiou  of  this  passage,  yives  a  dillereut  meaning  from  what  1  deem  tho  oir- 


conn'  KTKilKTTK  IN  Yl'l'ATAN. 


r.nr* 


One  autlior  sj»t>aks  of  the  k'uyj;  as  liaviiii'' tho  ri^-lit 
ti>  }i|)|)()iiit  a  council  wliicli  sliould  iiaiuo  liis  siici'cs.sor, 
and  lii'incsal  nnjiitions  that  in  tlic  province!  of  ('ani- 
|iuclie,  a  woman  wlio  canic  in  the  dirci't  lino  of  siu;- 
ccssion  rccuivcd  lii^li  lionors,  hut  tlio  most  capahhj 
(if  her  malt)  I'clativi's  ruKid  the  statt;.'' 

Whenuver  the  k'mi*;  a[»}>car(!d  in  [luhlic,  lio  was  al- 
WiiyH  atton(li;d  hy  a  lar<^u  com|)any  and  wore  a  lon^' 
white  riowin.i»'  rohe  decorated  with  ornaments  of  ^'■old 
and  precious  stones,  hracelets,  a  mayiiiHcent  collar, 
and  sandals  of  o'(>ld.  Jtis  crown  was  a  |»lain  <^'ol(len 
circle  somewhat  wider  on  the  forehead  than  hehind, 
and  surmounted  with  a  ])lume  of  (juetzal-feathers. 
This  hird  was  resei-\  ed  for  the  kinjjf  and  hi<rhest  no- 
hies,  death  heinijf  the  ])enalty,  aceordin*^  to  Ordonez, 
for  one  of  lowtu-  raid<  who  shouhl  capture  the  hird  or 
Avear  its  ])lumai;e.  The  nutuarch  was  l)orne  on  the 
shoulders  of  his  nol)les  reclininjjf  in  a  jjalancpiin,  shaded 
hy  a  feather  canopy,  and  constantly  fanned  hy  attend- 
ants of  hin'h  raidc.  Any  })erson  who  came  into  the 
]>resence  of  the  kini^  or  other  hi<^h  official,  was  ex- 
])ected  to  hrini;'  some  <i;'ift  pro[)ortioned  to  his  nutans, 
and  Herrera  informs  us  that  the  lii^hest  mark  of  re- 
sj)ect  was  to  place  the  riu^ht  hand,  anointed  with  sj)it- 
tle,  on  the  j^M-ound  and  then  to  ruh  it  over  the  ht^art. 
Villa<i^utierre  miMitions  without  description  a  kind  of 
small  throne  amonijf  the  Itzas,  an<l  states  that  the  kin<^ 
•  if  this  southern  realm  hore  the  title  of  ( 'anek,  the  name 
of  the  leader  of  tlieir  migration.  ( )ur  only  knowleduje 
ttf  the  royal  palaces  of  Yucatan  is  derived  IVom  their 
examination,  when  more  or  less  in  ruins,  hy  modern 
explorers;  consetpieiitly  I  refer  the  reader  to  the  chap- 

li'it  mie  us  jriviMi  in  my  text.  Ho  nnilcrstjiiids  that  the  Itrotlicr  BiiCPCodiMl  in 
.•i!iy  case.  'Cc  iri-taiciit  jias  scs  Ills  <|iii  suci'iMlaiclit  ail  ;,'(iiivi'rili'lii('iit,  liiais 
tiii'ii  raini' di'  scs  fivrcs,'  aii<l  aisn  that  the  ix'isoii  aiiiiointcil  hy  tlic  jiricsts  if 
tlicrc  was  nil  hiotlicr.  nUcil  only  ihiiin;,'  the  heir's  niiiMtrity,  'jiis([ii"a  la  iiiii- 
jorite  (h;  riiiTilier,"  all  of  whieli  may  he  very  reastiiiuhle,  liut  eertainly  is 
ii'it  fdiind  in  tin- Spanish  text. 

^  'Or^'anisait  les  coiiscils  ih'  la  rcli;,'i(in  et  de  I'etat  (lui  deviiicnt,  aprJ's 
1  li.  iioinmer  son  sncecssfiir.'  lirnssinr  <li-  llnni'bourij,  Hist.  Nat.  Cic,  tuui. 
ii.,  p.  53-0;  Jifiiicsiil,  llLtt.  Clujiijut,  p.  250. 


l-'    :] 


!!ii :  »i'  \t  \ 


Kcai 


-w 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


^O 
^^4^^. 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


I, 


40 


2.0 


1.8 


U    111.6 


III 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


33  WIST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14S80 

(716)872-4503 


* 


V 


^ 


f 

<> 


T 


1 


1 


'i 


63G 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


ter  on  jVfaya  1)uildings  for  a  general  description  of 
these  grand  stone  structures,  and  to  another  volume 
of  this  work  for  a  detailed  account  with  illustrative 
l)lates. 

The  nobility  of  the  highest  class  belonged  to  incin- 
bers  of  the  royal  families,  the  Coconies,  Tutul  Xiiis, 
Clieles,  and  Itzas,  those  of  the  reigning  king's  own 
blood  taking  naturally  the  highest  rank.  Alum  was 
the  ordinary  title  of  the  princes,  andHalach  Wiuikd, 
'most  majestic  men,*  was  a  high  title  among  the  Tu- 
tul Xius.  From  nobles  of  the  royal  families  men- 
tioned, governors  of  provinces,  and  all  the  highest 
officials  were  chosen.  Their  positions  were  nominally 
at  the  king's  disposal,  but  practically  they  descended 
hereditarily  in  the  same  manner  as  the  royal  i)o\ver, 
the  king  interfering  with  new  appointments  only  on 
extraordinary  occasions.  These  rulers  were  almost 
absolute  in  matters  concerning  their  own  provinces, 
and  exacted  great  honors,  ceremonial  attendance,  and 
implicit  obedience  from  all  their  subjects;  but  they 
were  not  exempt  in  matters  of  crime  from  the  penal- 
ties of  the  law,  and  were  obliged  to  reside  during  a 
part  of  each  year  in  the  capital,  to  render  personal  ser- 
vice to  the  monarch,  and  to  take  part  in  the  su})reme 
council  by  which  he  was  guided  in  the  administration 
of  public  affairs.  They  were,  however,  exempt  from  all 
tribute  except  that  of  personal  service,  and  lived  on 
the  product  of  portions  of  the  public  domain  assii^ned 
them.  Cogolludo  tells  us  that  the  nobles  of  Maya- 
pan  were  also  required  to  perform  certain  services  in 
tlie  temples,  and  to  assist  at  the  religious  festivals. 
They  not  only  had  the  exclusive  right  to  the  govern- 
ment of  provinces,  but  also  to  the  command  of  arniits. 

Nobles  of  a  lower  class,  with  the  title  Batab,  gov- 
erned cities,  villages,  or  other  subdivisions  of  jirov- 
inces.  They  were  not  of  royal  blood,  or  at  least  weic 
only  connected  with  the  reigning  family  through  the 
female  branch.  Their  position  was  also  practically 
hereditary,   although  the  heir  could  not  assume  liis 


m 


THE  QUICHE-CAKCIIIQUZL  E  IIMHES. 


687 


() 


inherited  rank  without  the  royal  sanction.  No  gov- 
ernment officials  received  any  salary,  but  they  were 
l)liged  to  maintain  themselves  and  the  poor  and  dis- 
abled of  their  respective  comnmnities  from  the  pro- 
ducts of  their  inherited  estates.' 

The  most  powerful  kingdoms  in  Guatemala  at  the 
coming  of  the  Spaniards  were,  that  of  the  Quiches, 
whose  capital  was  Gumarcaah,  or  Utatlan,  near  the 
site  of  the  modern  Santa  Cruz  del  Quiche ;  and  that 
of  the  Cakchiquels,  capital  Iximchd,  or  Patinamit, 
near  Tecpan  Guatemala.  These  two  nations  were  in- 
dependent of  and  hostile  to  each  other  in  the  six- 
teenth century,  but  they  had  been  united  in  one 
empire  during  the  days  of  Guatemala's  greatest  glory, 
tlieir  separation  dated  back  only  about  a  century, 
and  their  institutions  were  practically  identical,  al- 
though they  were  traditionally  distinct  tribes  in  the 
more  remote  past.     The  same  remark  niiiy  be  made 


•>  'Toilos  loa  senores  tenian  ouenta  con  visitar,  respetar,  alegraraCoooin, 
aciiiniiafiiiiulole  y  festejandole  y  acudifndo  a  el  con  lew  nt'^jocios  aniiioM.' 
Ijtiiiiii,  Jiclarion,  p.  40.  A  kintl  of  niayordonio  called  Caluac,  whose  Itad^^o 
(if  oltiie  was  a  thicK  short  stick,  was  the  agent  throuj^li  whom  the  lord  per- 
fiirined  the  routine  tluties  of  his  i)osition.  lb.  'C'oncertavan  las  cosas,  y 
iu';,'ocios  principalniente  de  noclie.'  /'/.,  p.  112.  'Fufe  todo  el  Ueyno  de  Yu- 
catan, V  sus  Provincias,  con  el  Nonihre  de  Mayapan,  desde  (jue  los  Indion 
fiicron  a  61  y  Ic  poblanni,  sujeto  fi  vn  solo  Hey,  y  Senor  ahsoluto,  con  (Jo- 
vicnio  Monarquico.  No  iluro  esto  poco  tienipo,  sino  por  niuchtts  Afios.'  I'il- 
lui/iifirrrC;  Hist.  Coiiq.  Itzit,  p.  "28.  Anion^  the  Itzas  Cortes  was  visited  hy 
'cl  ('auek,  con  trcinta  y  dos  I'rincipales.'  Itl.,  p.  46.  'Despues  llanio  el 
Canek  ii  Consejo  Jl  todos  sus  Capitancs,  y  PrinciiMiles.'  Itl.,  p.  !(l.  'Vno, 
cnmo  ii  modo,  6  forma  de  Troiio  peeiueno,  en  que  el  solia  estar.'  It/.,  p.  l(t.">. 
'Vila  Corona  de  Pluma.s,  de  varios  colores.'  //.,  p.  349.  Yucatan  're^ido 
lie  Sefiores  Particulares,  que  es  el  Estado  de  los  Ifeies:  (»o\-ernavanse  por 
Lcii'H,  ycostumhrcs  huenas;  vivian  en  Paz,  y  en  Jiisticia,  que  es.\r;;iiiiiciito 
(li'sii  l)iicn(}ovierno.'  Turqueinttiln,  Moiutrq.  [mi.,  tom.  ii.,  p.  \Hi\.  I?ra>st'iir 
ri'fcrs  to  Torquemada,  lib.  xi.,  cap.  .\ix.,  on  Yucatan  (iovernmciit,  hut  that 
cliapter  relates  wholly  to  (iuatemala.  'Quanilo  los  Senores  de  la  Ciiidad 
tic  Nlayapiin  dominahan,  toda  la  ticrra  les  trihutaha.'  In  later  times  tiicy 
attached  much  im|M>rtancc  to  tiieir  royal  hlood.  (.'offolltn/o,  lli.tf.  Yiir.,  ji. 
IT'.l.  'Dizese,  (jiie  vn  Senor  «le  la  Ciuilad  de  Mayapiin,  cahcvadcel  Kcviio, 
liiz'i  matar  afreiitosamente  il  vn  hermano  suyo,  jiorqiie  corrompio  viia  doii- 
t't'lla.'  /(/.,  p.  182.  Sec  also  on  the  sy.stem  of  government  in  Yucatan: 
Il'in-rn,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  iv.,  cap.  vii.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  cap.  ii-iv.; 
Hid.ssrnr  de  lionrboiirtf.  Hist.  Xnt.  Civ.,  toin.  ii.,  pp.  16-17,  .38,  4(5,  .'ilJ-ti, 
".':  his  Casa.i,  in  Kiiiif.ihoroiiijh's  .}fex.  Antiq.,  vol.  viii.,  j).  14";  Monlit, 
Viiiiiiifr,  tom.  i.,  pp.  182-4;  Pimrntel,  Mem.  sobre  la  Jtnzn  Imliijenn,  p.  27; 
V'iiIkiJiiI  Eipiiiosd,  Hist,  .ifex.,  tom.  i.,  p.  202;  Ternaii.r-Ciivijiniis,  in  Son- 
^■'ll-t  .{iiiiii/es  (fes  ]'<>)/.,  1843,  tom.  xcvii.,  pp.  45-6,  146;  Fancourt\i  Hist. 
!'«'•.,  pp.  55-6,  115-16. 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS 


respecting  the  institutions  of  the  other  nations  in 
Guatemala  which  were  wholly  or  partially  indc'iKiul- 
ent  ot"  the  powers  mentioned  above.  All  the  ulxt- 
riginai  powers  had  greatly  deteriorated  by  wars,  one 
with  another,  and  their  mutual  hatred  made  tlitii- 
defeat  by  foreigners  possible,  as  had  been  the  case  in 
the  conquest  of  the  Nahua  nations  farther  north. 

There  is  little  doubt  that  tiie  Quicbe-Cakclii(juei 
peoples  were  direct  descendants  of  Votan's  subjects, 
out  the  line  of  traditional  history  that  unites  the  two 
empires  is  broken  at  many  points  and  cannot  be  satis- 
factorily followed.  There  are  evidences  also  of  for- 
eign, chiefly  Nahua,  influences  in  the  molding  of 
Quich(5  institutions,  exerted  before  or  after  tlie  Toltec 
era  in  An.ihuac,  probably  at  l)oth  periods.  The  tra- 
ditional history  of  the  Quiche  empire  for  tiiroo  or 
four  centuries  before  the  Conquest,  rests  almost  en- 
tirely on  nmnuscripts  written  in  the  native  languages 
with  the  Roman  alphabet,  which  have  only  liecn 
consulted  by  one  modern  writer.  Into  the  lalnrinth 
of  this  complicated  record  of  wars  and  political 
changes  I  shall  not  attenq)t  to  enter,  especially  since 
the  general  nature  of  Quiche  institutions  does  not 
seem  to  have  been  perceptibly  modified  by  the  events 
recorded. 

An  aristocratic  monarchy,  similar  in  nearly  every 
feature  to  that  I  have  described  in  Yucatan,  seems  to 
have  been  the  basis  of  Quiche  government  from  the 
first.  All  high  positions,  judicial,  military,  or  sacer- 
dotal, were  hereditary  and  restricted  to  noble  faniilies, 
who  traced  their  genealogy  far  back  into  the  mythic 
aiuials  of  the  nations.  Between  noble  and  ])lel»cian 
blood  the  lines  were  sharply  defined.  The  iiohK'S 
were  practically  independent  and  superior  in  their 
own  j)rovinces,  but  owed  tribute,  allegiance,  and  niih- 
tary  aid  to  the  monarch.  At  the  time  of  (Juateniala's 
highest  prosperity  and  glory,  when  King  Qikab  iVom 
his  throne  in  Utatlan  ruled  over  all  the  country,  the 
monarch,  if  we  may  credit  the  traditional  account, 


SUCCESSION  TO  THE  QUICHfi  Til  HONE. 


639 


made  an  effort  to  diminish  the  power  of  the  nt)hles, 
liy  conferring  miUtary  commands  und  oilier  liigh  po- 
sitions on  the  ablest  men  of  plebeian  blood.  Thus  a 
new  class  of  nobles,  called  Achihab  was  created.  This 
newly  conferred  power  became,  acting  with  the  aliena- 
tion of  the  old  hereditary  nobility,  too  groat  to  be 
restrained  by  the  monarch  who  created  it.  The  Achi- 
hab became  ambitious  and  insubordinate;  they  were 
at  last  put  down,  but  the  dissolution  of  the  empire 
into  several  states  was  the  indirect  result  of  their 
machinations. 

Respecting  the  order  of  succession  to  the  Quiche 
tlirone  Torquenijula  and  Juarros  state  that  the  king's 
Itrother  was  the  king  elect,  and  the  direct  heir  to  the 
tlirone;  the  king's  oldest  son  was  the  senior  captain 
and  the  next  heir;  and  the  hitter's  first  cousin,  the 
nephew  of  the  king,  was  junior  captain  and  third 
heir.  When  the  king  died  each  heir  was  })romoted 
one  degree,  and  the  vacant  post  of  junioi  captain  was 
filled  by  the  nearest  relative — whose  nearest  relative 
the  authors  neglect  to  say.  Whoever  may  have  been 
elevated  to  the  vacant  position  the  whole  system  as  t\ 
regular  order  of  succession  would  be  a  manifest  ab- 
surdity. Brasseur  de  Bourbourg  agrees  with  the 
authors  cited  and  gives  to  the  king,  the  elect,  and 
the  two  captains  the  titles  of  Ahau  Ahpop,  Aluiu 
Alij)op  Camha,  Nim  Chocoh  Cawek,  an<l  Ahau  Ah 
Tohil,  respectively;  but  when  the  hist  j)osition  was 
left  vacant  by  the  death  of  the  king,  the  Abbe  tells 
us  that  "it  was  conferred  upon  the  eldest  son  of  the 
new  monarch," — that  is,  upon  the  same  man  who  held 
it  before!  Padre  Ximenez  implies  perhaps  that  the 
crown  descended  from  brother  to  lnother,  and  from 
the  youngest  brother  to  a  nejihew  who  was  a  son  of 
tlie  oldest  brother.  I  have  no  authorities  by  the  ai«l 
of  which  to  throw  any  light  upon  this  confused  sub- 
ject; it  is  evident,  however,  that  if  the  last-mentioned 
system,  identical  with  that  which  obtained  among 
some  of  the  Nahua  nations,  be  not  the  correct  one, 


CIO 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


nothiiij^  whatever  is  known  of  the  matter  in   ques- 
tion.^ 

All  the  authorities  state  that  this  remarkahlo  sys- 
tem of  succession  was  established  to  prevent  the  |»(»\vci- 
from  coming  into  the  hands  of  young"  and  inoxptii- 
enced  men;  and  that  an  incompetent  person  ii  tlu; 
regular  line  could  not  succeed  to  the  throne,  hut  1 1- 
tained  throughout  his  life  the  rank  to  which  he  was 
born.  It  is  not  clearly  explained  how  the  heir's  com- 
petency was  decided  upon,  but  it  seems  probable  that 
the  matter  was  settled  by  the  reigning  king  witli  the 
advice  of  his  council  of  princes.  The  king's  children 
by  his  first  wife  were  preferred  above  the  rest,  though 
all  received  high  honors.  At  Kabinal  the  Ahau,  or 
ruling  prince,  was  regularly  chosen  by  the  nobles,  iVoiu 
the  royal  family,  but  was  not  necessarily  a  son  or  br(»thei" 
of  the  last  ruler.  Among  the  Cakchiquels  the  siu - 
cession  alternated  between  two  royal  families.  Tlio 
king's  title  was  Ahpozotzil;  the  next  heir  from  the 
other  branch  bore  the  title  Ahpoxahil;  their  eldest 
sons,  the  elder  of  which  became  Ahpoxahil  <»n  the 
king's  death,  had  the  titles  Ahpop  Qamah.ay  and  (»a- 
lel  Xahil.  Inferior  titles  were  Galel  Qamahay,  Atzih 
Winak,  and  Ahuchan  Xahil,  the  bearers  of  whieli  suc- 
ceeded to  the  throne  in  default  of  nearer  heirs.     It 


">  '  It  was  nnlaincd  that  the  eltlest  son  of  tlie  king  (that  is,  of  the  first  kinu 
who  foiin<loil  tlie  monarchy)  slioiild  inherit  the  crown;  upon  the  sci'imil  .-mi 
the  title  of  Elect  was  conferrcii,  as  l>ein;;  tlie  next  lieir  tt>  his  ehh'r  limtliri ; 
tlie  sons  of  tiie  ehlest  son  receivetl  tlie  title  of  Captain  senior,  ami  llmsc  i.f 
the  second  Cajitain  junior.  When  il  3  kinj?  died,  his  eldest  son  jissiininl 
the  si-eptre,  and  the  Elect  1>ecanic  the  innnediate  inheritor;  the  ('it|itMiii 
senior  ascended  t«)  the  rank  of  Elect,  the  Captain  junior  to  that  of  Capl.iii 
senior,  and  the  next  iie-irest  relative  to  that  of  Captain  junior.'  Jinirms, 
Ifisf.  (riiiif.,  pp.  188-S).  'Luc^o  el  Capitan  nuMior,  entralui  imr  iiiaim.  y 
nietiau  otro  en  el  i|ue  nvia  vacado  del  Capitan  nienor,  que  oruiiiarianicnti^ 
era  el  Paricnte  luas  cercano.'  Tonjin'iiKtda,  Monarq.  Intl.,  toni.  ii.,  pl'- 
338-41.  'Keslait  alors  la  charge  d"Aliau-Ah-T»diil;  elle  etait  coiilVnr  :ui 
tils  aine  du  nouveau  nioiuiniue.'  Ilrassvin'  </c  Hourhourg,  Hist.  Xnt.  I'l'-.. 
toni.  ii.,  pp.  r)t7,  U)3,  4iM>.  'Luego  (jue  el  priniero  suhio  al  reino,  niaiiii"  1 1 
padre  (the  lirst  king)  que  el  segundo  fuese  capitain,  y  nmnd«'>  por  ley,  i|iit' 
si  fuesen  cuatro,  (|ue  el  priniero  ndiiaso,  el  segundo  fuese  eonio  jiriin  i|it, 
el  tercero  capitan  general,  y  el  ciiarto  capitan  segundo,  y  uue  niiicrhi  d 
])riniero,  reiiiasen  to  los  por  su  orden,  si  se  alcaiizasen  en  vida.  Note.  "  lli'  ji 
clara  esta  la  descendeiicia  de  iiadres  a  liijos  de  todos  trea  herniauos.'  A<- 
mciicz,  Hist.  Ind.  Uuitt.,  Escoltus,  })p.  11)5-0. 


CORONATION  IN  GUATEMALA. 


641 


will  be  noticed  that  this  plan  of  succession  is  but  little 
clearer  than  that  attributed  to  the  Quiches.' 

The  ceremonies  of  coronation  in  the  kingdom  of 
Rabinal,  and,  so  far  as  can  be  known,  in  the  other  king- 
doms of  Guatemala,  consisted  of  an  assemblage  of  all 
the  nobles  at  the  capital, — each  being  obliged  to  attend 
or  send  a  representative — the  presentation  of  gifts  and 
compliments  to  the  new  king,  a  discourse  of  congratu- 
lation and  advice  addressed  to  him  by  one  of  the  an- 
cients, and  finally  a  splendid  feast  which  lasted  several 
days  and  usually  degenerated  into  a  drunken  orgy. 
The  Quiches  and  Cakchiquels  also  bathed  the  new 
king  and  anointed  his  body  with  perfumes  before  seat- 
ing him  on  the  throne,  which  was  a  seat,  not  described, 
l)laced  on  a  carpet  or  mat,  and  surmounted  by  four 
canopies  of  feather- work  placed  one  above  another,  the 
largest  at  the  top ;  the  seats  of  the  three  lower  princes 
already  mentioned  were  also  shaded  by  canopies, 
tliree,  two,  and  one,  respectively.  Whenever  he  ap- 
peared in  public  the  monarch  was  borne  in  a  palan- 
([uin  on  the  shoulders  of  the  nobles  who  composed  his 
council." 

The  machinery  of  government  was  carried  on  in 
the  j)rovinces  by  lieutenants  of  the  king's  appoint- 
ment, and  the  monarch  was  advised  in  all  matters  of 
state  by  a  council  of  nobles.  Juarros  tells  us  that  the 
supreme  Quiche  council  was  composed  of  twenty-four 
grandees,  who  enjoyed  great  privileges  and  honors, 

8  Brnrntrur  iJe  Bnnrhmirq,  Hint.  Nnf.  Civ.,  torn,  ii.,  pji.  r>4!)-r»0,  .5.34,  wilh 
refereiK-e  to  Roman,  lii'jmh.  dc  los  Iiidios,  lilt,  ii.,  cap.  viii.  Titles  in  Atit- 
lim.  Tirnnux-Compniiii,  Vo>j.,  seric  i.,  toiii.  x.,  |>.  4Ui.  'Lsis  ProiiinciitNtlu 
Tiiziilatlun,  ofiuiv  l)eUco.su  y  bruim,  hi  iiieii  con  |iiili<-ia,  ]tor(iue  viiiian  en 
)M»blacione8  U)rinadu8,  ygouiernode  HeMiihiica.'  Diirihi,  Tcairo  Ecli's.,  torn. 
1.,  J).  14S.  Taziilutlan,  or  Tuzulii'.laii,  waa  the  jirovince  of  Kabiiial.  Rcitif- 
sal.  Hist.  Chyapa,  p.  147. 

9  '  A<iiii  liavia  nmy  graiules,  y  suniptuosasconiiila.s,  y  bonaclicras.'  '  Sen- 
tiibaii  al  imevo  Electo  en  vna  estera  niui  iiintada.'  T<irquriiiii<fii,  Monarr/. 
Intl.,  toni.  ii.,  |)p.  34'2,  .1.38-4.5.  'Ill  one  of  the  saloons  stood  the  throne, 
under  four  canopies  of  plumage,  the  ascent  to  it  was  by  several  Hteps.' 
Jnarros,  Hist.  Gnat.,  p.  88.  Tlie  twenty-four  counsellors  'carried  the  ein- 
Iicror  oil  their  shoulders  in  his  chair  of  state  whenever  he  quitted  lii.s  pal- 
ace.' /(/.,  p.  189.  'No  sc  diferenciaba  el  rey  de  (iuatcniala  o  de  I'tatliin  dc 
Ills  otroH  en  el  trage,  sino  eu  <iue  el  traia  horadadas  histirejas  y  nariccs,  que 
Hu  tenia  iior  };ran(ie/a.'  Xiincuez,  Jlutt.  Ind.  Gaat.,  pp.  197,  19G. 

Vol.  II.    41 


G12 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


porsoiially  attended  the  king,  and  managed  the  adiuiii- 
i.stratioii  of  justice  and  the  collection  ot'tlie  royal  rev- 
enue,  but  were  liable  to  severe  punishment  if  tliov 
committed  crime.  Brasseur  de  Bourbourg  speaks  of 
a  sujjreme  council,  giving  the  names  of  the  priruLs 
tliat  c;)i?)po8ed  it,  and  also  of  an  ordinary  council  vvliosu 
members  were  called  ahc/uioh,  or  'judges,'  and  woio 
entrusted  with  the  collection  of  tribute.  The  other 
authorities,  Tonpiemada  and  Ximenez,  state  that  the 
councils  were  not  permanent,  but  were  summoned  by 
tlie  king  .and  selected  for  their  peculiar  fitness  to  givu 
advice  upon  the  subject  under  consideration.  The 
lieutenants  Jiad  also  tlieir  provincial  councils  to  advise 
them  ill  matters  of  local  importance,  but  all  cases  of 
national  im[)ort,  or  affecting  in  any  way  the  nobles  (tf 
high  rank,  were  referred  to  the  royal  council.  So  great 
was  the  power  of  the  nobles  assembled  in  council, 
that  they  might,  under  certain  conditi«)ns,  dej>ose  a 
tyrarmical  sovereign  and  seat  the  next  heir  on  the 
throne.  No  person  unless  of  noble  blood  could  hold 
any  ofHce  whatever,  even  that  of  doorkeeper  to  the 
council-chamber,  if  we  may  credit  Juarros;  conse- 
quently the  greatest  ])ains  was  taken  to  insure  a  lin- 
eaufe  free  from  any  islebeian  stain.  A  noble  marrvin"'- 
a  woman  of  the  common  people  was  degraded  to  her 
raidv,  took  her  name,  and  his  estate  was  forfeited  to 
the  crown.  Ximei  iz  states  that  traveling  officials 
visited  from  time  to  time  the  different  })rovinces,  to 
observe  the  actions  of  the  regular  judges,  and  to  cor- 
rect abuses.*" 

'"  'Tciiiiiol  my  ciortDs  varones  dc  fprnn  iiutnriiliul  y  opinimi,  ipic  craii 
(•:>ni(>  111  lonvs,  y  citiuieiiill  <lo  toilos  los  j)li>it(>s  y  iieifoitios  ([\w  st-  oficfian;' 
(licv  (•(illfcli'il  the  royal  revfimcH  and  atteiiduti  to  tlic  l'.\|>imisi'>s  of  llic  rii\iil 
family.  'Triiia  cii  caila  iiiu'hio  fj;raiiile  sii«  oaiioillorias  <;oii  sus  oiiliiti's,  ^nr 
•■rail  ins  caltf/as  do  caliiiil;  pcro  no  era  iiiiiy  t?raiido  la  comisioii  r(tict('iii:iii.' 
'  I'odcrosits  SeuorcM,  los  (iiialoH  c»<',ieuilian  hu  conliriiiacioii  ilo  huh  ostados  ilrl 
diclio  rcy.'  'Ann  en  las  cosas  i>i'(|ncni>.«i  y  d«!  poca  iniportanrla  tMiti-jiliaii  ci. 
i'oiisuila.'  'UiioH  coino  al((iuuv.lcs  »iue  Servian  de  lluninr  y  convocar  al  I'lic- 
liio.'  A'/'iiinirz,  Hint.  Ind.  (iuf.t.,  pp.  I«K^-7,  '20l-'J.  The  "kind's  lifulciiaiil-i 
'tenian  hii  jurisdicion  liniitivda,  la  ((uul  no  era  uiuh,  que  la  <iue  el  Serinr,  d 
I'oi  les  i-o;i<-oilia,  reservando  para  si,  y  su  ('onsejft  las  cosas  graves.'  TlirM' 
]i;Miteiiaiii ;  held  their  pi>suionH  for  life  if  they  were  qualiiied  and  olMMiiint, 
but  to  liuld  them  they  must  have  been  promoted  from  lower  otliii-N.     "  I' 


THE  QnCII.J  NOniLITV. 


043 


The  followiiijjf  is  tlio  AUho  Bmsseiir's  aoooimt  of 
tho  ,i,n'ado.s  of  ii(>l)ility  taken  from  the  Quiche  manu- 
scrii)t  published  under  the  title  of  J?ojk»1  V^ih: 
"Three  ])rinc'i[)al  families  havinjjf  a  common  (>ri;(in 
constituted  the  high  nobility  of  Quiche*,  modeled  on 
the  ancient  imperial  family  of  the  Toltecs.  The  first 
and  most  illustrious  was  the  house  of  (*M\vek,  the 
members  of  which  composed  the  royal  family  proper; 
the  second  was  that  of  Nihaib;  and  the  third  tlwit  of 
Ahau  Quiche.  Kach  of  these  houses  had  its  titli'S 
and  charges  perfectly  distinct  and  Hxed,  whiih  never 
left  it,  like  the  hereditary  offices  of  the  En<dish  court 
at  the  present  time;  and  to  each  of  these  offices  wen^ 
attached  fiefs,  or  particular  domains,  from  which  the 
titularies  drew  their  rcivenue,  their  attendants,  and 
their  vassals,  and  a  ])alace  where  they  lived  during 
their  stay  in  the  caj)ital.  The  house  of  ('awek,  or 
royal  house  j)roper,  included  only  ])rinces  of  the  blood, 
like  the  eldest  brafich  of  the  Bourbons  in  France.  It 
was  com[)osed  of  nine  chiiKtntifit/,  or  great  fiefs,  whoso 
names  corresponded  to  those  of  the  palaces  occupied 
by  these  princes  in  the  capital,  an<l  M'hose  titles  were 
as  follows: — I.  Ahau  Ahpop,  or  'lord  of  the  princes,' 
title  of  the  king,  correapon«ling  nearly  to  'king  of 
kings,' whose  palace  was  called  (v^Arf;  J  I.  Ahau  Ahpop 
Camha,  or  'lord  oi'  the  ])rinces  and  seneschal'  {oonhd, 
he  who  cares  for  the  house,  majordomo),  whom  the 
Spaniards  called  the  second  king,  and  whose  palace  was 

('iiiisoj(»  no  era  do  «nial<'s(|iiicra  IVrsoiias,  hjiio  dc  a)|iio11jis,  que  iiiasciirsailaM 
I'staliaii  iMi  la  inisnia  cui^ii,  il(>  <|iic  nc  tratalta.'  Tlicy  soiiit-liiiu>H  ralli'd  in  tli(t 
aidtif  for«M;^ii  nations  tu  di'iM»Mo  a  tyrant.  Toniurmiu/n,  Moimri/.  /in/,,  toni. 
ii.,  |>i>.  .3.T.(— 40,  ',i4'A,  .HSO.  'TIutc  was  no  instance  of  any  person  Iti-iii;,' 
a|i|iointud  to  a  pnldic  oHi<'e,  hi^li  or  low,  who  was  not  sidcrtt'd  from  tlic  no- 
liility.'  Jiinrros,  Hint.  Hiuit.,  |i|>.  I'.Mt-l.  Some  nicinlx'rs  of  the  conneils 
were  priests  when  rcliyious  interests  were  at  stake.  Ilrrnrn,  lli.sl.  (lin., 
dee.  iv.,  lilt,  viii.,  eup.  x.  'Iajk  iM-rsonnes  ou  oflieiers  ipii  srrvaient  le  koh- 
^erain  h  lu  eonrt  bo  nommaient  Lolnniy,  Atxilinnae,  Cahd,  AInichan. 
C'l'taient  le>«  faeteurs,  les  eontador.  et  tresoricrs.'  Tfniiiiix-Cninpinis.  Viii/-, 
serie  i.,  torn,  x.,  p.  418.  'Ho  l'asHemhl«^e  des  prinoos  dos  niaisons  dn 
Ciiwek,  d'Ahau-(iuieh»5  et  de  Nilniih,  tennis  avec  le  tJalol-Zakik,  et  TAhan- 
Ah-Tzntulia,  hc  eoniposait  h;  eonseil  extraordinaire  du  nionanpie.'  lU-nsHeur 
(/'■  lliiiirhourt.  Hint.  Xnf.  Cii\,  toni.  ii.,  mi.  548-9.  Tho  kin;,'  'i-onstitna 
viiiy;t-d(Mix  ;;r.indos  diKnites,  auxqncllcM  il  (51eva  le»  nieniltres  de  la  haute 
arlstocrutie.'  Id. ,  pi>.  41)0-7. 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 

called  tziqmnaha,  or  'house  of  birds;*  III.  Nim  Clio- 
coh  Cawek,  or  *^rand  elect  of  Cawek;'  IV.  Ali.ui 
Ah  Tohil,  or  'lord  of  the  servants  of  Tohil,'  })riests 
of  Tohil,  the  principal  Quicht5  god;  V.  Aliau  Ah 
Gucunmtz,  or  'lord  of  the  servants  of  Gucuniatz.' 
(priests  of  Quetzalcoatl);  VI.  Popol  "Winak  C'liitny, 
or  president  of  the  counsellors;  VI  I.  Lolmet  Qiu'Ji- 
nay,  the  principal  receiver  of  royal  tributes,  or  min- 
ister of  finance;  VIII.  Popol  Winak  Pahoni  Tziiliit/ 
Xcaxeba,  or  'grand  master  of  the  hall  of  the  c-omu  il 
of  the  game  of  ball;'  IX.  Tepeu  Yaqui,  'chief  or 
lord  of  the  Yacjuis'  (Toltecs,  or  Mexicans). 

"The  house  of  Nihaib,  the  second  in  rank,  had  als) 
nine  chinamital,  with  names  corresiuniding  to  tin  ir 
palaces,  and  titles  as  follows:  I.  Ahau  Oalel,  'ion I 
of  the  bracelets,'  or  of  those  who  have  the  rig] it  t  > 
wccar  them,  and  chief  of  the  house  of  Niliail);  II. 
Ahau  Ahtzic  Winak,  'lord  of  those  who  give,'  or  ot 
those  who  made  presents  (especially  to  ambassadors, 
who  were  introduced  by  him);  III.  Ahau  (ialrl 
Camha,  'lord  of  the  bracelets,  and  seneschal;'  1  \'. 
Nimah  Camha,  'grand  seneschal;'  V.  Uchuch  Cam- 
ha, 'mother  of  the  seneschals;'  VI.  Nima  Cainlia 
Nihaib,  'grand  seneschal  of  Nihaib;'  VII.  Nim  Clio- 
coh  Nihaib,  'grand  elect  of  Nihaib;'  VIII.  Ahau 
Awilix,  'lord  of  Awilix'  (one  of  the  gods  of  tlu- 
Quiche  trinity);    IX.  Yacol  Atam,  'grand  master  of 


"The  third  house,  that  of  Ahau  Quicln5,  had  only 
four  chinamital  with  the  following  titles:  I.  Aht/.ic 
Winak  Ahau,  'great  lord  of  givers;'  II.  Lohntt 
Ahau,  'grand  receiver;'  III.  Nim  Chocoh  Aliaii. 
'lord  grand  elect;'  IV.  Ahau  Gagawitz,  'lord  ot 
Gagawitz'  (one  of  the  gods  of  the  Quiche  trinity).  " 

Respecting  the  Chiapanecs,  who  are  not  generally 
considered  as  the  descendants  of  the  peoples  who  in- 
habited  the   country  in  Votan's  time,  we   have   no 

'•  Lists  of  tlie  nolnlity.  Brasseur  de  Boutboiwg,  Popol  Vuh,  pp.  .^oT-'T; 
Id.,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  toiii.  i.,  i»p.  430-3± 


IMIMLKS  ANT)  XICAUAGUAXS. 


C45 


knowlodi^e  of  their  povemment  save  n  probahly  un- 
t'muidoil  Htatenieiit  l>y  (Jareia  tliat  they  were  ruled  hy 
two  chiefH,  elected  each  year  hy  tlie  priests,  and  never 
liiid  a  kinj^."  The  Pipiles  in  Salvador,  altlioujj^h  tra- 
ditionally anion«jf  the  partially  civilized  nations,  seem 
to  have  heen  governed  in  the  sixteenth  century  hy 
local  chieftains  only,  like  most  of  the  wild  triies 
already  described.  These  chiefs  handed  down  tiieir 
power,  however,  to  their  sons  or  nearest  relatives. 
Palacio  tells  us  that  to  regulate  marriages  and  the 
planting  of  crops  was  among  the  ruler's  duties.  Scpiier 
concludes  that  all  these  petty  chiefs  were  more  or  less 
allied  politically,  and  acted  together  in  matters  atl'ect- 
ing  the  common  interests." 

Nicaragua,  when  first  visited  hy  Europeans,  was 
divided  into  many  provinces,  inhabited  by  several  na- 
tions linguistically  distinct  one  from  another,  one  of 
them,  at  least,  speaking  the  Aztec  tongue ;  but  in  re- 
spect to  their  government  and  other  institutions,  the 
very  meagre  information  preserved  by  Oviedo  enables 
us  to  make  little  or  no  distinction  between  the  differ- 
ent tribes.  In  many  of  the  provinces  we  are  told  the 
l)eople  lived  in  communities,  or  little  rei)ublics,  gov- 
erned by  certain  hhehues,  or  'old  men,'  who  were 
elected  by  the  people.  These  elective  rulers  them- 
selves elected  a  captain-general  to  direct  their  armies 
iu  time  of  war,  which  official  they  had  no  hesitation 
in  putting  to  death  when  he  exhibited  any  symj)toms 
of  insubordination  or  acquired  a  power  over  tbe  army 
which  seemed  dangerous  to  the  public  good.  In  other 
and  probably  in  most  provinces  a  chieftain,  or  teite, 


"  'Nunca  tuvicron  Rci,  sino  solo  cicgiun  los  Succrdotea  rndn  Afio  doH 
(^a]>itaiu's,  nuc  craii  coiiio  ( Soverim<Uuv!*,  h  (^iiieii  lodost  olti'deciaii,  auii(|iio 
cm  iiiaior  el  rcspcto,  i  venerucion,  que  tcniiui  h  los  Sacerdotes.'  (iarria, 
l)ri/ffu  lie  los  Ind.,  p.  32i);  n  Htutcnient  repeated  in  Pimrutrl,  Mini,  sohre 
hi  liiizn  Inilificiin,p.  '27;  and  Ileredia  y  Sarmicnfo,  Srrmoii,  p.  84.  IJnrcitt 
rcfi'M  to  Hcrrira,  Hint.  Gen.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  cap.  xi.,  where  the  only  Htutc- 
iiu'iit  on  the  subject  is  that  'son  miiy  respetados  loa  principale.s.' 

"  'No  doubt  there  were  individual  chiefs  who  poasessed  a  power  supe- 
rior to  the  others,  exercising  a  great  influence  over  them,  and  perha])8 
:ir:o.jating  a  quuliticd  authority.'  Si/uier^s  Cent.  Amer.,  pp.  331-4;  Palacio, 
Ciirta,  p.  78. 


040 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


rulotl  the  |>co|»lo  of  hin  domain  with  much  tlio  samo 
powers  and  piivilejjfeH  as  wo  liave  noticed  in  YucatMii 
and  (lUateniala.  These  teites  had  their  petty  vassals 
and  lords  to  execute  their  orders,  and  to  acco.npaiiv 
them  in  puhHc  displays,  hut  it  seems  tbey  could  tlaim 
no  strictly  personal  services  in  their  [lalaces  from  any 
hut  memhers  of  their  own  household.  Peter  ^[artyr 
speaks  of  a  'throne  adorned  with  rich  and  princely 
furniture.'  These  rulers  affected  ^reat  state,  and  iii- 
Bisted  on  a  strict  observance  of  court  etiijuettu.  'J'licy 
would  receive  no  message,  however  pressinjjf  tlu;  occ  a- 
sion,  except  through  the  rej^ularly  a|>pointc<l  officials; 
and  one  of  them,  in  an  interview  with  the  Spaiiianls, 
would  not  condescend  to  open  his  royal  mouth  to  tlir 
leader  until  a  curtain  was  held  between  him  and  liis 
foreijTcn  hearers.  On  several  occasions  they  nuit  the 
S[)aniards  in  a  procession  of  men  and  women  j^aily 
decked  in  all  their  finery,  marching  to  the  sound  of 
shell  trumpets,  and  bearing  in  their  hands  presents 
for  the  invaders.  But  even  in  the  provinces  nominally 
ruled  by  the  teites,  all  legislative  jmwer  was  in  the 
hands  of  a  council  called  mone.vico,  composed  of  old 
men,  who  were  elected  every  'bur  moons.  Witlioiit 
the  consent  of  the  monexict.  the  chief  ct)uld  take 
action  in  no  public  matter  whatever,  not  even  in  war. 
The  council  could  decide  against  the  teite,  but  he  had 
the  right  to  assemble  or  dissolve  it,  and  to  be  present 
at  all  its  meetings.  The  decisions  of  tlie  monexico 
were  made  known  in  the  market-place  by  a  criir, 
whose  badge  of  office  was  a  rattle.  The  birds  also, 
in  sending  an  ambassador  or  messenger  on  any  piihlic 
business,  gave  him  a  fan,  bearing  which  credential  he 
was  implicitly  trusted  wherever  he  might  go.  T\V(» 
members  of  the  council  were  chosen  as  executive  olli- 
cers,  and  one  of  them  must  be  always  present  in  tin, 
market-place  to  regulate  all  dealings  of  the  buyiis 
and  sellers.  Squier  says  that  the  council-houses  weie 
called  (jrrpons,  and  its  corridors  or  porticos  t/afi>(>iis; 
Oviedo   in  one   place   terms  the  buildings  (ja/2K>i(<'<, 


TIIK  MAYA  PUIKSTIloon. 


647 


and  ill  anothor  apjiliusj  tho  niuiio  ti>  a  cliiss  of  vassal 
I'liiufs." 

It  \h  only  of  tho  priosthootl  as  comiectt'd  with  tho 
noverninont,  as  ur'  :\^.  oi'  iiohilitv,  as  a  clans  of  tlu; 
<(nuinunity,  that  a  luontioii  is  re(|iiiri'd,hero:  In  their 
<|tiality  of  priests  proper,  rolij^ious  teaehcrs,  ormlcs  of 
tiio  jjfmls,  leaders  of  eeromoiiious  rites,  coiifessors.  aii«l 
sacriHeers,  they  will  he  treated  of  elsewliere.  Their 
temporal  power,  directly  exercised,  or  indirectly 
throujjfh  their  iiitlueiiee  upon  kiii<jfs  ami  eh  lit  iw  I  is, 
was  ])erhaps  even  jj^reater  than  we  have  louiul  it 
anioiiLj  the  Nahiia  nations,  Votan,  Zainnil,  ('"UiiIeMU, 
and  all  tho  other  senii-niythical  founders  of  (  e  ^faya 
civilization,  united  in  their  persons  the  «jualities  of 
liiLjh-priest  .11 A  kimj^,  and  from  tlieir  time  to  tlv  com- 
iui,'  M^'  tho  S|>aniards  ecclesiastical  and  secular  au- 
thority marched  hand  in  hand.  In  Yucatan,  tlie 
Itzas  at  Chichen  were  ruled  in  tho  earlier  times  liy  a 
theocratic  government,  and  later  the  high-priest  of 
the  empire,  of  tho  royal  family  of  tho  Cheles,  hecamo 
king  of  Izamal,  which  hocame  the  sacred  city  and  the 
headcpiarters  of  ecclesiastical  dignitaries.  The  gi- 
yantic  mounds  still  seen  at  Izamal  are  traditionallv 
tile  tomhs  of  both  kings  and  priests.  The  oltico  of 
chief  j)riest  was  hereditary,  the  succession  heing  from 
father  to  son— since  priests  and  even  the  vestal  vir- 
gins were  permitted  to  marry — hut  regulated  ajtpar- 
eiitly  hy  the  opinions  of  kings  and  nohles,  as  well  as 
of  ecclesiastical  councils.  Tho  king  constantly  a|>- 
l>lied  to  the  high-priest  for  counsel  in  matters  of 
state,  and  in  turn  gave  rich  presents  to  the  head 
of  the  church;  the  security  of  the  temples  was  also 
confided  to  the  highest  ofiicers  of  the  state.  The 
rank  of  Ixnacan  Katun,  or  sujierior  «.>f  tho  vestals, 
was  founded  hy  a  princess  of  royal  hh  :>d. 

In  Guatemala  the  high-priests  who  i)resided  over 

'*  Ot-irr/n,  Wsf.  Gfi.,  toin.  iv.,  pp.  3f)-8,  'I'l.  51,  lOt.  lOS,  110,  tmn.  iii., 
p. 'J31;  Sijiii'rr's  Xi'-nriKiiri,  (VA.  IS.")'5,)  vi>I.  ii.,  pp.  .'UO-ll;  llirrirn,  llisf. 
'/'//..  <li'c.  iii.,  lili.  iv.,  cti]).  vii.;  Pclvr  Martyr,  tloi-.  vi.,  HI),  iii.;  Sriicrzcr, 
WaiukruiKjcH,  p.  04. 


G48 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


the  toinples  of  tlio  Qiiieh'J  trinity,  Toliil,  Awilix,  and 
Cfik'umatz,  woro  all  })riiK'e.s  of  tlio  tiireo  royal  tami- 
lies;  their  titles  have  been  given  in  the  lists  of  tlio 
Qiiii'hc  nobility;  and  one  of  the  most  powerful  kiiins 
is  said  to  have  created  two  })riestly  titles  for  the 
family  of  Zakik,  to  each  of  wliich  he  attached  a 
])rovince  for  its  support.  Ximenez  tells  us  that  in 
Vera  Paz  the  chief  j)riest,  next  in  power  to  the  kiii'j-, 
was  elected  from  a  certain  linea<jce  by  the  people.  In 
the  province  of  Chiquinuda,  Mictlan  is  described  as  a 
great  religious  centre,  and  a  shrine  much  visited  l)v 
pilgrims.  Here  the  power  was  in  the  hands  of  a 
sacerdotal  hierarchy,  hereditary  in  one  family,  whose 
chief  bore  the  title  Teoti  and  was  aided  by  an  ecclosi- 
astical  council  of  five  members,  whicli  controlled  all 
the  priesthood,  and  from  whose  number  a  successor  to 
the  Teoti  was  appointed  by  the  chief  of  tlie  Pipiles, 
or,  as  some  authorities  state,  was  chosen  by  lot. 

Thus  we  see  that  Avhile  the  priesthood  had  gnat 
power  over  even  the  highest  secular  rulers  in  all  the 
^taya  nations,  yet  the  system  by  which  the  lii'^ii- 
])riests  were  mendiers  of  the  royal  families,  rendoird 
their  power  a  suj)j)ort  to  that  of  royalty  rather  than 
a  cause  of  fear.  The  fear  which  kings  expeiieiiccd 
towards  the  priests  seems  consequently  to  have  hotii 
altogether  superstitious  on  account  of  their  siipor- 
natural  powers,  and  not  a  jealous  fear  of  any  j)ossil»lo 
rivalry.  Ordinary  })riests  were  appointed  by  tlu' 
higher  authorities  of  the  church,  but  whether  the 
choice  was  confined  to  certain  families,  we  are  not  in- 
formed. It  is  altogether  probable,  however,  that 
su(;h  was  the  case  in  nations  whose  lowest  secular 
ofirtcers  nmst  be  of  noble  blood.'' 

In   the  south  as  in  the   north,  the  status  of  the 

•'■  Oil  tlio  status  of  the  iniosthood  see:  Lnmfn,  lirfnrinii,  pp.  fJ.  "it,  ."ii;, 
114,  1  GO,  :iM;  Coif  oil  III  fo,  Ifisf.  Viii'.,  p.  1<>S;  llrrrrra,  Ilusf.  (Ifii.,  .1im  .  i'i  , 
lil).  iv  ,  cap.  vii.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  viii.,  cup.  x.,  lil).  x.,  cap.  ii.;  Oriiiln.  Uisl. 
(fi'ii.,  toiii.  iv.,  p.  SO;  Lits  (^ii.ias,  Jlisf.  A/>nliiif('tini,  iMS.,  cap.  cwxiii.; 
Pnliirio,  Carta ,Y\t.  V>'1,  {\A;  Ximenez,  llisf.  Iiiil.  (ritaf.,  pp.  200  I ;  llnr^.^f  ur 
lie,  lioiirhonni,  lti.il.  Xul.  Cir.,  torn,  i.,  pi».  74,  79,  toiii.  ii.,  pp.  (J,  10,  I'.',  'f't, 
4U,  48,  114,  551 -t>. 


PLEBEIANS  AND  SLAVES. 


649 


lower  cljissea,  or  plebeians,  1ms  received  no  attention 
at  the  hands  of  the  Spanish  observers.  We  knt)\v 
that  in  Yucatan  the  nobles  were  obliged  to  support 
iVom  their  revenues  such  of  the  lower  classes  as  I'roin 
sickness,  old  a<j^e,  or  other  disabling  cause  were  unable 
to  gain  a  livelihood.  It  has  been  seen  also  that  none 
of  plebeian  blood  could  hold  any  ottice,  the  only  ex- 
('oj)tion  noted  being  the  attempt  of  one  of  the  Quiche 
kings  to  humiliate  the  aristocracv  bv  raisiui^  plolteian 
soldiers  to  the  newrank  of  Achihab,  'men'  or  'heroes.' 
The  lower  classes  of  freemen  were  doubtless  for  the 
most  j)art  farmers,  each  tilling  the  portion  of  land 
iillotted  him  in  the  domain  of  a  noble;  and  lu'vond 
the  obligation  to  pay  a  certain  tax  from  the  product 
of  tlieir  labor,  and  to  render  military  service  in  case 
of  necessity,  they  were  probably  inde})endent,  and 
often  wealthv.*" 

Lowest  in  the  scale  among  the  ^favas  as  elsewliere 
ill  America  were  the  slaves.  Slavery  was  an  institu- 
tion of  all  the  nations  in  the  sixteenth  century,  and 
liad  been  traditionally  for  some  centuries.  In  Yuca- 
tan, tradition  speaks  of  a  time  when  slavery  was  un- 
known; its  introduction  by  a  powerful  Cocome  king 
was  one  of  the  acts  of  oppression  which  brouglit  aliout 
a  revolution  and  deposed  him  iVom  the  throne.  Dur- 
ing the  power  of  the  Tuti.l  Xius  whicli  ibllowed, 
slavery  is  saiil  to  have  been  abolished,  but  nuist  -if 
indeed  the  tradition  be  not  alto«rether  unfounded  — 


""•  '  L'iUi'p  ilo  la  suiv'-rioriti'  tie  cnsto  est  tclleiiK'iit  <'vi<icnti'(luii><  Ic  I'npol- 
]'iili,  iHir  oxaiiiple,  i|uc  K'  /irn/i/r,  o't-sl-ii-iliri'  la  masse  I'traiijii'i'c  au\  tiilms 
(|iiichi'i's,  n'l'st  jainairi  (li'Hi;;m'  aiu'  sous  dcs  mimiiiiu's  traiiiinaiix;  cc  sunt 
li's  foiirinis,  los  rats,  los  siiij,'i's,  Ics  oisi'aiix,  ctr.'  Vii>llil-li-lhii\,  in  C/mr- 
ii'ii/.  Riiinrs  Ainrr.,  p.  SS.  ' AfoHtumliravaii  hiiscar  »'ii  Ins  |>u(')i|i>s  los 
iimni'os  y  ciojios  y  *\nv  It's  davaii  lo  nt'ccsario.'  Lmn/n,  lir/nrinH.  ]i.  -|((.  '  V 
Ills  scfioiTs  (laiiaii  (lOiU'iiiailiircs  a  Ids  imicMos,  a  los  (|iialcs  oiiroiiiciulaMau 
iiiiii'ho  la  \m7.,  V  ItiU'ii  Iratainii'iito  tic  la  {^t'lita  ini>iiutla.'    llrrrira.    lis'. 

(nil.,  tli'c.   iv.,  lib.   \..  iMp.   ii.     \\rliih si^rnitio  ri'';j;iilit'i'fiiit'iit  lit''rt)s, 

^'lll'l•l•il'l•;  il  MtMiiUlo  ttnitfft>is  s'a|i|ilic|iifr  il  fiMix  i|ui  ii'a|i|iai'tfnaii'iit  |niint  Ji 
I'aristofratio,  iiiais  ii  nut!  dassc  iutcriiir'iliairi'  fiitro  la  itoliU'ssi"  ft  It-s  st'i-fs 
till  paysaitH.'  fini.iseiir  lii  llfiurboiinf,  I'o/ml  i'li/i,  ])|t.  <t2-3,  ."V-M-.");  /*/. ,  Hisf. 
\'if.  Cir.,  toin.  ii.,  pp.  .MJ-.'iS.  Aint)ii^  the  I'ipilos  'lt>si]iu!  iiocraii  para  la 
^';u'rra,  iMiltivaban  las  Jifrias  inill|iart  del  cazitnie  i  jiapa  i  saffnlntt's,  i  ilo 
l:is  jn'opias  suyas  tla\aii  tin  taato  para  la  jjciiti' tie  f^utM-ra.'  I'nln'-lo,  I'urta, 
p.  8:,',     Ik'ggars  nteiitluiK'tl  lii  Nicaragua,  (lonuini,  Hist.  Iml.,  lOI,  '-'(IJ 


650 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


have  been  re-introduced  .at  a  still  later  period."  in 
the  .'^niials  of  other  Alaya  nations  no  time  seems  to  lie 
noted  when  slaves  were  not  held.  This  unfortunate 
class  vas  composed  chiefly  of  captives  in  war,  or  of 
those  whose  parents  had  been  such;  tlie  condition  was 
hereditary,  but,  in  Yucatan  at  least,  the  children  liad 
the  riu^ht  to  redeem  themselves  by  settlin<.»"  on  unoccu- 
pied lands  .and  becoming"  tribute-j)ayers.  Ft)rt'inii 
slaves  were  .also  brou;L?ht  into  the  country  for  sali^;  and 
Cortes  speaks  of  Acalan,  a  city  of  Guatemala,  as  a 
])lace  where  an  extensive  trade  in  human  kind  was 
carried  on.^*  In  Nicarai,^ua  a  father  miij^lit  sell  liiiii- 
self  or  his  children  into  bondau^e,  when  hanl  pressed 
by  necessity;  but  in  such  cases  he  seems  to  have  liad 
the  rijj^ht  of  redemption.^''  In  Nicaruijj'ua  and  Vi;ia- 
tan  the  thief  was  enslaved  by  the  owner  of  stctlcii 
2)roperty,  until  such  time  as  he  ])aid  its  value;  ho 
could  even  be  sold  to  other  parties,  but  it  is  -uUld 
that  he  could  only  be  redeemed  in  NicaraL^^ua  with  tlu' 
consent  of  the  cacitpie.  In  Yucatan,  if  a  slave  dird 
or  ran  away  soon  after  his  sale  the  purchaser  was  en- 
titled to  receive  back  a  portion  of  the  i)rice  paid.'-" 

Kidnapi)!!!^,  accordin*^  to  Las  Casas,  was  conunoii 
in  Guatemala,  but  the  laws  .ag'ainst  the  oft'ence  wvw 
very  severe.      He  who  sold  a  free  native  into  slaAci y 

>7  nriinsriir  (Ir  lioiirhoinyj,  Hist.  Nat.  C('(».,toni.  ii.,i>i>.  .*<">,  41,  70,  '<'o- 
com  flic  priiiuTK  ol  (lue  hizo  esi'liivos  pero  i)(>r  (U'sto  iiial  so  si;;iiio  u>;ir  his 
annas  cdii  (pie  kc  dereiulierou  para  que  no  fuesseii  totlos  esclavos.'  Lmnln, 
llrliirloii,  |).   50. 

1"  '  Kii  las^iicrras.  que  porsii  ainlticion  hnzian  vnosfintros,  sc  raiitiii;ili:i!i, 
qnotlaiiili»  lioclios  osclaiutH  los  vcnritlos,  que  cofjtian.  Kii  esto  iTiiii  ri;,'iiiM- 
sissiiuKs,  y  liistratalianciMi  asiioiTza.'  Cixjol/iKfo,  lli.if.  Yih:,  pp.  Isl-'J;  ''"(•■ 
ri//o.  ill  Si )!•.  ^fr.l■.  diiiif.,  lUilftiii,  'Jil.i  e|n>i;a,  toni.  iii.,  p.  2(>7;  Itnis.s-iiir  iir 
Jioiir/ioiini,  Hist.  Xdi.  dr.,  torn,  ii.,  j).  70;  Cortes,  Vartn.s,  p.  4'.'1;  /.' v 
Ciisii.f,  ill Kliiijshi)ri)iii//i's Mr.v.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  viii.,  p.  144.  In  Nicara.u'ua  liclj's 
ti'lls  us  tiiat  only  the  coniniou  t-aptivcs  were  enslaved,  the  chiefs  litiii;; 
killed  and  eaten.  >'/»<«.  Com/.,  vol.  iii.,  p.  '2')J. 

19  'Acaes(,'e  que  vendeii  los  jtadres  a  lo.s  hijos,  e  ann  eada  uiio  se  jiucdi' 
vender  a  si  proprio,  si  quiere  e  pur  loque  quisiere.'  Orinlo,  Ilist.  Cm.,  tcnii. 
iv.,  pp.  51,  64;  Ilnirni,  Hint.  Geii.,  dee.  iii.,  lil>.  iv.,  eaj).  vii.;  S'/nKr'.i 
yiritn/ffiKi,  (Va\.  1S5((,)  v(d.  ii.,  p.  345.  Ilienvcnida says  that  in  Yut'iit;iii;is 
soon  us  the  father  dies  the  strongest  of  those  "ho  remain  enslave  the  ntli- 
ers.   In   Ti'rtiiiii.r-Ciiiii/Kdis,  Voij.,  serie  i.,  torn,  x.,  p.  331. 

io  Jfrrrrnt,  Hiil.  (Ini.,  dee.  iii.,  lih.  iv.,  cap.  vii.;  Gomnrn,  Hist.  Tw', 
f(d.  '2(i4;  Ctiffotfiiito,  Uist.  Yiii'.,  jip.  l.Sl-'2;  Pimcntd,  Mem.  su'irc  lit  ii'n-M 
JiuIkjoki,  p.  34;  Fancuuri'n  Hist.  Yuc,  p.  117. 


TIIEATMEXT  OI"  SLAVES. 


651 


AViis  clubbed  to  death,  his  own  wife  and  cliildren  were 
sold,  and  a  larj^e  part  of  the  price  received  went  to 
fill  the  public  excheijuer.'^^  Pinientel  concludes  that 
slaves  were  more  harshly  treated  in  Yucatan  than  in 
Mexico;  Goniara  and  Herrera  state  that  no  jtuiiish- 
iiient  was  decreed  to  him  who  killed  a  slave  in  Nica- 
nii^ua;  but  in  Yucatan  the  killer  of  another's  slave 
nuist  i)ay  the  full  value  of  the  property  destroyed, 
and  was  also  amenable  to  punishment  if  the  munleretl 
slave  was  his  own.  In  Guatemala  if  a  freeman  had 
sexual  intercourse  with  the  female  slave  of  another 
he  had  to  j)ay  the  owner  her  full  value  or  purchase  for 
him  another  of  equal  value;  but  if  the  woman  were 
a  favorite  of  the  owner,  the  penalty,  though  still 
])ecuniary,  was  much  increa.sed.  In  the  province  of 
Vera  Paz,  as  Las  Casas  states,  if  slaves  committed 
fijrnication  with  women  of  their  own  condition,  b«)th 
])arties  were  slain  by  having  their  heads  bioken  be- 
tween two  stones,  or  by  a  stick  driven  down  the 
throat,  or  by  the  garrote;  the  man,  however,  being 
sometimes  sold  for  sacritice.  Among  the  l*ipik's  a 
IVeeman  cohabiting  with  a  slave  was  himself  enslaved, 
unless  pardoned  by  the  high-priest  for  services  rendered 
in  war.  In  Yucatan,  as  it  is  expressly  stated,  and 
elsewhere  probably,  the  master  was  permitted  to  use 
his  female  slaves  as  concubines,  but  the  olfspiing  of 
such  connection  could  not  inherit.  Thomas  (i\\<j;v  (ells 
us  of  a  town  in  Guatemala  whose  inhabitants  in  the 
olden  time  were  all  slaves  and  served  the  people  of 
Aniatitlan  as  messengers.  The  only  distingnisliing 
marks  of  slaves  that  are  mentioned  were  the  sht-ai'- 
ing  of  the  hair  in  Yucatan,  and  marks  of  powdei'rd 
pine  charcoal,  called  fi/c,  in  Nicaragua.^ 

2'  Ln.<i  f'd.iiix,  ill  Kiniishitrniiiih'x  Mrx.  Antiq.,  vol.  viii.,  pp.  l.*}!),  144; 
HriTtri,  (it)iiiiini,  anil  I'l'iiini/ri,  lllii  «iip. 

'-'-  Tiirqiinniidii,  jlniidi-'j.  Iik/.,  U>\u.  ii.,  J).  .SST;  Las  (^usas,  iiM  sup.; 
][' rnrd,  lli.il.  (riii.,  lU'c.  iv.,  lil>.  viii.,  oiip.  x.,  lil>.  x.,  cap.  iv.;  i'a/nrii), 
Ciirlii,  pp.  80-2;  Hrii.s.iriir  <fr  /{iiiirltoiinf.  Hist.  \'iit.  I'ii\,  toiii.  ii.,  pp.  70, 
•"'T.t;  Trriitiiij--i'iiiJiitiiii.f  ,  in  X(iiiirl/is  . I  iniiiltn  ilrn  I'o//.,  iHl'A,  toiii.  xcvii., 
I>".  40-7;  Co'jolhnL,  Hist,  i'ltc,  p.  182;  Gaiji^s  New SHnri/,  [h  414;  Dficilo, 
llisl.  Gcii.,  tola,  i.,  i>.  204. 


653 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


Respecting  the  tenure  of  landed  property  anion'' 
the  Maya  nations  the  Httle  information  extant  appliLs 
chiefly  to  Yucatan.  The  whole  country,  as  wo  luivo 
seen,  was  divided  into  many  domains,  or  fiefs,  of  vaiv- 
ing  extent,  ruled  over  hy  nobles,  or  lords,  of  dittV  it  nt 
rank.  Although  each  lord  had,  under  the  kint^, 
nearly  absolute  authority  over  his  domain,  yet  ho 
does  not  seem  to  have  been  regarded  as  in  any  senso 
the  owner  of  the  lands,  or  to  have  had  a  right  to  soil 
or  in  any  way  alienate  them.  A  certain  portion  of 
these  lands  were  set  apart  for  the  lord's  suj)port,  and 
were  worked  by  his  people  in  common;  the  rest  of  the 
land  seems  to  have  been  divided  among  tht3  j)eople, 
the  first  occupant  being  regarded  in  a  certain  sense  as 
its  owner,  and  handing  it  down  as  an  inheritance  fioni 
generation  to  generation,  but  having  no  riglit  to  sell 
it,  and  being  also  obliged  to  contribute  a  certain  jiart 
of  its  products  to  the  lord  of  the  domain.  Cogolhido 
and  Landa  speak  of  the  land  as  being  common  prop- 
er(/,  yet  by  this  they  probably  do  not  mean  to  imply 
that  any  man  had  a  right  to  trespass  on  the  culti- 
vated fields  of  another,  but  simply  tliat  unoccupied 
lands  might  be  appropriated  by  any  one  for  j)urp(»ses 
of  cultivation.  Game,  fish,  and  tlie  salt  marshes 
were  likewise  free  to  all,  but  the  hunter,  fisherniaii, 
or  salt-maker  must  pay  a  tribute  to  the  lords  and  to 
the  king.  In  Nicaragua  land  could  not  be  sold,  and 
if  the  owner  wished  to  change  his  residence  lie  had 
to  leave  all  his  property  to  his  relatives,  since  nothing 
could  be  removed.'^ 


i; 


^  'Las  tierms  nor  aora  cs  <le  coiniin,  y  assi  el  que  priincro  las  ocupji  las 
)sscc.'  Lnntfa,  Relnrioii,  p.  l.SO.  'Las  tierras  eraii  coiiiuiii's,  y  assi  ciitie 
.IS  I'lieMos  no  aiiia  teriniiios,  <>  iiiojoiius,  que  las  ilividiessen:  auiii|uc  si  iiitro 
viia  IVoviiic'ia,  y  <ttra,  por  causa  ile  las  j^iierras.'  Coi/of/m/u,  Hist.  Vin-..  |p. 
ISO.  Las  Casas,  in  KiiigsbonuKjh's  Mix.  Aiitiii.,  vol.  viii.,  p.  I.Slt.  ^|iiaLs 
of  l)(nnnlary  marks  l)etween  the  projierty  of  dUroreiit  owners.  'Lis  lialii- 
tations  etait  pour  la  plupart  Uis|)crsees  sans  former  <le  vi!la;,'c.'  /'(;•///«/- 
Coiiipniis,  in  Nonrellm  Ainnilm  <lcs  I'o;/.,  1843,  tom.  xcvii.,  p.  4.').  'i.i'iir 
qualite  (Ic  sei;;neurs  hereditaires  nc  les  rendait  pas,  )iour  eeia,  maitirs  ilii 
Bol  ni  iirojirietaircs  des  habitants.'  lirnsufin'  i/r  Binirhoiirif,  Ui.it.  SkI.  'Vc, 
tom.  ii.,  pp.  .')(i-S.  'Property  was  much  respected  (in  Xicarai^iiiil;  Imt  .. 
no  man  could  put  up  his  land  for  sale,     if  he  wished  to  leave  tiie  ili^tiirt, 


INHERITANCE  AND  TAXATION. 


C53 


At  a  man's  death  his  property,  in  Yucatan,  was 
divided  between  his  sons  equally,  except  that  a  .son 
wlio  had  assisted  his  father  to  jifain  the  })ro})erty 
miii^ht  receive  more  than  the  rest.  Daughters  in- 
lierited  nothing,  and  only  received  what  might  he 
^'iven  from  motives  of  kindness  by  the  brothers.  Jn 
default  of  sons,  the  inheritance  went  to  the  brothers 
or  nearest  male  relatives.  Minor  heirs  were  en- 
trusted to  tutors  who  managed  the  estate,  and  from 
it  received  a  recompense  for  their  services.  Accord- 
ing to  Oviedo,  property  in  Nicaragua  was  inherited 
by  the  children,  but  if  there  were  no  children,  it  went 
to  the  relatives  of  both  father  and  mother.  S(juier 
states  that  in  the  latter  case  all  personal  property 
Wii8  buried  with  the  deceased.^* 

Taxes  and  tribute  ])aid  by  the  people  for  the  suj>- 
port  of  the  kings  and  nobles  consisted  of  the  products 
of  all  the  different  industries.  The  merchant  con- 
tributed from  the  wares  in  which  he  dealt;  the  farmer 
from  the  jiroducts  of  the  soil,  chiefly  maize  and  cacao; 
tlic  hunter  and  fisherman  from  the  game  taken  in  for- 
est and  stream.  Cotton  garments,  coj)al,  feathers, 
skins,  fowl,  salt,  honey,  and  gold-dust  com})osed  a 
large  part  of  the  tribute,  and  slaves  are  also  men- 
tioned in  the  lists.  Personal  labor  in  working  the 
lands  of  the  lords,  and  in  supplying  his  household 
vitli  wood  and  water,  was  also  an  important  element 
of  taxation  in  the  }>rovinces.  Officials  were  a[)pointed 
to  assess  and  collect  taxes  from  all  sulyect;!.  In  Yu- 
catan the  tribute  of  the  king  and  that  of  the  local 
lords   vv.ic  kei)t  separate  and  were  attended  to  by  dif- 

liis  ))rt>i)erty  passed  to  the  nearost  Itlood  relation,  or,  in  ili-fatilt,  to  the  nui- 
iiiiipahty.'  Jioi/li's  Jiidi;  vol.  i.,  \k  '274;  Sijin'irn  Xirtiniiiiiti,  (Ed,  lsr>(i,) 
viil.  ii.,  p.  ,S4."»;  Ilrnrrii,  llixt.  (!ni.,  dv.v.  iii.,  lil».  iv.,  cap.  vii. 

'^^  'Los  indiod  no  adniittiaii  las  iiijas  a  lieredar  eon  los  hernianos  sino  era 
poivia  de  piedad  o  voluntad.'  Laiula,  Itrlachni,  ])p,  i;{(>-8.  *  Meji>ranan  al 
i|iii>  mas  notahlenicntc  auia  ayudado  al  padre,  a  pmar  el  liazienda.'  Un- 
rn-ii,  Uist.  ticii.,  dee.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  eap.  iv.,  dee.  iii.,  lih.  iv.,  cap.  vii.;  Co- 
'I'llliiilo,  Hist.  l'«f.,  j».  180;  C«rnl/tt,\\\  Sar.  Mix.  Genq.,  liolrtin,  2da  epoca, 
tmn.  iii.,  pp.  '2(i7-8;  Urnssnir  dr  lioiirhiturif.  Hist.  Xiit.  Cir  ,  tout,  ii.,  p. 
"0;  I'imi-iitrf,  Mem.  mthri'  la  Jiazn  Iniliiirvii,  p,  30;  Oi'k'ilo,  Hist.  Gen.,  toni. 
iv.,  p.  50;  Sqiiii't;  iu  Valuciu,  Cai'lu,  p.  IIU. 


654 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


forent  officials;  but  in  Gii.atemala  it  is  implied  tliat  all 
taxos  were  collected  togetlier  and  then  distriltiitcd  to 
tlie  kinj^  and  several  classes  of  nobles  aoeordiiin-  to 
tlieir  rank.  In  the  ancient  times  those  who  lived  in 
Mayapan  were  exempt  from  all  taxation.  In  Nica- 
ragua, we  are  told  that  the  teite  received  no  tribute  or 
taxes  whatever  from  his  subjects,  but  in  tlie  case  of  a 
Avar  or  other  event  involvinjif  extraordinary  expeiisi', 
the  council  decided  upon  the  amount  of  revemie 
needed,  and  chose  by  lot  one  of  their  number  to  assiss 
and  collect  it.  Taxation  among  the  Mayas  does  not 
seem  to  have  been  oppressive,  and  the  attemjit  to  ex- 
tort excessive  tribute  contributed  largely  to  the  over- 
throw of  the  Cocome  power  in  the  twelfth  centmv.'' 
A  sale  of  property  or  other  contract  was  legahzcd 
in  Yucatan  l>y  the  i>arties  drinking  before  witmsscs. 
A  strict  fulfillment  of  all  contracts  was  required  hoth 
by  the  law  and  by  public  sentiment.  Heirs  and  ivl- 
ntives  were  liable,  or  at  least  assumed  tlie  liahihty, 
for  debts;  and  often  paid,  as  did  the  lords  of  the  prov- 
ince, the  pecuniary  penalty  incurred  by  some  jxtor 
man,  especially  if  the  crime  had  been  conmiitted  in- 
voluntarily or  without  malice.^" 

2'>  'Iliinno  altondiiiiza  <li  cottono,  &  ne  fanno  inaiiti  die  sniio  rdiiic  Icn- 
zuoli,  c  c-aiiiisi'tte  wiiza  inaiiiclic,  c  qiiesto  h'o  it  principal  triluitu  clu'  iImiiuk 
a'  siiDi  patroiii.'  Jinizoiii,  Hint.  Moinfit  Miitiro,  fol.  {)'.).  '  KI  Irilnitn  i m 
maiitas  ptMHiefias  (le  alj^fodoii,  galliiias  do  la  tiei-ra,  al^juii  cacao,  (Icuiilcse 
co^^ia,  y  viia  resiiia,  que  scruia  do  incienso  en  Ins  Tfinplos,  y  todo  m'  dizo 
era  niiiy  pooo  en  cantidad.'  Coifoflm/o,  Hist.  Vuc,  ]>.  I7'.>.  'Ailcndc  dc  l;i 
oasa  ha/iaii  todo  el  ])iu'ldo  a  los  Hofioros  siis  soniontcras,  y  so  las  liciicrnia- 
vaii  y  ooj^iaii  on  cantidad  qne  lo  bastava  a  ol  y  a  sn  casa.'  Lmnhi.  li'l"- 
ciiiii,  ])p.  110-12,  1;{(>-1J.  'Sns  niayordonios. . .  .<pio  rociUian  los  tiiliiiid-;, 
y  los  danan  a  los  senorcs.'  llfrtrrn ,  Hist.  (leu.,  doc.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  c:i|p.  ii. 
So'.iio  authors  sjwak  of  a  tribnto  of  vir^'ins  and  of  a  coin  callcil  '"•/"<■ 
C:ii'!ii(j<d  J'Js/iiiio.id,  Hist.  Mcr.,  toni.  i.,  ji.  -O'J.  '.lainais  rini|iot  ri\iiiit 
r.'parti  iiar  tote,  mais  j)ar  vilio,  villa^'o  on  lianioan.'  llrnssrnr  (!<■  Hau,- 
bf)iir;i.  Ifi.if.  Nut.  Ci'i:,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  r)7-S,  m,  "m;?.  [ii  (iuatoiualM,  'on  In 
to.-anto  a  las  rontas  dol  roy  y  Sonoros,  liabia  osto  onion,  (|uo  todo  vcnii  :i 
iiu  inonton,  y  do  alii  lo  dal)an  al  roy  sn  parte,  dospnos  dabaii  a  los  Scfions, 
so'^jnn  cada  uno  era,  y  dospnos  daban  a  los  oficialos,  y  ii  (piionos  ol  rev  ii,i(i;i 
luorcodes.'  Xinirurz^  lli.-^l.  /„(/.  (riaif.,  pp.  '201-2!  'lis  possodaiciil  Ics 
eschives  males  on  foniollos  qne  eos  snjets  lonr  payaiont  en  tribal.'  hr- 
iKni.r-Coiiipaii.i,  Voi/.,  serie  i.,  toin.  x.,  pp.  410-17;  /'/.,  in  Xonrilli.-^  An- 
il (dcH  den  Vol/.,  I84:j,  toni.  xcvii.,  p.  4.');  Tiii-iinriiiiiilii,  Miukii'/.  Iml..  tnin. 
ii.,  pp.  .S4r),'.S8('>;  Oviriln,  llinf.  G>-ii.,  toni.  iv.,  p.  104;  Squirr'.i  Xiriir»;iii,i, 
(Ed.  18.")(>,)  vol.  ii.,  p.  341;  Mairlrt,  Voi/af/r.  toin.  i..  p.  111."). 

^^  Cogolludo,  Hint.    Vuc,  pp.    iSO-i;  Tcrnuux-Cuhqnvis,  in   Xmii'iUvs 


ADMINISTRATION  OF  JUSTICE. 


655 


The  administration  of  justice  anil  the  execution  of 
the  laws  were  aniouiif  tlie  ALavas  entrusted  to  the 
otKeials  that  have  been  mentioned  in  what  lias  been 
said  respectinj^  j^overnment.  Serious  crimes  or  other 
important  matters  arteetinuc  the  interests  of  the  kino*, 
of  the  siate,  or  of  the  higher  ranks  of  nohility,  were 
referred  directly  to  the  royal  council  })resided  over  by 
the  monarch.  The  kinijf's  lieutenants,  or  lords  of 
royal  blood  who  ruled  over  provinces,  took  concnizance 
(-f  the  more  important  cases  of  provincial  interest; 
while  petty  local  (piestions  were  decided  by  subordi- 
nate judges,  one  of  whom  was  appointed  in  each 
village  or  hamlet.  But  even  in  the  case  of  the  local 
judges  the  advice  of  a  council  was  sought  on  every 
occasion,  and  persons  were  appointed  to  assist  both 
judges  and  ])arties  to  the  suit  in  the  character  of  ad- 
viK'ates.  Although  these  judges  had  the  right  to 
consult  with  the  lord  of  their  province,  and  the  latter, 
jirobably,  with  the  royal  council,  yet  after  a  decision 
was  rendered,  there  was  apparently  no  right  of  appeal 
ill  any  case  whatever;  but  we  are  told  that  in  Yuca- 
tiii  at  least  a  royal  commissioner  travelled  through 
t!io  ])rovinces  and  reported  regularly  on  tlie  manner 
iu  which  the  judges  performed  their  duties,  and  on 
other  matters  of  public  ini[»ort.  Both  judges  and 
advocates  might  receive  presents  from  all  the  jiarties 
t )  a  suit,  according  to  Cogolludo,  and  no  one  thought 
Di"  apj)lying  for  justice  witliout  ))ringiiig  some  gift 
]>i'()portioned  to  his  means.  In  (Juatomala,  as  Las 
Cisas  states,  the  judge  received  liaif  the  pi'operty  of 
t!u'  convicted  jiartv;  this  is  prolwibly  only  to  be  un- 
(liTstootl  as  apjilying  to  serious  crimes,  which  involved 
ii  confiscation  of  all  ])ropertv. 

iu  Vera  Paz  tlie  tax-collect n's  served  also  as  con- 
sial)les,  being  empowered  to  arrest  accused  ]»arties 
and  witnesses,  and  to*bring  them  before  tlie  judges. 

All  null's  lira  Voff.,  1843,  toin.  xcvii.,  p.  4(5;  /{rii.i.'fiir  ilr  ISiHirfioiirff,  Ili-<f. 
-V(/'.  ('ir.,  tinii.  ii.,  pp.  7t>  1;  dirri/lu,  in  Sur.  Mm.  Uio'j.,  liolrtin,  'Jilii 
iliiira,  toiii.  iii.,  p.  '2(JS. 


006 


THE  MAVA  NATIONS. 


Very  little  is  known  of  the  order  of  prooediire  in  tlio 
Maya  courts,  but  j^reat  pains  was  apparently  taktii  t(» 
ascertain  all  the  facts  hearin*]^  on  the  case,  and  to  nii- 
der  exact  justice  to  all  concerned.  Court  pnuicil- 
ino's,  testimony,  arguments,  and  decisions  are  siiid  to 
have  been  altogether  verbal,  there  being  no  evidi'iuo 
that  written  records  were  kept  as  they  were  by  the 
Nahuas,  although  the  Maya  system  of  hieroglypliic 
writing  cannot  l)e  supposed  to  have  been  in  any  re- 
spect inferior  to  that  of  the  northern  nations.  Xotli- 
ing  in  the  nature  of  an  oath  was  exacted  from  a 
■witness,  but  to  jjuard  aijainst  false  testimonv  in  Yii- 
catau  a  terrible  curse  was  launched  against  tbe  jxr- 
jurer,  and  a  superstitious  fear  of  conseciuenccs  was 
supposed  to  render  falsehood  imj)()ssible.  In  CJiiatL'- 
mala  so  much  was  the  ])erjurer  despised  that  a  line 
and  a  reprimand  from  the  judge  were  deemed  suffi- 
cient j)unishment.  Torture,  if  we  may  credit  i.as 
Casjis,  by  tying  the  hands,  beating  with  clubs,  and 
the  inhalation  of  smoke,  was  resorted  to  in  Vera  Paz 
to  extort  confession  from  a  person  susj)ected  of  adul- 
tery or  other  serious  crimes.  Great  weight  seeius 
to  have  been  attached  to  material  evidence;  for  in- 
stance, it  was  deemed  impt)rtant  to  take  the  tliief 
while  in  actual  possession  of  the  stolen  property ;  and 
a  woman  to  convict  a  man  of  rape  must  seize  and 
produce  in  court  some  })ortion  of  his  wearing-ap]»airl. 
The  announcement  of  the  judge's  decision  was,  as  1 
have  said,  delivered  verbally,  and  sometimes,  win  a 
the  parties  to  the  suit  were  numerous,  Cogolhido  in- 
forms us  that  .'Ul  were  invited  to  a  banquet,  tluiiiii;' 
which  the  verdict  was  made  known.  As  there  was 
no  appeal  to  a  higher  tribunal,  so  there  seems  to  liave 
been  no  pardoning  power,  and  the  judge's  final  deci- 
sion was  always  strictly  enforced.  Except  a  mention 
by  Herrera  that  the  Nicaragumn  ministers  of  justice 
bore  fans  and  rods,  T  find  no  account  of  any  distin- 
guisliing  insignia  in  the  Maya  tribunals. 

Punishments  inflicted  on  Maya  criminals  took  the 


MAYA  PIXISIIMKNTS. 


667 


rorin  of  death,  sl.avoiy,  and  pocimiarv  fiuos;  iinpris- 
oMineiit  wan  of  rare  orcurrt'iice,  and  aj»part!nt!y  never 
iiillit^ted  as  a  |)unislinient,  but  eidy  for  the  retention  of 
jirisoners  until  their  final  punislnnent  was  leji^ally  de- 
trrniined.  (J'o'jfolludo  states  that  culprits  were  never 
heaten,  hut  Vilhiijfutierre  affirms  that,  at  least  anioui'' 
the  Itzas,  tiiey  were  hoth  heaten  and  put  in  shaekii's; 
and  the  same  author  speaks  of  imprisonment  for  nt>n- 
jtayment  of  taxes  at  Cohan.  The  death  penalty  wjvs 
inflicted  hy  hanifing-,  hy  heatinjjf  with  the  i^Mrrote,  (if 
( luh,  and  hy  throwin<:^  the  condenmed  over  a  preci- 
pice. Ximenez  mentions  hurnini^  in  (Juatemala; 
( )viedo  speaks  of  im})alements  in  Yucatan  ;  those  con- 
demned to  death  in  Nicarc'iijfua  seem  to  have  been  sac- 
riticed  to  the  ifods  hy  having  their  hearts  cut  out;  and 
throwini^  the  hody  from  a  wall  or  }>reci]»ice  is  the  only 
method  attributed  to  the  Pipiles. 

At  a  town  in  Yucatan  called  Cachi,  Oviedo  men- 
tions a  sharp  mast  standin*^  in  the  centre  of  a  s<juare 
and  used  hy  the  people  for  impalinj^  criminals  alive. 
The  method  of  imprisonment,  as  described  by  Co«,n)l- 
ludo,  consisted  in  binding  the  hands  behind  the  back, 
placing  about  the  neck  a  collar  of  wood  and  cords,  and 
confining  the  culprit  thus  shackled  in  a  wooden  cage. 
At  Cam|)eche  a  place  of  punishment  is  mentioned  by 
Peter  Martyr  and  Torquemada  as  having  been  seen 
l>y  the  early  vo3'agers.  Three  beams  or  posts  were 
fixed  in  the  ground,  to  them  were  attached  three 
cross-beams,  and  scattered  about  were  blood-stained 
arrows  and  spears.  This  apparatus  would  indicate,  if 
it  was  really  a  place  of  j)unishment,  a  method  of  in- 
flit'ting  the  death-penalty  not  elsewhere  mentioned; 
and  a  stone  structure  adjoining,  covered  with  sculp- 
tured emblems  of  punishment  is  sugj;estivo  of  ceremo- 
nial rites  in  connection  with  executions.  The  death 
s 'iitence  generally  involved  the  confiscation  of  the 
criminal's  property  and  the  enslaving  of  his  family. 
All  l)ut  the  most  heinous  offemies  could  be  expiated 
Ity  the  payment  of  a  fine  consisting  of  slaves  or  other 


■ 


'! 


i 


Vol.  II.— « 


668 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


property,  and  tlio  whole  or  a  larjjfe  part  of  tlii.s  lino 
M'unt  to  tlio  judges,  tho  lords,  or  the  kinjjc. 

Murder  was  punished  in  all  the  nations  hy  dtjitli, 
but  in  Yucatan  and  Niearajjua  if  tliere  wore  extcii- 
iiatiuL;"  circunistanoes,  such  as  great  j)rovocation  or  al»- 
sence  of  malice,  the  crime  was  atoned  hy  tlie  i)ayniLiit 
of  a  tine.  In  Yucatan  a  minor  who  to«)k  human  lito 
became  a  slave;  the  kilHng  of  another's  slave  called 
for  ])ayment  of  the  value  destroyed;  the  killing  of 
one's  ()\vn  slave  involved  a  slight  penalty  or  none  at 
all.  In  Nicaragua  no  penalty  was  decided  upon  lur 
the  murder  of  a  chief,  lucIi  a  crime  being  deemed  iia- 
ible. 

Theft  was  atoned  by  a  return  of  the  stolen  projurty 
and  the  payment  of  a  fine  to  the  pubHc  treasury.  In 
case  the  criminal  could  not  pay  the  full  value  he  was 
sold  as  a  slave  until  sucli  time  as  lie  might  be  able  to 
redeem  his  freedom.  In  some  cases  tlie  amount  semis 
to  have  been  paid  with  the  jirice  he  brought  as  a 
slave,  and  in  others  he  served  the  injured  })aity. 
Fines,  however,  in  most  cases  seem  to  have  been  i)ai(l 
by  the  i  latives  and  friends  of  the  guilty  party,  so 
that  the  number  of  persons  actually  enslaved  was 
perha|)s  not  very  large.  In  Guatemala  stolen  articles 
of  trifling  value  went  with  the  fine  to  the  |)iihlic 
treasury,  since  the  owner  would  not  receive  them. 
The  incorrigible  thief,  when  his  friends  refused  to  jmy 
his  fine,  was  sometimes  put  to  death;  and  death  was 
also  the  penalty  for  stealing  articles  of  value  from  tho 
tem})le.  In  Nicaragua  the  thief  who  delayed  too  loiii,' 
the  i)ayment  of  his  fine  was  sacrificed  to  the  gods; 
and  in  Salvador,  banishment  was  the  punishment  for 
trirting  theft,  death  for  stealing  larger  amoinits. 
Landa  informs  us  that  in  Yucatan  a  noble  who  so  far 
forgot  his  position  as  to  steal  had  his  face  scarified,  a 
great  disgrace. 

Adultery  was  punished  in  Yucatan  and  Guatemala 
with  death;  in  the  latter  if  the  parties  were  of  tlio 
common  people  they  were  thrown  from  a  precipice. 


nilMINAL  roDK. 


C&9 


Fornication  was  atoned  by  a  fine,  or  if  tlie  aftVoiited 
relatives  insisted,  by  death.  A  woman  who  was  un- 
cliaste  was  at  first  reprimanded,  and  finally,  if  she 
])ersevered  in  her  loose  conduct,  onslaveil.  Hape  in 
(.(uatemala  was  ])unished  by  death;  an  imsuccesHful 
attempt  at  the  same,  by  slavery.  Afarriajjfe  witli  a 
slave,  as  already  stated,  reduced  the  freeman  to  a 
slave's  condition;  sexual  connection  with  one's  own 
wlave  was  not  rejjarded  as  a  crime.  He  who  commit- 
ted  incest  in  Yucatan  was  put  to  death. 

Treason,  rebellion,  inciting  to  rebellion,  desertion, 
interference  with  the  payment  of  royal  tribute,  and 
similar  offences  endangering''  the  well-being  of  the  na- 
tions, were  sufficient  cause  for  death. 

In  Guatemala  he  who  kidnapped  a  free  person  and 
sold  him  into  slavery,  lost  his  life.  For  an  assault 
resulting  in  wounds  a  fine  was  imposed.  He  who 
killed  the  <juetzal,  a  bird  reserved  for  the  kings,  was 
l)ut  to  death;  and  the  same  fate  was  that  of  him  who 
took  game  or  fish  from  another's  j)remises,  if  the  in- 
jured party  was  an  enemy  and  insisted  on  so  severe  a 
l)enalty. 

The  Pi})iles  condemned  a  man  to  be  beaten  for  ly- 
ing; but  the  same  offence  in  time  of  Avnr  demanded 
capital  punishment,  as  did  any  disresj)ect  sliown  for 
tlie  sacred  things  of  relijjfion. 

Ximenez  states  that  in  Guatemala  the  Jxtlnm,  or 
sorcerer,  was  burned;  the  same  offence  in  Veia  Paz, 
according  to  Torquemada,  caused  the  guilty  party  t 
he  beaten  to  death  t)r  lianged. 

A  strict  payment  of  all  just  debts  was  enforced, 
and  in  Guatemala  he  who  boujjht  nianv  things  on 
credit  and  failed  to  pay  for  them  was  finally  enslaved 
or  even  killed.  Both  here  and  in  Nicaragua  tlie  bor- 
lower  was  obliged  to  return  or  ])ay  for  borrowed  arti- 
cles, and,  if  the  articles  were  })roducts  of  the  soil, 
the  lender  might  repay  hiniself  from  the  borrower's 
Held.  He  who  injured  another's  proj)erty,  even  serv- 
ants in  the   lord's  palace   who  broke  dishes  or  fur- 


o 


) 


600 


Tllr:  MAYA  NATIONS. 


niturc,  must  mako  ^ood  all  (Junmjj^o.  Tii  Yucatiin, 
wu  are  tuld  tliat  a  man  cuulcl  nut  lie  taken  tor  drlit 
unaccompanied  uy  crimo.  8ume  additional  laws  und 
re;(ulation8  of  the  Maya  natiouH  will  appear  in  tluir 
ajjprojiriate  places  in  other  chaptera.'" 


"Oil  thfi  Maya  lawH  Hoo:  Lnnda,  li'lftrion,  pp.  132-4,  17fi-S;  AV //«;(-:, 
Hisf.  Ihd.  Oiint.,  \t\t.  IWI-'JIH), '20S;  Ton/unniii/ii,  .Vo/(«*y/. ///*/.,  tnm.  ii.,  pp. 
:WS-4(l,  3S()-!>2;  htn  t'umn,  ill  Kiiiijiliuntiiif/i'ii  Mix.  Aiitii/.,  vol.  viii.,  pp. 
i;r>-4«;  ('dijoUhiIo,  IUhI.  Yuc.,  pp.  17*.>-H.'};  J'nlncio,  Carta,  pp.  m 'l;  Ori- 
rrto,  Hint,  ifeii.,  totii.  iii.,  p|>.  22'J-3(),  tniii.  iv.,  pp.  ry(t-\;  I'ltir  Murtifr,  ilcc. 
iv.,  lilt,  ii.;   Villayutierrr,  Hist.  Coinj.  Itza,  p.    U»2;  Hnrrra,    Hist.  (In,., 


<i»!f.  iv.,  lil».  viii.,  nip.  x.,  dfc.  iii.,  lilt,  iv.,  niii.  vii.;  Juano.t,  Hist,  llimi., 

f>l.  2«3-4  -     -       . 

2-4;  Snui 
p.  345;  /(/.,  t'etit.  Ainfr.,    p.   334;  'J'irnaiix-t^o»iinin.i,    To//.,   wric   i., 


lilt.  IV.,  mil.  vii.;  Jiiarros,  tli.it.  limit., 
pp.  101-2;  (iuiiiara.  Hint.  Iiiil.,  M.  203-4;  tiriissnir  ilf  Hoiirliniini,  Hist. 
NfU 


int.  Cir.,  torn,  ii.,   pp.  BiMil,  572-4;  S<jniir.<i  NiraraifKU,  (Kil.  IH.'H), )  vn 

ii..  .'.".'         .    .     '"  -. 

toiii.  X.,  pp.  417-18;  /(/. ,  ill  Nomicllr.i  Aiinafis  ths  Vni/.,  IKJ3,  foin. 
xivii.,  pp.  4(>-7;  Jfil/m  Span.  Com/.,  vol.  iii.,  jtp.  2.'>rt-7;  Fmiroiirt's  Hist. 
Yuc.,  pp.  110-17;  riiiientel,  Mem.  nobrc  la  liaza  Iniligcnu,  pp.  21)-34. 


CHAPTER    .vXI. 

EDUCATION   AND  FAMILY   MATTERS  AMONG   THE  MAYAS. 
KoucATroN  OF  Youth— Prnuc  Schools  of  Guatemai-a  — Branches 

OK  STIDY  IN  YrtATAN  — MaKKYINO  AuE  —  DEUKEES  OF  CONSAN- 
GUINITY  allowed   in   MaKKIAOE  — PllELIMINAItlES    OF    MaRRIAOE 

— Maiuuaoe  Ceremonies— The  Custom  ok  the  Droit  du  Seion- 
EUK  in  Nicaragua— Widows  —  M()No(;amy -  Concuihxacje  —  Di- 
vorce —  Laws  Concerning  Adultery  —  Fornication  —  Kate- 
Prostitution  —  Unnatural  Crimes- Desire  for  Children  — 
Child-iiirth  Ceremonies  — Kite  of  Circumcision  — Manner  ok 
Naming  Children— Baptismal  Ceremonies. 

The  Mcaya  nations  appear  to  have  been  quite  as 
ntrict  and  careful  in  the  education  of  youth  as  tlio 
Naliuas.  Parents  took  great  pains  to  instruct  their 
diildren  to  respect  old  age,  to  reverence  the  gods,  and 
to  honor  their  father  and  mother.^     They  were,  be- 


'  'They  were  taii<;ht,  says  Lius  Cnsns,  'que  honrasen  A  los  padres  y  le» 
fiiCHCii  »>l>edieiitea;  (jiic  ii<i  tuviesen  I'oditiia  ue  iiiiicIkis  hieues;  <|ue  no  luliil- 
ferasen  con  nni),'er  si^jena;  (lue  no  fornicasLMi,  ni  llepiHun  li  niu^er,  sino  li  In 
(jue  fncse  suya;  que  no  niirasen  li  las  innj;eri's  i)ara  codieiarlas,  diciendo 
(|iie  no  traspai'asen  ninhral  ayono;  que  si  aiuluviesen  de  nctclie  por  el 
IMieblo,  que  llevuHen  lunilire  en  la  nionu;  que  si^fuiesen  su  eaniino  dere(;lio, 
que  no  hajasen  de  oaniino,  ni  HuliieMen  tuiupoco  del;  que  il  los  ('ii';,'os  no  les 
iiu»iesen  ofendiculo  par.i  qi.c^  eayesen;  A  los  iisiados  no  esearneeiesen  y  de 
Jos  locos  no  se  riesen.  porque  todo  aquello  era  nialo;  que  trabajen  y  no 
estuhiesen  ociosos;  y  )>ara  esto  desde  nifios  les  ensenavaii  eoiuo  liavian  de 
liaeer  las  seuieiiteras  y  eoino  luMU'liciallas  v  c(>;rellas.'  KiiKiahoniiiijIiit  ^ft^x. 
Aiitiq.,  vol.  viii.,  p.  132.  Brasseur  de  Bourhour^  remarks  that  the  re- 
wpeetful  term  of  yon  instead  of  tluni,  is  fretjuently  used  l>y  ehildren  when 
addressinj;  tlieir  jiarents,  in  the  Popol  Vuh.  I'o/iol  Viih,  ji.  iM5.  The  old 
lii'()|)le  'eran  tan  estiimidos  en  esto  (pie  los  ino^os  no  trata\'an  eon  viejos, 
.sino  era  en  <'osas  inevitables,  y  los  muyus  por  casar;  cwu  los  casadoa  sino 
niuy  poeo.'  f.nnda,  liclacioa,  p.  178. 
(OOU 


602 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


sides,  encouraged  while  mere  infants  to  amuse  tlieiii- 
selves  witli  warlike  games,  and  to  practice  with  the 
bow  and  arrow.  As  they  grew  older,  the  children  of 
the  poor  people  were  taught  to  labor  and  assist  tlieir 
parents.  The  boys  were  in  their  childhood  educated 
by  the  father,  who  usually  taught  them  his  own 
trade  or  calling;  the  girls  were  under  the  especial 
care  of  the  mother,  who,  it  is  said,  watched  very 
closely  over  the  conduct  of  her  daughters,  scarcely 
ever  permitting  them  to  be  out  of  her  sight.  Chii- 
dren  of  both  sexes  remained  under  the  immediate 
control  of  their  parents  until  they  were  of  an  age  to 
be  married,  and  any  disobedience  or  contumacy  Mas 
severely  punished,  sometimes  even  with  death.  The 
boys  in  Guatemala  slept  under  the  portico  of  tlie 
house,  as  it  was  thought  improper  that  they  sliould 
observe  the  conduct  and  hear  the  conversation  of 
married  people.''  In  Yucatan,  also,  the  young  ])e()plc 
were  kept  separate  froi.i  their  elders.  In  each  vil- 
lage was  an  immense  white-washed  shed,  under  the 
shelter  of  which  the  youths  of  the  place  amused 
themselves  during  the  day,  and  slept  at  night.'* 

The  various  little  events  in  a  child's  life  wliicli 
among  all  peoples,  savage  or  civilized,  are  regarded  a^ 
of  so  great  importance  by  anxious  mothers,  such  as 
its  being  weaned,  its  first  step,  or  its  first  word,  were 
celebrated  with  feasts  and  rejoicing;  the  anniversaries 
of  its  birthday  were  also  occasions  of  much  meny- 
making.  The  first  article  that  a  child  made  with  its 
own  liands  was  dedicated  to  the  gods.*  In  Yucatan 
children  went  naked  until  they  were  four  or  five  years 
old,  when  the  boys  were  given  a  breech-clout  to  wear 

'  'Doriniiin  en  los  portales  no  solo  cnando  liacitm  su  ayuno,  urns  ami 
oasi  to(l(»  cl  aTio,  jjorque  no  les  era  |)criniti(lo  tratar  ni  saber  do  los  m';,'c)i'iiis 
(!(!  l(»s  casados,  ni  ann  Hahian  cnanilo  liaMan  do  casarsc,  liasta  el  tie!ii|Hi  c|ii(' 
les  (tresentalmn  las  mnj^'res,  porqne  eran  nniy  snjctos  y  ohedieiites  li  stis 
]iadres.     Ciiando  aquestos  niancebos  ilian  A  siis  casas  d  ver  a  siis  iiadrcs 

t(>nian  su  euenta  <le  one  no  hahlascn  los  padres  cusu  que  fiiese  nieiKLs 

liDiu'sta.'    Yimrni'z,  Hist.  Iiiil.  Giuit.,  p.  181. 

3  fjdiii/d,  Rrlnrion,  p.  178. 

«  Lrr.v  Ciisiis,  Hint.  Apologffirn,  MS.,  cap.  cLxxix. ;  Brasseur  dc  lioiir. 
hourg,  llist.  Nat.  Civ.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  569. 


EDUCATION  OF  CHILDREN. 


663 


and  a  piece  of  cloth  to  sleep  under;  girls  began  at 
the  same  age  to  wear  a  petticoat  reaching  from  tlie 
waist  downward/  In  Guatemala  children  were  left 
naked  till  tney  were  eight  or  ten  years  of  age,  at 
which  time  they  were  required  to  do  light  labor." 
As  soon  as  a  child  reached  the  age  of  seven  yeftrs,  it 
was  taken  by  its  father  to  tlie  j)riest,  who  foretold  its 
future  destiny  and  instructed  it  how  to  draw  blood 
from  its  body,  and  perform  other  religious  observ- 
ances.'' 

The  Mayas  entrusted  the  more  advanced  education 
of  youth  entirely  to  the  priesthood.  In  Guatemala 
the  youths  assisted  the  priests  in  their  duties,  and  re- 
ceived, in  turn,  an  education  suited  to  their  position  in 
life.  There  were  schools  in  every  principal  town,  Jit 
which  youths  were  instructed  in  all  necessary  brnnches 
by  competent  teachers.  The  principal  of  these  was  a 
seminary  in  which  were  maintained  seventy  masters, 
and  from  five  to  six  thousand  children  were  educated 
and  provided  for  at  the  expense  of  the  royal  treasury,^ 
Girls  were  placed  in  convents,  under  the  su|)erintend- 
ence  of  matrons  who  were  most  strict  in  their  guard- 
iansliip.  It  is  said  that  they  entered  when  eiglit 
years  old,  and  were  not  free  until  about  to  be  mar- 
ried.^ 

In  Yucatan,  social  distinctions  seem  to  have  been 
more  sharply  defined  than  in  Guatemala.  Here,  the 
schools  of  learning  were  only  open  to  the  children  of 
the  nobility;  a  poor  man  was  content  to  teach  his  son 
his  own  trade  or  profession.  The  children  of  the  })riv- 
ileged  classes  were,  however,  very  highly  educated. 
The  boys  were  initiated,  we  are  told,  into  the  myste- 
ries and  strange  rites  of  their  religion;  they  studied 

*  Lnnda,  Relacion,  y.  180. 

«  Ikrrera,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  cap.  xiv. ;  Juairos,  Hist.  Guni., 
p.  195. 

"<  lirasseur  de  Bourhourff,  Hist,  Nut.  Civ.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  nO!). 

^  Juarros,  Hist.  Giiat.,\).  87;  Brasscitr  de  Bonrhoiirg,  Hist.  Nat.  Cir., 
torn,  ii.,  p.  569. 

9  Ximenez,  Hist.  Ind.  Gnnt.,  p.  191;  Jimrros,  Hist,  Guat.,  p.  195;  Bras- 
scitr de  Bourbourg,  Hist,  Nut.  Civ.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  509. 


'  11 


I  Iff 


'w  M 


6G4 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


law,  morals,  music,  the  art  of  war,  astronomy,  astrol- 
ogy, divination,  prophecy,  medicine,  poetry,  history, 
picture-writing,  and  every  other  branch  of  knowledou 
known  to  their  people.  The  daughters  of  the  nohks 
were  kept  in  strict  seclusion,  and  were  carefully  in- 
structed in  all  the  accomplishments  required  of  a 
Maya  lady.^" 

In  Yucatan,  the  young  men  usually  married  at  tlio 
age  of  twenty  years."  In  Guatemala,  Las  Casas  tells 
us  that  the  men  never  married  until  they  were  tliiity, 
notwithstanding  he  has  previously  made  the  extraor- 
dinary assertion  that  the  great  prevalence  of  uniuitiiial 
lusts  made  parents  anxious  to  get  their  children  wed- 
ded as  early  as  possible."  Girls  among  the  hiulier 
classes  must  have  been  married  at  a  very  early  at;e  in 
Guatemala,  since  it  is  related  that  when  a  young  no- 
ble espoused  a  maiden  not  yet  arrived  at  the  ago  of 
puberty,  her  father  gave  him  a  female  slave,  to  lie 
with  him  until  the  wife  reached  maturity.  The  chil- 
dren of  this  slave  could  not  inherit  his  property,  how- 


ever. 


13 


The  Guatemalans  recognized  no  relationship  on  tlio 
mother's  side  only,  and  did  not  hesitate  to  many 
their  own  sister,  provided  she  was  by  another  father.'* 


1*  Landa,  Rdacion,  pp.  42-4;  Carrillo,  in  Soc.  Mcx.  Groff.,  Jiolc/in, 
2da  dpoca,  toin.  iii.,  p.  269;  Morelef,  Voyage,  toiii.  i.,  p.  191;  .Unt.s.\i  Hi- 
de liourbourg,  Hist.  aat.  Civ.,  torn,  ii.,  pp.  (il-2. 

"  Ddvila,  Teatro  Ecles.,  toiii.  i.,  p.  20.3;  Bras.scnr  <le  liourbourij,  U(<l. 
Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  52;  Hcrrem,  [lint.  Gv.a.,  due.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  eai).  iv., 
Bays  that  in  later  times  they  married  at  twelve  or  ft)urteeu. 

1'  Las  Canas,  in  Kingshorouifh's  A-e.c.  Aiitiii.,  vcd.  viii.,  p.  135. 

"  Ximenez,  Hi.st.  Iiiti.  Gnat.,  p.  ".?08.  This  is  tiie  same  passa^jc  tli;it 
Brasaeiir  de  IJourhourg,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  toni.  ii.,p.  572,  cites  as  Itomnii, 
Rrp.  Iiid.,  lih.  ii. ,  cap.  x. 

'*  'Lo.s  Indios  do  la  Vera-Paz  muchas  voces,  scjj;un  el  Parciitcsco,  i|iii! 
vaahan,  era  fuerija  que  casascn  Herniano.s  cim  Hcriiianas,  y  era  la  laciii 
esta:  Acostiunhrabaii  no  casar  los  de  vn  Trihii,  h  I'uchjo,  con  las  Mii;.'(n-i 
del  misino  Pueblo,  y  las  buscaban,  que  fuescn  de  otro;  porque  no  coiital'Mu 
por  do  su  Familia,  y  Parentesco  los  Hij,)S  que  nacian  en  el  fribn  «>  LiiiM;:^ 
ajjcno,  annque  la  Mujjer  liuvicse  procedido  de  sn  niisnio  Linaw;  y  era  hi 
ra(;on,  porque  aquel  Parentesco  seatribuhi  t\  solo  los  Hoinbres.  Por  niaiuia, 
que  si  al^run  Sefior  daba  su  Hija  t\  otro  de  otro  Pueblo,  aunque  no  tu\  iiM' 
otro  hereilero  este  Senor,  sino  solos  los  Nietos,  Hijos  do  su  liija,  no  Ins  n- 
conocia  por  Nietos,  ni  Pnrientes,  en  ra^on  dc  hacerlos  licrcdoros,  iiorscr  !ii- 
jos  del  otro  Sefior  de  otroa  Pueblos  y  asi  so  le  buscaba  al  tal  yenor,  Miiyi  r 


iiu'  fuese  de  ol 


DEGREES  OF  KINDRED. 


666 


Thus,  if  a  noble  lady  married  an  inferior  in  rank  or 
even  a  slave,  the  children  belonged  to  the  order  of  the 
father,  and  not  of  the  mother.*'  Torquemada  adds 
that  they  sometimes  married  their  sisters-in-law  and 
step-mothers.*" 

Among  the  Pipiles,  of  Salvador,  an  ancestral  tree, 
with  weven  main  branches,  denoting  degrees  of  kin- 
dred, was  painted  upon  cloth,  and  within  these  seven 
branches,  or  degrees,  none  were  allowed  to  marry, 
except  as  a  recompense  for  some  great  public  or  war- 
like service  rendered.  Within  four  degrees  of  con- 
sanguinity  none,  under  any  pretext,  might  marry." 
In  Yucatan  there  was  a  peculiar  prejudice  against  a 
man  marrying  a  woman  who  bore  the  same  name  as 
his  own,  and  so  far  was  this  fancy  carried  that  he 
who  did  this  was  looked  upon  as  a  renegade  and  an 
outcast.  Here,  also,  a  uian  could  not  marry  the  sis- 
ter of  his  deceased  wife,  his  step-mother,  or  his 
mother's  sister,  but  with  all  other  relatives  on  the 
maternal  side,  no  matter  how  close,  marriage  was 
j)erfectly  legitimate.  A  Yucatec  noble  who  wedded 
a  woman  of  inferior  degree,  descended  to  her  social 
level,  and  was  dispossessed  of  a  part  of  his  property, 


:i, 


m-  fucse  de  otro  Pueblo,  y  no  de  el  proprio.  Y  nsi  sucedia,  que  los  llijns 
(ic  estate  Mugeres,  no  tcuiiiu  por  I'ariente.s  it  Iom  Deudos  de  su  Miidrc,  por 
I'stiir  en  otro  l*uel»lo,  y  esto  se  cutiende,  en  qniinto  k  casarse  con  ellas,  qiio 
111  tcnian  |)or  licito,  auiique  en  lo  deiniiH  ne  recoiiocian.  Y  ponpic  la  oueiita  do 
sii  PartJiitesco  era  entre  S(dos  los  Honibres,  y  no  por  jmrte  de  las  Miii^eres. 

V  por  esto  no  tenian  inipediniento,  j)ara  <'aHarse,  con  Ion  (ales  I'urientes;  y 
a-<i  se  casahan  cou  todos  los  gra<los  de  (Jonsauguinidad,  ])or<[ue  mas  por 
ilt'nnaiia  tenian  qualquiera  Muger  de  su  Linage,  aunque  fuese  reniotisiina, 

V  nn  tuviese  nienioria  del  grado,  en  que  le  tocaba,  que  la  iiija  de  sii  ))rop:a 
ftliiilre,  como  fucse  liavida  de  otro  Marido,  y  p(U'  este  error  se  easaban,  eon 
las  llernianas  de  Madrc,  v  no  de  Padre.'  Torque tiutda,  Munnni.  Ltd.,  torn. 
ii.,  i>.  419. 

''  Ilnissnir  til',  liourhourg,  Ifi.sf.  Xat.  dr.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  572. 

"'  Moiinrq.  Lid.,  toiu.  ii.,  ]).  419. 

'"  'Kn  lo  que  tocava  al  jiarentcseo,  tenian  un  arlxd  pintado,  i  en  el  sieto 
niinos  que  signifaeava  slete  grados  de  parentesco.  En  estos  grados  no  se 
jHiilia  casar  nadie,  i  esto  se  enteiidia  jtor  linea  recta  ni  no  fucse  (|uealguno 
Imvicse  fecbo  algun  gran  feebo  en  arnuis,  i  bavia  de  ser  del  tercero  grado 
fiicra;  i  por  linea  traversa  tenia  otro  arlxd  con  qnatro  rainos  (jue  sigiiilica- 

liaii  el  quarto  grado,  en  estos  \w  se  nodia  cnsar  nadie (juabpiicra  (pie 

tenia  qiuMita  carnal  con  parienta  en  los  grados  susodicbos  inorian  por  ciio 
iimlios.'  I'liliirio,  Cinfo,  p.  80;  Ifinrra,  Hint.  Gen.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  vili.,  cap. 
X.;  Squicr'i'  Cent.  Ainer,,  p.  334. 


_^ 


G66 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


and  deprived  of  his  rank.^'  In  Nicaragua  no  one 
might  marry  within  the  first  degree  of  relations!  lip, 
but  beyond  that  there  was  no  restriction.^® 

The  question  of  dowry  was  settled  in  Guatemala  by 
the  relatives  of  the  young  couple.^  The  Yueatoc 
son-in-law  served  his  father-in-law  for  four  or  five 
years,  and  the  omission  of  such  service  was  considered 
scandalous;''^  while  in  Nicaragua  the  dower  was  usu- 
ally paid  in  fruit  or  land.** 

Each  of  the  Maya  nations  seems  to  have  had  a 
method  of  arranging  marriages  peculiar  to  itself.  In 
Guatemala  the  whole  affair  was  managed  by  the  near- 
est relatives  of  the  betrothed  pair,  who  were  kejit  in 
profound  ignorance  of  the  coming  event,  and  did  not 
even  know  each  other  until  the  day  of  the  weddinu;'. 
It  seems  incredible  that  the  young  men  should  have 
quietly  submitted  to  having  their  wives  picked  out  for 
them  without  being  allowed  any  voice  or  choice  in 
the  matter.  Yet  we  are  told  that  so  great  was  tlieir 
obedience  and  submission  to  their  parents,  tluit  there 
never  was  any  scandal  in  these  things.  If  this  he 
the  case,  what  a  strange  phenomenon  Guatemalan 
society  must  have  been,  with  no  love  affairs,  no  woo- 
ing permitted,  and  Cupid  a  banished  boy.  But,  for 
all  that,  many  a  Guatemalan  youth  may  have  looked 
coldly  upon  his  bride  as  he  thought  of  anotlier  and, 
to  him,  fairer  face,  and  many  a  loyal  young  wile 
may  luive  been  sometimes  troubled  with  the  vision  of 
a  comely  form  that  she  had  admired  before  she  saw 
her  lord. 

When  a  man  of  rank  wished  to  marry  his  son,  lie 
sent  a  number  of  his  friends  with  presents  to  tlic 

^^  Hrrrcra,  Hist.  Cfen.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  cap.  iv. ;  Latiilii,  Jic/itrion,  \i]\ 
134-(),  140;  Brasscur  dc  liourbounj,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  toiii.  ii..  |>.  (Jl. 

'■•*  Torqufinada,  Monarq.  IiuL,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  419;  Si/iiier's  Nicariiijini,  (Ivl. 
185(i,)  v(»l.  ii.,  p.  343. 

>»  Jiranseur  lie  Bourhourq,  Hint.  Nat.  Cir.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  570. 

ii  Jirnsscnr  dc  liourhoiirg.  Hist.  Nat.  Cir.,  toin.  ii.,  p.  53.  '  I.os  il  ilot 
eran  de  vcntidoa,  y  cumis  do  pi>ca  BiiHtnnciu,  lo  iiiaH  hc  giistaiia  en  Ids  conilii- 
tea.'  Hcrrera,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  iv.,  lili,  x.,  cap.  iv. 

^  Ooiedo,  Hist.  Gen.,  toin.  iv.,  p.  50;  Sfpiicr's  Nicaragua,  (Kd.  IS.")(i,l 
vol.  ii.,  p.  343. 


parents 

fallen. 

that  the 

steps  we 

cepted  i( 

able   out 

elapsed, 

than  bef( 

who  wer 

marriage, 

this   gen( 

the  aftiiir. 

each  othe 

j)urposes  < 

making  pi 

chisses  till 

I>arents    i 

l^ipiles  of 

having  oL 

the  match 

twelve  ye 

educate  an 

In  return 

of  his  son, 

and  of  a  s 

<'ouple  the 

and  gave  t 

if  the  youi 

he  crossed 

paid  the  sa 

In  the 
arranged  b 
pendent  toi 
from  aiuoni 


PRELIMINARIES  OF  MARRIAGE. 


C67 


parents  of  the  young  girl  upon  wlioni  liis  cliolce  had 
t'allen.  If  the  presents  wei'e  refused  it  was  a  sign 
that  the  offer  of  alliance  was  declined,  and  no  farther 
steps  were  taken  in  the  matter;  but  if  they  were  ac- 
cepted it  showed  that  tlie  match  was  thought  a  desir- 
able one.  In  the  latter  case,  a  few  days  having 
elapsed,  another  embassy,  bearing  more  costly  gifts 
than  before,  was  dispatched  to  the  parents  of  the  girl, 
who  were  again  asked  to  give  their  consent  to  the 
marriage.  Finally,  a  tliird  deputation  was  sent,  and 
this  generally  succeeded  in  satisfjictorily  arranging 
tlie  affair.  The  two  families  then  connnenced  to  treat 
each  other  as  relations,  and  to  visit  each  other  for  the 
purposes  of  determining  the  day  of  the  w\)dding  and 
making  preparations  for  the  event.  Among  the  lower 
classes  the  father  usually  demanded  the  bride  of  her 
])arents  in  person.  It  was  customary  among  the 
Pipiles  of  Salvador  for  the  father  of  the  boy,  after 
liaving  obtained  the  consent  of  the  girl's  parents  to 
the  match,  to  take  her  to  his  house  when  she  was 
twelve  years  of  age,  and  his  son  fourteen,  and  there 
educate  and  maintain  her  as  if  she  were  his  own  child. 
In  return  he  was  entitled  to  her  services  and  those 
of  his  son,  until  they  were  able  to  sustain  themselves, 
and  of  a  suitable  age  to  marry.  The  i)arents  of  the 
couple  then  jointly  made  them  a  present  of  a  house 
and  gave  them  the  means  to  start  in  life.  Thereafter, 
if  the  young  man  met  his  father-in-law  in  the  street, 
he  crossed  to  the  other  side  of  tlie  way,  and  the  girl 
paid  the  same  courtesy  to  her  mother-in-law.'* 

In  the  greater  [)art  of  Nicaragua  matches  were 
arranged  by  the  })arents,  but  there  were  certain  inde- 
]>undent  towns  in  which  tiie  girls  chose  their  husbands 
iVom  among  the  young  men,  while  the  latter  were  sit- 
ting at  a  feast.  ^' 

'^  Xiinencz,  Ilist.  Iiid.  Gnat.,  pp.  204-C;  Brnsscur  dc  Bourbounj,  Hist, 
Xiit.  ('ii\,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  .5()9-7l. 

"  Pnlurio,  Ciirht,  p.  78;  Si/uier's  Catf.  Anit-r.,  p.  .Til. 

"'  (r')initra,  Ilisf.  I  mi,  M.  'HV.\\  Jlrrrmt,  Hist.  (Ini.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  iv., 
(•a|i.  viL;  Siinier'a  Xicuviujiui,  (Ed.  18J(!,)  vol.  ii.,  i>.  'AVA. 


668 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


I  have  already  alluded  to  the  fact  that  if  in  Gua- 
temala or  Yucatan  a  young  nmn  married  into  a  raiilc 
lower  than  his  own  he  lost  caste  in  consequence,  Ikiuo 
his  parents  were  the  more  careful  to  select  for  him  a 
bride  from  among  the  maidens  of  his  own  standing-  in 
society.  Among  the  Mayas  of  Yucatan  when  the 
day  appointed  for  a  marriage  ceremony  arrived,  tlio 
invited  friends  assembled  at  the  house  of  the  brick's 
father,  where  the  betrothed  couple  with  their  parents 
and  the  officiating  priest  were  already  waiting.  F(»r 
the  joyful  occasion  a  great  feast  was  prepared,  as  it 
was  customary  to  incur  a  large  expense  in  food  and 
wine  for  the  entertainment  of  invited  guests.  WIkh 
all  were  present,  the  priest  called  the  bride  and 
bridegroom  with  their  parents  before  him  and  deliv- 
ered to  them  an  address  concerning  the  dut*  >s  of  tlio 
wedded  state.  He  then  offered  incense  and  curtain 
p.'ayers  to  the  gods,  concluding  the  ceremony  l)y  ask- 
ing a  blessing  from  heaven  for  the  newly  wuddid 
couple.**  No  ceremonies  took  place  when  a  widow  or 
widower  was  married;  in  such  case  a  simple  repast  or 
the  gfivinjjf  of  food  and  drink  one  to   another  was 


27 


deemed  sufficient  to  solemnize  the  nu])tials, 

It  was  customary  in  Guatemala,  wlien  all  prelimi- 
naries of  a  marriage  had  been  settled  and  the  day 
fixed  for  tlie  weddingr,  for  the  bridegroom's  father  to 
send  a  deputation  of  old  women  and  principal  nun 
to  conduct  the  bride  to  his  house.  One  of  those  sent 
for  this  purpose  carried  her  upon  his  shoulders,  and 
when  they  arrived  at  a  certain  designated  point  near 
the  bridegroom's  home,  she  was  met  by  other  ukii 
also  chosen  by  her  father-in-law,  who  offered  incense 
four  i)r  five  times  before  her  and  sacrificed  some  (juail 
or  other  birds  to  the  gods,  at  the  same  time  giving- 
thanks  for  her  safe  arrival.     As  soon  as  she  came  to 


*•  '  Haziasc  vim  pliitica  de  como  se  aiiia  tratado,  y  iiiirado  a(iuel  rnsaini- 
onto,  y  one  (iiiatlraua:  hei'lia  la  jdatica  el  Sai'crdote  f-iil>iiiiiaiia  laf!is:i;y 
coil  orat'ioiios  lieii(U>zia  a  Ion  iioiiios,  y  qucdauaii  casudos.'  llvrixra,  11  ml. 
Gen.,  dt'c.  iv.,  lil).  x.,  i-ap.  iv. 

*'  JO.;  Landa,  lidacion,  p.  142. 


MAURIAGK  CEIIEMOXIES. 


6G9 


the  house  she  was  seated  with  much  ceremony  uj)on 
a  couch  covered  with  mats  or  rich  carpets;  immedi- 
ately a  numher  of  singers  hegan  a  song  suited  to  tlie 
occasion;  musicians  played  on  their  instruments; 
dancers  came  forth  and  danced  before  her.-"  The 
consent  of  the  cacique  had  to  he  obtained  to  all  mai'- 
ri  ages  that  were  celebrated  in  his  territory;  before  the 
ceremony  the  priest  desired  the  young  man  and  his 
bride  to  confess  to  liim  all  the  sins  of  their  past  life. 
No  person  w.as  allowed  to  marry  in  Yucatan  until  the 
rite  of  baptism  had  been  administered.'"'  In  Gua- 
temala, if  the  betrothed  belony:ed  to  the  hiii'her 
classes  of  society,  the  cacique  joined  their  hands 
and  then  tied  the  end  of  the  man's  mantle  to  a 
corner  of  the  woman's  dress,  at  the  same  time  advis- 
ing them  to  be  faithful  and  loving  toward  each  other. 
The  ceremony  ended,  all  partook  of  the  wedding  feast 
and  the  bride  and  bridegroom  were  carried  to  the 
liouse  intended  for  them,  u})on  the  shoulders  of  some 
of  those  who  had  assisted  at  the  marriage;  thev  were 
then  conducted  to  the  bridal  chamber  and,  as  Xime- 
nez  tells  us,  received  instructions  I'rom  two  of  the 
most  honored  old  women  respecting  certain  marital 
duties.* 

The  marriage  ceremonies  of  the  Pipiles  were  sim- 
ple and  unique;  matches  were  made  by  the  cacique 
and  carried  into  effect  under  liis  direction.  At  the 
a])p()inted  time  the  kinsfolk  of  the  bride  j)roceeded  to 
tlie  house  of  the  bridegroom,  whence  he  was  borne  to 
tlie  river  and  washed.  The  relatives  of  the  bride 
performed  the  same  act  of  cleansing  upon  the  })erson 
of  the  bride.     The  two  parties  with  their  respective 

*'  'Llegada  .i  casii,  luo<;o  la  imiiian  y  asoiitaban  en  iin  tiilaino  l>ieii  atlo- 
rcziulo,  y  coiiieiizabuii  f^raiules  tiailes  y  caiitarcs  v  otros  ri'irtii-ijos  iiiiiclios, 
ciiii  (jiie  la  tiesta  era  iiiuy  soleiniio.'  A'hiniifz,  llisf.  Jiid.  Giiitt.,  \).  -(Mi; 
I'lniss'-iir  (/(•  Jioiirhouri),  lliat.  Nut.  Cii\,  toin.  ii.,  pp.  570  1. 

'■^'i 'Sin  el  iiiii;,'iiii(>  se  easaba.'  I'ti/fiii,  Hist.  Atit.  Mrj.,  toin.  i.,  p.  183; 
CiKinl/iuf)),  Ili.st.  Yiu:,  p.  191;  Jiuirros,  Hist,  (iiifit.,  p.  ISM}. 

^"  'A  la  iioclie,  dos  imijjeros  lionratla.s  y  vieja.s  nietianlos  en  nna  pieza,  y 
enscnaltanlos  coino  liabiaii  de  habersu  en  el  niatriniuniu.'  Ximi'itcz,  Hist, 
Iiul.  Uuat,,  p.  200. 


wm 


670 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


charges  then  repaired  to  the  house  of  the  bride.  The 
couple  were  now  tied  together  by  the  ends  of  the 
blankets,  in  which  they  were  enfolded  naked  and  laid 
away — married.'^  After  the  ceremony  an  inter- 
change of  presents  took  place  between  the  relatives 
of  the  newly  married  couple  and  they  all  feasted  to- 
getlier. 

Among  the  civilized  nations  of  Nicaragua,  when  a 
match  was  arranged  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  parents, 
some  fowls  were  killed,  cacao  was  prepared,  and  the 
neighbors  were  invited  to  be  present.  The  fatlier, 
mother,  or  whoever  gave  away  the  bride,  was  asked  in 
presence  of  the  assembled  guests  whether  or  not  she 
came  as  a  virgin;  if  the  answer  was  in  the  affirmative, 
and  the  husband  afterwards  found  that  she  had  been 
already  seduced,  he  had  the  right  to  return  her  to  lier 
parents  and  she  was  looked  upon  as  a  bad  woman;  l)ut 
if  the  parents  answered  that  she  was  not  a  virgin, 
and  the  man  agreed  to  take  her  for  a  wife,  the  marriaire 
was  valid.*'' 

When  they  were  to  be  united  the  cacique  took  the 
parties  with  his  right  hand  by  the  little  fingers  of 
their  left  hands  and  led  them  into  the  house  set  apart 
for  marriages,  leaving  them,  after  some  words  of  ad- 
vice, in  a  small  room,  where  there  was  a  fire  of  candle- 
wood.  While  the  fire  lasted  they  were  expected  to 
remain  perfectly  still,  and  not  until  it  was  burned  out 
did  they  proceed  to  consummate  the  marriage.  Tiie 
following  day  if  the  husband  made  no  objection  in 
respect  to  the  girl's  virginity,  the  relations  and  friends 
assembled  and  expressed  their  gratification  with  loud 
cries  of  joy,  and  passed  the  day  in  feasting  and 
pleasure.^ 

31  Pnlacio  says  they  were  each  wrapped  in  a  new  wliite  mantle.  'Ain- 
1)08  l<»s  enbolvian  cada  qiial  en  su  nianta  blanca  nueva.'  Carta,  p.  78.  Sie 
also  llerrera,  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  viii.,  cap.  x.;  Squier's  Cent.  Aincr., 

3*  'Si  la  tonio  por  virgen,  y  la  halla  corrompida,  deseclia  la,  mas  no  do 
otra  manera.'  Gomara,  Hist.  Ind.,  fol.  263;  Oviedo,  Hist.  Gen.,  tuiii.  iv., 
p.  49. 

33  'Los  uovios  8e  cstdn  qucdus,  mirando  c6mo  aquell>\poca  tea  se  quciiia; 


DROIT  DE  SEIGNEUR. 


671 


Notwithstanding"  the  disgrace  attached  to  a  woman 
who  had  h)st  her  virginity  before  marriage  and  con- 
cealed the  fact,  we  are  assured  by  Andagoya  that  in 
Nicaragua  a  custom  similar  to  the  European  'droit  du 
,  oigneur'  was  practiced  by  a  priest  living  in  the  tem- 
ple, who  slept  with  the  bride  during  the  night  pre- 
ceding her  marriage.^ 

A  widow  was  looked  upon  as  the  property  of  the 
ftimily  of  her  deceased  husband,  to  whose  brother  she 
was  invariably  married,  even  though  he  might  have  a 
wife  of  his  own  at  the  time.  If  she  had  no  brother- 
in-law,  then  she  was  united  to  the  nearest  living  rela- 
tive on  her  husband's  side.*^  In  Yucatan,  the  widow 
could  not  marry  again  until  after  a  year  from  her  hus- 
band's death.^^ 

Monogamy  seems  to  have  been  the  rule  among  the 
Maya  nations,  and  many  authors  assert  positively  that 
polygamy  did  not  exist.  It  was  only  in  the  border 
ytate  of  (yhiapas  that  the  custom  is  mentioned  by 
Remesal.  To  compensate  for  this,  concubinage  was 
largely  indulged  in  by  the  wealthy.  The  punishment 
for  bigamy  was  severe,  and  consisted,  in  Nicaragua, 


e  nealmda,  quedan  casatlos  e  ponen  en  efetto  lo  demiis.'  Ovirtfn,  ITiftt.  Gen., 
tiiiu.  iv.,  p.  50.  'liii  inurienddise  lu  luiiibre,  qiiedan  casados.'  Goiiiunt, 
Hint.  Itid.,  fol.  2(5.3;  Sqiticr's  Nicaragua,  (Ed.  1856,)  vol.  ii.,  p.  343;  liuyle's 
llifle,  vol.  i.,  p.  273. 

3*  'La  noidie  antes  habia  de  dorniir  con  la  novia  uno  qne  teniun  ]>or 
jnipa.'  Amluipiya,  in  Nararretc,  Col.  tic  Viagcs,  toni.  iii.,  p.  414;  llmrra. 
Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  iii.,  lil).  v.,  cap.  xii.  Oviedo  i>eiliap.s  alludes  to  tills  cus- 
tiini  when  he  says:  'Muchos  hay  que  qnieren  iniis  las  corroinpidas  que  no 
Lis  vir<;enes.'  Hist.  Gcu.,  torn,  iv.,  p.  50;  MuUe-Bruti,  I'rdcis  ilc  la  Geo(j., 
toiii.  vi.,  p.  472. 

^•* '  Coniunniente  estas  {Rentes  coniprahan  la  niufjer,  y  acinellos  doncs  quo 
llevahan,  era  el  precio,  y  asi  la  niu<;er  jamas  volvia  d  casa  de  sus  padres 
aunqiic  enviudase;  ))orqtic  Iuclto  el  herniano  del  nnierto  la  tonialia  jtor  nin- 
j,'or  antique  d fiicsc  cusdi/o,  y  si  el  herinano  no  era  para  ello,  un  pariento 
tenia  derecho  ii  ella.  Los  lii jos  de  las  tales  innj^eres  no  tcnian  )»or  deudos 
ii  los  talcs  abuelos,  ni  ii  los  denuis  deudos  de  his  intidres,  ponpie  In  cnentii 
(le  su  parentesco  venia  |)or  linca  de  varones,  y  iisi  no  tenian  inipedinientos 


jiiira  casarse  con  los  iiiirientcs  de  sus  niadres,  esto  se  entiende  para  contnier 

i;  que  en  lo  dentils  iiniiiln 
nrz,  Hist.  Jnil.  Gnat.,  J).   207;  Lus  Ca.sas,  in  Kin<)shnron(fh''s  Mrx.  Atitiq., 


iiiatriinonio;  one 


banse  y  qiierianse  unos  A  otros.'  Ximc- 


vol.  viii.,  p.  14();   Tnrqnrmada,  ^fnnarq.  Inil..  toni.  ii.,  p.  .388;  Bras.icnr  de 
lUiiirhonrt),  Hist.  \at.  Cir.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  571-2. 

38  'No  se  casa  van  flespues  de  viudo.s  nn  afio,  por  no  conocer  honil)re  a 
niii^'cr  en  aquel  tieni])o.  y  a  los  que  esto  no  j^nanlavan,  tenian  por  poco 
tcniplados  y  quo  les  veudriu  por  esso  uli,'uu  nial.'  Laiula,  Jielacion,  p.  15G. 


672 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS, 


of  Imiiisliment  and  confiscation  of  the  entire  pr()])rrtv 
for  the  benefit  of  the  injured  wife  or  husband,  \vli(»  was 
at  liberty  to  marry  again,  a  privilej^e  Avliich  was  not, 
however,  accorded  to  women  who  had  children.  Laiidji 
tells  us  that  the  Chichen  Itza  kinj^s  lived  in  a  state  of 
strict  celibacy,  and  Diaz  relates  that  a  tower  was 
pointed  out  to  him  on  the  coast  of  Yucatan,  whicli 
was  occu[)ied  by  women  who  had  dedicated  themsulvus 
to  a  single  life.^ 

With  their  loveless  marriages  it  was  fortunate  that 
divorce  could  be  obtained  on  very  slight  grounds.  I  n 
Yucatan,  says  Landa,  the  father  would,  after  a  tinal 
separation,  procure  one  wife  after  another  to  suit  thi; 
tastes  of  his  son.  If  the  children  were  still  of  teiider 
age  at  the  time  the  parents  separa'ed,  they  were  left 
with  the  mother;  if  grown  up,  the  boys  followed  the 
father,  while  the  girls  remained  with  the  mother.  It 
was  not  unusual  for  the  husband  to  return  to  the  wife 
after  a  while,  if  she  was  free,  regardless  of  the  fact 
that  she  had  belonged  to  another  in  the  meantime.'* 
In  Guatemala  the  wife  could  leave  her  husband  ou 
the  same  slight  grounds  as  the  man,  and  if  she  re- 
fused to  return  to  him  after  being  requested  to  do  so, 
he  was  allowed  to  marrv  again:  she  was  then  coiisid- 
ered  free,  and  held  of  no  little  consequence.     In  Nic- 


37  Diaz,  Itiniraire,  in  Ternaux-Compniis,  Voy.,  sdrie  i.,  toin.  x.,  ]).  II?. 
'Toilos  toiiiau  luuchas  nuigeres,  enipero  vna  es  la  legitiiiui,' says  (Idiniini, 
Hist.  IiuL,  fol.  203,  in  speaking  of  Nicaragua.  'C(»niiininente  liula  Mini 
ticne  una  sola  niuj'er,  ^  iwcos  son  los  que  tienen  nids,  e.\(;ept(>  Ins  piimi- 
]iales  6  el  (iiie  pueue  dar  do  comer  &  nids  niugeres;  e  los  tavi'pu's  <^ll:llltili 
<[uieren.'  Oi'icdo,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  iv.,  p.  37.  The  word  'nni;:er'  cvKlciitly 
means  women  who  lived  with  the  nuin,  the  wife  and  conciihini's,  fur,  mi  y. 
50,  it  is  stated  that  only  one  legitimate  wife  was  allowed.  The  piiiiisli- 
ment  for  bigamy  helps  to  be.ir  this  out.  Villdgtiticrn.,  Hist,  Caii'/.  Ilm.  pp. 
310,  499.  'Nuiica  los  yucataneses  tomaron  mas  de  una.'  Landit,  Riliin'aii, 
pp.  142,  341.  This  view  is  also  taken  by  Cogolludo,  Uist.  Yiir.,  ]>.  I'.LS, 
who  adds,  however:  'Contradize  Aguilar  en  su  informo  lo  de  vim  niiiicr 
sola,  dizie?ido,  que  tenian  muchas;'  but  this  may  refer  to  coiictilmics. 
llrasseur  de  IJouroourg,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  55,  says:  'l.a  pliiiiilito 
des  femmes  etant  admises  par  la  loi,' and  gives  Hernra,  Hist.  Gen.,  ilii'- 
iv.,  lib.  X.,  cap.  iv.,  as  his  autiiority;  but  this  author  merely  refers  to  ciiiicu- 
binage  as  being  lawful. 

38  Lamia,  Rdnci(»i ,  pp.  138-40.  'Tenian  grandos  pcndencias,  y  iiiiiiT- 
tea  sobre  ello,'  says  Herrera,  Hist,  Gen.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  cap.  iv.,  refeiiiii,; 
to  their  married  life. 


INTEUCOL'USE  OF  THE  SEXES. 


673 


uraj^im   the  husband   decided   whetlier   tlio    children 
were  to  remain  with  him  or  the  divorced  wife.** 

Tlie  ^layas  seem  to  liave  dealt  more  leniently  with 
iidulterers  than  the  Nahuas.  In  (luatemala,  the 
married  man  who  committed  adultery  with  a  maiden 
was,  upon  complaint  of  the  jj^irl's  relations,  com]>elled 
to  pay  as  a  tine  from  sixty  to  one  hundred  rare  feath- 
ers. It  generally  happened,  however,  that  the  friends 
of  the  woman  were  careful  to  keep  the  matter  secret, 
MS  such  a  scandal  would  cause  <»Teat  injurv  to  her 
future  i)rospects.  If  a  married  man  was  known  to 
sin  with  a  married  woman  or  a  widow,  both  were  for 
the  first  or  even  the  second  offence  merely  warned, 
Hiid  conilemned  to  pay  a  tine  of  feathers;  hut  if  tiiey 
]»ersevered  in  their  crime,  then  their  hands  were 
hound  behind  their  backs,  and  they  were  forced  to 
inhale  the  smoke  of  a  certain  herb  called  talHU'oi/ai/, 
which,  althoui>^h  very  painful,  was  not  a  fatal  i)unish- 
nient.  The  sinjjfle  man  who  connnitted  adultery  with 
a  married  woman  was  oblijj^ed  to  pay  to  the  parents 
of  the  latter  the  amount  which  her  husband  had  i)aid 
for  her;  doubtless  this  fine  was  handed  over  to  the 
injured  husband,  who,  in  such  a  case,  repudiated  his 
wife.  It  sometimes  happened,  however,  that  the 
liusband  did  not  report  the  matter  to  the  authorities, 
hut  gave  his  unfaithful  wife  a  bird  of  the  kind  which 
Avas  used  in  sacrifices,  and  told  lier  to  otfer  it  to  the 
j^^ods,  and,  with  her  companion  in  crime,  to  confess 
and  be  forgiven.  Such  a  husband  was  regarded  as  a 
most  virtuous  and  humane  man.*"  A  noble  lady 
taken  in  adultery  was  reprimanded  tlie  first  time,  and 
severely  punished  or  repudiated  for  the  second  of- 
fence. In  the  latter  case  she  was  free  to  many 
It  was  a  capital  crime  to  commit  adultery 


a<'am 


It 


'9  Ot'icdo,  Hist.  Gen..  Inm.  iv.,  p.  SO;  Lns  Cafiii.<s,  in  KiiKjshdruiiijh'a 
Mx.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  viik.,  p.  14{i;  Brasscur  de  liourbotinj ,  Hist.  Xxf,  dr., 
tiiiii.  ii.,  p.  r)7'2. 

*"  Los  Cits'is,  Hist.  Apolofjilicn,  in  KiuijshoroiiglCs  JAcr.  Aiitiq.,  vol. 
viii.,  pp.  i;{7-8. 

♦I  Bias.sriir  rfi',  Bonrhourg,  Hist.  Nat.  Cic,  torn,  ii.,  p.  572. 
Vol.  II.    43 


074 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


with  a  lord's  wifo;  if  he  who  did  so  was  i\  nolil.', 
thuy  Htmii«,dod  him,  hut  it'  ho  was  a  plehoiaii,  tluv 
Huni(  him  down  a  precipice." 

Co<i^olliido  says  that  amon<r  the  Itzas  the  man  imd 
woman  taken  in  adultery  were  j)ut  to  death.  Tlir 
woman  was  taken  beyond  the  limits  of  the  town  to  n 
j)lace  where  there  were  many  loose  stones.  Tliure  slic 
was  hound  to  a  post,  and  the  priest  who  had  judncd 
her  havinjLj  cast  the  first  stone,  and  the  injured  iius- 
band  the  second,  the  crowd  that  was  never  mis.sin^'  on 
such  occasions  joined  so  ea«^erly  in  the  sport  tliat  tho 
death  of  their  target  was  a  speedy  one.  Tiio  nmlo 
adulterer,  according  to  the  same  account,  was  also 
bound  to  a  post,  and  shot  to  death  in  the  same  man- 
ner with  arrows." 

In  Vera  Paz,  incorrigible  adulterers  were  en- 
slaved.** In  Nicaragua,  the  faithless  wife  was  repu- 
diated by  her  husband,  and  not  allowed  to  many 
airain,  but  she  had  the  right  of  retaining  her  dowry 
and  effects.  The  adulterer  was  severely  beaten  witli 
sticks,  by  the  relations  of  the  woman  he  had  ktl 
astray.  The  husband  appears  to  have  taken  no  pait 
in  the  matter."     In  Yucatan,  adultery  was  punished 

**  Torque inada,  Monnrq.  Tiid.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  .387  'Afontccio  (jupxarsi- vii 
IihHo  coiitni  VII  Alcalde  ile  hu  naciuii,  que  sin  pediiiiento  huvo  liauia  ('asti}::i(l<< 
H  sii  milder  iHir  oclio  iiilulterios,  y  hodiulc  |>a<;Kr  a  el  la  coiideiuu-ioii,  dc  iiiii- 
iiora  qiic  alieiide  de  hu  afrenta,  le  lleuuua  su  diiicro.'  llrrrera,  llist.  tlin., 
«loc.  iv.,  lih.  viii.,  can.  viii.  'Cuaiido  qiieiia  que  la  inuf^er  se  liuia  y  sc  ili;i 
con  otro,  o  por  sencillas  we  volvia  en  easa  de  bus  padres,  re(iueriala  ol  niarido 
que  volviese,  y  si  no  queria,  (51  se  podia  casar  luego  con  otra,  porque  en  cstu 
caso  las  niu<;ercs  cran  poderosas  y  libres.  Algunos  sufrian  un  afio  a<.'uar- 
diindolas;  {tero  lo  eoniun  era  casa^^e  luego,  uonpie  no  podian  vivir  sin  niii- 
gercs,  A  causa  de  no  tener  quien  lis  {^".isese  ue  comer.'  Xiinenez,  Hint.  I  ml. 
(iimf.,  p.  200. 

«:•  Coijolludo,  Hist.  Yitc,  p.  G9!). 

<•  '(iuando  las  niugercs  ernn  liViadas  en  adulterio,  la  priniera  voz  crnti 
corregidas  de  palabra;  y  si  riu  -s.-,  euniendalian,  repudiiilianlas;  y  si  era 
Senor,  herniaiio  o  paricntc  del  Senor  ile  la  tierra,  luego  en  dejandnla,  (•« 
podia  Ciusarse  con  ([uien  quisiere.  Losvasallos  hacian  tainbien  esto  iniichas 
vfices,  pero  tcnian  un  poco  de  mas  paciencia,  porque  las  corregian  dns  y 
<'inco  veces,  y  llamabaii  li  sus  parientes  para  que  las  rej)rehendiesen.  IVm 
HI  eran  incorregibles,  denuncianan  ellas  dclantc  del  Senor,  el  cual  las  man- 
<laba  comparecer  ante  si  y  iiacianlas  esclavas,  y  la  misma  jwiia  se  daba  li  liw 
<jue  no  queriau  hacer  vida  con  sus  mrfridos.'  Xiuicnez,  Hist.  Iiid.  Gtiai..  pi'- 
l.'08-9. 

<i  Oviedo  asserts  that  the  husband  avenged  his  own  honor.  The  Iriar 
asks:    ';Qu«5  peuu  le  dan  al  adiiltero,  que  se  ccha  cou  la  miigcr  de  otro?' 


AniLTKKY  AND  FOllNK  ATION. 


c-r. 


with  death.  Accordini,'  to  Cotrolhulo,  offondcrs  of 
lioth  H0X08  woro  shot  to  death  with  arrows;  Laiida 
tolKs  us  tliat  the  man  was  killed  with  a  stone  hv  the 
hiiahand  of  his  })arainoiir,  hut  the  woman  was  pun- 
ished with  disi,'race  oidy.  It  is  said  that  in  more  an- 
eient  times  adulterers  were  impaled  or  disemhowelid. 
But  so  great  was  the  horror  in  which  the  Yueatecs 
held  this  crime,  that  they  did  not  always  wait  tor 
conviction,  hut  sometimes  j)unished  a  suspected  j)cr- 
son  hy  hindintjf  him,  strippiui*-  him  naked,  shavinjjf  <tfi' 
his  hair,  and  thus  leaving  him  for  a  time.*"  Among 
the  Pij)iles  of  Salvador  he  who  made  advances  to  a 
married  woman,  and  did  nothing  worse,  was  hanished, 
and  his  j)roperty  was  confiscated.  The  adulterer,  if 
we  may  helieve  Palacio,"  was  i)ut  to  death;  Squicr 
says  he  hecame  the  slave  of  the  dishonored  husl)and.''' 

Simple  fornication  was  punished  with  a  fine,  to  he 
paid  in  feathers  of  a  certain  rare  bird,  which,  hy  the 
laws  of  Vera  Paz  at  least,  it  was  death  to  kill  with- 
out express  permission,  as  its  plumage  formed  a  most 
vali"ible  article  of  trade  with  the  iieighV)oring  prov- 
inces.** But  if  any  complaint  was  raised,  such  as  hy 
a  father  in  behalf  of  his  daughter,  or  by  a  brother  for 
liis  sister,  the  seducer  was  put  to  death,  or  at  least 
made  a  slave."**  In  Yucatan,  death  seems  to  have 
been  the  inevitable  fate  of  the  seducer." 

In  Guatemala  and  Salvador,  consummated  rape 
was  punished  with  death.     He  who  merely  attempted 


The  Indian  answers:  'El  nmruln  dclla  vine  con  el  6  Ic  da  de  palos;  pcro  no 
lo  mata.'  Hist.  Gen.,  toin.  iv.,  p.  .'>0.  Sqiiior,  Xi<'(n-a<iiia,  (Kd.  18.')G,)  vol. 
ii.,  p.  343,  says  that  the  woman  was  also  severely  Ho;^j;ed,  but  this  iloes  not 
seem  to  have  been  the  case.  See  Oomnra,  Hist,  hid.,  fol.  2(>3;  Ikrrcrn, 
Jli.it.  Oen.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  iv.,  cap.  vii. ;  Jioi/lrs  Itii/e,  vol.  i.,  p.  273. 

**  Cogollmlo,  Hist.  Yur.,  p.  182;  Landa,  lirfarion,  pp.  4S,  170;  Ti  r- 
ii'iiix-Conipans,  in  Nouiriles  Aniinlcs  itis  Voy.,  )'<13,  torn,  xcvii.,  p.  4t;; 
Jit rrera.  Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  cap.  ii. ;  FaiuottrVs Hist.  Y'uc,  p.  117. 

"  Carta,  p.  80. 

«  Cent,  .^mrr.,  p.  .334. 

*^  Las  Casas,  Hist.  Apologitira,  MS.,  in  KingshoroHijIi's  Miw.  Antiif., 
vol.  viii.,  pi).  137,  144;  Torqueinada,  Monarq.  Ind.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  387. 

^  Las  Casas,  in  Kinf)sboron(fh\s  Mex.  Antiq.,  vol.  viii.,  p.  144;  Torqne- 
fttnfla,  Monarq.  Ind.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  388. 

"  Cogolludo,  Hist.  Yuc.,  p.  182. 


91! 


676 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


rai)e  was  enslaved, ^'^  In  Nicaraj^ua,  the  penalty  for 
this  crime  was  not  so  severe,  since  he  who  committed 
it  was  only  oblioed  to  compensate  pecuniarily  tlic 
parents  of  his  victim;  though  if  he  could  not  do  tliis 
ho  l)ecame  their  slave.  He  who  ravished  the  dau^iitf  r 
of  his  employer  or  lord  was,  however,  always  put  tt) 
death."'  Incest  is  said  to  have  been  an  unknown 
crime,''* 

Public  prostitution  was  tolerated,  if  not  encouraiccd, 
among  all  the  Maya  nations.  In  every  Nicaraguan 
town  there  were  establishments  kept  by  public  women, 
who  sold  their  favors  for  ten  cocoa-nibs,  and  main- 
tained professional  bullies  to  protect  and  accompaiiv 
them  at  home  and  abroad.  Parents  could  prostitute 
their  daughters  without  shame;  and  it  is  said,  furtlur, 
that  during  a  certain  annual  festival,  women,  of  what- 
ever condition,  could  abandon  themselves  to  the  em- 
braee  of  whomever  they  pleased,  without  incuiriuL:" 
any  disgrace.""  It  was  no  unusual  thing  for  parents 
of  the  lower  orders  to  send  their  daujjhters  on  a  tnuv 
through  the  land,  tliat  they  might  earn  their  marriage 
portion  by  prostitution."" 

All  the  old  writers  appear  anxious  to  clear  the  cin  i- 


lized  a 
fact  tlu 
this  un 
luctant! 
seems  i 
known, 
looked 
Paz,  an 
Chin,  h 

structed 
deity, 
asmuch 
til  us  it  I 
boy  to  u 
this  boy 
less,  if  a 
punished 
woman, 
ways  son 
In   Yuca 
Diaz  whi 
were   at 
again  tlif 


^"^  Lax  Cnsns,  in  Kinfinhornurjli's  Mrx.  Avtiq.,  vol.  viii.,  p.  144;  Torqm'- 
imiihi,  Muttarq.  hid.,  toin.  ii.,  p.  .388;  Hcrirra,  Uisl.  Gen.,  tlcc.  iv.,  lih. 
■\iii.,  cap.  X.;  PiiUtrio,  Carta,  p.  82;  S'luicr^s  (Jent.  Aitier.,  p.  ,3.34. 

M '^  .;,■•?••«,  Hist.  Intl.,  fol.  2G.3;  Om'rdo,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  iv.,  ip.  .'il; 
Jfi'rirra,  Hi.st.  Gen.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  iv.,  cap.  \n.;  Squicr's  XicarufiuK,  {I'A. 
185(1,)  vol.  il.,  p.  343. 

51  Otiei/n,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  iv.,  p,  51;  Squier's  Nicaragua,  (VA.  1S,")(), ) 
vol.  ii.,  11.  34,3. 

Si  Oi  'I'do,  Ili.if.  Gen.,  torn,  i.,  pp.  2,")2,  310,  torn,  iv.,  jip.  37,  ■")!;  (/(•ii'ini. 
Hist.  IniL,  fol.  'il^J-l;  Il'rrera.  If/'sf.  Gm,,  {\ci\  iii.,  lib.  iv.,  cap.  \ii.; 
Midler,  Anteri/i-anisr/ie  Urr::(ii/iunen,  p.  fi()3;  Sqider'n  Xieanc/Kn,  iVA. 
18:>(),)  vol.  ii.,  i)p.  ,34,3-4;  Jioi/l'e'.s  Hide,  vol.  i.,  p.  273.  'Dado  411c  c  vi.l.) 
mu'  en  otra.s  partes  de  las  Indias  iisavan  del  nefando  |)eccudo  en  cstiis  titles 
.-•asas,  en  e.sta  tierra  ( Vncatan)  no  e  entendido  (ine  lii/.iessen  tal,  ui  crci  I'l 
haxian,  porqne  Ion  lla^ados  desta  peHtilencial  inisoria  dizen  (pie  no  sun  nini- 
j;os  de  nui<rere.s  conio  eran  csto.s,  ca  a  esto.s  Ingares  llevavan  las  ni.iliis  niii- 
fj;oi'cs  pnblicas,  y  en  ellos  nsavan  dellas,  y  las  pobres  qne  entre  esia  ^rciitc 
accrtava  a  tencr  este  ollicio  no  obstante  qne  recibian  dellos  j^naluiilnii, 
eran  tantos  los  ino(;os<ino  a  cllas  acndian  que  las  traian  acossadas  y  nn.cr- 
tas.'  I.anda,  llelarlon,  p.  178. 

^  Andaijotja,  in  Xtinirrefe,  Col.  de  Vioje.i,  toin.  iii.,  p.  414;  Ifirnr''. 
Hl.it.  Gen.,  dec.  iii.,  Iii).  v.,  ca]i.  xii. ;  .'^qnier'n  Xkaraijaa,  (Eil.  lS.'>(i.)  vol, 
ii,  J).  344;  Buiflca  Hide,  vol.  ),,  pp.  273-4, 


"A  demo 
World  deifio 
.  is  La.^  cas, 
tin's  he  write> 
i^odomia  conn 
iiiliian  jl  Ids  I 
iiiaiidavanles 
•■'1  los  nifio.s  c, 
lii'il  era  liltrar 
citos  de  casarl 
viiissinia  amif 
iiiente  por  aqi 
••'  <'o,,,:lht,l 
,     «'*'Otroac. 
.Ii'iva,  en  cnya 
iiidicio  ii(»f(»i-i,| 
''■■■•  liiiveriiaili 
"loins  nno  tnc 
'';i.ifi'-    .  '    diii 
"'•rarse,  <(ind( 
'li'  He  liablar,  n 
'|'ii;ro  por  ill  V, 


UNNATURAL  VICES. 


677 


lized  aborigines  fr(3m  tlie  charge  of  sodomy,  yet  the 
fact  that  no  nation  was  without  strict  laws  re<''ardinir 
tliis  unnatural  vice,  combined  with  the  admissions  re- 
luctantly made  by  the  reverend  fathers  themselves, 
seems  to  show  that  pederasty  certainly  was  not  un- 
known. Thus,  Las  Casas  says  that  sodomy  was 
looked  upon  as  a  great  and  abominable  sin  in  Vera 
Paz,  and  was  not  known  until  a  god/^  called  by  some 
Chin,  by  others  Cavil,  and  again  by  others  Maran,  in- 
structed them  by  committing  the  act  with  another 
deity.  Hence  it  was  held  by  many  to  be  no  sin,  in- 
asmuch as  a  god  had  introduced  it  amonij  them.    And 

■1  • 

thus  it  happened  that  some  fathers  gave  their  sons  a 
boy  to  use  as  a  woman;  and  if  any  other  approached 
this  boy  he  was  treated  as  an  adulterer.  Neverthe- 
less, if  a  man  committed  a  rape  upon  a  boy,  he  was 
punished  in  the  same  manner  as  if  he  had  ravished  a 
woman.  And,  adds  the  same  writer,  there  were  al- 
ways some  who  reprehended  this  abominable  custom.''* 
In  Yucatan  certain  images  were  found  by  Bernal 
Diaz  which  would  lead  us  to  suppose  that  the  natives 
were  at  least  acquainted  with  sodomy,®"  but  here 
again  the  good  father**  takes  up  the  cudgels  in  be- 


"  .\  demon,  Las  Casas  calls  him,  hut  these  monks  spoke  of  all  the  New 
Worlil  deities  as  'demons.' 

^^  Ld.i  (Jasiis,  m  Kill !/.s/jor oil (fh'/i  Mrx.  Aiifiq.,  vol.  viii.,  p.  138.  FJefore 
lliis  he  writes:  *  Y  es  aijui  dc  saher,  (jue  teiiiau  ]ior  {rrave  jiecado  t-l  de  la 
siidoniia  eoino  ahajo  diremos,  y  couiunniente  los  padres  lo  altorrccian  y  iiro- 
liiliian  li  los  hijos.  Pero  ))or  causa  de  (pie  fucseii  instruidos  en  la  reli;;ioii, 
niandavaules  dormir  cu  lt(S  tei.M|do.-.  donde  Inn  mozos  mavoiescn  ai|uel  vicio 
a  los  nifios  eorronipiau.  "\'  despm  ■.  walidos  de  alli  null  a<-ostnnil>i'ailos,  <li- 
lii'il  era  lihrarlos  de  a<iuel  vicio.  I'or  esta  causa  eran  lof.  padres  luuy  soli- 
i-itos  de  casarlos  (luaii  presto  |  udiaii,  por  los  apartar  de  atiueila  <-orrnpcion 
vilissiuui  auuipie  casallos  niucliai-hos  coidra  su  vcduntad  y  forziido.s,  y  sola- 
nu'ute  por  atjuel  respeto  1)  h:.>  in'i.'  /(/.,  pp.  134-.'j. 

:>9  Coijiif/iiifo,  Hi-ff.  IV.,  p.   18it. 

*'''  '(.hro  acerrinio  infamador  de  estas  luiciones.  que  Dios  Nnestro  Sefmr 
liaya,  en  cuya  historia  creo  yo  (|,u^  tnvo  I>ios  liarto  poca  i>arte,  dixo  ser 
iudicio  notorio  de  que  jvcjiudlas  ;;euteH  eran  coi'taminadas  del  vicio  ncfando 
i'-.' haver  hallado  en  cierta  i)art(!  de  aquella  tierra,  heclios  de  harro  cicrtos 
iiliilos  uiu>  cncima  de  ofro.  t'onio  si  entre  nuestros  pintores  6  lij;ulos  iin  se 
liiijar  ,:  '  dia  li;;uras  feas  y  dedi versos actos,  ^ue  nohay  sopecha  i)or  nadie 
I'lirarsc,  condenarlos  todos  por  aquello,  haciend  tins  reosde  vicio  tan  iiiili;:no 
dc  se  hahlar,  no  caroce  de  may  culpahle  temeriiiail,  y  asi  lo  qiu'  ariha  dije 
tciijro  por  la  verdad,  y  In  denias  por  falsos  testimoaios  diguo-  dc;  diviim  cas- 
li^M."  La.i  Casitu,  ia  Kiiiijsbovouyli's  Mcx.  Autiq.,  vol.  viii. ,  p.  147. 


678 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


half  of  his  favorites.     In  Nicaragua  sodomites  wore 
stoned  to  death.*^ 

The  di  sire  to  possess  childroa  seems  to  have  bet;n 
ve.y  general,  and  many  were  the  prayers  and  otfer- 
ings  inade  by  disappointed  parents  to  propitiate  tin; 
god  whose  anger  was  supposed  to  have  deferred  tlitir 
hopes.  To  further  promote  the  efficacy  of  their 
prayers,  the  priest  enjoined  upon  man  and  wife  to 
separate  for  a  month  or  two,  to  adhere  to  a  simple 
diet,  and  abstain  from  salt."^  Several  superstitious 
observances  were  also  regarded;  thus,  among  tliu 
Pipiles,  a  husband  should  avoid  meeting  his  father- 
in-law,  or  a  wife  her  mother-in-law,  lest  issue  fail 
them.*^  These  observances  tend  the  more  to  illus- 
trate their  longing  to  become  parents,  since  the 
women  are  said  to  have  been  very  prolific.  The 
women  were  delivered  with  little  difficulty  or  pain,''* 
yet  a  midwife  w'as  called  in,  who  attended  to  the 
mother's  Avants,  and  facilitated  parturition  by  placing 
a  heated  stone  upon  the  abdomen.  In  Yucatan  iui 
image  of  Ixchel,  the  goddess  of  cliildbirth,  was  phueJ 
beneath  the  bed.  Among  the  Pipiles  and  in  (Guate- 
mala, the  woman  was  confessed  when  any  difficulty 
arose,  and  it  not  unfrequently  happened  that  an 
officer  of  Justice  took  advantage  of  such  op})ortii- 
nities  to  obtain  criminating  evidence.  If  the  wife's 
confession  alone  did  not  have  the  desired  effect, 
the  husband  was  called  upon  to  avow  his  sins;  his 
maxtli  was  besides  laid  ov  r  the  wife,  and  some- 
times blood  was  drawn  from  his  tongue  and  e;irs,  to 
be  scattered  towards  the  four  quarters  with  various 
invocations.*^     After  delivery  a  turkey  hen  was  im- 


molated 

Jiappy   i 

cliild,  pi 

.spindle, 

so  that  i 

The    1 

rejoicing 

feasts  tt 

iimbilica 

seems    t( 

baptism 

(iliyih,  as 

for  the  ri 

i;iaize  to 

Tile  grai 

the  prop 

ifito  grue 

from  the 

the  ahgil 

to  sov/  V 

make  an 

time  a  kii 

a  rite  wh 

eral,  if  iiK 

asserts   tl 

Laihl  I  tlii 

wliicl)  tiiG 

given    rist 

tal;?   I^dij 

'■.h(..'i'r-,elve 


6'  Oncdn,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  iv.,  p.  51;  Sqnirys  Nicaragua,  (Ed.  185(1,) 
vol.  ii.,  p.  343. 

*2  'Que  coiiiiesen  cl  pun  scro  <^  solo  niiii/,  <'»  <nic  cstuviesen  tanttis  iliiis 
en  el  caniiio  iiicti<luH  en  ••lj;iina  cueva.'   Ximviicz,  Hint.  Ind.  Gnat.,  p.  ID.'t. 

*'•'  Pitlorio.  Carta,  \\  7S. 

**  In  Vera  Paz  'las  nni<jeres  naren  como  caltras,  nnjelias  vezes  a  solus, 
tendiila.s  on  el  siiclo:  otras  jmm'  Ids  eaininoM,  y  liieijo  so  van  a  lauar  al  rni.' 
llrrrvra.  Hist.  Gfii.,  dot',  iv.,  lil).  x.,  eap.  .\iv. ;   Ijamln,   Ihltirioii,  ]>.  l','-. 

oi  'Le  liaziau  Uezir  »us  pecadow  i  si  no  paria,  liazia  tine  »e  confesasc  il 


CIIILDPL.ITII  AND  CIKCUMCISIOX. 


G7l» 


molatocl,  and  thanks  rendered  to  tlie  deity  for  the 
liappy  issue.  The  midwife  tliereupon  washed  tlie 
child,  placed  a  bow  and  arrow  in  its  hands,  if  a  boy,  a 
spindle,  if  a  girl,  and  drew  a  mark  upon  its  right  foot, 
so  that  it  miofht  become  a  jjood  mountaineer. 

The  birth  of  a  son  was  celebrated  with  especial 
rejoicings,  and  extensive  invitations  issued  for  the 
feasts  that  took  place  on  or  about  the  day  when  the 
umbilical  cord  was  to  be  cut,*^  a  ceremony  which 
seems  to  have  borne  the  same  festive  character  as 
baptism  among  the  Nahuas  and  other  nations.  The 
aJigih,  astrologer,  was  asked  to  name  a  favorable  day 
for  the  rite.  The  cord  was  then  laid  u})on  an  ear  of 
laaize  to  be  cut  off  with  a  new  knife  and  burned. 
The  grains  were  removed  from  the  cob  and  sown  at 
the  proper  season;  one  half  of  the  yield  to  be  made 
iito  gruel  and  form  the  first  food  of  the  child  aside 
from  the  mother's  milk,  the  other  half  to  be  sent  to 
the  ahgih,  after  reserving  a  few  grains  for  the  child 
to  sov/  with  his  own  hands  when  he  grew  up,  and 
make  an  offering  thereof  to  his  god.  At  the  same 
time  a  kind  of  circumcision  may  have  been  performed, 
a  rite  which  could  not,  however,  have  l)een  very  gen- 
eral, if  indeed  it  ever  existed,  for  Cogolludo  positively 
;;sserts  that  it  never  was  practiced  in  Yucatan,  au'J 
Laihl  I  thinks  that  the  custom  of  slitting  tlie  foreskin, 
whicl;  t'le  devout  })erformed  before  the  idol,  may  have 
(.riven  rise  to  the  report.  Palacio  asserts  that  cer- 
t;'!;!  Indians  in  Salvador  are  known  to  have  scariHed 
rliuii I  selves  as  w<4l  as  some  bovs  in  the  same  manner."^ 


muriilo,  1  s.  IK)  podiii  oou  esto,  si  ituvia  ilicho  i  cinifijsailo  t\\w  conofiji  aI;,'uiio, 
ivaii  ii  casii  lie  ai[ii('l  i  traian  du  su  casa  ia  inanta  u  iiafu'ttis  i  (u-ifiula  a  la 
iprcfiada  pani'iiio  |>ariose.'  J'dtinu'i),  Citrtn,  p.  TO;  Iaih  L'ltnas,  iii  Kiinjilm- 
niiifi'i's  Mc.v.  Aii/i'i.,  vol.  viii.,  )>.  \'V.).  4 

!'<'  It  wiMill  seom  tliat  tlie  cliilil  reniainod  with  the  navel-striiij^  jittachcil 
ti>  it  until  a  favorahle  day  was  selectcil  fur  |)erfiirinin;x  the  coreiiiiniy  iif  ciit- 
tiu;,' it.  'Iv.'lialtaii  suertes  para  viM' niie  dia  sella  Iiiiciik  para  CDrtar  el  diii- 
Itli'j;!).'  .\iid  further  t)n:  '.Muihos  triluis  de  iuilios  de  ('eiitri>-.'\ineri''a  enii- 
servai)  liasta  hoy  al  naeiniiento  de  un  iiifio  el  uso  de  iiueuiarie  el  oiiiliii^'o; 
'Dstuaihre  hariiara  de  (lue   inueroii   niuchos  uifios.'     This   would   iudi('at(; 

!.it  the  cord  was  liurned  while  attaehed  t  •  the  infant.  Xnifin-z,  Hist.  Iiii/. 

■■■>',  PI'.  l'.K{-4;   Tor/ii'ini  /ii,  Moii'iri).  Iml.,  toin.  ii.,  p.  4tS. 

lu  I'e^uri  'ciertud  ludios  idolatruruii  uii  uu  niuiitu  en  sus  tcrniiuos,  i 


680 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


Tlie  iiamiii;^  of  the  cliild  was  the  next  import- 
ant affair.  Anioii<if  the  Pipiles  it  was  taken  to  the 
temple  on  the  twelfth  day,  over  a  road  strewn  with 
jJI^reeii  hranehes/'*  and  here  the  ])riest  *(ave  it  the  muno 
of  its  ^grandfather  or  j^rand mother,  after  whidi  otKr- 
mgs  of  cacao  and  fowl  were  presented  to  the  idol,  and 
some  j^ifts  to  the  minister.  In  Guatemala  the  cliild 
was  named  after  the  god  to  whom  the  day  of  its  hiith 
was  dedicated,  for  it  was  not  thought  desiral)le  to  call 
it  after  the  parents;  other  names  were,  liowcvcr, 
applied  afterwards,  ficcording  to  circumstances."'-'  l^as 
Casas  ad  ■  ^^^-^t  the  parents  lost  their  name  on  tlio 
hirth  of  the  n  son  and  daughter,  the  father  heiug 
called  'fathei  Ek,'  or  whatever  might  he  the  nanic 
of  the  son,  and  the  mother  receiving  the  cognomen  of 
'mother  of  C^an,'  etc.™  The  Itzas  gave  their  chil.lix'ii 
a  name  formed  of  the  cond)ined  names  of  the  father 
and  mother,  that  of  the  latter  standing  first;  thus,  in 
Canek,  can  is  taken  from  the  motlier's  n.iino,  c/.-  from 
the  father's.  In  Yucatan,  the  former  home  of  this 
people,  the  custom  was  almost  the  same,  except  that 
ltd  was  prefixed  to  the  names  of  the  parents;  thus, 
Na-Chan-Chel  denoted  son  of  Chel  and  Chan,  hut  as 
the  name  of  the  father,  according  to  Landa,  was  per- 
petuated in  the  son  only,  not  in  the  daughter,  it   fol- 

ciitro  ellos  quo  uiio  sc  liarjx^  i  licmlio  sti  niieiiil>ro,  i  que  cinMiiiciilarDii 
•liiatro  iniicliiK'lios  (le  (lo/o  iifms  |iai'ii  arrilta  al  usu  jiiilaico,  i  la  saiii^rc  i|ii,> 
salio  (li'llds  la  saci'ilicai'Dii  a  lui  itlolo.'  I'lihirin,  divta,  j>.  84.  'Se  liarpav.iii 
el  HUpi'i'lluo  del  iiiieiiiliro  ver;{()ue.)S(),  (lexaiidolo  ('iiiiio  las  orejas,  ile  !<>  ijikiI 
HI-  eiijiiifioel  liisti>riai|i)r  jteneraltleias  Iiidias,  di/.i(;udi)que  se  ciicumeiiliini.' 
Liiiiilit,  lir/tirioii,  pp.  W>'2-'.i.  'Ni  aijiiellos  lleli^iiosds  Uiiiiiiiiicos,  iii  el 
(>))is|>i>  de  ('iiia|ia,  lia/ieiidii  tan  ]iartieulai°  iiii|uisieiiin.  Iia/.en  ineiimria  >le 
aiier  liallado  tal  ei»sa.  . .  .Ins  Iiidios,  ni  e.sti»s  tieneii  tiiidiciuii  ih)  ([tie  vsa--'^cii 
tal  eosluiulire  Hiis  aseeiidieiites.  Wjr/r;//(r/»,  His/.  )'»/•.,]).  I'.H.  ''Tliey  'iiii' 
i'ircuiiieised,  but  iii>ti  all.'  I'rfrr  Miirfi/r,  dec.  iv.,  lil».  i.  ('ircmneisidn  wai 
'nil  usa,!j;e  ;;eiieral  daiiM  rVueataii,  observe  de  temps  iiiinu'iiiorial:  elle('l,iir 
pvatiqiiee  sur  les  petits  etifants  des  les  i»remii'rs  jours  de  leiir  iiais-iaiici' ' 
llnissiiir  ifc  lionrhiinni.  His/.  Xk/.  Cir.,  toui.  ii.,  p.  T)!,  'I'liis  )MisiliM' ami 
isolated  a.ssertiou  of  tlie  Ald)e  must  be  founded  upon  sonie  of  his  .MSS.,  us 
usual. 

u*  'Cortarban  ranios  verdes  en  quo  itisase.'  Pn/ario,  Cnr/n,  p.  7f!. 

•'''  Itrasseur  de  Hourbour;^,  His/.  Xn/.  fVc,  torn,  ii.,  p.  r)(!S,  refers  o:ily 
to  the  fi?'st-born.     'Dabaulo  el  nonibro  del    Dia,   en  <[ue   liavia  iiacido.  n 

se;ii;nu  lo  ([ue  pre<"odio  en  su  Xaeiniiento.'  Torque nuula,  Munurq.  Iii</.,  t 

ii.,  p.  4 IS.  A'imnir:,  His/.  Ind.  (Inn/.,  p.  193. 

7"  Hist.  Apuluijctica,  M.S.,  caj).  el.\xi.\. 


NAMING  THE  CHILDREN. 


081 


lows  tliat  tlie  (^iv\  could  not  have  been  iiaiued  in  the 
same  order;  it  is  possible  that  the  mother's  name  was 
])laced  last,  and  served  as  surname  in  their  ease.  In 
later  yoars  this  name  was  not  usually  imposed  until 
the  time  6f  l)a})tism;  hut  in  earlier  times  a  distinctive 
name  was  given  by  the  priest  at  the  time  of  taking 
the  horoscope,  shortly  after  birth.  The  name  of  the 
father  was  borne  till  tlie  marriage  day,  the  names  of 
both  parents  being  assumed  after  that  event."  On 
tiie  conclusion  of  the  above  ceremonies,  the  (Juate- 
malan  or  l*ipile  infant  and  mother  were  taken  to  a 
I'ountain  or  river,  near  a  fall  if  possible,  to  be  bathed, 
and  during  the  -.^Hi  incense,  birds,  or  cacao  were 
ottered  to  the  water,  apparently  with  a  view  of  gain- 
iuLT  the  ofood  will  of  the  jifod  of  that  element.  'J'lie 
utensils  which  had  served  at  the  birth,  such  ns  warm- 
ing stone,  cups,  and  knife,  were  thrown  mto  tne  water 
at  the  same  time."'* 

The  mothers  were  good  and  patient  nurses,  suck- 
ling their  infants  for  over  three  years,  for  the  habit  of 
taking  warm  morning  driidvs,  the  exercise  of  grinding 
maize,  and  the  uncovered  bosom,  all  tended  to  ]>ro- 
duce  large  breasts  and  an  abundant  supply  of  nulk. 
Otherwise  the  children  received  a  hardy  training, 
clothing  being  dispensed  with,  and  tlie  bare  ground 
serving  for  a  couch.  When  working,  the  motiier  car- 
ried them  on  her  back;  in  Yucatan,  however,  they 
were  usually  borne  across  the  hii),  and  for  this  reason 
a  large  number  became  bow-legged.  Landa  also 
mentions  another  deformity,  that   produced  by  head- 


I ; 


■"  'A  sua  hijoa  y  hijas  sioinprn  lliimuvan  del  iinmliro  ilcl  ]iiicln'  y  dc  la 
m.ulro,  I'l  (K'l  ]>a(lr«  coiiio  ]in>|ii(>  y  ili'  la  iiiiiilri'  aiicllativo.'  'I'lic  prcltaii- 
lismal  name  was  aUaiiddiu'd  wlicii  tlic  fallicr's  iiaiiic  aHsuriiiMl.  I.inidu, 
Uhirloii,  i>|i.  i;{(!,  I'.U.  (>iily  till'  ft'w  wild  were  dcsliiu'd  In  rccfivf  tlit! 
l>:i|iti.sm  oiitaiiu'd  tlio  disiiiictivc  iiaiiir.  Milrl,  in  Suiirillrt  Aiimihs  den 
l'i>!/.,  IS4;{,  torn,  xcvii..  |i|».  41-.");   \'ii/ii(/ii/iirir,  lllxl.  Com/.  Ifza.  p.  4H!>. 

■^  Ti>r>iiirinit(/it,  Miinnrq.  fiitf.,  tniii.  ii.,  )>.  448.  I'alai'io,  Curff,  ]>.  7<i, 
states  that  this  cfreniiiny  was  iicifoniicd  afti-r  the  twidfth  day,  and  that  thi; 
iiiiithor  only  was  taken  to  ho  hatlu'd.  Jfmriui,  Ilisf.  (ini.,i\oi'..  iv.,  liii.  viii., 
rM|>.  X.,  and  Sii'iirr.i  Cntt.  Aiiwr.,  p.  [i\i',i;  lirunsrur  dc  Ikiurhitunj,  Hist, 
Mat.  Civ,,  toni.  ii.,  p.  508. 


682 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


flattening,  which  is  to  be  noticed  on  the  sculptures 
of  the  Maya  ruins. ''^ 

It  is  related  by  all  the  old  Spanish  historians,  tliat 
wlien  the  Spaniards  first  visited  the  kin«.jdoni  of  Yu- 
catan they  found  there  traces  of  a  baptismal  rite;  and, 
stranij^ely  enough,  the  name  given  to  this  rite  in  the 
language  of  the  inhabitants,  was  zihil,  signifying  'to 
be  born  again.'  It  was  the  dutv  of  all  to  have  thtir 
children  baptized,  for,  by  this  ablution  they  beliewd 
that  they  received  a  purer  nature,  were  protected 
against  evil  spirits  and  future  misfortunes.  1  have 
already  mentioned  that  no  one  could  marry  unless  lie 
had  been  baptised  according  to  their  customs;  they 
iield,  moreover,  that  an  unbaptised  person,  whetlier 
man  oi  woman,  could  not  lead  a  good  life,  nor  do  any- 
tliing  well.  The  rite  was  administered  to  children  of 
both  sexes  at  any  time  between  the  ages  of  three  and 
twelve  years.  When  parents  desired  to  have  a  child 
baptised  they  notified  the  priest  of  their  intentions. 
The  latter  then  published  a  notice  throughout  the 
town  of  the  day  upon  which  the  ceremony  would  take 
place,  being  first  careful  to  fix  upon  a  day  of  good 
t)men.  This  done,  the  fathers  of  the  children  who 
were  to  be  bjv)tised,  selected  five  of  the  most  honoivd 
men  of  the  town  to  assist  the  priest  during  the  cere- 
mony. These  were  called  chacs?^  During  the  three 
days  preceding  the  ceremony  the  fathers  {ind  assist- 
ants fasted  and  abstained  from  women.  When  the 
appointed  day  arrived,  all  assembled  with  the  children 
who  were  to  be  baptised,  in  the  house  of  the  giver  of 
the  feast,  who  was  usually  one  of  the  wealthiest  of 
the  parents.  In  the  courtyard  fresh  leaves  weie 
strewn,  and  there  the  boys  were  ranged  in  a  row  in 
charge  of  their  godfathers,  while  in  another  row  weru 

''^  'Allivnarlcs  las  frentcs  y  calietjas.'  'Coiminniente  todos  cstevadds, 
jiDrque . . . .  vail  alioivajados  en  los  qiiudriles.'  Lauda,  Eclacioii,  pp.  ll'--4, 
ll'2;  Jioirros;  Hist.  HiKit.,  p.  19.'). 

'*  t'/idr  or  Vhattr.,  was  tlic  title  ^ivcn  to  certain  laymen  who  were  elcrti'il 
to  assist  the  priest  in  some  of  his  religions  dntios.  Also  the  name  df  t\ 
divinity,  protector  of  tiie  water  and  harvests.  JSee  Luniiit,  livha-ivii,  p.  48^1. 


rinom,  an< 


HAl'TISMAL  CEREMONIES. 


683 


tlie  girls  with  their  godmothers.  The  priest  now  pro- 
ceeded to  purify  the  house  with  the  object  of  casting 
out  tlie  devil.  For  this  purpose  four  benches  were 
])laced  one  in  each  of  the  four  corners  of  tlie  court- 
yard, upon  which  were  seated  four  of  the  assistants 
liolding  a  long  cord  that  passed  from  one  to  the  other, 
thus  enclosing  part  of  the  yard;  within  this  enclosure 
were  the  children  and  those  fjithers  and  officials  v.ho 
had  fasted.  A  bench  was  placed  in  the  centre,  upon 
which  the  priest  was  seated  with  a  brazier,  some 
ground  corn,  and  incense.  The  children  were  directed 
to  approach  one  by  one,  and  the  j)riest  gave  to  each  a 
little  of  the  ground  corn  and  incense,  which,  as  they 
received  it,  thev  cast  into  the  brazier.  When  this 
liad  been  done  by  all,  they  took  the  cord  and  brazier, 
with  a  vessel  of  wine,  and  gave  them  to  a  man  to 
carry  outside  the  town,  with  injunctions  not  to  drink 
any  of  the  wine,  and  not  to  look  behind  him;  with 
.^ucli  ceremony  the  devil  was  expelled."  The  yard 
was  then  swept  clean,  and  some  leaves  of  a  tree  called 
cihom,  and  of  another  called  copo',  were  scattered  over 
it.  The  priest  now  clothed  himself  in  long  gaudy- 
looking  robes,  consisting,  according  to  Landa,  of  a 
jacket  of  red  feathers  with  flowers  of  various  colors 
embroidered  thereon;  hanging  from  the  ends  were 
other  long  feathers,  and  on  his  head  a  cor()net  of 
])lumes.  From  beneath  the  jacket  long  bands  of 
cotton  hung  down  to  the  ground.  In  his  hand  he 
lield  some  hyssop  fastened  to  a  short  stick.  The 
chacs  then  put  white  cloths  upon  the  children's 
heads  and  asked  the  elder  if  thev  had  committed 
any  sins;   such  as  confessed  that  they  had,  were  then 


"  Wlio  was  solcctod  to  take  the  wine,  1)razii'r,  niid  cord  oiitsido  thi"  town, 
or  wliat  Im  did  with  it  aft('i'\vai<ls,  wc  are  not  t(dd.  ('ojj;oiludo  say.s:  'l)a- 
liau  il  vii  Iiidio  VII  vaso  del  vino  (|iie  aeostnniliraliaii  beber,  y  enibiahanltt 
I'licra  del  I'neblo  eon  el,  niandandoie,  une  ni  lo  Iteliieswe,  iii  niirasse  atriis, 
<ii!i  ([ue  ereiaii  (juedalia  totalinente  e.\puls()  el  denionio.'  Hint.  Vnr.,  p.  101. 
'Mn  nn  vawo  enviaban  vino  fuera  del  pueldo,  con  rtrden  al  indioqno  no  lo 
licliiese  ni  nunisc  atrus,  y  eon  esto  pensalian  ((iio  liabian  eeliado  al  denio- 
iiio.'  Vcjftin,  Ilinf.  Ant.  M'j-,  tonj.  i.,  p.  IS.'J;  Jtcrrci'tt,  Jlist.  (ifii.,  dee.iv., 
lib.  .\.,  eaji.  iv. 


684 


TUF-  MAYA  NATIONS. 


J)1jic'0(1  .'ipni't.  Tho  priest  thou  ordered  tlio  people  t  i 
sit  down  Jiiid  '.»e  silent;  he  next  blessed  the  l)oys,  imd 
olieriii^"  u[>  some  juayers,  puritied  them  Avith  the  livs- 
soj)  with  much  solemnity.  The  ])rincipal  otticer  who 
liad  heen  eleeted  hy  the  fathers,  now  took  a  hoiic. 
and  havinif  dii)ped  it  in  a  certain  water,  moistiiK d 
their  foreheads,  their  featnres,  and  their  iino-eis  and 
toes.''"  After  tliey  luul  l)een  thus  spriidvled  with 
water  tlie  priest  arose  and  removed  the  cloths  IVoiii 
the  heads  of  the  children,  and  then  cut  oif  with  a 
stone  knife  a  certain  head  that  was  attached  to  the 
head  from  childhood;  they  were  then  sjfiveij  hy  one  of 
the  assistants  some  flowers  to  smell,  and  a  pipt- 
through  whidi  they  drew  sonio  smoke,  after  whi(  h 
they  were  each  })resented  with  a  little  food,  and  a 
vessel  full  of  wine  was  hrouu'ht  as  an  oflerini>-  to  the 
jj^ods,  who  were  entreated  to  receive  it  as  a  thanks- 
^ivin^f  from  the  hoys;  it  was  then  handed  to  oiu;  of 
the  officials,  who  had  to  drink  it  at  one  draught.  A 
similar  ceremony  took  jdace  with  the  female  children, 
at  the  conclusion  of  which  their  mothers  divestid 
them  of  a  cord,  which  was  worn  duriiiiic  their  cliild- 
hood,  fastened  round  the  loins,  liaviiii^  a  sni.ill  ^hdl 
that  hunijf  in  front.  The  removal  of  this  sii^iiilied 
that  they  could  marry  as  soon  as  their  parents  pi,- 
mitted."  The  children  were  then  dismissed,  and 
their  fathers  distributed  presents  anu)ni*'  those  win* 
had  assisted  at  the  ceremony.  A  j^rand  han(|n('t 
called  eiitkd,  or  'tlie  descent  of  jj^od,'  was  then  hehl, 
atid  diiriiiijf  the  nine  succeedins;  davs  tho  fatheis  ol' 
the  children  fasted,  and  were  not  to  approach  their 


wives.''* 

76  'Esta  nfjna  liazian  dc  ciertas  (lores  y  do  cacai)  innjado  y  dcslciiln  i'n;i 
a;;ua  virj,'iMi  (|U(!  olhis  dezian  traida  de  los  ccincavois  do  Ins  arholi-s  o  ilf  ln> 
iiumfcs.'  Liiii(/(i,  ItiliU'ioii,  ]».  ir>(). 

">''  '  Los  vartiiu'ilKis  iisavanlos  sicm|)rc  j)om>r  jiopida  a  la  oalicca  on  Im 
cabi'llos  di'  la  (■oroiiilla  una  contozut'la  olaui'a,  y  a  las  iiuii'liai'iisis  tniiMii 
ci'fudas  ]ior  las  riMU's  iniiy  abaxo  coa  an  cordel  (Ud;;ado  y  t'li  «d  imii  cnn- 
clnu'la  asida  nue  li's  voiiia  a  dar  enciuia  <le  la  jmrto  lionosta,  y  dcstiis  il.is 
ci>sas  era  oiitie  olios  ju'ccado  y  cosa  may  foa  (|uitarlu  dc  las  ino(liiirli;i> 
antos  dol  haptisnio.'  Liunhi,  Rvlacion,  -iiy*-  1-H.  '•'<•• 

'"  lirassour  de  Jlourboarg  says  tlioy  toasted  nine  days;    'Tons  onsoiiililr, 


DOMESTIC  IHSCU'LLNK. 


08r> 


Tlie  NicamijfUJin  liiisUaiuls  are  sai<l  to  liavo  Iuhjm  so 
inucli  uiuler  the  fontrol  of  tlieir  wives  that  (hev  wcvo 
ohhu'ed  to  do  the  housework  while  the  women  atteiMh^il 
to  the  tradiiiijf.  The  latter  were,  moreover,  ureat 
shrews,  and  would  on  tlie  sHiji'litest  proxocation  (U'ive 
their  orten(hn»i^  huahands  out  of  the  hoiisi;;  we  are 
toUl  that  it  was  no  unusual  oecurrenco  lor  th(!  niM<>h- 
hors  to  he  suddenly  ealled  in  to  a[)pea8e  some  unfor 


tunate   mans 


Xanti 


IM 


te. 


The    women    of  N'ucatan 


Avert!  renowned  for  their  modesty  and  coni":'.'al    faith- 


ful 


ness. 


Land: 


I,  one  ot  the  hrst  l)isli(t|)s  ol    N  ucatan 


relates  an  aneed(>te  illustratinuf  this  trait.  Alonso 
Lo[)ez  de  Avila,  during'  the  war  ai^'ainst  iJacaiar,  took 
prisoner  a  very  lieautiful  Indian  jrirl.  Stiurk  hy  her 
heauty  the  captor  endeavored  hy  all  means  to  iiiduee 
her  to  ^ratity  his  desires,  but  in  vain.  She  had  jtrom- 
ised  her  warrior-hushand,  who  durin;^'  those  perilous 


]irt'tr('H  ft    parents,  fi'stoyaioiit.  nI^r^s  ccla,  |U'nilaiit  iiciif  jmirs,   los  |h^ivs 
itaiil  iililiir.'.H,  (liiraiit  cot  inlcrvalU',  ili'  s'alistfiiir  do  Icuis  t'l'iiiiiK' 


\'if.  (' 


toiii.  ii.,  p.  .'vj.     Ilt>  a|i|i<'ai' 


to  I 


lavt'  III 


iHiiiitl 


oInIiiih 


1  ('..-. 


do.  ti 


« limii  111-  refers,  siiiee  that  aiitlior's  words  are,  'aealiaiido  la  liesla  en  haii- 


'les,  V  en  los  iineve  dias  si-'iiieiites  no      liaii  de  lie; 


ar  a  mis  iiiU''eres  his 


i-r^  ■ —     '       r^ f^     -  ' 

,  e  los  iiinos.'  Ilisf.  )'iii\,  |>.  lift.     'Alleiide  de  los  ties  dias  (|n. 

avia,  ('OHIO  pop  aviiiio,  alisieiiido,  si;  avia  de  alisteiier  iiiieM'  mas  y  lo  lia/iaii 
iiiviolalileiiiente.  I.fiiii/n,  Ji'  /iifimi,  \i.  I.")!.  See  further:  \'iiilii(,  llisl.  Ant. 
MiJ.,  toni.  i..  pp.  lSJ-.'{;  Ihiciht,  Tnitro  h'r/fs.,  toiii.  i.,  p. 'Jti.'i;  /.iir/,  Xitriis 
Orhis,  )).  'J7-;  7'iiii((ii.i:-C()iiij»ni.i,  iu  J\'oiitrlli:s  AiihiiIis  t/rs  lOi/.,  \Si'.i, 
toni.  xcvii.,  pp.  -14  ."). 

Ti  .1  lii/iiijoifft,  ill  Xttmnrfi',  Ciif.  dc  Viajvs,  toni.  iii.,  ]i.  Ill;  Ihrirni, 
Jfi.if.  O'lii.,  dec.  iii.,  lil>.  iv..  eap.  vii.,  lih.  v.,  eap.  xii. ;  (h/n/n,  llisl.  d'ni., 
toni.   iv.,  ]»p.  ;{'.t,  (!1,  lt);{;   Miil/c-Ilniii,  I'ri'ri.s' t/r  In  Ocni/..  loin,  vi.,  ii.   47- 


liiDiKini,  lli.tf,  Jin/.,  foi.  '2ii'.l 


in  (iiiateiiiala  '  il  est 


iia    II  t'si  a   leinaniner  lei  oi 
le  feinnies  diiiis  le  disooiirs.  1 


<|iiaiid  il  saijit  siiiiiiltaiienient  d  honinies  et  i 
feiiinies  out  presipie  toiijonrs  la  pivst'ance  snr  les  hoiiiiiies  °  •("est  pentetiv 
en  iiK-inoire  de  la  mere  de  llnn-.\li|)n  t|ne  les  feiniiies-eliefs  en  liien  des  eon- 
trees  devaieiit  lenrs  iircroLtalives.'  Ihnssriir  ilr  linurliniiri,  I'n/iii/  ]'li/i,  pp. 
!).'{-l.  In  Viieatan  tlie  women  'son  /.elo.sis  y  alj,'nnas  tanlo  ipie  poniaii  las 
iiianos  a  las  de  <|iiieii  tenian  /.elos,  y  tan  eolerieas,  eiioiad 
iiiansas,  ipie  solian  dar  hnelta  dt;  pelo  al;^'iinas  a  los  iiur 


'|i 


liarti 


'II 


as  ve/es.'   I.miilii,  Ji'i/a 


iilos  I'lin    lia/ir.o 
III.  I8S,  I'.H).      The  women  of  \i(alaii 


IM 


had,  however,  th''ir  duties  to  perform.  'Son  {.'nindes  tra\  a'adoras  y  \i\i- 
doras,  pori|ne  deilas  enel^ian  los  mayores  y  mas  trahajos  de  la  >ii--leiila('ioii 
de  siis  easas  y  educacion  de  sns  liijos,  y  pa;,'a  de  sns  trilii',tn>  y  con  todoessi* 
si  OS  inenester  llevan  al;;iiiias  vezes  mayor  car^fa,  lahrando  y  .semhiando  .-.iih 
iiiantenimientos.  Son  a  iiiaravilla  };ran^reras,  velaiido  de  nnihe  el  ralot|iie 
di'  servir  .sns  easas  les  i|tieda,  yendo  a  los  iiiereados  a  eomprar  y  xeiuier  sus 
cosillas.'.  .  .  .The  women  joined  and  aided  oiiiMinotiier  in  the  work,  as  weav- 
ini,',  etc.  'Klles  avaieiit  leiirs  saillies  et  lenrs  lions  mots  pmii'  liiillei  et 
eonter  des  aveiitiires  et  par  iiioiiient  aiissi  pour  iiiuniiiirer  de  lenrs  maris.' 
JU.,  It.  VM. 


€86 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


times  was  constantly  face  to  face  with  death,  that 
none  hut  he  shouM  ever  call  her  wife;  how  then, 
while  perhaps  he  yet  lived,  could  she  heconie  anoth- 
er's mistress.  But  such  arguments  did  not  <iucii(h 
tho  Spaniard's  lust,  and  as  she  remained  steadfast,  ho 
ordered  her  to  be  cast  among  the  bloodhounds,  who 
devoured  her — a  martyr  at  the  hands  of  the  men  who 
l)retended  to  preach  Jesus  Christ,  and  him  crucifitd.*" 

««  L(uida,  Jielacion,  p.  186. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

FEASTS    AND    AML'SKMENTS    OK   THE    MAYAS. 

SPEriAi,  OnsEBVANrKs  —  Fixed  Feasts  —  Sacrifice  ok  Slaves -- 
jMonthi.y  Feasts  of  the  Ytcatecs  —  Uexewal  of  the  Inoi.s 
—Feast  ok  the  Chacs  —  lIuNTixci  Festival  — The  Titi-kak 
Feast  ok  the  Cacao-Planters— Wak  Feast— The  Maya  New 
Year's  Day -Feasts  of  the  Hunters,  Fishers,  and  Ai'Iarists 
—Ceremonies  in  honor  of  Ci;ki'lcan  —  Feast  of  the  Month 
OF  Mol  — Feast  ok  the  Years  Kan,  MrLuc,  Ix,  and  Cacac- 
YucATEC  Sacrifices— The  Pit  of  Cuichen  — Sacrifices  of  the 
PiPiLEs  —  Feast  of  Victory— Feasts  and  Sacrifices  in  Nicar- 
auua— Banquets— Danies— Musical,  Instruments— (James. 

Thoiij^h  the  iufonnation  coiiceriiin*^  the  feasts,  roli- 
<^ious  and  otherwise,  of  the  Maya  nations,  is  not  so 
full  as  tliat  touchino-  tlie  Nahuas,  yet  tliere  is  no 
doubt  that  the  former  people  were  quite  as  fond  of 
such  matters  as  the  latter. 

The  Quiches  had  many  festivals  and  special  observ- 
ances, in  some  of  which  the  whole  i)eople  took  i)art, 
while  others  were  performed  by  private  persons 
through  excess  of  piety.  They  always  made  a  sacri- 
fice before  commencing  any  work  of  importance. 
There  were  four  s})ecial  things  for  which  they  be- 
sought the  gods ;  namely,  long  life,  health,  progeny, 
and  the  necessaries  of  life.  Tliey  had  particular  ora- 
tories where  they  went  upon  occasions  of  great  dis- 
tress, and  drew  blood  from  several  parts  of  their  body. 
When   they  desired  to  have  sons  they  sacrificed  at 

(687) 


(;38 


Tin:  MAYA  NATIONS. 


fountains.  Tliey  liad  oratorioH  in  tiiit'k  <^rovL's,  and  If 
tlioy  found  a  sj)ot  whore  a  lari^o  true  «jfivw  ovci-  a 
spriiiiT,  thuy  hold  tlio  place  to  he  divine,  i)ecause  twD 
divinities  met  in  the  tree  and  in  the  pool.* 

The  rolijjfiou.s  feasts  in  which  all  the  people  tuck 
part  were  hold  on  certain  fixed  days  of*  the  calen(l,;r. 
One  of  their  most  notahle  and  solemn  festivals  was 
more  a  time  of  })enance  and  vi^il  than  of  foastiiiL;'. 
AVJien  the  season  of  its  celel>ration  ap|)i"oachc<l,  the  Idid 
of  a  jtrovinco  with  the  ])rinoipal  men  lield  a  c<tuncil  and 
sent  for  a  diviner,  and  advised  with  him  concerniiiL:  tlic 
day  upon  which  the  sacrifice  should  take  ])laco.  Tln! 
Aviso  man  at  once  hoi^'an  his  soiveries,  and  cast  lots  in 
order  to  ascertain  what  day  would  ho  the  most  propi- 
tious. A\  hen  the  day  was  fixed,  all  men  had  from  that 
time  to  sk'e[)  in  houses  apart  from  their  wives  duiinn' 
a  period  of  sixty  or  eiiihty  days,  or  even  longer,  ac- 
cording' to  the  severity  denumded.  Upon  each  of  thcM- 
days  every  one  had  to  offer  sacrifice  hy  drawing-  Mudd 
from  his  arms,  thi_i,dis,  ton^'ue,  and  other  ])arts  of  liis 
hody.  This  they  did  at  certain  lioiirs  of  the  day  and 
nij^dit,  and  also  burned  incense.  They  could  not  l)iithc 
Avhile  the  ohsorvances  lasted.  From  the  day  when 
this  lent  he^-an,  the  slaves  who  were  to  he  sacrifnrd 
v.'ere  allowed  a  certain  freedom,  and  permitted  to  'j;o 
about  the  town  Avheresoever  they  pleased.  On  the 
nock  of  each,  however,  was  fastened  a  rininc  of  «^'old, 
silver,  or  copper,  through  which  a  stick  was  passed, 
and  as  a  further  precaution  ai>ainst  escape  each  was 
accom])anied  by  a  guard  of  throe  or  four  men.  Tluy 
were  at  liberty  to  enter  any  house,  whether  it  was 
that  of  tlie  supreme  lord  or  of  the  poorest  man,  nnd 
wherever  they  applied  for  food  or  drink  it  was  given 
thom.  The  same  liberty  was  accorded  to  the  guard. 
When  the  day  of  sacrifice  arrived,  the  liigh-jtriist 
attired  himself  in  his  finest  vestments.     These  cju- 

I  'Los  luiivcrsalos  sacrifii'ios  so  ofrcciun  nnlinariiinioiitc  <'iiaTi(lo  vpni;iii 
liiH  liestas,  la«  I'tialt's  lialiia  en  iiiia.s  iirovinoias  ciiico,  y  on  ntian  st  is,  o  m; 
ofrcciaii  ]nn-  nocosidail  iiarticular.  por  uni)  ilc  t'stos  dos  ri'si)t'clos.'  Xiiintnr., 
Hint.  Iitil.  Guuf.,  i».   »77;  Lus  Cunds,  Hint.  Ajivloijclha,  MS.,  cap.  clxxix. 


SACUIFIC'IAL  FI':STIVALS. 


C8l) 


s'lstod  of  c'ortairi  cloaks,  witli  crowiiH  of  jfolil,  silver, 
or  other  metal,  atlornetl  with  precious  stuius.  'J'he 
idols  were  i)lace(l  upon  a  frame  ornamented  with  u'old, 
silver,  and  jj^ems,  and  decked  with  roses  and  other 
llowers.  The  slaves  were  then  hrou^ht  in  processio)! 
to  the  temple  yard  amid  sonufs,  nuisic,  and  danciui^; 
and  the  idols  were  set  upon  altars,  hefore  which  were 
the  sacrificial  stones.  As  the  hour  of  sacrifice  drew 
near,  the  supreme  lord,  and  })rincipal  men  with  him, 
repaired  to  the  room  where  the  slaves  were  waitinLf; 
eacli  tlien  seized  his  slave  by  the  hair  and  cairied  him 
hefore  the  jjfod,  cryinjj  with  a  loud  voice:  ()  (lod  our 
Lord,  remember  thy  servants,  ifnmi  them  health,  off- 
spring, and  prosperity,  so  that  they  may  increase  and 
serve  thee.  Give  us  rain,  0  Lord,  .and  seasonable 
weather  to  sui)port  us,  that  we  may  live,  hearken  to 
our  prayers,  aid  us  aii^ainst  our  enemies,  jj^ive  us  com- 
fort and  rest.  On  reachinj.^  the  altar  the  sacrificing^ 
]»riest  stood  ready,  and  the  lord  placed  the  victim  in 
his  hands.  He  then,  with  his  ministers,  opened  the 
breast  with  the  sacrificial  knife,  tore  out  the  heart 
and  offered  it  to  the  idol,  at  the  same  time  aiiointini^ 
it  M'ith  the  blood.  Each  idol  had  its  holy  tai>le;  the 
Sun,  the  Moon,  the  East,  the  West,  the  North,  and 
the  South  had  each  one.  The  heads  of  the  sacriliceil 
were  ytut  on  stakes.  The  flesh  was  seasoned,  cooked, 
and  partaken  of  as  a  holy  thino;'.  The  hi^h-priest 
and  supreme  lord  were  j^iven  the  hands  and  feet,  as 
the  most  delicate  morsels,  and  the  body  was  distrib- 
uted among'  the  other  priests.  All  through  tlu;  <lays 
of  the  sacrificing  groat  liberty  was  permitted  t(»  the 
people,  grand  banquets  were  held,  and  drunken  revels 
ensued.^ 

*  '  Aquel  ilia  era  libcrtado  para  liacer  Rrandos  liaiiqiiptos  v  liorrarlieras, 
y  asi  so  inutahan  iiiliiiitas  aves,  iimclia  ca/a  y  viii(»  iiiiiy  (lifcrcnlo,  luK'iaii 
iiiiichas  dauiias  y  l)aiU's  vn  prest'iicia  do  his  itlol'ss.  Diiraliaii  iii(U('sta.s 
lii'stas,  trcM,  ciiifo  V  sit'te  dia.s,  sej,'Uii  lo  <iiiu  ordtMialian  Ins  lnitli^ll()s,  y  lo 
diH'iau  i-iiando  lialiian  de  coiiioiizar.  Kii  i-stus  dias,  eii  cada  taidi-  andaliaii 
on  itnii'i'sion  «'oii  {fraiidoH  i-aiitos  y  niiisicas,  llcvaiuld  al  ulnht  pur  la'^  callcs 
y  plazas,  y  doiide  liahia  lii;j;ar  ])ii'(MniiK'iifo,  liaciaii  altaivs  v  poiiiiiii  mesas, 
y  alii  paralian,  v  coiiiu  nuiiutrutj  reprcsjuutumua  fuitju:;!,  a»i  t'llu:>  jiigabau  a  la 
Vol.  II.    44 


coo 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


Concerning  the  religious  feasts  and  observances  of 
the  Yucatecs,  Landa  is  the  best  and  most  coniplett' 
authority,  and  I  will  therefore  take  from  his  work 
such  scattered  notices  as  he  gives. 

In  the  month  of  Chen  they  worked  in  fear  and 
trembling,  making  new  idols.  And  when  these  wore 
finished,  those  for  whom  they  were  made  gave  pres- 
ents of  the  best  they  had  to  those  who  had  modeled 
and  carved  them.  The  idols  were  then  carried  from 
the  building  in  which  they  had  been  made  to  a  cabin 
made  of  leaves,  where  the  priest  blessed  them  witli 
much  solemnity  and  many  fervent  prayers,  the  artists 
having  previously  cleansed  themselves  from  the  j>rease 
with  which  they  had  been  besmeared,  as  a  sign  of 
fasting,  during  the  entire  time  that  they  remained  at 
work.  Having  then  driven  out  the  evil  spirit,  and 
burned  the  sacred  incense,  the  newly  made  images 
were  placed  in  a  basket,  enveloped  in  a  linen  dotli, 
and  delivered  to  their  owners,  who  received  them 
with  every  mark  of  respect  and  devotion.  The  priest 
then  addressed  the  idol-makers  for  a  few  moments 
on  the  excellence  and  importance  of  their  profession, 
and  on  the  danger  they  would  incur  by  neglecting  tlie 
rules  of  abstinence  while  doing  such  sacred  work. 
Finally,  all  partook  of  an  abundant  repast,  and  made 
amends  for  their  long  fast  by  indulging  freely  in  wine. 

In  one  of  the  two  months  called  Chen  ^nd  Yax,  on 
a  day  determined  by  the  priest,  they  celebrated  a  feast 
called  ocna,  which  means  the  renovation  of  the  tem- 
ple in  honor  of  tho  Chacs.  whom  they  regarded  as 
the  gods  of  the  fields.  During  this?  festival,  they  con- 
sulted the  oracle  of  the  Bacabs.'  This  feast  was  cel- 
ebrated every  year.  Besides  this,  the  idols  of  baked 
clay  and  the  braziers  were  renewed  at  this  season, 
because  it  was  customary  for  each  idol  to  have  its  own 
little  brazier,  in  which  incense  was  burned  before  it ; 

polota  delantc  de  sns  dioses.'  Ximenez,  Hist.  Ind.  Gttat.,  p.  187;  Las  Casn-i, 
Hist.  Anologdtica,  MS.,  can.  clxxvii. 

3  The  nmnner  in  which  this  was  done  will  be  described  el»?wherc  in 
this  chapter. 


FESTIVALS  OF  ZAC  AND  MAC. 


691 


and,  if  it  v/as  necessary,  they  built  the  god  a  new 
dwelling,  or  renovated  the  old  one,  taking  care  to 
[)lace  on  the  walls  an  inscription  commemorating  these 
things,  in  the  characters  peculiar  to  them. 

In  the  month  of  Zac,  on  a  day  ap}X)inted  by  the 
priest,  the  hunters  held  a  feast  similar  to  that  which,  as 
we  shall  presently  see,  took  place  in  the  month  of  Zip. 
This  was  for  the  purpose  of  averting  the  anger  of  the 
gods  from  them  and  the  seed  they  had  sown,  because 
of  the  blood  which  had  been  shed  in  the  chase;  for 
they  regarded  as  abominable  all  spilling  of  blood,  ex- 
cept in  sacrifice.*  They  never  went  out  to  hunt  with- 
out first  invoking  their  gods  and  burning  incense  be- 
fore them;  and  on  their  return  from  a  successful  hunt 
they  always  anointed  the  grim  visages  of  the  idols 
with  the  blood  of  the  game.  (Jn  another  day  o^  this 
month  a  great  feast  was  held,  which  lasted  for  three 
days,  attended  with  incense-burning,  sacrifices,  and 
general  orgies.  But  as  this  was  a  movable  feast,  the 
j)riests  took  care  to  give  notice  of  it  in  advance,  in 
order  that  all  might  observe  a  becoming  fast. 

During  the  month  of  Mac,  the  old  people  celebrated 
a  feast  in  honor  of  the  Chacs,  gods  of  the  cornfields, 
and  of  another  deity  named  Yzamna.  Some  days 
before  this  the  following  ceremony,  called  in  their  lan- 
guage timpkak,^  was  observed.  Having  brought 
together  all  the  reptiles  and  beasts  of  the  field  that 
could  be  procured  in  the  country,  they  assembled  with 
them  in  the  court  of  the  temple,  in  the  corners  of 
which  were  the  chacs  and  the  priests,  to  drive  away 
the  evil  spirit,  each  having  by  his  side  a  jug  filled 
with  water.  Standing  on  tni,  in  the  centre,  was  an 
enormous  bundle  of  dry  and  fine  wood,  which  was  set 
on  fire  after  some  incense  had  been  burned.     As  the 


♦  'Ce  qui,  d'accord  avcc  divers  anlres  indices,  annoncerait  Wen  rjne  I'cf- 
fiision  dii  sang,  et  surtout  dii  sang  lumiain,  dans  les  sacrifices,  etait  d'uri- 
{?inc  »5trangere,  nahiiatl  proltablenicut.'  Brasseur  de  Bvurhounj,  in  Laiufti, 
Jielacion,  p.  247. 

*  Meaning  'niicnching  of  fire.'  BrasitrHr  de  Bonrboiirg,  in  Landa,  Br- 
lacion,  p.  254.     Vzamua  la  otberwiiie  called  Zaiuu4. 


692 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


wood  burned,  t)ie  assembled  crowd  vied  with  cacli 
other  in  tearing  out  the  hearts  of  the  victims  tlu  y 
liad  brought  with  them  and  casting  them  into  tin; 
jflames.  If  it  had  been  impossible  to  procure  siuli 
large  game  as  jaguars,  pumas,  or  alligators,  tiny 
ty])ified  the  hearts  of  these  animals  by  incense,  wliicli 
they  threw  into  the  fire;  but  if  they  had  them,  tiny 
were  immolated  like  the  rest.  As  soon  as  all  tlio 
hearts  were  consumed,  the  chacs"  put  out  tlio  tiie 
with  the  water  contained  in  their  pitchers.  The  ol) 
ject  of  this  feast  and  of  that  which  followed  Mas  to 
obtain  an  abundance  of  water  for  their  cornfields  tlin'- 
ing  the  year.  Tliis  feast  was  celebrated  in  a  ditKertiit 
manner  from  others,  liecause  no  one  fasted  before  it, 
with  the  excejition  of  the  beadle  (munidor)  of  tliu  oc- 
casion. On  the  day  of  tlie  feast  called  tuj)pkak,  tlu; 
people  .and  the  priests  met  once  more  in  the  coiiit- 
yard  of  the  temple,  where  was  erected  a  platlonii  of 
stone,  with  steps  leading  u[)  to  it,  the  whole  tastrl'iilly 
decorated  with  foliage.  The  priest  gave  some  inceiiso 
to  the  beadle,  who  burned  in  a  brazier  enough  to 
exorcise  the  evil  spirit.  This  done,  the  first  step  of 
the  platform  was  with  great  solemnity  smeared  witli 
mud  taken  from  a  well  or  cistern;  the  other  steps 
Avere  stained  a  blue  color.  As  usual,  they  eiulrd 
these  ceremonies  by  eating  and  drinking  and  making 
merry,  full  of  confidence  in  the  eflficacy  of  their  rites 
and  ceremonies  for  this  year. 

In  tlui  month  of  Muan  the  cacao -planters  held  a 
festival  in  honor  of  the  gods  Ekchuah,  Chac,  and 
Hobnil,  who  were  their  patron  deities.'  To  solciiinize 
it,  they  all  went  to  the  plantation  of  one  of  their 
number,  where  they  sacrificed  a  dog  having  a  spot  (»ii 
its  skin  of  the  color  of  cacao.     They  burned  incense 

*  Tliis  word  rhnr/!,  wliii'li  hcfore  was  interpreted  as  t'-  ■.  'gods  of  tin- 
cornlields,"  iirubably  liere  meaiiH  the  jtrioHts  of  those  deitie.;..  lii  a  foiiiui- 
chajiler  we  nave  seen  the  word  applied  to  those  who  asiiisted  ut  the  rite  nf 
Lui)ti.siii. 

7  '  Eh-hunh ,  ecrit  ailleuri^  Eclnin/i,  ('•tait  lo  jiatron  des  niarchands  rt  ii:i- 
turolleinent  des  cacatvH,  niarrliaiidise  et  nionnaie  a  hi  foi«.'  lirasscurdc  limir- 
hounj,  ill  LiiHiia,  liduciuii,  p.  lIOl. 


WAR-FEAST  IN  THE  MONTH  OF  PAX. 


6i>o 


to  tlicir  idols,  and  made  ofForinii^s  of  blue  ii^uaiias, 
feathers  of  a  particular  kind  of  l)i)d,  and  ijaine. 
After  this  they  gave  to  each  of  the  officials"  a  hrancli 
of  the  cacao-plant.  The  sacrifice  being  ended,  they 
all  sat  down  to  a  repast,  at  which,  it  is  said,  no  one 
was  allowed  to  drink  more  than  three  glasses  of  wine. 
All  then  went  into  the  house  of  him  who  had  given 
tlie  feast,  and  passed  the  time  pleasantly  together. 

In  the  month  of  Pax,  a  feast  was  held,  called 
Pacumchac,  which  was  celebrated  by  the  nobles  and 
])riests  of  the  villages,  together  with  those  of  the 
great  towns.  Having  assembled,  they  })assed  five 
nights  in  the  temple  of  Cit  Chac  Coh,"  ])raying  and 
()fferin*jf  incense.  At  the  beijinnin<jf  of  tliese  five 
days,  they  went  all  together  to  the  house  of  the  gen- 
eral of  their  armies,  whose  title  was  Nacoii,  and 
carried  him  in  state  to  the  temple,  where,  having 
j)Iaced  him  on  a  seat,  they  burned  incense  before  him 
as  though  he  had  been  a  god.  But  though  tluy 
prayed  during  these  five  nights,  they  did  not  by  any 
means  fast  in  the  day-time,  but  ate  and  drank  plenti- 
fully, and  executed  a  kind  of  grand  war-dance,  which 
tliey  called  holkan  okot,  which  is  to  say,  'dance  of 
t!ie  warriors.'  The  five  days  being  passed,  the  real 
business  of  the  feast  began,  whicli,  as  it  concerned 
matters  of  war  and  victory,  was  a  very  solenm  aftair. 
It  was  commenced  with  ceremonies  and  sacrifices 
similar  to  those  already  described  as  taking  place  in 
i\\ii  montli  of  Mac.  Then  tiie  evil  sj)irit  was  exj)elled 
ill  the  usual  manner,  after  wbich  were  nujre  prayers, 
offerings,  and  incensiuijf.  While  all  thiii  was  goiii'jf 
oil,  the  nobles  once  more  to<»k  the  Nacon  \\\m)\\  their 
slioulders,  and  carried  him  in  procession  round  the 
fi'iiqile.      On   their    return  a  dug  was  sacrificed,  its 

"  'OflTicialos;  this  may  mean  ofTiciating  priests,  or  overseers  on  tlio 
plaiitatioiis,  or  almost  iHiytliinu  else. 

9  ^('il  parait  etrc  une  sorte  tie  eoehon  sauva;;e;  chdc  est  le  noni)^i'nerii|iie 
lies  (lieiix  (le  la  pliiie,  des  eanipajines,  des  fruits  de  la  tcrre,  ete.  <'<ih  est 
I '  puma  on  lion  ainerieain;  snivant  d'antres,  rhttr-roh  est  le  leopard.'  linin- 
»t«/'  lie  BoHibviirij,  in  Landa,  Jitlticioii,  p.  205. 


I 


I' 


ill 

<''  'ill 

1^ 


694 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


lieart  being  torn  out  and  presented  to  the  idol  be- 
tween two  dishes.  Every  one  present  then  shattered 
a  large  jug  filled  with  some  beverage,  whi(;h  eom- 
j)leted  this  part  of  the  festival.  The  usual  banquet  fol- 
lowed, after  which  the  Nacon  was  again  placed  ui»()ii 
the  shoulders  of  the  nobles  and  carried  to  his  house. 
There,  the  nobles  and  priests  partook  of  a  grand 
banquet,  at  which  all  got  drunk,  except  the  Naeon ; 
the  people,  meanwhile,  returning  to  their  homos.  ( )ii 
the  morrow,  having  slept  off  the  effects  of  the  wine, 
the  guests  of  the  Nucon  received  from  him  large  i)res- 
ents  of  incense  which  had  been  previously  blessed. 
He  also  took  advantage  of  this  opportunity  to  deliver 
a  long  discourse,  in  which  he  recommended  his  hear- 
ers to  observe  scrupulously  in  both  town  and  countiy 
the  feasts  of  the  gods,  in  order  to  obtain  a  prosperous 
and  abundant  year.  As  soon  as  the  Nacon  had  fin- 
ished speaking,  there  was  a  genei'al  and  noisy  leave- 
taking,  and  the  guests  separated,  and  set  out  for  tlieir 
respective  homes.  There  they  occupied  themHolves  in 
celebrating  the  festivals  proper  to  the  season,  keeping 
them  up  sometimes  until  the  montli  of  Pop.  Tlnise 
feasts  were  called  Zabacilthan,  and  were  observed  as 
follows.  The  people  of  each  place  or  district  soui^ht 
amonof  the  richest  of  their  number  for  some  who  were 
willing  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  celebration,  ami 
recommended  them  to  take  the  matter  into  consideia- 
tion,  because  it  w^as  customary  to  make  merry  during 
the  three  last  months  of  the  year.  This  having  l)een 
settled,  all  met  in  the  house  of  one  of  these  prominent 
men,  after  having  driven  away  the  evil  spirit  as  usual. 
Copal  was  burned,  offerings  were  made,  and  the  wine- 
cup,  which  seems  to  have  been  the  chief  attraction  on 
these  occasions,  was  not  neglected.  And  all  througli 
these  three  months,  the  excesses  in  which  the  ])eo|>K; 
indulged  were  pitiful  to  see;  cuts,  bruises,  and  eyes 
inflamed  with  drink  were  plentiful  amongst  them;  to 
gratify  their  passion  for  drink  they  cast  themselves 
away. 


THE  MAYA  NEW  YEAR'S  DAY. 


695 


During  the  last  five  days  of  the  month  of  Cunihu, 
which  were  the  last  days  of  the  year,  the  people  sel- 
dom went  out  of  their  houses,  except  to  place  offer- 
ing's in  the  temples,  with  which  the  priests  bought 
incense  to  be  burned  in  honor  of  the  gods.  They 
neither  combed  their  hair  nor  washed  themselves  dur- 
ing these  five  days;  neither  men  nor  women  cleansed 
themselves;  they  did  no  work  of  any  kind  lest  some 
misfortune  should  befall  them. 

The  first  day  of  the  month  of  Pop,  the  Maya  New 
Year's  Day,  was  a  season  of  rejoicing,  in  which  all  the 
nation  took  part.  To  give  more  importance  to  the 
event,  they  renewed  at  this  time  all  the  articles  which 
they  used,  such  as  plates,  cups,  baskets,  clothes,  and 
the  dresses  of  the  idols ;  they  swept  their  houses  and 
cast  everything  into  the  place  where  they  put  tlieir 
rubbish;  and  no  one  dared  to  touch  what  was  cast 
away,  even  though  greatly  in  need  of  it.  To  prej)are 
for  this  feast,  princes,  priests,  and  nobles,  and  all  who 
wished  to  show  their  devotion,  fasted  and  abstained 
from  their  wives  for  'a  longer  or  shorter  period,  some 
for  three  months  preceding  it,  some  for  two,  accord- 
ing to  their  ideas  of  propriety,  but  none  for  less 
than  thirteen  days.  During  this  season  of  abstinence, 
they  ate  their  meat  unseasoned,  which  was  considered 
severe  discii)line.  At  this  time,  also,  they  elected  the 
officers  who  were  to  assist  the  priest  at  the  ceremony. 
The  priest  prepared  a  number  of  little  balls  of  fresh 
incense  on  small  boards  made  for  the  purpose,  ft)r 
those  who  fasted  to  burn  before  the  idols.  Great  caie 
was  taken  not  to  l)rcak  the  fast  after  it  had  been  once 
commenced;  for  if  this  were  done  it  was  thought  that 
misfortune  must  inevitably  ensue. 

New  Year's  Day  having  arrived,  all  the  men  assem- 
bled in  the  courtyaid  of  the  te!nj)lo.  Women  could 
assist  at  no  feast  wliicli  was  celebrated  within  tlie 
temple,  e.\ce})t  those  who  went  to  take  part  in  par- 
ticular dances;  on  otlier  occasions,  however,  the 
women  were  allowed  to  b  j  i)resent.     On  the  day  in 


69G 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


question  the  men  came  alone,  adorned  with  paint,  and 
cleansed  from  the  grease  with  Avhich  they  had  bctii 
bedaubed  during  tiie  days  of  penance.  When  all 
were  assembled,  with  offerings  of  food  and  newlv 
fermented  wine,  the  priest  purified  the  temj)le  mikI 
seated  himself  in  the  centre  of  the  court,  clothed  in 
his  robes  of  office,  and  having  by  his  side  a  brazioi- 
and  the  balls  of  incense  before  mentioned.  After  tlio 
evil  s})irit  had  been  expelled,  all  present  offeretl  up 
l)rayers,  while  the  assistants  kindled  the  new  tire  for 
the  year.  The  priest  now  cast  one  of  the  balls  of 
incense  into  the  brazier,  and  then  distributed  tlio 
remainder  among  the  assembled  worshipers.  Tlio 
nobles  came  first  in  the  order  of  their  rank,  iuid  as 
each  received  a  ball  fi'  m  the  i)riest,  who  gave  it  with 
great  solemnity,  he  dropped  it  gently  into  the  brazier 
and  stood  still  until  it  was  consumed.  The  inevitable 
bancpiet  and  orgies  terminated  the  ceremonies.  This 
was  the  manner  in  which  they  celebrated  the  birth  of 
the  new  year.  During  the  month,  st)nie  of  the  most 
devout  among  them  repeated  the  feast  in  their  own 
homes,  and  this  was  j)articularly  done  by  the  nobles 
and  pi-iests,  who  were  ever  foremost  in  religious  ol)- 
servances. 

During  the  month  of  Uo  the  priests  and  sorcerers 
began  to  prepare  for  a  festival  called  pocain,  which 
Avas  solemnized  by  the  hunters  and  fishers  on  the  sev- 
enth day  of  the  next  month,  which  was  Zip.  Having 
assembled,  clothed  in  their  ornaments,  at  the  house  of 
the  prince,  they  exi)elled  the  evil  sj)irit,  and  then 
uncovered  their  books  and  ex|)osed  them  upon  a 
carpet  of  green  leaves  and  branches,  which  lui'!  been 
j)re[)ared  for  this  purpose.  They  next  invoked  with 
reverence  a  deity  named  Cinchau  Yzanma,  who  had 
been,  they  said,  the  first  priest. ^°    To  him  they  offered 


'"  ' Cinchnu-Yznmuu  est  uiie  ortliojjmplie  errone,  si  Ton  oil  iiij^e  iipivs 
locoMs  i)rct'eileiite.s;  c'cst   iirolialtloniuiit   uiio   iiijiuviuse  uliivviatioii  di' 


10 

Ics  logons  prOceileiites;  c'cst  p 
Kitui'.h-Ahni-Ylr.dinnn,  i\o\\\w,  (raillcurs,  coiniiio  I'iiivciitciir  ilos  letlrcs  ft 
cle  reiTiturc,  raiiteiir  de  tons  les  iioiiis  imposes  uii  Yucatan.'  ]intssinr  in 
Bonrliuiirij,  in  Luiidti,  liclacioii,  i)ii.  '2S4-5. 


FESTIVITIES  IN  YUCATAN. 


G97 


various  gifts,  and  burned  balls  of  incense  in  liis  honor. 
In  the  meantime  others  took  a  vessel  and  a  little 
verdii^ris  with  some  pure  water,  which  had  to  be  i)ro- 
cured  from  a  wood  into  whose  recesses  no  woman  had 
ever  penetrated.  They  now  cleaned  the  leaves  of 
their  books  by  moisten i no-  them;  this  done,  tlie  wisest 
amono"  tliem  opened  a  volume  and  examined  the  pros- 
pects of  the  coming  year,  which  he  declared  aloud  to 
all  i)resent.  He  concluded  with  a  brief  discourse,  in 
which  he  advised  them  how  to  avoid  coming  evils. 
Jollity  now  reigned  and  the  wine  flowed  freely — a 
consummation  which  many  of  the  old  priest's  luarers 
liad  doubtless  been  long  looking  forward  to  inipa- 
tiently.  The  solemnities  on  this  occasion  weie  varied 
at  times  by  performing  a  dance  called  okot  nil. 

On  the  following  day  the  doctors  and  sorcerers  with 
their  wives  came  together  in  the  house  of  one  of  tlicir 
Dumber.  The  priests,  having  driven  away  the  evil 
spirit,  brought  to  view  their  medicine-bags,  in  which 
they  kept  a  number  of  charms,  some  little  images  of 
Ixciiel,  goddess  of  medicine,  from  whom  the  feast 
was  named  ihc'd  ixchel,  and  some  small  stones  called 
um,  wJiich  they  used  in  their  sorceries.  'J'hen  with 
great  devotion  the  doctors  and  sorcerers  invoke<l  the 
gods  of  medicine,  Yzanma,  Citbolontum,  and  Aliau 
Chaniahez,  wliile  the  priests  burned  incense,  and  the 
assistants  painted  themselves  blue,  the  coh)r  of  the 
books  used  by  the  })riests.  Bearing  their  medicine 
l»ags  in  tlieir  hands,  they  then  joined  in  a  dance 
called  chaitfuiit/aJ),  after  which  the  men  seated  them- 
selves in  a  row  on  one  side,  and  the  women  on  the 
other;  a  day  was  api)ointed  for  holding  the  least  dur- 
ing the  ensuing  year,  aiul  tiien  the  usual  ilrunken 
orgies  connnenced.  Jt  is  said  th;  t  the  pi'icsts  ab- 
stained from  wine  on  this  occasion,  perhajis  because 
the  women  were  present;  but  they  took  their  share, 
nevertheless,  and  reserved  it  for  a  more  private  op- 
l)ortunity. 

On  another  occasion  the  hunters,  with  their  wives, 


C98 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


assembled  in  the  house  of  one  of  their  nuniher,  and 
])erf()rmed  there  certain  ceremonies.  The  first  pro- 
(•ecdin<^  was,  of  course,  to  expel  the  evil  intlueiictj; 
then  the  priests,  who  were  never  absent  from  tliesc 
meetings,  placed  in  the  middle  of  the  room  some  in- 
cense, a  brazier,  and  some  blue  coloring  mateiial. 
Next,  the  huntsmen  prayed  with  great  devotion  to 
the  gods  of  the  chase,  Acanum,  Zuhuy  Zipi,  Tabai, 
and  others,  find  cast  incense  into  tlie  brazier.  AVhilu 
tills  was  burning,  each  took  an  arrow  and  a  deer's 
head,  which  the  priest's  assistants  had  painted  l)ln(;; 
thus  e(juipped,  some  danced,  holding  hands;  otliei's 
])ierced  their  ears  or  their  tongue,  and  passed  through 
the  holes  which  they  made  seven  leaves  of  an  ]k!i1) 
called  ae.  Then  priests  and  their  assistants  made 
offerings  to  the  gods  and  joined  in  the  dance.  Fi- 
nally, the  festivities  closed  by  all  present  becoming, 
to  quote  the  words  of  Bishop  Landa,  *as  drunk  as 
baskets.' 

The  next  day  it  was  the  turn  of  the  fishermen  to 
celebrate  a  feast,  which  they  did  in  the  same  maniKT 
as  the  hunters,  except  that  instead  of  a  deer's  luad, 
they  smeared  their  fishing  implements  with  color; 
lieitherdid  they  pierce  their  ears,  but  cut  round  about 
them,  and  after  doing  this  they  executed  a  dance 
called  chohoin.  Then  they  consecrated  a  large  tree, 
which  they  left  standing.  After  the  feast  liad  been 
duly  celebrated  in  the  towns,  it  was  customary  for 
the  nobles  and  many  of  the  people  to  go  down  to  the 
coast  on  a  grand  fishing  expedition.  The  patron  di- 
vinities of  the  fishermen  were  Ahkak  Nexoi,  Alipua, 
Alicitz,  and  Amalcum." 


ffolludo  (lit  les  iiarol 

les  liidiciis  (le  la  jtroviiice  de  Titziiniii,  niiaiul  ila  allaieiit  peclii  r  le  Inn;:  Ui 

la  cote  de  Cliotica,  avaiit  de  se  inottre  a  '  ' 


"  'C'etaient  Ih,  sans  doute  les  dieux  de  la  p6che,  Ji  propos  dcsqncls  (^)- 
irolludo  dit  les  paroles  suivaiites:  "On  dit  aussi  que  l)ien  apres  la  coiKinr'ti', 

iind  ila  allaient  i)eclii  r  le  liiii;:(li' 
la  pOelie,  eomnieiieaieiit  par  ili's 
sacnliees  et  des  oblations  a  leurs  faux  dieux,  leurott'rant  des  elKiii(k'IIe>.  dcs 
ivaiix  d'ar^'ent  et  des  cuzras,  (jui  sont  leurs  enieraudcs,  et  d'autres  ]iiiMn'H 
precieust  ■(,  en  certain  endroits,  au  kit  et  oratoires  qui  se  voient  encore  iImiis 
les  Itras  de  nier  (estuaires)  et  les  lagunes  salees  qu  il  y  a  sur  eetfe  eote  vcri 
le  llio  <(g  Ldi/drfo.i.'"'  (Hist.  Yiir.,  lib.  iv.,  cup.  iv.);  lirusneiir  dc  limu'- 
bounj,  in  Luiula,  Jichicion,  pp.  2'J2-3. 


Fi"AST  or  Till-:  APIAUISTS. 


65)9 


In  the  month  of  Tzoz,  the  apiarists  prepared  for 
a  feast  which  was  to  take  phice  in  the  next  month, 
called  Tzec,  by  a  fast,  wliich  was,  however,  optiinial 
with  all  except  the  priests  who  were  to  officiate,  and 
their  assistants.  The  da}'  of  celebration  havin^'  ar- 
rived, the  participants  came  together  in  the  house  of 
liini  who  gave  the  'east,  and  performed  nearly  tlio 
same  ceremonies  as  the  hunters  and  tishermen,  except 
that  they  drew  no  blood  from  their  bodies.  The  aj)- 
iarists  had  for  their  patron  deities  the  Bacabs,  and 
particularly  H(A)nil.  They  made  many  i)roi)itiatory 
offerings  at  this  time,  especially  to  the  four  gods 
of  abundance,  to  whom  they  presented  four  dishes 
adorned  with  Hgures  of  honey.  The  usual  drunken 
bout  was  not  omitted. 

After  the  mysterious  departure  of  Cukulcan,"  the 
]\[aya  Quetzalcoatl,  from  Yucatan,  the  people,  con- 
vinced that  he  had  gone  to  the  abode  of  tiie  gods, 
deified  him,  and  built  temples  and  instituted  feasts 
in  his  honor.  These  latter  were  scrupulously  ob- 
served throughout  the  entire  country  u[)  to  the  time 
of  the  destruction  of  IVIayajian;  but  after  that  event 
they  were  neglected  by  all  the  j)rovinces  but  that 
of  Maui.'''  In  remembrance,  however,  of  the  respect 
shown  of  old  to  Cukulcan,  these  provinces  sunt  annu- 
ally, by  turn,  to  Mani  four  or  five  magnificent  feather 
banners,  which  were  used  in  the  ceremonies  tliere. 
On  the  sixteenth  day  ui'  the  month  of  Xul,  all  the 
nobles  and  priests  of  Mani,  being  i)repared  by  fast 

•2  '  Ciiriilrnii,  ocrit  quclqiu'fois  /\'/(/i«/f«H.  viciit do /r/'/.',  oi.scaii  <iiii  jmriiU 
('tr<!  Ic  ineiiie  <iiie  le  <|Ui'tzal;  sou  ilt-tci'iiiiiuitif  I'st  kiikul  i|iii  iiiii  ii  fun,  sci- 
ju'iit,  fait  exactoiiiL'iit  le  ineiiie  iniit  <|ue  Qurlzul  Vnhxtill,  scr|p('iit  aiix 
jilumcs  vortes,  ou  <lf  (^lU'tzul.'  linismurilc  liuurhoinuj,  i..  Laniln,  Itrlitciiui, 

■'  'La  ))roviiicc  do  ^laiu  avait  t'te  coloiiisee  par  Ioh  Tiitiil-Xiiis,  doiit 
ri(ri>,'iins  etait  t(ilti^(iiu>  on  naliiiatl ;  Ivs  feti-s  do  Kukiilcuii  so  Itoriiaiit  ii 
ootto  proviiu'o  apres  la  liostriiotioii  do  Mayapaii,  no  laissi'iit  imiiit  do  dinito 
s;ir  l'i)ri,i{iiie  do  oo  iiors(iiiiia;,'o,  ot  (loiiiioiit  lion  do  poiisor  (|Uo  \v.  rosto  du 
^'ll(■ata^,  tout  on  voiiorant  jawpfa  iin  cortain  jioint  eo  mytho  o."  o(>  pro- 
jiiioto,  avait  jjanlo  an  fond  la  rolij,'ion  (jni  avuit  jn'ocodo  ocilo  dos  'I'ldtocpios. 
Co  sorait  viii  jioint  (riiistoiro  d'nno  <j;rando  iinportanoo  an  point  do  vno  phi- 
liisoplii(jno.  Nons  frouvorons  itlns  loin  (I'antros  indioos  dn  cnlto  |)rintitif 
des  Mayas.'    Bratmvur  tie  Buiirbounj,  in  Landa,  licluciuii,  pp.  300-1. 


700 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


and  pen.-mce  fu'  tlio  occasion,  came  to^ctlior,  and  with 
them  came  a  considerable  multitnde  of  people.  In 
the  evenini''  all  set  ont  in  ])rocession  iVom  the  house 
of  the  lonl,  and,  accom{)anie<l  by  a  lai\i;e  nunihir  (»f 
]»rofessional  actors,  proceeded  slowly  towards  tlie 
temple  of  Cnknlcan,  which  Jiad  already  hei'ii  deco- 
rated in  a  suitable  manner.  Upon  arriving-  tlu  v 
])laced  the  banners  on  hi;j;h  in  the  teni]>le,  otltrcd 
]>rayers,  and  .iil'oing  into  the  courtyard  spread  out 
their  idols  upon  ^reen  leaves  and  branches;  then  tiny 
burned  incense  in  many  places,  and  made  ofi'erin^s  of 
meat  cooked  without  pepper  or  salt,  bean-soup,  and 
calabashes.  After  this,  those  who  had  observed  the 
fast  did  not  <i;o  home,  but  passed  five  days  and  live 
niij^hts  in  tiie  tem})le,  })rayini»;,  burninjif  coj)al,  and  exe- 
cuting^ sacred  dances.  l)urin<*'  this  time  the  actors 
went  fnuu  one  house  to  another,  re})resentin^'  their 
])lays  and  receivinsj^  jififts  from  tho.se  whom  they  en- 
tertained. At  the  end  of  the  tive  days  they  cai'iied 
all  theii'  eariiini''s  to  the  temple  and  distributed  them 
amonjjf  the  watchers  there.  Afterwards  all  returned 
to  the  ])rince's  palace,  takini*-  with  them  the  bannt  rs 
and  tiie  idols.  Thence  each  betook  himself  to  his 
home.  They  said,  and  confidently  believed,  that  Cu- 
kulcan  descended  from  heaven  on  the  last  day  of  the 
feast  and  received  )>ersonally  the  ufifts  which  were  pre- 
sented to  him.  This  festival  was  called  chic  /.(than. 
DuriuLif  the  month  of  Yaxkin  it  was  the  custom  to 
prepare  for  a  general  festival,  called  ololr.Kh/i((iiii/<i.r, 
held  in  the  month  of  Mol,  in  honor  of  all  the  t^dds. 
At  tliis  feast,  after  the  usual  preliminary  rites,  they 
smeared  Avith  blue  coloring  matter  the  instruments 
used  in  every  profession,  from  the  sacred  implements 
of  the  priests  to  the  distaffs  of  the  women,  antl  ev(.ii 
the  doors  of  their  houses.  Children  of  both  sexes 
were  daubed  in  the  same  manner,  but  insti-ad  of  col- 
orint^  their  hands  they  o^ave  them  each  nine  gentle 
raps  on  the  knuckles.  The  little  girls  were  brought 
to  the  feast   by  an  old  woman,  who  for  that  reason 


KKSTIVAL  TO  INSl  UK  A  IKOP. 


701 


was  ciIIlmI  irmol,  eoiuluctresa.  Tlio  blows  wtTc  nfivon 
to  tho  (rliikheii  in  order  tliat  they  miijcht  Uecoinu 
.skilled  workineii  in  the  profession  ot"  tiieir  liithers  or 
nn)thers.     Tho  usual  conclusion  ensued. 

Durinsjf  tho  month  ot*  Mol  tho  apiarists  had  an(>th(<r 
i'estival  similar  to  that  of  tlio  month  of  'i'zec,  in  ordi'r 
to  induce  their  patron  jrods  to  cause  the  tlowers  to 
grow,  from  which  tho  hees  fathered  honcv. 

Tho  Mayas  dojwnded  so  nuich  upon  the  ])roduco  of 
tho  soil  for  their  sustenance  that  a  failure  of  the  cro|)s 
Avas  one  of  tho  heaviest  misfortunes  that  could  fall 
upon  them.  To  avoid  this  they  made  four  idols, 
named  Chichac  Chob,  Ek  l^alam  Chac,  Ahcan  l^olcah, 
and  Ahl)uluc  Balam.'*  Havinj^  j)laced  them  in  tho 
temple,  and,  accordinjic  to  custom,  1  turned  incense  be- 
fore them,  they  presented  them  with  two  pellets  of  a 
kind  of  resin  called  kik,  some  i'ji'uanas,  some  broad,  a 
mitre,  a  bouquet  of  tiowers,  and  a  stone  upon  which 
thoy  sot  threat  value.  Besides  this,  they  erected  a 
i»Toat  wooden  arch  in  tho  court,  which  they  fdled  with 
wood,  takinjj^  care  to  leave  oj)enini;s  throui»h  which  to 
])ass  backwards  and  forwards.  The  greatt-r  ])art  of 
the  men  then  took  each  a  Ioul*'  stick  of  dry  wood,  and 
while  a  nuisician  mounted  on  tho  top  of  the  pile  sauijr 
and  beat  a  drum,  all  danced  reverently  ami  in  j^ood 
order,  as  thoy  did  so  passing-  in  and  out  the  wood-|iilo. 
This  they  ke{)t  up  until  eveninn-,  when,  leaving  their 
sticks  behind  them,  they  went  homo  to  eat  and  rest. 
During  tho  night  they  ri^turnod,  and  each  taking  his 
faggot,  lit  it  and  ajtpliod  it  to  tho  pile,  which  burnetl 
fiercely  and  rapidly.^''  As  soon  as  tho  heap  was  re- 
duced to  rod-hot  ashes,  those  who  had  danced  gathered 


H  ' Ek-hnlnm-chac  sijxiiilic  ti^ro  ni»ir  dioii  »los  cliiunps:  ce  sont  du  roste 
ill's  iionis  (Kmiii's  nil  ti^^re  encore  aiijouiiriiiii.  Aliran  est  le  serjieiit  male 
I'll  ^eiu'M'al.  Alihiihic-lidlnm  Mi-^iiilie  Celiii  des  oiize  tigres.'  Jtriis,sriir  tie. 
lUiiirlntuni,  in  Lainhi,  liilncioii,  J)]).  '230-1. 

'■'  'Ne  cntirait-Dn  ]>as  lire  la  descriptidu  do  ceUe  ffitedes  Seythes,  rappor- 
h'-e  |)ar  Henidole,  et  <]iio  M.  V'ioliet-Leduc  a  in.sereo  dans  ses  An/i'/iiifcs 
iiir.n'riti  111:1,  forniant  rintroduetion  de  l'()Hvra;,'e  do  M.  Desire  ("liarnay: 
I'i/rsff  Hiiiiifi  (iiiK'riraiiicn,  page  10?'  liranseur  ilc  Buurboitnj,  in  Luiula, 
Jiildcion,  pp.  '23--3. 


702 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


Jihout  it,  aiul  pasHcd  barefooted  over  the  coals,  soiip' 
witliout  injury,  aiul  some  witli;  this  they  believed 
would  avert  misfortune  and  ai)i»ease  the  anger  of  the 


{^odfs. 


It  was  customary  in  all  the  towns  of  Yucatan  to 
erect  at  the  limits  of  each  of  the  four  quarters,  oast, 
west,  north,  and  south,  two  heaps  of  stones,  facini,^ 
each  other,  and  intended  to  he  used  durin«(  the  cele- 
hration  of  two  solemn  festivals,  which  Avere  as  fol- 
lows. In  the  vear  of  which  the  dominical  letter  was 
kail,  the  sij^n  was  Jtohinl,  and,  accordinj?  to  the  Yiica- 
tecs,  these  both  ruled  in  the  south.  They  made  this 
year,  of  baked  earth,  an  idol  which  they  called  Kami 
Uayeyab,  and  having  made  it  they  carried  it  out  t(» 
the  heaps  of  stones  which  lay  towards  the  south. 
They  then  selected  a  principal  man  of  the  place,  and 
in  his  house  they  celebrated  the  feast.  For  this  ptn- 
])ose  they  made  another  image  of  the  god  UoImu 
Zacab,"  and  })laced  it  in  the  chc^en  house,  in  a  })roiii- 
inent  place,  so  that  all  who  arrived  might  see  it. 
This  done,  the  nobles,  priests,  and  people  came  to- 
gether, and  set  out  by  a  road  swe])t  clean,  ornamented 
with  arches,  and  strewed  with  foliage,  to  the  southi  in 
heaps  of  stones,  where  they  gathered  about  the  idid 
Kanu  Uayeyab.  The  priest  then  incensed  the  god 
with  forty-nine  grains  of  maize,  ground  up  and  mixed 
with  copal;  the  nobles  next  piaffed  incense  in  tin; 
brazier,  and  burned  it  before  the  idol.  The  incense 
burned  by  the  priest  was  called  zacdh,  that  used  by 
the  nobles,  chahalte.  When  these  rites  were  coni- 
l»leted  the  head  of  a  fowl  was  cut  off  and  oflet  d  t 
the  idol,  which  was  now  placed  on  a  lii  t  ailed 
htiite,^^  and  upon  its  shoulders  were  plac  ler  little 

images,  as  signs  of  abundance  of  watei       d  a  "ood 

'6  Lnnda,  Relarion,  pp.  2.10-2. 

"  'Boloii  est  I'mljectif  luinieral  nonf,  zarnh,  clout  la  raiiiip  >t  :■"', 
hlanc,  est  le  nom  d'uue  sorte  de  iiiaia  iiioiilii,  dcnit  on  fait  niic  i's|ic(t'  d  ot- 
;{i'at.  Cette  statue  dtait-elle  iiiie  iiiia<;e  aUogoiiijiie  <li  cet  or}j;cat  dtlfit  <  n 
t-ette  occasion ? '  Brnssciir  t/c  liourhourg,  in  Lriiidd,  Rclurioii,   i)|t.  '21--Ki. 

'8  'KatM,  bois  jaiiiie;  c'est  probableiiiciit  le  ceilic.'  Bransciir  dv  Bum-- 
boHnj,  \n  Landa,  lidacion,  p.  213. 


MAYA  rilSTIVAI.S. 


70.T 


yoiu*,  aiul  those  imaufos  woro  friLflitfiil  to  Leliold. 
Amid  (laiifos  and  ^oiioral  lojoiciiijLif  tlio  idol  was  cai- 
liud  towanls  tlio  lioiiso  wliero  tlu'  statiio  of  HoKm 
Zaoal)  had  hoeu  phicod,  and  whilo  tlio  procossion 
was  on  the  road,  the  iiohlos  an«l  priests  partook  of  a 
l)uvera!jfo  mado  t'roiii  four  liuiHhvd  and  til'tot'ii  j,nains 
of  roiistod  inaizo,  which  tliey  called  piciiht  btkln. 
Arrived  at  their  destination,  they  placed  the  iniaye 
that  they  carried  o}>pt)site  the  id<»l  whicii  they  found 
there,  and  made  many  otterinn's  of  food  and  drink, 
which  were  aftei'wartls  divided  amonij^  the  stranjji'eis 
who  were  present,  the  officiittinuf  prii-st  receivintif  only 
the  le<;  of  a  deer.  Some  of  the  devotees  drew  Mood 
from  their  bodies,  scarified  tlieir  ears,  and  anointed 
with  the  blood  a  stone  idol  named  Kanal  Acantun. 
They  modeled  a  heart  of  dough  of  maize  and  of 
calabash-seeds,  and  offered  it  to  the  idol  Kanu  Ua- 
yeyab.  And  in  this  maimer  they  honored  both  the 
idols  durin*''  the  entire  time  of  the  feast,  burning'' 
l)ofore  them  incense  of  copal  and  ground  maize,  for 
tliey  held  it  certain  that  misfortune  would  overwhelm 
them  if  they  neglected  these  rites.  Finally,  the 
statue  of  Bolon  Zacab  was  carried  to  the  tenifde, 
and  the  other  image  to  the  western  entrance  of  the 
town,  where  it  remained  until  the  next  celebration  of 
the  feast. 

The  ceremonies  of  the  new  year,  under  the  sign  of 
muhw,  were  very  similar  to  those  just  described, 
though  held  in  honor  of  other  deities.  A  dance  pei'- 
formed  u{)on  a  higli  scatiblding,  attended  with  sac- 
rifices of  turkeys;  anotiier  executed  by  tiie  old  people, 
liolding  little  baked-clav  images  of  dogs  in  th«'ir 
hands;  and  the  sacrifice  of  a  peculiarly  marked  dog, 
we»'e,  however,  additional  features.  The  same  mav 
be  said  of  the  new  year  under  the  sign  of  yx,  and  of 
the  new  year  under  the  sign  of  cauac,  when  the  rites 
V  .ieh  were  performed  were  sufficiently  like  those 
which  have  gone  before  to  need  no  further  description.'* 

»  Landa,  Relaciun,  in>.  210-32. 


!i:li 


704 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


The  gods  r.i  the  Yucatecs  required  far  fewer  lui- 
man  lives  at  the  hands  of  their  worshipers  than  thuso 
of  the  Naliuas.  The  pages  of  Yucatec  history  aio 
not  marred  by  the  constant  blood-blots  that  obsciuu 
the  Nahua  record.  An  jvent  which  in  Mexico  would 
be  the  death-signal  to  a  hecatomb  of  human  victims, 
would  in  Yucatan  be  celebrated  by  the  death  of  a 
spotted  dog.  The  office  of  sacrificer  which  in  ^lexico 
was  one  of  the  highest  honors  to  which  a  priest  ccnild 
attain,  was  in  Yucatan  regarded  as  unclean  and  de- 
grading,-'' Nevertheless,  the  Yucatec  religion  was  not 
free  from  human  sacrifice,  and  although  captives  tnkvn 
in  war  were  used  for  this  purpose,  yet  it  is  said  that 
such  was  their  devotion,  that  should  a  victim  be  want- 
ing they  would  dedicate  their  children  to  the  altar 
rather  than  let  the  gods  be  deprived  of  their  due.'"^ 
But  it  seldom  happened  that  more  than  one  victim 
was  sacrificed  at  a  time,  at  least  in  earlier  days,  and 
even  then  he  was  not  butchered  as  by  the  Naluias, 
but  was  shot  through  the  heart  with  arrows  before 
being  laid  u[)on  the  sacrificial  stone.'^ 

At  Chichen  Itza  human  sacrifices  were  made  in  a 
peculiar  manner.  In  the  centre  of  the  city  was  an 
immense  pit,  containing  water,  and  surrounded  on  all 
sides  by  a  dense  grove,  which  served  to  render  the 
spot  silent  and  solitary,  in  spite  of  its  position.  A 
circular  staircase,  rudely  cut  in  tlie  rock,  descended  to 
the  edge  of  tlie  water  from  the  foot  of  an  altar  which 
stood  upon  the  very  brink  of  the  pit.^     At  first,  only 


*"  'Lii  rliiir;j;(>  do  Xacnn  (5t!iit  <1oh1>1o:  I'lin  iUxXi  perpL'tnol  <-\  \w\\  lionor.i- 
lile,  iiari'iM|ii('  (•'otait  liii  niii  (nivrait  la  i'Mitriiieaiix  victiiui's  limiiaiiiL's  ((u'cm 
Kiicriliait. '  L'tm/n,  Ri'luriim.,  p.  Kil.  '  lil  oliciti  ili!  uhiif  el  peciio  a  los  sa- 
cril'u 'ulds,  (jiu?  eii  ^[^!xicl»  era  ostiniado,  vn\vii  em  poco  houroso.'  Jlcrrcru, 
Hift.  Gen.,  dei'.  iv.,  lil).  x.,  cap.  iv. 

21  Ih. 

5'2  Liiiiihi,  Rrfnrioii,]).  10(5;  Ilrrri'rn,  ubi  sup. 

23  Tiie  i)rosciit  a])|H'araiic('  of  the  pit  is  tliiiH  descrlbod  by  Stei)lieiis:  'Sct- 
tiii<;  out  from  tlic  (V  sfillo,  at  soiiu'  distance  we  asrended  a  wooded  elcvat'oii, 
which  seemed  an  artilicial  <'anseway  K'adin^'  to  tlie  senote.  The  senole  was 
tlie  larjrest  and  wildest  wc  had  seen;  in  the  niiilst  of  a  thick  fctrest.  an  ini- 
iiiense  circular  hole,  with  cra;,fj;ed,  nerpeiidicular  siiles,  trees  ;;rn\\  in;,'  out 
of  tluMU  and  overhanLciu;.'  t!ie  i)rink,  and  still  as  if  the  j^enius  of  (•■Icmr 
reigned  within.     A  hawk  was  sailing  around  it,   looking  down  into  tlio 


SACRIFICES  AT  CHICHEN  ITZA. 


706 


animals  and  incense  were  offered  here,  as  the  teach- 
ings ot*  Cukulcan  forbade  the  sacrifice  of  human  vic- 
tims, but  after  the  departure  of  the  great  ]M!;ya 
apostle  the  Yucatecs  returned  to  the  evil  of  their 
ways,"  and  the  pit  of  Chichen  was  once  more  polluted 
with  human  bodies.  At  first  one  victim  sufficed,  but 
the  number  gradually  increased,  until,  during  the  later 
years?  «f  Mnya  independence,  hundreds  Mere  inimo 
lated  at  -i  time.  If  some  cah  mity  threatened  tlie 
country,  if  the  crops  failed  or  the  requisite  supply  of 
rain  was  wanting,  the  people  hastened  to  the  jtit  of 
horror,  to  offer  prayers  and  to  a])pease  the  wrath  of 
the  gods  with  gifts  of  human  life.  On  the  day  of 
sacrifice,  the  victims,  who  were  generally  young  vir- 
gins, were  taken  to  the  temple,  clothed  in  the  gar- 
ments appropriate  to  the  occasion,  and  conducted 
thence  to  the  sacred  pit,  accompanied  by  a  multitud  ) 
of  priests  and  priestesses  of  all  ratiks.  There,  while 
the  incense  burned  on  the  altar  and  in  the  braziers,  the 
officiating  priest  explained  to  them  the  things  for  whicli 
they  were  to  implore  the  gods  into  whose  presence 
they  were  al)out  to  be  introduced.  A  long  cord  was 
then  fastened  round  the  body  of  each  victim,  and  the 
moment  tlie  smoke  ceased  to  rise  from  the  altar,  all 
were  hurled  into  the  gulf  The  crowd,  which  liad 
gathered  from  every  part  of  the  country  to  see  tlie 
sacrifice,  immediately  drew  back  from  tlie  brink  of 
the  pit  and  continued  to  }>ray  without  cessation  for 
some  time.      The  bodies   were   tiien  drawn    up    and 


buried  in  the  neighboring  grove. 


26 


water,  luit  without  miro  fl,ip]iiii;!;  its  wiiiifM.  Tlio  wator  was  of  a  prociiisli 
huo.  A  mystcTiouti  iiithuMice  sct'iiicd  ti)  [Ka-vado  it,  iu  u.iiso!!  witli  tin;  liis- 
ti>ri('al  account  that  tiio  well  of  ("iiiclii  ii  was  a  i)hic(.'  of  pi'._'riiiiaj.'i',  ami 
that  human  victims  wore  thrown  into  it  in  sacrilice.  In  niio  ])iari',  nn  the 
very  hriiiic,  were  the  remains  of  a  stone  structure,  i)rohahIy  coiiiiecieil  witii 
ancient  su|terstitioiis  rites;  luMiiajis  the  place  from  which  the  \i(ti;iis  were 
tlirown  iuto  the  (lark  well  heneath.'    Yiimtitii,  vol.  ii.,  \\.  .'Vil. 

'24  We  have  seen  that  even  the  memory  of  Cukulcan  was  iiey;liM'.e(l  iu 
all  the  j)roviiic(>s  of  Yucatan  hut  one. 

*j  Itrrii'ii,  Jfisf.  <{ni.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  cap.  i.;  Mrdrl,   in   Xmirrllrn  An- 
vnfi's  ifis  Viiij.,  IStS,  torn,  xcvii.,  p.  43;  Jira.inciir  ilc  JJourOoiiiy,  Ilt.-il.  ^,'at, 
Vh\,  torn,  ii.,  p]).  4  1-5. 
Vol.  II.    46 


•03 


THK  MAYA  NATIONS. 


The  Pipiles  had  two  idols,  one  in  the  fij^ure  of  ;\ 
man,  called  Quetzaleoatl,  the  other  in  the  shape  of  ;i 
woman,  called  Itzqueye.  Certain  days  of  their  cal- 
endar were  specially  set  apart  for  each  of  the  deities, 
and  on  these  the  sacrifices  were  made.  Two  very  sol- 
emn sacrifices  were  held  in  each  year,  one  at  the  com- 
mencement of  summer,  the  other  at  the  beLicinninjjf  of 
winter.  At  these,  Herrera  says,  only  the  lords  were 
present.'^®  The  sacrifice  was  made  in  the  interior  of 
the  temple,  and  the  victims  were  boys  between  the 
ai^es  of  six  and  twelve  years,  bastards,  born  anioiin- 
themselves.  For  a  day  and  a  night  previous  to  the 
sacrifice,  drums  and  trumpets  were  sounded  and  on 
the  day  following  the  people  assembled.  Four  priests 
then  came  out  from  the  temple,  each  bearing  a  small 
brazier  with  burning  incense;  together  they  turned  in 
the  direction  of  the  sun,  and  kneeling  down  ofl^ered  uj> 
incense  and  prayers;  they  then  did  the  same  towaid 
the  four  cardinal  points.'-''  Their  prayers  finished,  tliey 
retired  within  four  small  chapels  built  at  the  four  coi- 
ners of  the  temple,  and  there  rested.  They  next 
went  to  the  house  of  the  high-priest,  and  took  theiu-e 
the  boy  who  was  to  be  sacrificed  antl  conducted  him 
four  times  ro;ind  the  court  of  the  te?n[)le,  dancing 
and  singing.  When  this  ceremony  was  finished,  the 
high-priest  came  out  of  his  house,  with  the  diviner 
and  guardian  of  the  sanctuary,  and  ascended  the  steps 
of  the  temple,  with  tiie  caci(pie  and  principal  men, 
who,  however,  remained  at  the  door  of  the  sanctuary. 
The  four  priests  now  seized  the  boy  by  the  arms  an<l 
legs,  and  the  guardian  of  the  temple  coming  out  with 
little  bells  on  his  wrists  and  ankles,  opened  the  left 
1)reast  of  the  victim,  tore  out  tlie  heart,  and  handetl  it 
to  the  high-j)riest,  who  ])laced  it  in  a  small  embroid- 
ered i)urse  which  he  carried.    The  four  priests  recei\eil 

iifi  Unrrra,  Ilisf..  (iiui..  doc.  iv.,  lib.  viii.,  nij).  x. 

"  'Ivaiiso  (Icrt'choH  todon  ([iiatro  jinitos  li  do  siih>  ol  nol,  i  sc  liiiu'uvaii  ilc 
r  tdillus  aiitc  ol,  i  lo  ziiiiiniivaii  dicioiido  palahraM  6  iiivooacioiios,  i  ostofoilm 
so  di vidian  liaeia  (luaf  .o  ]>aitos,  lo^t,  oe»t,  iiorte,  Hur,  i  predicavuii  «ub  rictus 
i  ccrcaiouiui*.'  I'ulacio,  Carta,  p.  08. 


PIPILE  FEAST  OF  VICTOUY. 


707 


the  blood  of  the  victim  in  four  jicaras,  or  bowls,  nuulo 
iVoiri  the  shell  of  a  certain  fruit,  and  dt'scendinu;'  one 
after  the  other  to  the  courtyard,  sprinkled  the  blood 
with  their  right  hands  in  the  direction  of  the  cardi- 
nal points.  If  any  blood  remained  over  they  returned 
it  to  the  high-priest,  who  placed  it  with  the  \nu'f>o 
containing  the  heart  in  the  body  of  the  victim  througl) 
the  wound  that  had  been  made,  and  the  body  was 
iMterred  in  the  temple.  This  was  the  ceremony  of 
sai'ritice  at  the  beijfinninof  of  each  of  the   two  sea- 


sons. 


When  information  was  received  from  their  war 
chief  that  he  had  gained  a  victory,  the  diviner  ascer- 
tained to  which  of  the  trods  sacriKce  was  to  be  made. 
If  to  Quetzalcoatl,  the  ceremony  lasted  Hfteen  days; 
if  to  Itzqueye,  five  days;  and  upon  each  day  they  sac- 
rificed a  prisoner.  These  sacrifices' were  made  as  fol- 
lows: All  those  who  had  been  in  the  battle  returned 
home  in  procession,  singing  and  dancing,  bringing 
with  them  the  captives  who  were  to  l)e  sacrificed, 
their  wrists  and  ankles  decorated  with  featliers  and 
(ihalchiuites,  and  their  necks  with  strings  of  cacao- 
nibs.  The  high-priests  and  other  ministers  went  out 
at  the  head  of  the  po[)ulace  to  meet  them  witli  nuisit; 
atid  dancing,  and  the  caci<|ues  and  captains  delivered 
over  those  who  were  to  be  sacrificed  to  thehigh-})riest. 
Then  they  all  went  together  to  the  courtyard  of  their 
fcupa,  or  temple,  where  they  continued  dancing  day 
and  night  during  the  time  the  sacrifices  lasted.  In 
the  middle  of  the  court  was  a  stone  l)ench  on  whicli 
the  victim  was  stretdied,  four  })riests  holding  him  by 
the  feet  and  hands.  The  sacrificing  priest  then  cauK; 
forward,  adorned  with  many  feathers  and  loaded  with 
little  bells,  holding  in  his  hand  a  fiint  knife,  witli 
which  he  opened  the  breast  of  the  victim,  tore  out 
the  heart,  brandishetl  it  toward  the  cardinal  points, 
and  finally  threw  it  into  the  air  with  sulHcient  for< 
to  cause  it  to  fall  directly  in  the  middle  of  the  court, 
saying:  "lieceive,  Oh  God,  this  thank-offering  for  the 


(! 


708 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


victory. "^^  This  sacrifice  was  public  and  belield  hy 
all  the  people.  The  men  drew  blood  from  tlieir  })ri- 
vate  parts,  and  the  women  from  their  ears,  tonmiu, 
and  other  parts  of  the  body;  as  the  blood  flowed  it 
was  taken  up  with  cotton  and  offered  by  the  men  to 
Qiietzalcoatl,  by  the  women  to  Itzqueye. 

When  the  Pipiles  were  about  to  undertake  a:iv 
huntiui^  or  fishing  expedition,  they  first  made  an  olKr- 
ing  to  their  gods.  For  this  purpose  they  took  a  liv- 
ing deer,^'  and  leading  it  to  the  temple  yard,  thcN- 
there  strangled  and  afterwards  flayed  it,  saving  the 
blood  in  a  vessel.  The  liver,  lungs,  and  stomai  !i 
were  chopped  in  small  pieces,  which  were  aftorwiiids 
laid  aside  with  the  heart,  head,  and  feet.  The  iv- 
mainder  of  the  deer  was  cooked  by  itself,  and  the  bloml 
likewise,  and  while  this  was  beuig  done  the  people 
danced.  The  higlf-priest  with  his  assistant  next  took 
the  head  by  the  ears,  and  eacli  of  the  four  priests  one 
of  the  feet,  while  the  guardian  of  the  sanctuary  put 
the  heart  into  a  brazier  and  burnt  it  with  co[)al  and 
uUi  to  the  god  who  was  the  protector  of  hunting 
After  the  dance,  the  head  and  feet  were  scorched  in 
the  fire  before  the  idol  and  given  to  the  high-priost 
to  be  eaten.  The  flesh  and  blood  were  eaten  by  the 
other  ministers  of  the  temple  before  the  idol,  and  the 
same  was  done  with  other  animals  sacrificed.  The 
entrails  of  fish  were  burned  before  tlie  idol.** 

Among  the  civilized  nations  of  Nicaragua,  it  would 
appear  tnere  were  eightoon  distinct  festivals,  cone 
spending  with  the  eighteen  months  in  their  calendar. '^ 

^^  '  Yuii  el  sacristan  v  sacaiialo  con  la  nauaja  ol  cnra?on,  y  arrojaiialc  ;il 
dlo.s,  o  a  la  dlusa,  y  dezia,  Tonia  el  fruto  desta  vitoria.'  llcrrcm,  Hist. 
Grit.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  viii.,  ea}).  .\. 

2"  IJrassetir  de  Boiirlioiirjj  says:  'ccrf  blaiic'  Hist.  Nat.  Cir.,  toni.  ii., 
p.  r).-)7. 

3"  TiO  saerifice  dii  ccrf  blaue,  d'ahnrd  un  dos  plus  au^rustcs,  dcvint,  phis 
tard,  rollVande  comiuune  ct  extdmive  des  (diasseiirsipn  (li'.siraicnt  )<e  reiidrc 
favoraldes  les  dieiix  jtrotecteur.s  ile  la  cliasso  ot  ties  forets.'  Id.,  p.  o'u;  I'n- 
lacio,  Ciirta,  pj).  74-<i. 

3'  'K.'hatiau  las  liestasquc  cran  diczy  oclin,  coino  los  mescs  suIiIiIds  on  il 
grailario,  osacrilicadi  roiiiio  teniaii  Im  patii)-i  de  los  ti'iiiplos.'  llrrrn-n.  Ili\'. 
Grn.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  iv,,  ciiji.  vii.  In  the  evidence  taken  liy  I'ray  I''ia:icisi'ii 
de  Bobadilla  the  miiuber  of  festivals  is  given  as  tweuty-ouc  and  eleven;  [ 


SACllIFICES  IN  NICARAGUA. 


709 


These  wore  proclaimed  liy  the  priest,  hokliuGc  the  in- 
strmnent  of  saoritioc  in  his  hand,  from  the  stops  load- 
inuf  to  the  sacrificial  altar  in  the  court  of  the  temple. 
He  made  known  who  and  how  many  were  to  he  sac- 
rificed, and  whether  they  were  to  he  prisoners  taken 
in  hattle  or  individuals  reared  among  themselves  for 
the  purpose. ^'^  When  the  victim  was  stretched  upon 
the  stone,  the  ofHciatinuc  priest  walked  three  times 
round  him,  singing  in  .a  doleful  tone;  he  then  opened 
the  victim's  hreast,  j)hicked  out  his  heart,  and  dauhed 
his  face  witii  the  hlood.  He  next  dismemhercd  the 
body  and  gave  the  heart  to  the  high-priest,  the  feet 
and  hands  to  the  kinfj  the  thi«rhs  to  him  who  had 
captured  him,  the  entrails  to  the  trumpeters,  and 
the  remainder  to  the  ])eople,  that  all  might  eat.** 
The  heads  of  those  sacrificed  were  set  as  trophies  on 
trees  ai)pointed  for  the  puri)ose.^  If  the  person  sac- 
rificcfl  had  been  bought,  they  buried  the  entrails, 
hands,  and  feet,  in  a  gourd,  and  burned  the  heart 
and  all  the  rest,^^  As  it  was  lawful  for  a  father  to 
sell  his  own  children,  and  each  person  himself,  they 
therefore  did  not  eat  the  flesh  of  such  sacrifices  he- 
cause  they  were  their  own  countrymen  and  relations. 

inUHt  therefore  leave  the  reader  to  decide  for  liimself  which  is  correct.  'Y. 
—  Kii  tin  afio  teiieinos  veynte  e  uii  dias  dc  liestas  (6  no  juntos  cstos  dias). . 
. . . .  F. — Kn  el  tienipo  do  ai[uellas  ont/e  liestas,  (jue  dec^i.s  (jue  tencys  cada 
afu).'  (h-ii'do,  Hist,  (tcii,,  toni.  iv.,  ]>]).  47,  52. 

32  *  For  there  are  two  kiiides  of  hiiniane  sacrilices  with  them:  tlie  one,  of 
enemies  taken  in  tlie  warri-s,  tin;  other  of  siii'li  as  are  bronylit  vp  and  main- 
tained at  home.'  I'ctcr  .fftirti/r,  dee.  vi.,  iili.  vi. 

■■I''  'And  whoHoener  should  hane  no  i)arte  nor  nortion  of  the  .sacriliced 
eneniie,  would  tliinke  he  siioulde  hee  ill  accepted  tliat  yeere.'  //*. 

3'  'Imutv  Kin;^  nourishetli  Ids  appointed  trees  in  a  lielih'  neere  vnto  him, 
ohseruin.i,' tlte  names  of  enery  hostile  country,  where  they  han^'e  tin,'  heads 
of  their  sacrificed  enemies  taken  in  the  warres.'  f/i. 

•'■''  llerrera  j^ives  a  similar  accimnt  of  the  disposal  of  the  hody,  hut  adds; 
'Saluo  (jne  ponian  la  calicca  cii  I  >s  arholcs.'  ifi.sf.  (leu.,  dec.  iii.,  lili.  iv., 
cap.  vii.  I  think  it  iniproiialile  diat  flie  heads  were  Ireateil  in  \\w  same 
manner  as  those  of  their  enemies.  I'eter  Martyr  says  nothing!;  distinctly  of 
the  disposal  of  the  head,  hut,  speakin;^  of  the  sacrilice,  says  'they  rener- 
ence  all  parts  tliereof,  and  partly  hnry  them  heefore  tlie  (lores  of  their  tem- 
]iles,  as  the  feete,  handes,  and  howels,  wliicli  they  cast  tojfcther  into  a 
j'.inrde.  the  rest  (lon'cllu-r  with  the  hartes,  nnikin;,'  a  j^reat  lire  within  the 
vii'w  of  tho.se  hostile  trees,  with  shril  hyms,  and  applauses  of  the  Friestes) 
tlicy  hiirne  ainon^r  the  ashes  of  thefornu'r  .sacrilices,  neuer  thence  remooued, 
1,.  in;^'  in  that  fiehlc.'  Dee.  vi.,  lib.  vi. 


710 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


When  they  ate  the  flesh  of  foreigners  sacrificed,  tlioy 
lield  exciting  dances,  and  passed  the  days  in  drunkoii 
revels  and  smoking,  but  had  no  sexual  intercouisc 
with  tlieir  wives  while  the  festival  lasted.'*'  At  cer- 
tain feasts  they  offered  blood  drawn  from  tlioir  own 
bodies,  with  which  they  rubbed  the  beard  and  lips  ot' 
the  idol. 

The  priests  wore  white  cotton  cloaks,  some  slioit, 
and  small,  others  hung  from  the  shoulders  to  the  heels, 
with  bands  having  bags  attached,  in  which  they  car- 
ried sharp  stone  knives,  papers,  ground  charcoal,  fuid 
certain  herbs.  The  lay  brothers  bore  in  their  huiuls 
little  flags  with  the  idol  they  held  most  in  veneration 
painted  thereon,  and  small  purses  containing  powder 
and  awls;  the  youths  had  bows  and  arrows,  darts  and 
shields.  The  idol,  in  form  and  appearance  very  fright- 
ful, was  set  upon  a  spear  and  carried  by  the  cidiist 
priest.  The  ascetics  marched  in  file,  singing,  to  the 
j)lace  of  worship.  They  spread  mantles  and  strewed 
roses  and  flowers,  that  the  standards  might  not  touch 
the  ground.  The  procession  halted ;  the  singing  ceased ; 
they  fell  to  prayer.  The  prelate  clap])ed  his  haiid; 
some  drew  blood  from  the  tongue,  others  from  the 
ears,  from  the  privy  member,  or  from  whatever  ]);ut 
their  devotion  led  them.  They  took  the  blood  on 
paper  or  on  their  fingers  and  smeared  the  idol's  face. 
In  the  meantime  the  youths  danced,  leaped  about,  and 
shook  tlieir  weapons.  Those  wlio  had  gashed  them- 
selves, cured  their  wounds  by  an  application  of  i)ow- 
dered  charcoal  and  herbs  that  they  carried  for  tlie 
l)urpose.  In  these  observances  they  spriidvled  maize 
with  the  blood  from  their  i)rivy  parts,  and  it  was  dis- 
tributed and  eaten  as  blessed  bread.^ 


^  'Ell  aquellas  fiestas  no  trabaxamos  ni  entendemos  en  mila  do  oinlmr- 
racliarii«)s;  i»cro  no  dorininios  con  niiestras  nmjjores,  e  aquellos  dius,  iinr 
qiiitar  la  ociision,  dueriiien  cllas  dentro  en  easa  o  nosotros  fueni  del  la:  o  al 
<ino  en  tales  dias  se  eclia  con  mi  nmj;er,  nuestros  dioses  les  dan  d()!t'n(,:ia 
liic,^o,  de  (jue  nmeren;  6  por  esso  iun<;imo  lo  o.sa  liaijer,  poniiie  aiiiiellos  ilia-i 
Moii  de<licado3  it  nuestros  dioses.'  Orieilo,  Hint,  (fni.,  toin.  iv.,  p.  5'J. 

37  Jf:-r>'''ra,  Hist.  Gt'ii.,  dec.  iii.,  lil).  iv.,  cap.  vii.;  Pclcr  Martyr,  dec.  vi., 
lib.  vi.,  vii.,  tsiittci ,  iu  rulucio,  Carta,  y.  110. 


BANQUETS  OF  THE  PEOPLE, 


711 


Like  the  Mexicans  tlie  Mayas  had  a  great  predi- 
lection for  entertaining  eacli  other  at  banquets,  and  it 
is  related  of  them  that  they  often  spent  on  one  such 
occasion  a  sum  that  it  had  taken  them  many  months 
t(j  earn.  Seasons  of  betrothal  and  marriajje  were  al- 
"Nvays  eidivened  by  sumptuous  feasts.  Whenever  any 
contiact  had  to  be  arranged,  a  feast  was  ijiven  and  the 
act  of  eating  and  drinking  together  in  public  and  be- 
fore witnesses  sufficed  to  make  such  contract  valid.** 
The  lords  and  principal  men  gave  feasts  to  each  other, 
and  as  it  was  incumbent  upon  all  the  guests  to  return 
the  compliment,  there  must  have  been  a  continual 
round  of  feasting.  Cogolludo  states  tliat  meat  was 
eaten  at  banquets  only,  and  this  may  in  some  measure 
acct)unt  for  the  frequency  with  wliicli  they  occurred, 
and  the  etiquette  that  required  the  invitation  to  be 
returned. 

They  observed  a  certain  formality  at  their  enter- 
tainments, seating  themselves  either  in  twos  or  fours. 
Each  of  the  guests  received  a  roasted  fowl,  some 
bread,  and  an  abundance  of  cacao.  When  the  meal 
was  finished,  presents  were  distributed  to  the  guests, 
each  being  presented  with  a  mantle,  a  small  stool, 
and  a  handsome  cup.  Beautiful  women  acted  as  cup- 
bearers, and  when  one  of  these  presented  a  cup  of 
wine  to  a  guest,  she  turned  her  back  to  him  while 
he  drank.  The  feast  lasted  until  all  were  intoxi- 
cated, and  then  the  wives  led  their  drunken  husbands 
home.  When  a  marriage  banquet,  or  one  in  com- 
memoration of  the  deeds  of  their  ancestors,  was  given, 
no  return  invitation  was  exj)octed.''"  Their  entertjiin- 
ments  were  usually  enlivened  by  a  com})any  of  dancers 
and  musicians,  who  performed  dramatic  representa- 
tions under  the  leadersliip  of  one  who  was  called 
hoi  pop,  or  master  of  the  ceremonies;  he  gave  instruc- 

3"*  'En  las  vciitas,  y  contratoa,  no  aula  csciitos  que  oltlij;;as.soii,  iii  cartas 
•111  i>ai>aj;o,  que  Hatisfaciesscii;  pero  qiiodalia  el  coiitrato  valido  con  <|uc 
luiUiesscii  puftlicaiiioiite  ilelaiite  do  tostigos.'  Cutjuiliiilo,  Hist.  Yuv.,  jip. 
1S(»-I. 

3»  Lamia,  Jiclacioii,  pp.  122-4. 


712 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


tions  to  the  cactors,  directed  the  sintjers  and  musicians, 
and  from  him  all  had  to  take  their  cue.  Tlie  actors 
were  called  halzam,  a  name  corresponding  to  jester  or 
mimic.  As  women  were  not  permitted  to  take  i)art 
in  tlie  mummeries,  their  places  were  supplied  l)y  men. 
Their  movements  durinjj  the  plav  were  yfrave  and 
monotonous,  yet  they  were  clever  in  .mimicry  and 
caricature,  which  they  frequently  made  use  of  as  a 
means  of  re[)rovin<»;  their  chief  men.*"  The  plays 
were  qenerally  of  a  historical  character,  havino-  for 
their  subject  the  great  deeds  of  their  ancestors;  tluir 
songs  consisted  of  ballads  founded  upon  local  tradi- 
tions and  legendary  tales.*' 

A  favorite  dance  of  the  Mayas  was  one  called  co- 
lomche;  a  large  number  of  men  took  part  in  it,  some- 
times as  many  as  eight  hundred.  Tliese  fornutl  a 
ring,  and  were  accompanied  during  their  movements 
by  a  number  of  musicians.  When  the  dancing  began, 
two  of  tlie  actors,  ..^ill  keeping  step  with  tlie  rest, 
came  out  from  the  ring,  one  holding  in  his  hand  a 
bunch  of  wands  and  dancing  upright,  while  tlie  otlier 
cowered  down,  still  dancing.  Then  he  who  had  the 
wands  threw  them  with  all  his  force  at  his  companion, 
who  with  great  dexterity  parried  them  with  a  short 
stick.  When  the  two  had  finished,  they  returned  to 
their  former  position  in  the  circle,  and  two  others 
took  their  place  and  went  through  the  same  perform- 
ance, the  rest  following  in  their  turn.  They  liad 
also  war  dances,  in  which  large  numbers  joined,  the 
jierforiiiers  holding  small  flags  in  their  hands.*^ 

Thoy  had  a  variety  of  musical  instruments,  prom- 
inent among  which  was  the  tunkul,  which  was  almost 

<"  'Soil  fjniciosog  cii  los  motes,  y  cliistes,  que  dizcn  i\  siis  niayoros,  y 
Inezes:  si  son  ri;^unisos,  aaihiciosos,  aiiarieiitos,  rcpreseiitamlo  los  succssus 
(iiie  eon  ellos  les  passau,  y  ami  lo  (jiie  veil  h  sii  Miiiistro  Doctrinero,  lo 
Uizeii  (lelaiitc  del,  y  i\  vezcs  con  viia  .sola  palabra.'  CuijoUudo,  llisl.  i'lir., 
p.  187. 

■"  See  Carrillo,  in  Soc.  Mcx.  Gcog.,  Bolctin,  2ila  dpoea,  toin.  iii.,  jip.  '2."i0, 
2()1;  Urassciir  de  liourboitrtj,  Ifisf.  Nat.  Civ.,  toiii.  ii.,  pp.  (j.')-7;  llvrrcKi, 
Hist,  lien.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  eaj>.  iv. ;  Tcrnaux-Comjmns,  m  Nuavdlcs  An- 
nalcs  dcs  Voi/.,  1843,  toni.  xevii.,  j).  47. 

*2  Laiida,  lidacion,  pp.  126,  128. 


MUSIC  AND  DANCES. 


713 


i» 


tlie  same  tliinfjf  as  the  teponaztli  of  the  ^foxIcanH.^^ 
Tliey  liatl  other  druins  iiiado  of  a  hollow  trunk  and 
covered  at  one  end  with  deer-skin,  tortoise  shells  that 
they  struck  with  deer's  horns,  truniju^ts, — some  of  ma- 
rine shells  and  others  of  hollow  canes  with  a  calabash 
at  the  end, — wliistles  and  flutes  made  from  hone  and 
cane,  besides  various  kinds  of  rattles."  l^anda  saA's 
that  in  every  vdlage  there  was  a  large  house  or  rather 
shed,  for  it  was  open  on  all  sides,  in  which  the  young- 
men  met  for  anmsenient.*"  Oviedo,  who  witnessed 
some  dances  and  games  among  the  Nicaraguans,  thus 
describes  one  he  saw  at  Tecoatcga  after  the  harvest- 
ing of  the  cacao.  As  many  as  sixty  j)ersons,  all  men, 
though  a  number  of  them  represented  women,  took 
j)art  in  a  dance.  They  were  painted  of  various  colors 
and  })atterns,  and  wore  uj)on  their  heads  beautiful 
tufts  of  feathers,  and  about  their  2)ersons  divers  orna- 
m^ints,  while  some  wore  masks  like  birds'  heads. 
They  performed  the  dance  going  in  couples  and  keep- 
ing at  a  distance  of  three  or  four  steps  between  pair 
and  pair.  In  the  centre  of  a  square  was  a  high  j)ole 
of  more  than  sixty  feet  in  height  driven  firmly  into 
the  ground;  on  the  top  was  seated  a  gaudily  painted 
idol  which  they  called  the  god  of  the  cacatjuat,  or  ca- 
cao; round  the  top  were  fixed  four  other  poles  in  the 
form  of  a  sipiare,  and  rolled  upon  it  was  a  thick  grass 
rope  at  the  ends  of  which  were  bound  two  boys  of 
seven  or  eight  years  of  age.  One  of  tluin  had  in  one 
hand  a  bow  and  in  the  other  a  bunch  of  arrows;  the 
other  boy  carried  a  beautiful  feather  fan  and  a  mirror. 


*'  '  EI  timltal  yiicatcco  (laiikitl  6  fiiiikid,)cn  el  in.stnuiieiito  mas  iiotalile 
do  la  iiiiisit'a  yucateca,  y  on  <,'eiieral  do  la  iiiuHica  aiiiericana,  <i\u^  annnpa- 
fiahan  las  dan;<as  6  Itailos  .sa;,'rad(is,  y  el  iiomhrc  iiiaya  do  ose  notaliie  iii- 
striiiiu'iito,  iKts  revela  liasta  hoy  ul  caractcr  saj^rado  de  aciuellaslii'stas,  piies 
el  iiiiiiihro  de  tiiiikid  d  finikul,  si^^iiiliea  li^erameiitc  laliorade  la  adoraeioti.' 
('(irri/lo,  ill  ,S^^«.  Mr.i:.  diit;/.,  Boliiiii,  "Jda  epoca,  toiu.  iii.,  p.  -51).  I  have; 
Diic  (if  these  iiistruiiieiitH  in  my  possessimi. 

41  Landd,  Rrliidoii,  ]tp.  124,  120;  Ifrnrra,  Hist.  Gen.,  dee.  iv.,  lih.  x., 
cap.  iv. ;  thxjoUuilo,  Hist.  Yuc,  pp.  77,  180;  Carrillo,  in  Soc.  M  x,  (I'loff., 
Bii/c.liu,  iJda  (ipoca,  toiii.  iii.,  p.  200;  Bnisscur  i/c  liotirbuunj,  Hist.  Sat, 
Cil:,  tdiii.  ii.,  1)0.  fi4-.5, 

*'  Luiida,  Jlclacion,  p.  178. 


7U 


THE  MAVA  NATIONS. 


At  a  certain  step  of  the  d.ince  the  boys  came  out  from 
the  square  and  the  rope  began  to  unroll;  tliey  \\\iit 
round  and  round  in  the  air,  always  going  further  out 
and  counterbalancing  one  another,  the  rope  still  uii 
rolling.  While  they  were  descending,  the  sixty  nicii 
l)roceedod  with  their  dance  to  the  sound  of  singers 
i)eating  drums  and  tabors.  The  boys  passed  throng) i 
the  air  with  much  velocity,  moving  their  arms  and 
legs  to  present  the  appearance  of  flying.  When  they 
reached  the  ground  the  dancers  and  singers  gave  some 
loud  cheers  and  the  festival  was  concluded.*"  Another 
favorite  amusement  was  a  performance  on  a  swinging 
bar.  For  this  two  tall  forked  })osts  were  firmly 
jilantcd  in  the  ground;  across  them  and  resting  in  tlie 
forks  a  pole  was  strongly  bound.  This  i)ole  passed  at 
riijht  angles  through  a  hole  in  the  centre  of  a  thick 
bar,  made  to  revolve  upon  it  and  of  veiy  light  wood; 
near  the  end  of  the  bar  were  cross  sticks  for  the  pei- 
formers  to  take  hold  of.  A  man  placed  himself  nt 
each  end,  and  when  the  bar  was  set  in  motion  tliev 
went  tumbling  round  and  round,  to  the  delight  of  the 
spectators.*'' 

*''  Thin  is  very  similar  to  the  Naliua  game,  described  on  i)agc  295,  et  sen., 
of  tills  voliiine. 

*''  Ooicdo,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn,  iv.,  pp.  93-4,  111-12,  pi.  v.,  fig.  i.,  ii. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

FOOD,  DRESS,  COMMERCE,  AND  WAR  CUSTOMS  OF  THE  MAYAS. 

Introduction  of  ArtnunM.TiniK-Quitiiii  Tradition  of  tick  Discov- 
ery OF  Maize— Maizk  Cn/rrRE— SirrERSTiTioNs  of  Faumkrs  - 
Ht.NTiNO  AND  FisiiiNo— Domestic  Animals,  Fowi,,  and  IJkks- 
Prkservation  and  (Booking  of  Food— Meai.s- Drinks  and 
DRiNKiNo-HAiiiTs—CANNinALisM— Dress  of  the  Mayas— Max- 
tms,  Mantles,  and  Sandals— Dress  of  Kinds  and  Priksts— 
Women's  Drkss— Hvir  and  Beard  — Personal  Dec  or  stion— 
Head  Flattening,  Perforation,  Tattooing,  and  Paixtinc!  — 
Personal  Hauits— Commerce— Ci'rrency— Markets  -Si: i-ersti- 
tionsofTravelers— Canoes  and  Halsas— War— Military  Lead- 
ers —  Insignia— Armor  —  Weapons— Fortifications— Battles  — 
Treatment  of  Cai'tives. 


The  tierra  caliente  and  the  low  forest-clad  foothills 
of  the  Usuuiaciiita  region  on  the  confines  of  Yucatan, 
(iuatemala,  Chiapas,  and  Tabasco,  present  claims  as 
stron<>;  at  least  as  those  of  any  other  locality  to  he 
considered  the  birth-place  of  American  civilization. 
Here  apparently  Votan  and  Gucumatz,  demi-gods  or 
civihzers,  won  their  first  triumphs  over  the  ])owers  of 
barbarism.  In  the  most  remote  times  to  which  we 
are  carried  by  vaiifue  tradition  and  mythic  fable,  y-ods 
with  strangely  human  attributes,  or  men  of  wonder- 
ful supernatural  i)owers,  newly  arrived  in  this  land, 
took  counsel  one  with  another  how  they  might  sub- 
ject to  their  power  and  reclaim  from  barbarism  the 
native    bands  of  savages,  or  'animals,'  who   roamed 

(715) 


710 


Tin:  MAVA  NATIONS. 


naked  tlir()U,i,''li  tlio  foivsts,  and  subsisted  on  roots  and 
wild  IViiits.  The  discussion  of  tlie  tradition  with  nt- 
eronce  to  its  liistoric  sij^niticatiou,  is  foreii,ni  to  my 
])reHent  jiurpose,  hut  as  the  story  inehides  the  tra(h- 
tional  origin  of  ajjfriculture  and  tlie  diseovery  of  I'lai/c 
under  the  form  of  a  new  creation,  it  is  an  a|>iU'oj)riati' 
introihu'tion  to  the  present  chajitcr  on  tlie  food,  dress, 
and  eonuneree  of  the  Maya  nations.  The  story  runs 
as  follows  in  the  al)ori«^inal  Quiche  aiuuds:^ 

Behold  how  they  heij^an  to  think  of  man,  and  to 
seek  what  nuist  enter  into  the  flesh  of  man.  Then 
spake  he  who  bei^ets,  and  he  wlu)  ".jives  beinij,  Tej)euli, 
Gucuniat/,  the  creator  and  the  former,  and  said:  "Al- 
ready the  dawn  is  nii^li;  the  work  is  finished;  behold 
the  sui)i)ort,  the  foster-father,  is  ennobled;  the  son  of 
civilization,  man,  is  honored,  and  humanity  on  the 
face  of  the  earth."  They  came,  and  in  great  nuin- 
bers  they  asseml)led;  in  the  shadows  of  the  night 
they  joined  their  Aviso  counsel.  Then  sought  they 
and  consulted  in  sadness,  meditating;  and  thus  the 
wisdom  of  these  men  was  manifest;  they  found  and 
were  made  to  see  what  must  enter  into  the  flesh  of 
man;  and  the  dawn  was  near. 

In  Paxil,  or  Cayala  ('land  of  divided  and  stag- 
nant waters')  as  it  is  called,  Avere  the  ears  of  yellow 
»naize  and  of  white.  These  are  the  names  of  the  bar- 
barians who  went  to  seek  food;  the  Fox,  the  Jackal, 
the  Paro(piet,  and  the  Crow, — four  barbarians  who 
made  known  to  them  the  ears  of  the  white  maize  and 
of  the  yellow,  who  came  to  Paxil  and  guided  them 
thither.  There  it  was  they  obtained  at  last  the  food 
that  was  to  enter  into  the  flesh  of  man,  of  man  cre- 
ated and  formed ;  this  it  was  that  was  his  blood,  that 


1  This  liistorv,  writton  with  RoTii.nn  characters,  hi;t  in  tho  Qiiii  lit-  lan- 
K'laye,  ill  tlu!  early  years  of  tiie  (.'oiKiuest,  was  quoted  by  IJrasseiir  tU- 
Jjourhour^'  as  tiie  MS.  Qiiirkt'.  dc  Cln<:lnru.slcn<(>i<io,  in  liis  llist.  Xit/.  (ir., 
toin.  i.,  in).  o'.MJO;  a  translation  into  S])anisli  by  Xinientzapneared  in  1S')7. 
J/ist.  hid.  Gitdt.,  pp.  70-80;  and  a  transhition  into  French  l)y  IJrasseur  di- 
Hourbour;?  in  ISC)!,  Pojiol  Vidi,  pp.  19o-9.  Urasseur's  reniicrinj;  is  followed 
for  the  most  jiart  in  my  text,  but  30  far  as  this  extract  is  concerned  there 
are  only  slight  verbal  dill'ercnces  between  the  two  translutioiiM. 


niSCOVKUY  OF  MAIZE. 


717 


Itecamo  the  bUxxl  of  iiuin  -tliis  iiiaizo  that  ontcivd 
into  him  hy  tlio  provision  of  liim  wlio  civatos,  of  liim 
who  jifivos  l)oin«^. 

And  tliey  rejoiced  tliat  they  liad  at  last  arrived 
in  this  most  exeellui  t  land,  do  full  of  ^ood  things, 
where  the  white  and  yellow  maize  did  ahoiiiid,  also 
the  cacao,  where  were  sapotes  and  many  tViiits,  and 
honey;  all  was  overtlowin^^  with  the  hest  of  food 
in  this  country  of  Paxil,  or  Cayala.  There  w.is  food 
of  every  kind;  there  were  larL>e  and  small  plants,  to 
which  the  harbarians  had  yiiided  them.  'Wwn  they 
l)e<.jan  to  j^rind  the  yellow  and  white  mai/e,  and  of 
them  did  Xmncane  make  nine  drinks,  whitli  nour- 
ishment was  the  hcLfinnini^  of  stren«;th,  .i^ivinijf  \int»> 
man  tlesh  and  stature.  Such  were  the  deeds  of  the 
l»e*;etter  and  giver  of  l)ein<»',  Tepeuh,  (Jucumatz. 
Thereupon  they  beijfan  to  speak  of  creatini;"  our  first 
mother  and  our  first  father.  <>nly  yellow  maize  antl 
white  maize  entered  into  their  flesli,  and  these  alone 
formed  the  le<>'s  and  arms  of  man;  and  these  weie  our 
first  fathers,  the  four  men  who  were  formed,  into 
whose  tlesh  this  food  entered. 

And  from  this  time  of  its  traditional  discovery  hy 
Gucumatz,  or  Quetzalcoatl,  down  to  the  concpiest  hy 
the  Sj)aniards  and  even  down  to  the  present  time,  the 
yellow  aiul  Avhite  maize,  in  their  several  \arieties, 
iiave  been  the  chief  reliance  of  the  ^laya  as  of  the 
Nahua  nations  for  daily  food.  Every  year  duriui''  the 
latter  months  of  the  dry  season,  from  IVrarch  to  May, 
the  farmer  busied  himself  in  iircpariniji'  his  mi/pa,  ov 
cornfield,  which  he  did  by  simply  cutting- or  u|irootino' 
the  dense  growth  and  burning  it.  The  usIks  thus 
l)roduced  were  the  only  fertilizer  ever  em})loved,  and 
even  this  was  ])robably  never  needed  in  this  land  of 
tropical  fertility.  Just  before  the  first  rain  fell, 
e(juipped  with  a  sack  of  seed-maize  on  his  shoulder 
and  a  sharpened  stick  in  his  hand,  he  made  ]ioli;s  at 
regular  intervals  among  the  ashes,  and  in  each  <K;[>os- 
ited  five  or  six  grains,  covering  it  with  the  same  in- 


71S 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


stvamcnt,  aided  perhaps  by  tlie  foot.  lu  Yucatan 
the  planters  united  in  bands  of  twenty  for  nuitual 
assistance  workin**'  toLjether  until  the  land  of  all  tli<: 
dub  Y^as  properly  seeded.  It  was  not  customary  to 
p'.i'it  very  large  fields,  but  rather  many  in  diffeieiit 
localities,  to  guard  against  a  possii>le  partial  failure  of 
the  crops  from  local  causes.  Hedges,  ditches,  and 
fences  were  constructed  to  enclose  the  milpas,  so 
etfective  in  the  Lacandone  country  that  the  8j)aniar(ls' 
hor.ses  were  unable  to  lea])  them.  The  corn  was  care- 
fully kept  free  from  weetls  while  gi'owing,  and  watclud 
l>y  boys  after  it  had  begun  to  ripen.  In  Nicaragua, 
where,  Oviedo  tells  us,  more  attention  was  paid  to 
agriculture  than  in  any  other  region  visited  by  him, 
the  l)ovs  took  tlieir  station  in  trees  scattered  over  the 
field,  or  sometimes  on  raised  covered  scaffolds  of  wood 
and  reeds,  called  harlxicoas,  where  they  kept  up  a  coii- 
tiniud  shouting  to  drive  away  the  birds.  Irrigation 
was  practiced  when  the  rains  were  backward,  and  if 
Ave  may  credit  Oviedo,  by  thus  artificially  forcing  the 
crop  in  Nicaragua,  well-tilled  corn  was  plucked  only 
Ibrty  days  after  })lanting  the  seed.  Yillagutiene 
states  that  the  Itzas  spent  most  of  their  time  in  wm- 
sliij),  dancing,  and  getting  drunk,  trusting  to  imculti- 
vated  fruits  and  the  fertility  of  their  soil  for  a  suh 
sistence,  and  contenting  themselves  with  very  small 
milpas. 

After  maize,  cacao  was  i)erhaps  tlie  ci-()p  to  which 
most  attention  was  paid.  It  grew  in  hot  and  shady 
localities,  and  where  there  was  no  natural  shade,  trees 
wvvc  set  out  for  tile  purj)ose.  It  was  callxl  ri(C(i;/"(if  in 
Nicaragua,  and  was  gathered  from  '^Ybruaiv  to  Apii!. 
Sevei'al  varieties,  of  a  somewha  inferior  (jua'itv, 
grew  wild,  and  were  much  used  by  the  natives.  Tiie 
cultivation  of  beans,  pepper,  cottoi  ,  and  of  numemn- 
native  fruits,  was  carried  on  extens.vely,  but  we  have 
no    details    respecting    the    methods    employed.'-      In 

2  Litnilii,  ll'ldfidu,  |i.  l.'{0;  Ilraxsnir  ilr  lidiirliiiunf,  in  /</.,  p.  .'{(il.  On 
t'.iu  const  uf  Vucatun,    '  Jcs  raciiics  iloiil  ils  lout  Ic  pain,  I't  i|u'iU  iioinnieiit 


CULTIVATION  OF  THE  SOIL, 


Tl!» 


connection  with  the  plantini^  and  jnrrowtli  of  the-  vari- 
ous cultivated  plants,  the  Mayas  eiitertainuel  some 
jtcculiur  superstitions.  Far  from  nnderstandiui^'  the. 
simplest  laws  of  nature,  they  recoi^nized  only  sui)er- 
uatural  agencies  in  the  grov/th  or  lili^htin^-  t>f  their 
M"o[)S.  in  Yucatan,  Co^-olhido  states  that  Jio  meat 
was  eaten  while  cotton  was  oTowinLf,  from  i'cui  that 
it  would  fail  to  mature.  The  Nicara^uaiis,  atcovd- 
iii'jf  to  Davila,  it,te  no  salt  or  pep[)er,  nt>r  did  they 
drink  any  intoxicatini*'  heverage,  o"  sleep  with  thcii* 
women  durinj^  the  time  of  plantit'.g.  Oviedo  als  » 
ohserved  certain  hundles  of  sticks  ])laced  at  th  ^ 
corners  of  each  field,  as  well  as  leaves,  stones,  and 
cotton  ra.<]fs,  scattered  over  the  surface  hy  UL;ly  and 
deformed  old  hai^s,  for  some  uidcnown  hut  douhtUss 
su])erstitious  purpose.  Palacio  tells  us  tluit  the  Pi{)i- 
les  hefore  hei^innin^-  to  plan  I  gathered  in  small  howls 
specimens  of  all  the  seed'  ,  which,  after  ]>erfoi'minL,'" 
certain  rites  with  them  hefore  the  idol,  they  huried 
in  the  fjcround,  and  hurned  copal  and  idli  over  them. 
Blood  was  drawn  iVeely  from  ditlereni  j)arts  of  the 
l>ody,  with  which  to  aru)int  the  idol;  and,  as  Ximene/ 
states,  the  hlood  of  slain  fowls  was  s[)ri!dvled  over  tlu* 
lund  to  1)0  sown.  \\i  the  case  of  cacao  the  finest 
^•rains  of  seed  were  exjK)sed  to  the  moonlin'iit  diirin^' 
four  nights;  and  whatevt  r  the  seed  to  he  phuited,  the 
tillers  (^f  the  soil  'Mu-t  sleej)  a])art  ff.tm  their  wi\e-< 
and  concuhines  for  .r'^'eral  davs,  in  order  that  on  the 

iiiais."  Did:.  Itii  'fiiirr,  in  Tmi'mx-Cninnriiis.  T'x/.,  s.'rii'  i.,  Idin.  \'..  (t.  .S 
Tlic  [/a<'aiiiliiiics  iij  iilicil  llieiiisclves  "ai  tralmjo  lic  hu>'  .Milpas.  y  SiMiipiit'Ta'* 
ill'  Maiz,  <'liil(',  y  Kiixolos,  (.Mitit' i|Ue  sciiilirav.iu  T'T' is,  I'latamis,  natiita- 
Xiraiiias,  Xai'otcs,  Zapott'.-*.  y  (ida-"  Fnil.is;'  tlicir  iiiilpaH  wtTf  lar;.'i'.  ''i' 
were  cli-arcil  witli  stoiii'  liatcUels.  I'il'iiiiutiirrr.  Hist.  <''ni'i.  If:<i,  pii. 
;!I0-II.  Tlii-  Itzas  had  'imiclia  (iraua,  ("era.  Alj,'iMioii.  .Xcliinic,  "m>nilla  , 
V  (ilras  lAj;iinil)ri's,'  [1.,  ,i|)  !{.">:?.  4'.>'.t.  .Mauv  vaiii'ties  <it'  licans  \\\\-^i\  In 
Ni'aia.u'aa.  (h-inlo,  llisi.  (.irn.,  tt»in.  i.,  |>.  '_'S.')  '\'i  innrlid."  d'stos  iHr.(- 
ll'^  I'll  la  iirovinvia  do  Niiaiavnia.  iiucsfus  ii  niaiiiM'n  las  lured, nlo  (  |ilat'a-* 
<>  assiciitiis  dc  los  indios,  I' pur  cUks  I'ultivadiis.  E  son  tan  •.'laiidc-  lirliolcH 
r.iiiiii)  nii;xali's  alj,MnoH  dellos.'  Id.,  ]>.  ',\y^.  Plantin;.'  uf  iiiai/c,  //  ,  pp. 
'J ').')-!);  tcim.  iv.,  ]i]i.  104-.').  See  also  on  au'ricnltniv:  li'iizinii,  Hi.tl.  Mmnlti 
S'iKii-i),  p|).  l()'2-.'{;  Aii(Ik;joi/<i.  in  X'l  •rrctr,  (.'a!.  (If  I'inji.i.  ton),  iii  .  pp. 
4l;{-14;  Citfti's,  ('((ftd.'i,  p.  41).");  S(]iiii'r''.i  Cfiit.  Aiiur.,  pp.  .''i.'il,  .").")(1;  Viol/i '- 
fr-lhtr,  in  ('/laniin/,  Jinims  Aiwr.,  p.  71:  llniidiii/i//.  kssui  /'<;/,,  um\.  i., 
1>.  -G'J;  Gullalin,  hi  Aiutr.  Ellinv.  Svc,  Trmm  i<:.,  \ol.  i.,  p.  S. 


^,ili.dMm 


;iO 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


iiiijfht  before  ]>laiitlii<^  tliey  ini^-ht  IndulLTe  tlieii-  ]);i>- 
sioris  U)  the  1'iille.st  extent;  cei'taiu  persons  tuv.  lV(:i 
.said  to  liave  ])een  ap})ointe(l  to  perforiii  the  suxiial  .nt 
at  the  very  moment  wlien  the  first  seeds  wci-c  (l> 
j)i (sited  in  the  i;'round.  Before  hu^-inning  tlie  opciii- 
tion  of  weedinL*",  they  burned  ineense  at  tlie  four 
corners  of  the  lield,  and  utti;red  fervent  ]irayeis  t  ( 
the  idols.  When  the  corn  was  ripe  tliey  ])hi(kfd  tlie 
finest  ears  and  offered  them  to  the  .u'ods,  to  thf  |)ri(jsts, 
and  sometimes  also  to  the  poor.  At  harvest  time  t!u' 
corn  was  heaj)ed  up  in  the  field,  and  was  not  moved 
until  the  grain  itself  gave  the  signal  that  it  was 
ready;  the  signal  was,  as  Brasseur  states  it,  tlie 
springing  u))  (jf  a  fresli  hlade,  oi\  ac<-ording  to  Xi- 
nie'iiez,  the  failing  of  an  ea.i"  iVom  the  iiea}).^ 

The  home  oi'  the  Mavas  in  noarlv  eveiv  wart 
abounded  in  many  varieties  iA'  game,  and  the  aufhois 
i-eport  the  natives  t</  have  boon  expei't  luuitcrs  ai;<l 
fishermen,  but  respecting  the  partlcu'lar  methods  em 
|iloyed  in  capturing  food  fVv/m  f<,)re,st,  ocean,  and  I'ivei', 
Httle  information  has  been  ])reserved.      The  peojth^  of 


ucataii  usenl  the  bow 


and 


ai'i'ow;  were  C's})ecially  ski 


ful  at  thi'owing  a  kind  of  arrow  oi*  dai't  l»y  nie.iiis  of"  a 
])iece  of  wood  three  fingers  tlii<-k,  pierced  v  ir!i  ;i  \\"\r 
at  one  third  its  length;  and.  according  to  ( 'ogoliudo, 
fliev  bred  hunting  dogs  wliich  were  trained  ,to  fo'How 


and  sei/e  ilccr,  tigers,  an<l  Itoars,  as  weii  as  l)adgers,  Fa'b 
bits,  armadillos,  and  iu'uanas.     The  latter  animal  was, 


as 


it  still   is,  a  favoj'ite   food.      Ti'aditi^>n   re'll>|^;s   tl 


ml 


the  Tiitul  Xius  \vh<;r)  they  first  came  t</  yuc«i#an  used 
no  sveajions,  but  were  f^i!)i<;us  for'  their  skill  in  fa'king 
game  by  iiKaiis  <>i'  snares,  tivips,  and  similar  4<vi/''s. 
In  (iuatemala,  n  bl(/w-|>ij>''  and  eyftlien    bulle-fs  W'*'** 


Oil  ' 


ometiines  us(  d  to  wiioot 
taken  had  to  !»<    yiven  t/)  tl 


A  jy<^/rtM/»l  <>f  aH  gani< 


I'S  ( 


/  t/fWn  and  pr 


(i\' 


I'l'ji^'x',  and  also  ,i   laKge  |<M/rtion      half,  ^/**«  df  Wsas  tell»4 


I'oht 


'iXimmr-.,    Ifi^t    /ill.  On  if.,  mi.  11)0 


•II),  Liirln,  |(|>.  fl 


k 


Urird,,,  llisl.  I 


% 


nil  I'D 


Eifi'< .  ti'iii.  i.,  j>.  'liiA;  hfdmiir t/t:  fhinrbuafiji  ff/:ii  J;v///././y^.,l;i>)U.  li.,  |'| 


tl 


le 


USE  OF  MEAT  AS  FOOD. 


Jll 


^r-i 


US,  ill  (^riiatoinala — must  1)0  olVcn'd  to  tlu'  Lr<><l  "»f  liuut- 
iiiuf,  U1-,  ill  other  words,  funiislicd  for  tli(>  pi'icsts'  ta- 
bles. Fisli  and  turtles  were  tlie  cliiet'  articles  of  food 
ill  some  coast  reijcions,  and  the  \ie;ir;>L;"uaiis  arc  de- 
scrihed  \)y  Oviedo  as  (■\[)t;rt  fishermen,  wlio  took  lish 
from  ocean  and  river  by  means  of  rods,  lines,  and  liii's, 
also  in  cotton  nets,  and  l)y  pens  and  eml)anknients  in 
the  ^ide  waters.  They  are  said  to  have  had  a  plant, 
the  ^x'll'J'Ki,  ii  decoction  of  which  hciii',;'  |>ut  in  tho 
water  l)roUL;'ht  the  Hsh  senseless  to  the  sui'facc.  Tlio 
Itzas  and  prol)al)ly  others  used  the  liaipooii.  ^'oun^• 
alli'^atoi's  just  hatclied  were  esteemed  as  dclicaciis  in 
Vera  Paz,  and  lar^»'e  lleets  of  canoes  were  sent  at  tlie 
]ii'opcr  season  to  take  them.  The  tapir  \v;is  als(»  a 
favorite  ai'ticle  of  iood.  Toads  and  otlior  loptilcs 
seem  to  have  been  eaten  when  other  sup})lies  \v.  re  not 
at  hand.* 

As  an  article  of  daily  food,  meat  was  comparatively 
little  used;  Cog'olludo  even  ^'oes  so  far  as  to  say  it 
was  iiiA'er  eaten  in  Yucatan  except  at  leasts,  lu'sidcs 
the  name-su])j»ly,  dogs  of  a  certain  species  were  raised 
for  fo(*d.      They  were  of  small  size,  without  hiii-,  could 

t  bark,  and  when  castrated  becanu.'  imnienselv  fat. 


ihj 


ThiiV  were  called  .ntlos  in  Nicarai4"iia,  and  f-.omrs  in 
Yucatan,  but  were  prol)a,l>ly  the  same  as  the  h'cJitchi.^ 
already  mentioned  in  ]\[e\ico.  'i'urkeys,  duck-,  nvest', 
and  otliijr  fowl  were   domesticated:  and  pii^s.  I'abbits, 


4  In  III 


corki 


]ir(>\  im-c  i)f  ( ',nu]ii'i 


:('   I  111'   Sii.'iniiirds    were    iv 


^ 


•I' 


rl'a!illilt'<l  toill 


iMltll      lit      till' 


M 


Diiiitaviir-i.  \\  iMii|>,  ji:iil  WiitiT,  as 


I'iiti-yilics,  <^;iavK's.  'I'liilli's,   Dii 


I'Ktv 


<; 


ami  liiiu'ctiiDtt 


liiicl 


ira--t(': 


as  h 


I 


-"*i"*, 


iru'ti 


(1  IF 


/siilrs  Wiiii'i's.  l,vi>ii>;,  'I'vii'crs,  ami    I'uxr: 


M 


irliii\  (lor.  iv. 


III).  II. 


uias  II  iiiciiDs. 
V^asic,  V  vciii 
■1 


V  hi 


liiiitaust' 
.1 


taiiili 


•a  ill 


li."   I. 


(Ml 


I, 


ili)s  al 


I  cariic  del   vcnado  a--;aii  en   iiaiillas,    |m)|'i|iic   no 


Mlclll 


li 


izril  stis  |ii' 


•nil 


si'iii  r,  vili 


ui\  I'll  riilu'i 


iiiiiiu'ii.s  y  el  iiicsiiio  lia/rii  en    la  iicsca 

III  Vera  I'az  '  li'i'iuics,  imii' ticiicii   lniciia  caiiic.   c 


hi,    n,lu 


Hi'lii:  vciiailillii.H   M'liiii'jiis,    y   utiKS   liawis,  y  iiiiicIids  nli-ns   rjiu 


1    liil. 
•1. 


-Ii-il 

pp.  1  :!((-•_'.  Ki. 

lix'-   nicinf  ijiic  car- 


flocliaii.  y  iiiliifii  alijiiiiiis  iloullailns,  (ifii>.-<  aluiniailns,  y  af<sailiis.    en    1 


Imii 


<'(ja,  V  I'll  cliariiiie 


V  toili 


I  liial;;ili--ailii. 


//' 


■II,  llitt.  <; 


jar. 


cap.  xiii.,  xiv..  li.      Al  en/iiiiicl   'cI  pcscado  cs  sii  casi   jirinripal    iiiaii- 


lOtiiiiril,  I  nil 


Ml- 


>\>.  3."),  4-i4,  4!t7,  torn. 


Sec   also   Ofiii/ii,     lli.sf.     li 


03: 


Ilisl.  A/iiifiiiJ<(irit,  MS.,  ( 


ap. 


177;  / 


,i/i,/fiii/n.  Hit/,  y 


iniisriir  i 


Ir  1. 


>.    1'^T 


lulii.     I., 
/.  r(\   '  'll- 


njiiriiuin 


'/,    I'iiiidI    I'll/l, 


Vol.  II.    46 


722 


Till:  MAYA  NATIONS. 


and  liaros  are  nicntioiu!!!  as  liavin*^  boen  bred.  ATul- 
titudes  of  bees  were  kept  for  their  honey  and  wnx. 
and  hives  are  spoken  of  by  J^as  Casas  without  descri])- 
tion.  (ioniara  says  the  bees  were  small  and  the  hoiuv 
somewhat  bitter.  The  only  metluxls  of  making'  salt 
that  I  find  particularly  mentioned  were  to  bake  tide- 
washed  earth,  boilin^j  down  the  brine  made  of  tiie 
]»rodact,  and  als(j  to  boil  the  lye  pn^duced  by  leeching- 
the  ashes  of  a  palm  called  .airxdin.  The  foruK  i- 
method  was  j)racticed  in  Guatemala,  at  great  cost  of 
labor  and  wealth,  as  Herrera  says;  the  second  is  re- 
ferred to  Yucatan.  Many  roots  were  of  cour.se  util- 
ized for  food,  and  a  peculiar  herb,  called  //n<(f,  was 
mixinl  with  lime  and  carried  constantly  in  the  niontli 
by  the  Nicaraij^uans  on  the  march  or  journey,  as  a 
])reventive  of  fatigue  and  thirst.® 

RespectinLC  the  preservation  and  cookini''  of  food, 
as  well  as  the  habits  of  the  peo])le  in  taking  their 
daily  meals,  there  are  no  diti'erences  to  be  recoixled 
I'rom  what  has  been  said  of  the  Nahuas.  T'he  inevi- 
table tortillas  and  tamales  were  the  standard  dish, 
made  in  the  same  way  as  at  the  nt)rth;  meat  was 
dried,  salted,  roasted,  and  stewed,  with  pe[)per  for  the 
lavorite  seasoning.  Fruits  were  ])erhaps  a  more])roni- 
inent  article  of  fo(jd,  and  were  eaten  for  the  most  |)art 
raw."  Cogolludo  informs  us  that  the  Yucatecs  eat 
regularly  once  a  day,  just  before  sunset;  and  we  ai.! 
also  told  that  they  took  great  pains  to  keep  theii* 
bright-colored  table-cloths  and  napkins  in  a  state  nf 
])erfect  cleanliness.      In  Nicaragua,  they  were   accus- 


5  Laiidii,  Rrliiri(>n,  ]).  118;  Ln.i  Cftsds,  in  KiiiffxhDr'infi/i'x  .}fr.):  An/i'/., 
V(»l.  viii.,  p.  148;  <'iiifo//i<(li),  Jlis/.  Vm:,  pp.  ISl,  1S7-8,  700;  I'l/ldtfii/icrn; 
Hist.  ('(iiii/.  Itzii,  pp.  41,  .Sll;  Drinln,  Htsl.  (,'fii.,  toiii.  i.,  pp.  •JOii  7,  III, 
4'>7,  •")07,  tiMii.  iii.,  p.  -27;  Prdr  Murfi/r,  ilcc.  iv.,  lil).  vi,  ii.,  dec.  vi.,  lili. 
iii.;  Ilrnrni,  Hist,  f/c//.,  lU'c.  i.,  lil).  v.,  cap.  v.,  dec.  iv.,  lih.  viii.,  ciip. 
viii.;  (!i)iniirif,  Coikj.  .1/(X.,  fol.  2.'1;  IiL,  Hist.  Lit!.,  foi.  (51 -"2;  Cartis,  I'ar- 
'is.  p.  44!t;   Fflliroiirt's  Hist.    Viir.,  ]>.    'A'2. 

ti  Corti's,  Cavftis,  j>.  2.S,  tolls  iis  tliiit  no  lnviul  was  inado  in  Viicataii,  Iml, 
that  maize  was  eaten  roaHted.     The  Ite.st  tni'tillas  in   Nicaraj^uii  were  callid 
tiisra/fiw/ioii.   ()i<iri/(),  Hist.  <!ni.,  toni.  i.,  ])]).  '2(i7,  ;V24,   S.'t."),   411,   r)IH,  .")•-'.'!. 
Ii>ni.  iii.,  p.  227.    See  also  Ldinlit,  Jidnrion,  \>\).  ll()-20,  K}.");  Jkrtrni,  Hist 
(!i:u.,  dec.  iv.,  lib,  .\.,  taji.  .\iii. 


PRINKS  PUKPAItF'.I)  FIIOM  MAIZE. 


r23 


tmnod  to  wasli  the  hjiiids  iirul  iiioutli  aftiir  oafiiii^v;  and 
th(j  chit'fs,  wlu)  sat  in  a  clrclo  on  Avoodcii  lu'iiclit's  a!i<l 
were  served  liy  the  woiiieii,  also  washed  at  tlie  coiii- 
iiiencenient  of  the  meal.  "J'he  men  and  women  eat 
always  separately,  the  latter  takiiii;'  their  food  (r(  in 
the  ^^round,  or  sometimes  from  a  ]>alm-leaf  haskit- 
work  ])latter.  Very  little  food  sntticed  i»»r  tlui  Mayas 
and  they  could  bear  hunger  for  a  lon^'  time,  hut  like 
all  the  aboriijinal  inhahitants  of  America  thev  eat 
jtlentifully  when  well  supplied,  takinj^  no  heed  for  a 
time  in  the  future  when  food  mioht  he  lacking"/ 

We  have  seen  that  in  the  heninninjjf,  according-  to 


tl 


le   tradition 


.mucane  mven 


ted 


were  })rej)are(l  Irom  maize 


I  f. 


nme  druiis,  wliKii 
'fhe  exact  composition  of 


these  famous  boverajj^es  of  anti(iuity  is  not  i;iven;  but 
Lan<la.  speaks  of  at  least  six,  In  the  j)rei)aratioi!  of 
which  maize  was  used,  at  least  as  an  ingredient.  To 
make  the  Hrst,  the  corn  was  hall"  boiled  in  lime-water, 


^i.y 


coarsely  iifrouiu 


1,  and  ])reserved  in  small  balls,  whi-.h 


r*.' 


were  simply  mixed  with  water  for  use;  this  !)evera.; 
was  much  used  on  journeys,  and  was  often  the  only 
provision,  serving  for  food  as  well.  The  second  was 
made  of  the  same  hulled  corn  ground  Hue  and  mixed 
in  water  so  as  to  form  a,  i>'ruel,  which  was  heatetl  and 
thickened  over  the  Hre,  and  was  a  favorite  djink 
taken  hot  in    the  morniui;-.      The    third   was  ]»ai'i-lie(l 


d  with 


corn  ti'round,  mixed  m  water,  aiul  seasoiiet 

]>er  or  cacao.       The  fourth   was  composed  of  iii-roUTid 

maize    and    cacao,   and    was    designed    es[)ecially    ftir 


d)li 


ah 


the  fifth 


:h    lik. 


festivi 

butter,  was  extracted  from  cacao  and  mixed  with 
maize.  The  sixth  was  ]trej)ared  from  raw  iiiai/.i- 
ground.  The;  fermented  Thpior,  made  of  nuuze  and 
cacao,  which  was  tlrunk  by  the  Itzas,  was  calKd  :(if(r. 
Native  wines  were  made  of  honey  fm<l  water,  of  tiL;s, 
and  of  a  great   variety  of   fruits;  that   made   of  the 


II 


fi      5i 


7  Jh^ssi'iir  ih-  Rttiirlioiirti.  lli'>.  Xaf  Cii'.,  torn,  ii.,  1)]).  <>•.»;  I.iniiln,  III- 
/acitiii.  [t.  12((;  Cutjt/lliu/tt,  lli.st.  Yiu:,  \\.  180;  (h-irdu,  llist  '/</<.,  tuiii.  iv., 
\K   111 


724 


Tilt:  MAYA  NATIONS. 


T) 


ativo    fruit  .callocl  jdcofr,  and  one   of  red  dionli 


were  '/ery  popular  ni  INioaraj^ua 


Ni 


C/Hvh 


(I  wa.s  a  fei- 


iiionted  drink  niado  of  pine-apple  juice,  honey  oi- 
su,«>^ar,  ajid  water.  Pul(pie  made  from  the  uuiiicuey  is 
mentioned,  but  tliis  phuit  does  not  seem  to  liaAe 
[)Iay(!d  so  important  a  role  in  the  south  as  in  the 
north;  at  least  there  is  very  little  said  of  it.  A  m  rv 
stron*^'-  and  stinkin<j^  wine  is  also  mentioned  as  hcin^' 
])repared  from  a  eei'tain  root.  Herrera  tells  us  tliac 
the  maize-Avines  resembled  beer,  and  Andan'oya  tliat 
tlieir  iutoxicatini"'  i)roj)erties  were  not  veiy  lastinL;. 
Benzoni  complains  that  the  native  wines  failed  f.i 
comlbrt  tlie  s]»irit,  warm  the  stomach,  and  sooth  to 
slet'j)    like    iliose    of   Castile.       Chocolate    and    otlici- 


drink 


cs  prepared  ti'om  cacao  were  universal  tavoiitt  s, 
and  were  j>repar(jd  both  from  wild  and  cultivated 
varieties.  Oviedo  states  that  in  Nicaragua  none  but 
the  rich  and  noble  could  afford  to  drink  it,  as  it  was 
literally  di'inkino'  money.  He  describes  the  maimer 
of  pi"e[)arin<j^  the  cacao,  coco,  or  cacwjaat.  It  was 
pickt'd  from  the  trees  from  February  to  April,  dii( d 
in  the  sun,  roasted,  ground  in  water,  mixed  with  a 
quantity  of  bix<i  imtil  it  was  of  a  brii^ht  blood-colo)', 
and  the  dried  ]iaste  was  ])reserved  in  cakes.  Witii 
this  {)aste  the  natives  delighted  to  bedaub  their  faces. 


e  e:ii- 


To  ]irej)ai'e  the  <li'ink,  they  do  not  seem  to  hav 
])loyed  heat,  at  least  in  this  part  of  the  country,  but 
simply  dissolved  the  paste  in  water,  and  poureil  it 
from  one  dish  into  another  to  raise  a  froth. 

Tli(!  ^[ayas  seem  to  have  been  a  people  i^ivatly  a<l 
dicteil   to   the   vice  of  drunkenness,  wl 


lU'U  was  niui'h 


less  dis>>-raceful  and  less  se\erelv  ]»unished  by  the 
laws  than  amono'  the  Xahuas.  it  was  ([uite  essential 
to  the  thorough  enjoymeiit  (»f  a  feast  or  wedding  t;> 
become  intoxicated;  the  wife  even  handed  the  temjtt 


in 


g    beverages    to    her    liusband. 


mo< 


lestb 


avel'te 


her  head  while  he  drajik,  kindlv  guided   him    liom 


when    the    festivities    were    o\" 


ind    even 


M>i 


intoxicated    herself    occasionally,    if    l.anda    mav   ! 


le 


r.ATixr;  iitman  rLEsii. 


i2.y 


bulievc'd.  The  Siuno  ntitliority  r»'i»i-(>sciits  tlu^  nati\i\s 
of  Yucatan  us  vuiy  ln'iital  and  iiidi-cciit  wIk-h  drunk, 
and  ()viudo  says  that  ho  wlio  dropped  down  senseless 
from  drudv  in  a  haiiquet  was  allowed  to  r  -main  where 
lie  tell,  and  was  regarded  l)y  his  companions  with  feel- 
ings of  envy/ 

The  custom  of  eating  the  flesh  of  human  victims 
who  were  sacrificed  to  the  gods,  was  prohahly  prac- 
ticed more  or  less  in  all  the  Maya  regions;  hut 
iieitiier  this  cannihalisni  nor  the  sa<'rifices  that  gave 
I'ise  to  it  were  so  extensivelv  induh-ed  in  as  hv  the 
jNIexicans.  Some  authors,  as  (lomara,  deny  that 
human  flesh  was  ever  eaten  in  Yucatan,  hut  others, 
:«.s  Herrera,  V^illagutierre,  and  Peter  Martyr,  con- 
tradict this,  although  admitting  that  cases  of  can- 
nihalisni Were  rare,  and  tlie  victims  confined  to 
sacrificed  enemies.  Las  Casas  states  that  in  (Juate- 
mala  the  hands  and  feet  were  given  to  the  kin^^  and 
high-priest,  the  rest  to  otlier  priests,  and  that  none 
was  left  for  the  peo[)le.  In  Nicaragua  the  high- 
])riest  received  the  lieart,  the  king  the  feet  and 
jiands,  he  who  captured  the  victim  took  the  thighs, 
the  tri[)e  was  given  to  the  trumpeters,  and  the  rest 
^\■as  divided  among  the  people.  The  head  was  not 
e:it(iii.  The  edihle  portions  wci'e  cut  in  small  ])ieces, 
hoiled  in  large  pots,  seasoned  with  salt  and  pe]»per, 
and  eaten  together  with  cakes  of  maize.  At  ceitain 
feasts  also  maize  was  sj)rinkle(l  with  hlood  from  the 
genitals.  According  to  Merrei'a  some  Spaniards 
were  eaien  in  Yucatan,  hut  Alhornoz  Tells  us  that 
the  natives  of  Hondui'as  found  tlie  foreigners  ton 
toU''h  and  hitter  to  he  eaten.'"* 

^  ?^7^r7♦♦V'■'T.■.  //■/.</.  C'Di'/.  I/:t.  mi.  S!).  OS.  .'?12;  L'tii'f'i,  n.h,,'i„„. 
Ill  llii-^^  \'M\  ll'rnii,  II. sK  lint.,  ik^'.  i.,  lili.  v.,  ctiii.  v..  Aw.  iii.,  lili. 
IV.,  ciiu.  vii.,  (lor,  iv..  lili.  viii.,  caii.  ix.,  lili.  \..  i'.i|i.  iv.;  (trinln,  Ifi.s/.  (Int., 
Iiilll.  i.,  I'p.  -I>7,  ;U7-IS,  tiilil.  iv.,  ]>.  O'l;  li'-nziiiii,  Ifi.-if.  Mniiili)  Xiiofii,  fill. 
|ii>-:{,  |()i);  Liis  'Vrsvrv,  [fi.if.  A/.iifofjr/i,;!,  Ms.  .•;ip.  clxxvii.;  Wuhli  1:, 
I'll/.  I'l'ff..  ]).  40;  ('(irti'i'  f)c.'i/tii/r/i(:i,  [>.  4;  Hni'i.si  nr  '/'■  linitrliuurii,  llisl. 
S'li.  Cir.,  toill.  ii..  pp.  i")!   '2,  4',tl». 

■'  III  Vui-atiin:  ''I'lu'sc  i$arli:iriuii-i  cute  finely  their ciiciiiicH,  nrsiirli  strini- 
^^••s  as  eiMiu'  viito  tlu'iii,  (itlitr\vi,-;c  tliey  alistaiiK  finin  inaiiH  ll('>i|i.'  I'flcr 
Mic'jf,  Uef.  iv.,  lib.  vi,     In  CJuatoiiialii  the  litais  and  trijiu  wciv  seaximcil 


!!  Ii 


7'2C 


TMi:  MAYA  NATIONS. 


liy  rtijison  of  the  warmer  clinuite  in  the  soutlnrn 
1  uids,  or  of  a  diflerence  in  the  j)o|)ul<ir  taste,  soiiic- 
what  less  attention  seems  to  have  heeii  paid  to  (hi>s 
and  personal  adornment  by  the  Mayas  than  l)y  the 
Xahnas,  or  ratlier  the  Maya  (h'ess  was  mndi  niorc 
simple  iind  more  nnit'orm  amonjj^  the  ditt'enMit  classes 
of  society;  and,  so  far  as  can  he  determined  fi'om  llic 
vtjrv  scanty  information  extant,  there  was  only  a  \(i  v 


slight  variation  in  tli  t  dr 


CSS  o 


f  the  ditferiMit  natioi 


IS 


much  less,   indeed,   than  would   naturally  he  expected 
hetween  the  tribes  of  the  low  Yucatan  j)lains  and  of 
the  (Juatem.dan  hiij^hlands.      V^ery  little  of  the   iiitnr 
Illation   that  has  been   ])resorved,  howi^vcn*,  relates  to 
tlio  people  of  (JuatrMuala.      Men  wore  almost  univeis- 


tilv  th 


Hi  <jfarment  known  m  Mexico  as  the  maxth,  a 
loni^  stri[)  of  cotton  cloth,  wound  several  times  round 
the  loins  and   passinu;'   lK!tW(H!n 


the   1 


eLTS. 


Tl 


lis  stiin 


was  often  twisted  so  as  to  resemble  a  cord,  and  the 
hiufher  the  class  or  the  o-rcater  tlu;  wealth  of  the 
Wearer,  the  i^reater  the  length  of  the  cord  and  tlu; 
iiunilu'r  of  turns  about  the  body.  .A mono- tin.'  It/as 
and  other  tribes  of  Yucatan,  instead  of  passini;'  this 
Garment  betwetsn  the  leL>'s,  its  ends  were  oft(>ii  ahowed 
to  bant*',  one  in  front  and  tlu;  (»ther  bc'liiiid,  beiii^-  in 
such  cases  more  or  less  embroidered  or  otheiwiso 
decorated.'"     In  more  modern  times  the  niaxtli  seems 

willi  wine.  T.as  Cunns,  Uisl.  Apu/oi/rfirn,  MS.,  cai).  clxxvii.;  fJ.,  in  Konis- 
/i:i/-iiii;//t'.-<  M\t.  Aiiti'i;  vol.  viii.,  p.  117;  liZ/niiiifiirrr,  /list.  Cihk/.  //:",  |i|i. 
(JUt,  (("il;  tlDiii'tni,  ffisf.  liid.,  fol.  ()2;  llrrnrn,  llisf.  (ini.  ,{[vi\  ii.,  lili  i\., 
<'a|i.  vii.,  (ifc.  iii.,  lili.  iv.,  i-ap.  vi.,  vii.,  lil).  vii.,  ciiii.  iii.,<li'c  iv.,  lili.  \., 
i'a|i.  iv. ;  Ofii'ilo,  llisf.  (!rn.,  torn,  iv.,  pp.  .S7,  nl-'J,  T)!!,  KIH;  .\  ii(/in/ui/(i,  In 
Xiiriinr/i\  ('<il.  ifr  Viitjrs,  toni.  iii..  p.  4'JO;  liiir.niii.  His/.  Maiiiln  Xmirii. 
f  »l.  .V),  l(U;  Alliiiniiiz,  III  Iniz/iillrc/n.  I'd/,  i/r  Dor.,  tnni.  i.,  ]i.  -ISCi;  //rljis 
S/i'iii.  Coiii/.,  Vdl.  iii.,  ]i.  88;  /'iiinii/rl,  Mini,  sohir  la  Riiza  IiuliijniK,  p.  ■_'.); 
Miiri/rf,  \'iii/iii/i\  tnni.  i.,  p.  1!M. 

'"  Tiic  It/.as,  nuMi  and  witincn,  won-  'faxas'  4  varas  loiij;  ami  \  vara 
wiilf.  \'i//ii;fiiti'rn\  //is/.  Coni/.  [/~ii.  p]i.  .SI'.',  102.  I'.tS.  .\t  Canipcclic,  .i 
Mtrip  of  cotton  one  hand  wiilc,  twistcil  and  wouiul  'JO  or  ,'1()  times  alimii 
the  holly.  Drirt/o.  His/.  (Irn..  loni.  i..  )i[>.  ol'J-l.'l.  'i'his  ;;arment  lallrcl 
iiitii/ii/r.  llriiiil  Dill.:,  His/.  Cnnij.,  fol.  2.  Kiids  einhroiderecl  and  divo 
rated  with  fe;ither.s.  /.urnln.  /i  /tirinn,  ]>.  llti.  ,(/(/((>//•:'•''''■'>'.  <'<ilh'd  in  New 
Spain  iiin-itil:  otherwise  nakeil.  //■vrrrti,  /lis/,  (ini.,  dee.  i.,  lih.  v.,  eap. 
v.,  dee.  ii.,  lili.  iv..  eap.  vii.;  Cur/r.s'  />rsiiii/r/irs,  p.  t.  The  Chiapanris 
ni!<ed  exeepl  tliis  ch)lh  about  tlie  loin.-i.  Jinusiti,  llisi.  ('/ii/a/m,  pp.  -',)-, 
3. 1-'. 


l)i{i:ss  OK  Till;  MAYAS. 


to  li.'ivo  Ikh'M,  in  some  ciisos  at  It-ast,  rcpliiri'd  by  cot- 
ton (Irawors,  t'astunrd  with  a  striiiLT  round  tin;  w.iist, 
and  iiavinL(  the  Ici^s  rolled  up  to  tiie  middle  of  the 
thin'h."  A  larLi^o  proportion  of"  the  Mayas,  especially 
of  the  ])oorer  classc^s,  wore  conmioidy  no  other  gar- 
ment than  the  one  nuMitioned ;  hut  very  lew  wei'e 
without  a  pieces  of  cotton  cloth  ahont  tour  or  tive  feet 
s(piare,  which  was  used  as  a  coveiMnL,'"  iit  ni^'htand  was 
often  worn  in  the  daytime,  hy  tyini;'  two  coiwiers  on 
t!ie  same  sido  over  the  shoulders  and  ;dlowi?iL;'  the 
cloth  to  liauL!;'  down  the  hack.  The  Spaniards  uni- 
formly api)ly  tht3  somewhat  ind(;finite  tei'in  'manth'' 
to  this  i^arment.  'I'hese  mantles  are  still  worn.'-  The 
oidv  other  tjfannent  mentioned,  and  on<!  not  ilelinitelv 
stated  to  h.ive  heen  worn  exce[)t  in  Yucatan,  was  a 
kind  of  loose  sK'iiveless  shirt  reaching'  ti>  the  knei's. 
'I'liese  shirts  as  well  as  tlu;  mantles  were  worn  lioth 
white  and  dyed  in  hrilliant  and  varii!i;-ated  colors.'''  I 
tind  no  mention  of  other  material  than  cotton  used  for 
dothinuf,  exce|)t  in  the  case  of  the  (,'akchi(piels,  who, 
accoidint,''  to  iJrasseur,  wore  l)oth  hark  and  maLjuey- 
fil.re.'^ 


There    is    nothinir    to    indicate    that    th(^    dr 


ess    (»i 


nohles,  priests,  or  kind's,  ditl'ered  esscnitially  from  th.it. 
of  the  common  peo[)le,  except  in  (ineness  of  material 
or  richness  and  profusion  of  ornaments.  it  is  proi)a- 
hle,  however,  that  the  higher  classes  Wt^re  al\v;iys 
clad  in  the  garments  which  have  heen  dcscrilied, 
wliile    a    majority    t)f    the    ple'i)eians    wore    only    the 

II  I'liito  slidwiiiL,'  tlic  costume  lit"  an    Imliini   nf  tin'   interior.    Wahlrrh, 


•M\. 


I'itl.,    pi 


fowsers  o 


f  eotton  in  Salvmli 


r.    .Simr 


('■„l. 


(1  ////, 


iii'i-i  m  li'iii,iir-i,  ;\   viinl  ami  a  lialt   sinare.   i 'i(inll  mln.   Hit/ 


''.(vrv,  in  l\iiH/sh'iriiiii//i'.i  .!/■/■.  Aiiiij.,  vol.  \iii.,  |i.    I  fi 


y 


iS7 


Maul 

si, 


es  calliMl   :.inir,i. 


I  r 


lanlai  |iinlailas  '    I., 


o  <  'ottou  n)l)es  of    liri'^'hl 
'/ 


eoliil'S.    .^I'lni 


nii|iies.     I rniiiKx-i  i>iiii>iii\\   in 


>1. 


11..  1. 


'Sa^ 
(h-i,  /„.    1 1,. if.  ( 


/• 


'ii iirinirt\f    lli\/.     )' 


l-ii  .  toni.  I.,  |>.   l'.)7. 


('.    A  It  r. 

Illlll/ll     l/is       1 

..    pp.    -JSIo 

.1 


I' 


fi.-.l.     'Ti 
lsi:i,    to)> 


'(  anil>et: 


I'lneta-^  ili'  .al.uoilon 


II  i'  hiit~..    His/,  ('nil/.,  fol.  '1.      M'aniisette  srn/a  nianielie."    / 
.)fiiiii/ii  Xiinri),  |i|).  its,   1(U. 


n'll  \till  I  , 


H,i/. 


"  His/.  .V-i/.   Cii:,  loni.   ii. 


\: 


M; 


<ll 


llh 


M( 


//. 


•<(,  n:.s/.  (. 


rcii.,  due. 


iii..  1 


It).   IV.,   e:lp.   VII. 


'.    Ilii 


728 


TIIK  MAYA  NATIONS. 


>    ol 


iiiixtli,  wiiii'li  was  Hoini'tiiiit's  only  a  siir^'lc  stii| 
cloth  passiii'^^  oiUH!  round  tln!  waist  and  l)ut\vi'i'ii  lln; 
l(!;4's.  As  nilcrs  and  jn'iosts  arc  ol'titii  spoken  of  as 
drcsst'd  in  'lar^i;  wliiti;  niantli;s'  or  'llowin^"  I'oltcs,'  it 
is  |»ro!)al)l(j  tliat  the  mantle  worn  l»y  tlioni  was  niiicli 
lai-L(t'r,  as  well  as  of  liner  stuH",  than  that  descrilxd. 
liinda  speaks  of  a  priest  in  Vueatan  who  wort;  ;iii 
uppef  sj^arnient  of  colored  feathers,  with  strips  of  cot- 
ton hani^inj.^  from  its  border  to  tlu;  i^roimd.  Palacio 
tolls  us  of  priestly  rohes  in  SaKador  of  diH'erent  col- 
ors, Mack,  hlue,  ^'reen,  red,  and  yellow.  According;" 
to  Itemesal  the  priests  of  (Guatemala.  Avere  tilthy 
ahominahle,  and  ii.U'ly,  in  fjict  very  hoi^s  in  <lre.- 


1 


Ni 


icaraLjua,  llerrt'ra  descriot's  white  cotton  surphces, 
and  other  priestly  vestments,  some  suimII.  others 
liann'in.;'  from  the  shoulders  to  the  heels,  with  hant;- 
iuL''  [lockets,  in  which  were  carried  stone  lancets,  witli 


various  lieros  and  powders,  mdisjieiisaltle  in  tlic 
jtrai'tii'e  <►!'  sacerdotal  arts.  Xinienez  re[)reseiits  the 
(Juatemalan  kind's  dress  as  like  that  of  the  peo|)l(>, 
except  that  he  had  his  ears  and  nose  piercetl,  of  which 


more  anon 


The  women  universally  wore  a  skirt  I'ormed  hy 
Avindinn"  a  wide  })iece  of  cotton  cloth  I'ound  the  hody 
and  fastenini^-  it  at  the  waist.  This  i>-;ii-Mit;nt  reachfd 
from  the  waist  to  the  knee,  as  worn  hy  the  pleheian 
women,  hut  those  of  a  hii^her  class  covered  with  it 
their  lei^s  as  low  as  the  ankles.  In  some  ]>aits  of 
Nicara;4UM,  es])ecially  on  the  islands,  Herreia  says 
that  (^xcept  this  skirt,  which  was  so  scanty  as  hai'dly 
to  nK'rit  a  better  name  than  breech-clout,  the  women 
AVeivi  naked;  but  elsewhere  they  were  always  pai- 
ticular  to  cover  their  breasts  from  sii^ht.  This  tiny 
accomjdislied  in  some  cases  by  a  piece  of  cloth  round 
the  neck,  and  fastened  under  the  arms;  but  they  also 


^^  f.nndii,  E'/di'ioii,  pp.  14S  .">();  Piihtrio,  Carfii,  ]>p.  (!2-t;  It'-iin'sul, 
JTUt.  ('Injiiiia,  p.  137;  ILrnni,  Hi's/,  (ira.,  tlue.  iii.,  lili.  iv.,  cap.  vii.,  dec. 
iv.,  lil).  viii.,  flip.  X.,  dec.  ii.,  Iil>.  ii..  cap.  xvii.;  .Viiwiirz,  Hist.  Jni/, 
Hiiiit.,  p.  l'J7;  Bnissciif  (ic  lioufbunnj,  Hist.  Xat.  Via.,  toiu.  ii.,  p.  54. 


Ditr.ss  OK  \V(».Mi;\  AND  <iiif-1)i:i;n. 


.ft 


otti'ii  woro 


ji  kind  nl'  clit'iiiisi!,  or  1 


dOSl}  SMCK, 


witl 


?2'J 


1  hoU's 


lor  tliu    licjid    iuul    uriiis,  mimI   soiiu'tiiiics   with    sliort 


sk'ijves. 


Tlu!    latter    uai'iiinit   was    alwav 


s   worn    on 


least-davs  l»v  th 


OS(!    w 


lio  had   it  t 


o   wcai", 


And, 


l"'oVil 


nit'nti(»ns  a  sort  of  capi'  W(trn  in  Xicarai^ua,  whicli  had 
a  hoh;  tor  the  head,  and  covi-red  the  l.reasts  and  hall' 
of  the  ai'ins.  HerriTa  speaks  of  a  sack  open  at  lt(»th 
ends,  and  ti^^'litened  at  the  waist,  woiMi  in  Nirara'^ua; 
and  Landa  nuMitions  tlu;  same  i^^'ii'ineiit  in  ^'n(•atan. 
The  women,  like  the  men,  used  a  si|iiare  mantle  to 
deep  under,  and   carried    it  with    them  on    journeys. 


(.'Iiildren  we-rc!  al 


(»we( 


I    t 


o    remam   na 


ked 


m    1  inatan 


till  they  were  t'oiM'  or  li\e  yeai's  old,  and  in  (oiate- 
mala  to  the  an'e  of  ei^ht  or  nine  years;  hut  in  \'uea~ 
tan,  liunda  tells  ns,  that  a  hoy  at  the  ;i'_;'e  of  three 
years,  had  a  white  ornament  tied  in  his  hair,  and  a 
i^irl  at  the  same  ai;e  had  a  shell  fastened  hy  a  string- 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  cover  certain  parts  of  her 
person.^" 

It  is  very  dilHcult  to  form  any  definite  idea  of  the 
^[aya  methods  of  dressing"  the  hair,  save  that  all  al- 
loW(.'d  it  to  n'l'ow  lonn',  and  most  ])ersons  sepai'ated  it 
into  ti'esses,  win<lin_in'  some  of  thema!»out  the  head  and 
allowing;"  others  to  haiii;'  <lown  the  hack.  Landa  in- 
I'orms  us   that   the  Yucatecs  humed  the  hair  on   the 


crown,  allow  in<''  it  to  remain  shoi't  tl 


I  ere 


hut 


permitted 


the  rt-'st  to  i^row  as  lonn'  as  it  would,  hindmi;-  it  round 
the  head  except  a  (pieue  hehind.  In  Nicai'aL^ua,  the 
forehead  was  shaved,  and  sometimes  the  whole  head 
except  a  tuft  at  the  ci'own.  The  women  everyw  her(! 
and  men  generally  took  i^Teat  pains  with  the  hair;  flu; 
former  often   mixed   feathers  with   their   i-aven   locks. 


M.'i''ti)fTc  r;i\ 


vrp  (I  lino  "11 


cut   riK'Dic   aiiliiiir  ilii  iiir|ps  cii 


.!("  Ill 


Iii--!('!ir-;  coiiloiirs  (iiK 


Ics    f, 


ClIlllll'S   ■>(•    11(111 


'li'MliI    n   Nl   I'c'iiitinr  I'liiiiini'    iiii    |ii|miii, 


(IcscciKlaiit  plus  (111  I  IK  tins  Ims  iiii-dc-^Miilsdu  ;;('l|cp|i,  NC  1 11  111  \('  I  lie  (Niirtcliicnt 
la   iiiciiif  i|iii'  I'dii  Yiiit   aux   iiiiaj;i's  d'Kis  ct   aiix    tCiiiliics  I'^^x  |iticiiiifs  dcs 


1""1 


iit's  iiiiaiaiiiiiiMic: 


/; 


;•  (/(•  lliiiirliiiiiiil,    llisl.    Xiit.    ( 


tiiiii.    II. 


)i    ()7.      Skirt  fnnii  the  waist  to  feet,  callccj  jnr.    iOijiiU mln,    llisl.    \ m-,,  |i| 


IS7-S,   (;'.);l 
<  'iiiii. 


■  l!ii]ias  iV'  ai;_'iid(iii,  i| 


iiiiiaii  iia;.nia> 


/A 


il  l>,< 


IUhI. 


Ilrrn 

ISI-G,  Ki,  111-0,  ISO. 


ii(/iii/ii.    111 


.1. 


'7c,    Co/.    </r   Viiijrs,    tmii.    iii..    |i,    -lit; 


X.,    cai 


Jjni.hi.    l;in 


pp. 


Ml 


^> 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


/. 


c^ 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


.. .,.  IIIIIM 


IfflM  IIM 

'-  IIM 

III  1.8 


1.4    IIIM.6 


V] 


m 


d*! 


F.^'*'' 


/: 


* 


/^ 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  SlfftST 

WEBSTER,  NY.  14580 

(716)  S72-4S03 


&9 


«/ 


I 


730 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


which  were  dressed  differently  according  as  the  own- 
ers were  married  or  single,  and  particular  care  was 
devoted  to  the  coiffure  of  a  bride.  All  the  autljoii- 
ties  agree  that  the  priests  in  Yucatan  wore  the  haii- 
long,  uncombed,  and  often  saturated  with  sacriHcial 
blood.  Plumes  of  feathers  seem  to  have  been  theii- 
usual  head-dress.  Palacio  and  Herrera  mention  a 
colored  head-dress,  mitre,  or  diadem  with  hanojuo- 
|>lumes  worn  by  a  priest  in  Salvador.  Over  the 
hair  a  piece  of  cloth  was  usually  worn  by  females,  in 
which  the  Abbd  Brasseur  finds  a  resemblance  to  the 
Egyptian  calantica.  A  tuft  of  hair  hanging  over  the 
face  of  children  often  made  them  cross-eyed;  indeed, 
mothers  are  said  to  have  arranged  it  with  a  view  to 
this  very  effect,  deemed  by  them  a  desirable  thing,  in- 
to have  attached  to  the  forehead  a  small  hanging  }»ias- 
ter  for  the  same  purpose.  The  number  of  'bizoos' 
treated  by  Dr  Cabot,  who  accompanied  Mr  Stephens 
in  his  excursion  through  Yucatan,  shows  that  though 
sojuinting  eyes  are  still  conmion  in  the  country,  the 
defect  has  at  least  lost  its  charm  to  the  Maya  moth- 


ers. 


17 


No  beard  was  worn,  and  the  few  hairs  that  made 
their  appearance  on  the  face  were  immediately  ex- 
tracted. According  to  Landa,  mothers  are  said  to 
have  burned  the  faces  of  voung  children  with  hot 
cloths  to  prevent  the  growth  of  a  beard  in  later  years. 
After  the  Conquest  many  of  the  natives  grew  beards, 
which,  though  sometimes  long,  were  always  thin  and 

17  'Es  lo  mils  (lificultoso  en  los  Indies  el  reduzirlos  fl  cortarles  el  peU*.' 
Vill'ifinlicrrr,  Hint.  Conn.  Itzn,  pp.  408,  .112.  In  ( Jnateniala  sonunvliat  li'ss 
attiMii  ion  seems  to  have  been  paiil  to  the  hair.  'Trayanlo  encrespailo,  o  rc- 
Imjado  en  la  eahe^a  como  estopas,  h  eansa  <lc  one  no  se  lo  ))eynanan.'  A*'- 
mr.siif,  llisf.  C/iifii/ia,  p.  .302;  Co;;olln(lo,  Hist.  Yitr.,  j).  187,  sneaks  of  straw 
anil  jtalm-leaf  hats,  but  he  probably  refers  to  his  own  time.  Hair  of  priests 
lilleil  with  blood.  Id.,  p.  5;  Ikrnitt  Diaz,  Hist.  Coin/.,  fol.  .S;  Sqiiirrs  Cnif. 
Aitirr.,  pp.  321,  551.  In  Nicarajjna  'traen  rajiadas  las  eabecj'as  <le  la  niitad 
adelante  e  los  aladares  por  debaxo,  e  dexanse  nna  eoleta  de  oreja  d  oreja 
por  detras  desdo  la  coronilla.'  th'in/o,  Hi.it.  Grii.,  torn,  iv.,  pp.  .38,  108; 
Ldiiilii,  litffirioii.  p|).  112-14,  184;  liriiii.wiir  </r  Hoiirfwiirtf.  Hist.  Xir.  Cir., 
torn,  ii.,  )).  (i8;  llrnrrn,  Hi.sf.  <.V;/.,dee.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  cn|).  iii.,  lib.  viii.,  eap. 
X.  Afinilar  wore  a  'er)rona  y  trenva  de  eabellos,  eonn>  los  natnrales.'  do- 
luuru,  Hist,  liai,  ful.  02;  /(/.,  t'w/ij.  Mu.,  fyl.  23;  Vuluao,  Curia,  p.  02. 


DISFI(;UREMENT  OF  THE  PHYSIQUE. 


781 


coarse.  Somotliinir  like  a  heard  is  also  to  be  seen  on 
some  of  the  sculptured  faces  anionic  the  Ivlaya  ruins. 
( )viedo  met  in  Nicaragua  a  man  about  seventy  years 
of  age,  who  had  a  long  flowing  white  heard."* 

The  Mayas,  when  they  covered  the  feet  at  all,  wore 
a  kind  of  sandal  of  coarse  cloth,  or  more  freijuently  of 
dry  deer-skin.  These  sandals  were  simply  pieces  of 
skin,  often  double,  covering  and  fltting  somewhat  the 
sole,  and  fastened  by  cotton  strings  from  the  ankle  to 
the  toes  and  perhaps  also  to  the  heel.  I  find  no  ac- 
count of  hand -coverings  except  in  the  Popol  Vuh, 
where  gloves  are  spoken  of  as  being  used  in  the  game 
of  ball.'" 

Having  provided  for  their  comfort  by  the  use  of 
the  articles  of  dress  already  described,  the  Mayas, 
like  most  other  American  aborigines,  deemed  it  essen- 
tial to  modify  and  improve  their  physique  by  artiticial 
means.  Tiiis  they  accomplished  by  head-flattening, 
teeth-filing,  perforation  of  the  ears,  nose,  and  lips,  tat- 
tooing, and  painting;  yet  it  is  not  probable  that  all 
these  methods  of  disfigurement  were  practiced  by  all 
the  natives.  In  Nicaragua,  the  heads  of  infants  were 
flattened;  the  people  believed  that  the  custom  had 
been  origiually  introduced  by  the  gods;  that  the  com- 
pressed forehead  was  the  sign  of  noble  blood  and  the 
highest  type  of  beauty;  and  besides  that  tiie  head 
was  thus  better  adapted  to  the  canvinsx  of  burdens. 
In  Yucatan,  according  to  Landa,  the  same  custom  ob- 
tained. Four  or  five  days  after  birth  the  diild  was 
laid  with  the  face  down  on  a  bed  and  the  head  was 
compressed  between  two  pieces  of  wood,  one  on  the 
forehead  and  the  other  on  the  back  of  the  head,  the 
boards  being  kefjt  in  place  for  several  days  until  the 

"  Denzniii,  Hist.  Mtii'fn  Xiioi-n,  \t.  .S.");  ('/innnii/,  Riiinrn  .inirr.,  p.  341; 
I,fiH(f(i,  Ilfiii'if)ii,\h  114;  Ucrrint.  Hist.  (Im.,  doe.  iv.,  Ill),  x.,  caii.  iii.; 
On'iifi),   Ui.^f.  Urn.,  toiii.  iv.,  |i.  III. 

'*  ''I'raiaii  Miiinialiiis  (it>  cariaiiin  i>  i-iicro  dc  voiiado  |tiir  cm'tirscco.'  I.iin- 
i/ii,  Uiliiriini ,\y  I  l(i.  'J'licy  <;i'n<'rall.v  went  Itarcfoot.  t'luiollinln,  Ihst.  )'//'•., 
ji.  IS7.  Sandals  in  \i('ara'.!;na  c'alh'd  i/iiftirns.  Orin/o,  llisf.  <li'n.,  ti»in.  iv., 
j»I>-  .'H-!»;  .sV/v/'v'.v  Xiriiniii'i",  (Kd.  1Sj(5,)  vkI.  ii.,  p.  .'$47;  nntsscur  lie 
liuurbuurij,  i'njiul  Vuh,  p.  77. 


732 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


desired  craiiial  conformation  was  effected.  So  iri'».>iit 
was  tlie  pressure  that  the  ciiild's  skull  was  souietiiiius 
broken.  I  find  no  account  of  foreliead-Hatteniiit^  in 
(iuateinala  and  Chiai)as,  though  Mr  Squier,  follow- 
ini^  Fuentos'  unpublished  history,  says  that  anionic  the 
Quiches,  C'akchiquels,  and  Zutugils  the  hack  of  the  head 
was  ilattciied  by  the  practice  of  carrying  infants  tied 
closely  to  a  straight  board.  Yet  from  the  fre(|ueiit 
occurrence  of  this  cranial  type  in  the  sculptured  pio- 
liles  in  Chiapas,  Honduras,  and  Yucatan,  there  can 
be  no  doubt  that  in  the  most  ancient  times  a  Hattened 
forehead  was  the  ideal  of  manly  beauty,  and  1  tliink 
we  have  sufficient  reason  to  believe  that  the  artificial 
sha|)ing  of  the  skull  was  even  more  universally  ]»ra<- 
ticed  in  ancient  than  in  modern  times.  The  origin  of 
the  custom  is  a  most  interesting  tt>pic  for  study  and 
speculation.'^ 

The  practice  of  filing  the  teeth  prevailed  to  a  cer- 
tain extent  among  the  women  of  Yucatan,  whose  idial 
of  dental  charms  rendered  a  saw-teeth  arrani>ement  dc- 
sirable.  The  operation  was  performed  by  certain  old 
women,  professors  of  the  art,  by  means  (jf  sharjt 
gritty  stones  and  water. ^^  The  piercing  of  ears,  nose, 
and  lips  was  practiced  among  all  the  nations  by  hoth 
men  and  women  ai)parently,  except  in  Guatemala, 
where,  Ximenez  tells  us,  it  was  confined  to  the  kings, 
who  perforated  the  nose  and  ears  as  a  mark  of  rank 
and  [)o\ver.  We  have  no  authority  for  supj)osiny  that 
persons  of  any  class  in  Yucatan  and  Nicaragua  were 
restrained  from  this  nmtilation  of  their  faces,  or  from 
wearing  in  the  perforated  features  any  ornaments  they 
could  afford  to  purchase.  Such  ornaments  were  small 
sticks,  bones,  shells,  and  rings  of  amber  or  gold.  ( )ther 
ornaments  besiiles  those  inserted  in  the  ears,  nose, 
and  lij)s,  were  bracelets,  rings,  gold  beads,  and  medals, 

*"  0(v'(v/o,  Hist.  Gen.,  torn.  iv. ,  p.  54;  llrrrrn.  Hint.  Grn.,  ilec.  iii., 
lib.  iv.,  flip,  vii.,  »lei'.  iv.,  lih.  x.,  cap.  ill.;  Sqidn-'s  Sivunnjiiii..  (Ktl. 
185(5,)  vol.  ii.,  jt.  SJ-j;  Id.,  in  I'alacio,  Carltt,  p.  lOG;  Landa,  Uchtviun, 
pp.  114,  180.  104. 

*i  Landa,  Itdacion,  p.  182. 


TATT()(1IN(!  AND  PAINTIXd. 


733 


slioll  necklaces,  metallic  and  wooden  wands,  i,nldcd 
masks,  feathers  and  pluin«\s,  and  peails.  Bt.'sidos 
this  piercing  for  ornamental  purposes,  it  should  he 
noted  that  perforation  of  cheeks  and  tongues,  and 
scarifyings  of  other  parts  of  ho<ly  and  liml)s,  were 
common  in  connection  with  lehgious  rites  and  duties.'-' 
Tattooing  was  effected  in  Yucatan  and  Nicaiagua 
hy  lacerating  the  hody  with  stone  lancets,  and  ruhhing 
tlie  wounds  with  j)owdered  coal  or  black  earths,  which 
left  indelible  marks.  Stripes,  serpents,  and  birds 
sef  m  to  have  been  favorite  devices  for  this  kind  of 
decoration.  The  process  was  a  slow  and  jminful  one, 
and  to  submit  to  it  was  deemed  a  siijfn  of  braverv. 
Tile  tattooing  was  done  by  professors  who  made  tliis 
art  a  specialty.  Cogolhido  says  the  Itzas  had  the 
whole  bodv  tattooed,  l)ut  Landa  and  Herrera  tell  us 
that  neitlier  in  Yucatan  nor  in  Nicaragua  were  the 
breasts  of  the  women  sulyected  to  this  decorative 
nuitilation.^*     Painting  the   face  and  body  was  uni- 

2*  A  Wiir  ]mrty:  'Apijoradas  iiarizcs,  y  orojaa  con  sua  nari^^oras,  y  ore- 
jcras  (le  Ciizcas,  y  oiras  piednis  dc  iliiicrsos  coloix's.'  C<i(/ii(/i(i/ii,  Ih.sl.  )'«/•., 
)i.  7;{.  TIk;  It/as  wore  in  tlio  iioso  'una  Itaynilla  olorosa,'  and  in  tin-  carM, 
'vn  |iaIo  laltrado.'  /(/.,  p.  (>!»!•.  'Sartalt-s  de  Caractiles  colorados,'  ;  ncii 
prizoil  l»y  llic  It/as.  Villiiijittinrr,  lli.sl.  Voinj.  Jtzu,  \i.  4R.  Small  sti<"ks  in 
tlie  ears,  and  little  reeds  or  anilwr  rin;js.  or  <;rainM  of  vanilla,  'in  the  nose. 
/(/.,  |i|i.  :U-,  4(»L*.  A  few  silver  and  ;,'old  ear-ornaments.  /(/.,  pp.  4(t7-i>. 
(Ml  tne  peninsnia  of  Vneatan,  'trayan  las  orejas  horailadas  oara  rarcillos. 
Ldiiifii,  Jii/iiriiiii,  j».  114.  The  priest  carried  'nn  isopo  en  la  niano  de  nn 
jialo  eorto  iiiuy  lahrado,  y  por  liarlias  o  pelos  del  isopo  eiertas  eolas  de  nnas 
iMilehras  (nn-  smi  eonio  caxeaveles.'  /»/.,  j)p.  l4*.)-r)((.  Women  jaerced  noM) 
und  ears.  Ji/.,  p.  182.  In  Nieara^ttni  'traen  sajailas  las  len^'nas  por  detiaxo, 
e  las  orejas.  e  al<;nnos  los  niiemliros  viriles,  e  no  las  mnyeres  nni;;iina  ensa 
destas.  y  ellos  y  cdlas  horadadas  las  orejas  de  ^randes  af^njeros.'  O/vVv/o, 
Jlist.  Grii.,  toni.  iv.,  np.  .'VS-!),  torn,  i.,  |>.  4!t7.  Kinj;  in  ^'n<'atan  wore  'des 
liracclefs  et  des  nnineliettes  d'nne  elej,'anee  epile  ii  la  lieante  de  la  niali(Te. 
Jimssr.iir  t/r  lioiirliounj,  Hint,  Sut.  ('ii\,  toni.  ii.,  p.  54.  'Tirmi/i.  <iui  est 
]e  l)ijon<(ne  leseliefs  indiens  portaient  fre(|ueninu>nt  a  la  levre  interienre  mi 
an  eartila;,'e  dn  nez.'  Ii/.,  j).  \)'2.  See  also  t'urfrs,  ('nrfn.s,  p.  .S;  ('iiiiiiiniii. 
Hist.  7'/(i,r.,  in  Noinrllrs  Aimti/rs  t/r.s  ]'oi/.,  184;i  toni.  xei\.,  p.  144;  J/ir- 
rcra,  Hist.  Gm.,  dec.  ii.,  lih.  iv.,  .'an.  vii.,  <lee.  iii.,  lilt.  iv..  cap.  vii.,  lilt. 
vii.,  cap.  ix.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  iii.,  cap.  iii.,  lih.  x.,  ca|i.  iii..  iv.;  Gunmni,  lli.tf. 
Jiiii.,  fol.  'i(t.  (i'J;  Sqiiirr's  Nirnrnffiin,  (Kd.  1S,5('>,)  vol.  ii.,  ii.  ;VI7;  /'/..  ('nit. 
Aiiirr.,  J).  TmI;  Xiincni'z,  Ifist.  /int.  Gnat.,  p.  197;  /tin:,  Iliiirrniir,  in  '/Vr- 
vif>i.i--('iiiii/iinis.  Vol/.,  serie  i.,  toin.  x.,  pp.  l(>,  2'),  31);  /.<».<  Cd.in.s,  in  Kiiiij.s- 
buriiHfi/i'.t  .Ur.f.  Aiitiij.,  vol.  viii.,  ]».  147. 

*^  'l.,os  oticiales  dello  lahravan  la  parte  quo  tpicrian  con  tinta.  y  despiu-s 
sejavanle  delicadanuMite  las  pintnras,  y  assi  con  la  sanf^re  y  tinta  ijnrdavan 
en  td  cnerpct  las  senales,  y  ijue  se  lahran  poco  a  poco  por  el  tornuMito  ^jrande, 
y  tanibien  su  jiuiiuu  dcspue«  mulu»,  pun^uu  »«  luts  cucuuuvau  lu.t  lahures,  y 


"'f 


734 


Tin:  MAYA  XATIOXS. 


vcrsal,  but  little  can  l)e  said  respoctininf  the  details  (if 
the  custom,  save  that  red  and  Mack  were  ap[>areiit]y 
the  favorite  colors,  and  colored  earths  the  most  com- 
mon material  of  the  paints.  Bixa  was,  however, 
much  used  for  red,  and  cacao  tinted  with  hixa  to  a 
hlood-red  hue  was  dauhed  in  great  profusion  on  the 
faces  of  the  Nicar.aguans.  In  Yucatan  young  nun 
generally  restricted  themselves  to  Mack  until  they 
were  married,  indulging  afterwards  in  varied  and 
bright-colored  figures.  Black  was  also  a  favorite- 
color  for  war-paint.  Odoriferous  gums  were  often 
mixed  with  the  paints,  especially  by  the  women, 
Avhich  rendered  the  decoration  durable,  sticky,  and 
most  disagreeable  to  foreign  olfactories.  It  appears 
that  in  Guatemala,  and  probably  elsewhere,  a  coat 
of  [)aint  was  emj)loyed,  not  only  for  ornamental  pur- 
]»ases,  but  as  a  protection  against  heat  and  cold.  At 
certain  Nicaraguan  feasts  and  dances  the  naked  botlics 
were  painted  in  imitation  of  the  ordinary  garnients, 
cotton-fii)re  being  mixed  with  the  paint. ^* 

All  were  fond  of  perfumes,  and  besides  the  odor- 
iferous substances  mixed  by  the  Ladies  in  their  paint, 
opal  and  other  gums  were  burned  on  miny  occasions, 
not  only  in  honor  of  the  gods,  but  for  the  agreeable 
o  lor  of  the  smoke;  sweet-smelling  barks,  herbs,  and 
H;)wers  were  also  habitually  carried  on  the  person.-' 
All  the  Mayas,  especially  females,  were  rather  neat 

li  i<iine  materia,  y  que  eon  toilo  osso  se  inofavaii  de  los  «iue  no  hc  lahravan." 
I.iii,f'i,  IMririoii,  J)|>.  I'iO,  182;  CnifoNii/lo.  Hint.  Vilc,  pp.  18(),  (MV.J;  lin,,!- 
sif,  Ifisf.  Chifiipa,  p.  -iiK};  ViUiujiiUcnr,  Hist.  ('oiiq.  Ifzu,\>\}.  402,4i)8;  lln- 
r-ni,  Hint,  (fr.n.,  dee.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  eaji.  iv. ;  Ori'  In,  llisl.  (Jni.,  toiii.  iv.,  |i. 
:<<;  Ti'ruaiix-Cuinnnii.i,  iw  Xuinief/rs  Auiiiiles  <fi:s  Voif.,  1843,  toni.  xevii.,  |>. 
47;  Fmicourf's  llixt.  Yun.,  pp.  121,  28."»;  Jiiissimr,  J/Eiiipirv.  Mc.x.,  p.  2(>.'>. 

•i^  Jluw'siil,  Hist.  Vhifajxi,  p.  .3t>2:  Laiit/i(,  Jic/uiioii,  ]}\h  114-Ui,  178  SO, 
is;,  1S4;  Coijo/liiilo,  Uixt.  Yiic,  pp.  6.  77;  ViUiuinticrr,  Hist.  Cotiq.  ll:'i, 
pp.  107,  402,  41)0,  4l>i);  Orici/o,  Hist,  tfrii.,  toin.  i.,  pp.  2«>7,  318,  4!».S,  toin. 
r.'.,  p.  Ill;  Cortex,  Curias,  p.  422;  Ginnara,  Hist.  IiuL,  fol.  G2;  Jirnssriir  n'r 
J{  nirltoiinf,  Popol  Viih,  pp.  71-2,  180. 

'•''  'Krau  aiui<ro.s  de  Itiieiioii  olorcs  y  que  por  e«to  nsan  de  ramilletes  dr 
llivres  y  yervas  (dorosas,  nmy  curiosos  y  laltrados.'  Lniiila,  Jirfiirioii,  y.  1 14. 
'Ues  roseau.K  lon}|s  de  deux  palniCH,  ct  qui  repaudaient  nnc  exeelleiitc 
o.ieur  quand  on  le!4  brAlait.'  Diaz,  Itiitfrairc,  in  I'rrnaiix-Compaiis,  I'oif-, 
s'lrie  i.,  tiHu.  \.,  p.  7;  ILrrvra,  Hist.  Grn.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  cap.  iii. ;  /irrrv- 
.•i-iir  de  Bourbounj,  Hint.  Nat.  Civ.,  ton>.  ii.,  p.  C8;  Vuluis,  Mcxiqnt,  \<. 
200. 


PERSONAL  HABITS. 


786 


I) 


than  otlierwise  in  tlieir  personal  habits,  taUinLC  ixvvid 
pains  with  tlioir  druss  anil  so-callodilei-orations.  I'lioy 
hathed  freciuently  in  cold  water  a!id  sometimes  in- 
dulged in  hot  baths,  perhaps  in  steam-baths;  but  of 
the  latter  very  little  is  said,  although  lirasseur  says 
it  was  used  in  Guatemala  under  the  name  of  tnh. 
The  women  were  very  modest  and  usually  took  nunii 
pains  to  prevent  the  exi)osure  of  their  persons,  but  in 
bathing  and  on  certain  other  occasions  both  sexes  ap- 
pear to  have  been  somewhat  careless  in  this  respect. 
in  both  Yucatan  and  Nicaragua  mirrors  were  em- 
ployed by  the  men,  but  the  women  recpiired  or  at  least 
employed  no  such  aids,'^"  Although  such  disfigure- 
ments as  have  been  described,  painting,  tattooing,  and 
perforation,  are  reported  l)y  all  the  authors,  and  were 
all  doubtless  practiced,  vot  one  can  hardlv  avoid  form- 


prj 


ing  the  idea  in  reading  the  narratives  of  the  con<|uer- 
ors,  that  such  hideous  mutilations  were  confined  to 
certain  classes  and  certain  occasions,  and  that  the 
mass  of  the  people  in  cvery-day  life  presented  a  much 
less  repulsive  aspect. 

I  have  already  spoken  of  the  tenure  of  landed  prop- 
erty and  the  laws  of  inheritance  among  the  Mayas. 
To  the  accunudation  of  wealtli  in  the  form  of  personul 
property  they  do  not  seem  to  have  attached  much  im- 
l)ortance.  Tliey  were  ctintent  for  the  most  part  with 
a  supply  of  simple  fooil  for  their  tables,  the  necessary 
household  utensils,  and  such  articles  of  dress  and  or- 
nament as  were  required  by  their  social  rank;   with 


**  'Se  vafiiivivu  iniicho,  no  ounin<lo  do  cuhrirsp  do  las  niUKoros,  sino 
<|iian<ii>  podia  cuhrir  la  iiiaiio.'  Luin/ii,  lirliirimi,  |>.  114.  'Sc  lavaii  Lis 
iiiaiion  y  la  l)oi!a  dos]mex  de  ooinor. '  l<l.,  p.  120.  Tlio  woiiioii  strijiiioil  iia- 
kcl  ill  the  wells  wlierc  tlio.y  bathod;  tliuy  took  hot  Watlis  lallior  ftir  lioaltli 
tiiaii  <doanliiies.s.  Id.,  \\.  184.  The  woineii  'tieiieii  poeo  MMicto,  y  lui  sou 
tan  liiiipias  eii  siis  personas  iii  on  stis  oosas  eon  (jnantoselavan  coino  Ins  or- 
iiiii'ios.'  111.,  p.  I<.)2.  '  Los  honihi'os  hayon  a^nas  puestos  en  clu<(nilias,  e  las 
mu'.;L'res  estando  deretdias  do  idus  a  do  ipiiera  (pie  los  viene  la  j;ana.'  Orinfo, 
Jli.st.  (ii'ii.,  toin.  iv.,  I).  3S;  Iltnra,  Hist.  Geii.,  tlee.  iv..  lih.  x.,  cait.  iii., 
iv.;  Ihiviln,  Teatro  Eili's.,  toni.  i.,  p.  20.3;  Goinniui,  Hist.  Iiit/.,  fol.  'H'}.\; 
('(ifhnjftl  E.ytiiiosa,  Hist.  Mix.,  toni.  i.,  p.  203;  Jinis.iiur  tic  HuurhoHnj, 
Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  G8. 


r36 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


tliese  and  a  sufficient  surplus  to  entertain  thoir  fric^nds 
ill  a  fittiii'jf  stylo,  they  took  little  care  for  the  tutun". 
Yet  tiaders  were  a  class  much  honored,  and  their  ]>ro- 
fessiou  was  a  lucrative  one.  An  active  trade  was 
carried  on  in  each  town,  as  also  between  dirt'ereiit 
towns,  ]trovinces,  and  nations,  in  order  that  the  puo- 
l)le  of  each  locality  niiijfht  he  sui>i)lied  with  the  neccs- 
sfiry  comniodities  hoth  of  home  and  foreii^n  production. 
Few  details  have  l)een  })reserved  respectini^  the  maniioi- 
of  eonductiiii^  trade,  hut  what  is  known  on  the  siil)- 
ject  indicates  that  the  commercial  system  was  identi- 
cal witii  tliat  of  the  Nahuas,  to  which  a  prece(hii.,'' 
cha[»ter  has  heen  devoted.  Commodities  of  every 
class,  fo(Kl,  dress,  ornaments,  weai)ons,  and  imi>lc'nient ;. 
were  offered  for  sale  in  the  market-place,  or  }»laz;>,  of 
every  villai»e,  where  all  transactions  hetween  Imvcis 
and  sellers  were  reijfulated  bv  an  olHcial  who  had  full 
authority  to  correct  abuses  and  ])unish  offences  ayaiiist 
the  laws  of  trade.  Fairs  were  held  periodically  in 
all  the  laryer  towns,  which  were  crowded  by  buytis 
and  sellers  from  abroad.  TravelinLf  merchants  trav- 
ersed the  country  in  every  direction  busied  in  the 
eN.chan<»*e  and  transport  of  varied  local  products.  Yu- 
catan did  a  lari»e  forei<>fn  trade  with  Tabasco  and  Hon- 
duras, from  both  of  which  regions  lari»'e  (piantities  of 
cacao  were  imported.  ( )ther  international  routesof  com- 
merce doubtle.ss  t\\isted  in  (Liferent  directions ;  we-  have 
seen  that  the  Nahua  merchants  crossed  the  isthnuisof 
Tehuantepec  to  traffic  in  Maya  lands,  and  the  soutli- 
eru  merchants  were  doubtless  not  unrepresented  in 
the  northern  fairs.  Transportation  was  effected  for 
the  most  })art  by  carriers  overland,  and  in  many  ]iarts 
of  the  country,  as  in  Yucatan,  niai»niiicent  })aved  roads 
offered  every  facility  to  the  traveler;  quite  an  exten- 
sive coasting-trade  was  also  ( ai'ried  on  by  water. 

The  ordinary  mercantile  transactions  were  effected 
by  exchaui^e,  or  barter,  of  one  commodity  for  another; 
but  where  this  was  inconvenient  cacao  passed  cuncnt 
as  money  amon<j  all   the  nations.     Thus  a  rabbit  in 


MARKET  REGULATIOXS. 


737 


Nicarai^iia  sold  for  ton  cacao-nibs,  and  one  luindred  of 
tlioso  seeds  would  buy  a  tolerably  o-ood  slave.  Not- 
withstandin*^  the  comparatively  small  value  of  tliis 
cacao-money,  Oviedo  tells  us  tbat  counterfeitiuir  was 
sometimes  attempted.  Accordinsjf  to  CoLjolludo,  cop- 
per bells  .and  rattles  of  different  sizes,  red  sbells  in 
strinijcs,  precious  stones,  and  coi)per  liatcbets  often 
served  as  money,  especially  in  foreij^ni  trade.  Doubt- 
less many  other  articles,  valuable  and  of  compact 
form  were  used  in  the  same  way.  Landa  s|)eiiks  o\' 
net-woik  purses  in  which  the  money  of  the  natives 
was  carried. 

We  are  informed  that  in  Yucatan  articles  of  ordi- 
nary coiisunn)tion,  like  food,  were  sold  always  at  a 
fixed  ))rice,  except  maize,  which  varied  slightly  in 
price  accordiii!^  to  the  yield.  Maize  was  sold  by  the 
carga,  or  load,  which  was  about  one  half  of  the  Cas- 
tilian  fane^'a.  In  Nicarai^ua  the  matter  of  price  was 
left  altoij;ether  to  the  contracting  parties.  The  ^[ayas 
of  all  nations  were  very  strict  in  requiring  the  ex- 
act fulHlnient  of  contracts,  which,  in  Yucatan,  as  has 
been  said,  and  in  Guatemala  also,  according  to  Bras- 
seur  de  Bourbourg,  were  legalized  by  tlie  jiarties 
drinkin<jf  toi>fether,  the  beverage  beinu:  urenerally  col- 
ored  with  certain  leaves  called  max.  In  tlie  Xicar- 
aguan  markets  some  extraordinary  regulations  were 
enforced.  Men  could  not  visit  the  market -jtlace  of 
their  own  towns,  eitiier  to  buy,  sell,  or  for  any  other 
purpose;  they  even  iticurred  the  I'isk  of  receiving  a 
sound  beating,  if  they  so  nuu'li  as  peeped  in  to  see 
what  was  going  on.  Ail  the  business  was  transacted 
by  the  women;  but  boys,  into  whose  minds,  by  reason 
of  their  tender  years,  carnal  thoughts  were  supposed 
not  to  have  entered,  might  bo  present  to  assi.st  the 
women,  and  even  men  from  other  towns  or  ]»rovinces, 
were  welcome,  provided  they  did  not  belong  to  a 
peo]>lc  of  different  language. 

No  peculiar  ceremonies  are  mentioned  as  accompa- 
nying tlie  setting-out  or  return  of  trading  caravans, 


Vol.  U.    « 


7:w 


TIIK  MAYA  NATIONS. 


but  some  ciistoius  obsorvi'd  l»y  travelers,  a  laru'c  pro- 
|Kiiti()ii  «tt'  wlioiii  WL-ru  ])r<»l)al»ly  HK-rcliants,  air  ic 
fordiMl.  Ill  Vuratan  all  nuMiibor.s  of  a  IioiisiIk.M 
i»rav('(l  ol'tcii  aiul  eai'iiestlv  tor  tliu  sat'u  rctuni  of  tlir 
al)sriit  nieinlK^r;  and  the  travoler  liiinsuU',  wIumi  In- 
I'liaiiced  to  coinu  in  ooiitat't  with  '<\  lav^v  stone  wliicli 
had  luion  moved  in  openinin'  ^'•*-'  I'oad,  reverently  laid 
U|M>n  it  a  u^reun  hraiu-li,  hiiishini,''  his  icnces  with  aii- 
«»ther  at  the  same  time  as  a  jnwentive  of  tatii^iic 
lie  also  earrieil  incense  on  liis  journey,  and  at  eath 
nii;littall,  wherever  he  mii^ht  he,  lie  stood  on  eml 
three  small  stones,  and  on  thive  other  Hat  stones 
jilaced  Itel'ore  the  first  he  burned  ineense  and  utteinl 
a  prayer  to  Kkehua,  i^od  of  traveleis,  Avhose  naiin! 
sin'nilic'S  'merchant.'  When  the  traveler  was  helattd, 
and  thouLfht  himself  hkely  to  arrive  after  dark  at  lii> 
jtroposed  stopping-place,  he  dej)osited  a  stone  in  i 
ln>llow  tree,  and  pulled  out  some  hairs  from  liis  eyr- 
hrows,  whi<'li  he  j)roceeded  to  blow  towards  tlie  stt- 
tinu;'  sun,  hopinij^  tliereby  to  induce  that  <irb  to 
retard  somewhat  its  movements.  In  (Juatemal.i, 
small  cha[)els  were  placed  at  sliort  intervals  on  all 
the  lines  of  travel,  where  each  ])asser  halted  for  a 
few  moments  at  least,  i>"athered  a  handful  of  herhs, 
rubbed  with  them  his  len's,  s|»at  reverently  u|i(iii 
them,  and  placed  them  j)rayerfully  upon  the  altar  with 
a  small  stone  and  some  triHin<jc  oli'erinin'  <*^  pe]i|H'r, 
salt,  or  cacao.  The  otferinjjf  remained  untouched,  ii<i 
one  beiuijf  bold  enoui>h  to  disturb  the  sacred  token.'' 


27  Tlic  followiii;;  lire  my  aiitlioritios  on  flu'  Maya  ('(tiniiH'icc,  many  nfci- 
(MU'cs  to  siniiile  mcntiiMisof  articlos  lionj^'lit  ami  sold  anti  to  tiic  use  of  rarao 
as  money  lii'in<^  omittiMl.  A'iiiinirz,  If/'st.  Iml.  <lii(it.,  p.  'H)',\\  f.ns  ('(t.sns.  in 
Kiii;/sliiintH(i/i'fi  ^fl■.l•.  Aiifi'/.,  vol.  viii.,  pp.  ]'Vi,  1)7;  Ilirirrn,  Hist.  (Ini., 
di'c.  i.,  lil».  v.,  cap.  v.,  dec.  iii.,  lilt,  iv.,  cap.  vii.,  lil).  v.,  cap.  .\ii..  lil>.  vii., 
cap.  ix.,  dec.  iv.,  lil>.  viii.,  c;ip.  iii.,  ix.;  Lninla,  Itrliiciim,  |(p.  .'{•_',  l'iS-;iii. 
ir)()-S;  Coifiilliiilo,  Hist.  Viir.,  pj).  ISI,  ISS;  ]'i//iii/n/irrn\  Hist.  I'lnnf.  It--.". 
p.  ;m ;  Orif(h),  Hist,  (ini.,  tofn.  i.,  ji.  SKi,  torn,  iii.,  \>.  '2y,\.  toni.  iv.,  pp. 
.S!i-7,  4!>,  .'rt,  104;  I'rtn-  M'lrti/r,  dec.  iv.,  lil..  i. ;  Cortr.s,  t'urtns,  p.  4JJ; 
Jl'iizoiii,  Hist.  }f()ii(l(t  Xii'iro,  fid.  102,  10!);  J'nt.f.siiir  ilr  lliiiirtiniirii,  lli-it. 
X<(t.  I'ir.,  toni.  ii.,  pp.  .'.O-l,  71,  504;  /</.,  l^ojitil  I'li/i,  p.  !t7;  Ny /» /"v  .VA- 
uriKfim  (VA.  18.")(5,)  vol.  ii.,  \i.  'AM\;  Id,  Cnit.  Amcr.,  \i.  320;  (inlhiiin.  in 
.liinr.  lithiio.  Soi\,  Transact.,  vol.  i.,  p.  8;  Aniluijoiju,  in  Xucarrclc,  Vol. 
(k  Viajes,  toni.  iii.,  p.  414. 


MAYA  noATS  ANI>  NAVIGATION. 


T.'W 


OvIchIo  st.iti's  that  ill  Xicar-'iLiciiii,  «>r  at  least  in  <'i>r- 
taiii  parts  of  that  coimtiv,  the  |)ei»iile  had  no  caiKu  s. 
hut  resorted  t«)  halsas  when  it  l»eeanie  neet'ssary  t»» 
cross  the  water.  Tliu  halsa  in  this  rei^ion  was  sini|tly 
a  rait  of  tivu  or  six  loi^s  tiiil  together  at  tlie  ends  with 
jLjrass,  and  et)vered  witli  eross-stieks.  The  author  re- 
ferred to  saw  u  fleet  of  tliese  5ihoii<;inal  vessels  whi(  h 
l)ore  iifteen  huntlred  warrii»is.  On  the  coast  of  Vu- 
eutan  and  in  the  lakes  of  IVten,  the  natives  had  many 
canoes  lor  use  in  war  and  connneice,  and  wire  very 
skillful  in  their  mana^enient.  These  canoes  Mire 
'du;;-outs'  made  from  single  trunks,  caj)ahle  of  carry- 
iiiLj  from  two  to  Hfty  persons,  und  projulled  hy  pad- 
dles. Co^'oUudo  tells  us  that  canoes  with  sails  W(  re 
seen  hv  C\)rdov<'i  tluriii!'"  his  voyaye  u|>  the  coast,  and 
some  modern  wviteis  speak  of  the  faujous  <-anoe  met 
by  Columhus  ott' the  Honduras  coast  as  havini,^  been 
iitted  with  sails;  hut  in  the  latter  case  there  seems  to 
he  no  authority  for  the  statement,  and  that  sails  went 
ever  employetl  may  well  he  considered  douhtful.  The 
boat  seen  by  Columbus  was  eiyht  feet  wide,  "as  loni;' 
Jis  ji  i,^alley,"  b(»re  twenty-Hve  men,  and  an  awniny  of 
mats  in  the  centre  })roteeted  the  women  and  children. 
AH  the  information  we  have  res])ectin^'  boats  in  (Jua- 
temala  is  the  statement  of  l*eter  ^lartyr  that  the 
'du;;-outs'  were  also  in  use  there,  and  of  Juarros  that 
the  Lacandones  had  a  larye  Heet  of  boats;  (Juatemala 
was  a  country,  however,  whoso  physical  conformation 
would  rarely  call  for  navigation  on  an  extensive  scale. 
Villag'uticrre  says  that  the  Chia})anecs  used  gourd  bal- 
sas, ur  '  calabuzat: 


'•J8 


Wars  amonff  the  ISfaya  nations  were  fre<iuont, — 
more  so  probably  during-  the  century  preceding  the 


iiii: 
Inn 


i«Co<jol/ii(fo,  Ilist.  Yuc,  p.  4;  liintnl  lUiiz,  Ili.sf.  Conr/..  fol.  'J;  fh 
I/iiiiraiir,  in  Tcnnuix-Ciiiii/iniis,  Voj/.,  Hi'rie  i.,  tuin.  x.,  ]>.  "Jl;  /'/.,  in  /'• 
hdlcfhi,  Col.  (Ic  Ihif.,  toili.  !.,  |>.  'IKfl;  I'ilfiiijii/irrrr,  Hist,  fiiiiij.  Itzu,  jip. 
a.").'},  301),  489,  7(>;  I'rtrr  Mur/i/r,  dw.  viii.,  lib.  v.;  Orinin,  Hist.  <iii,.,  ti.iii. 
iii.,  p.  UK);  Jiiiirro.-i'  Hist,  dimt.,  j».  'J71;  Urnrni,  lliit.  (/c/i.,  dt'c  i..  lili. 
v.,  Ciip.  V. ;  Ful.sum,  ill  Cortes'  Drsfiritc/n-.s;  pp.  3-4;  Fonlcr'a  J're-Ilint.  JiitrfS, 
pp.  220-7;  Sec  vol.  i.,  p.  099,  of  this  work. 


7i0 


TlIK  M.WA  NATIONS. 


Spanish  conquest,  wlion  tlioir  liistory  is  partially 
known,  than  in  the  more  i-hu'ions  days  (»f  the  distant 
past,  hut  they  were  also,  as  a  rule,  of  short  «lnratit»n, 
jtartaking  more  of  the  character  of  raids  than  of  riy- 
ular  wars.  One  canipaij^-n  •^'•enerally  decided  (he  triit.il 
or  national  dispute,  and  th«j  vi«-tors  were  vontent  with 
the  victory  and  the  cajttives  taken.  Landa  and  lit  r- 
rera  report  that  the  nations  of  Yucatan  learned  tlio 
art  of  war  from  the  Mexicans,  havinuf  heen  an  alto- 
jj^ether  peaceful  people  hcforo  the  Nahua  influ'-ncc  \v;is 
hrouLfht  to  bear  on  them.  The  latter  also  s  isptcts 
that  the  Yueatec  war-customs,  as  observed  liy  the 
Spaniards,  may  have  been  modilied  by  the  ti-acliiiiL;'  til" 
Guerrero  and  Au^uilar,  white  men  held  for  sevi  ral 
years  as  prisoners  before  the  invadeis  came;  but  nei» 
ther  theory  seems  to  have  much  weight. 

The  profession  <»f  arms  was  evervwlu're  an  honoi- 
able  one,  but  military  |)referment  and  luttmotion  sci  in 
to  have  been  somewhat  more  exclusively  c(»nHned  ti> 
the  nobility  than  amonuf  the  Nabuas.  Acccudin*''  to 
Landa,  a  certain  number  of  picked  men  wen;  ;ip- 
pointed  in  each  town,  who  were  called  Jtnh<tii('<, 
must  be  ready  to  take  up  arms  whenever  called  for, 
and  received  a  small  amount  of  '  oney  for  their  ser- 
vices while  in  actual  war.  This  is  the  only  instance 
of  a  paid  soldiery  noted  in  the  limits  of  our  territt)ry.'^ 

In  NicaraiJi'ua  Tapaliij^ui  was  the  most  honorahie 
title  a  man  could  win  by  bravery,  and  from  the  num- 
ber of  those  who  bore  the  title  the  war-caj)tain  was 
in  most  provinces  appointed  either  by  the  monexico, 
or  council,  or  by  the  caci(|ue.  This  cai)tain  was  lor 
the  most  part  inde[)endent  of  the  civil  ruler  in  tinm 
of  war,  but  Boyle  s])eaks  of  certain  cities  wliere  tlie 
caciijue  himself  commanded  the  army.  The  civil 
chief,  however,  if  he  possessed  the  reciuisite  bravery, 
often  accompanied  the  troops  to  the  field  to  take  com- 

^  Lntiffn,  Jiilfii'ioii,  ])]i.  174,  4S;  Uirirrn,  lli'sf.  Gni.,  doc  iv.,  lil».  x., 
cap.  iv.,  lib.  iii.,  cap.  iii.  Tiie  (Miiapaiiot.'s  were  uiiiuii^  the  boldest  warri- 
CIS.  licnutl  Diuz,  llitit.  Cumj.,  fol.  178. 


1\SI(;M.\  or  WAIIKIOltS. 


741 


mand  at  tlio  cnptaiMs  <K'atli,or  appnint  his  siict'cssor.*' 
In  Yucatan  tljoy  liad  two  war-rjipt.iiiis,  «>no  <»t'  whom 
hohl  his  position  Ity  inhcritamv,  wiiiK;  tht-  otlu^r  was 
chosen  tor  a  term  «»f  'iirtv   years.     The  title  of  tl 


10 


hitt 


er  was 


N 


acttn,  nViu  ins 


^tH 


re  seems 


to  1 


lave  lieen 


atteiuli'il  with  some  ini-onveiiieJiees,  since  chirin^^  the 
three  years  he  couM  know  no  woman,  eat  no  meat, 
indnlu^o  in  no  intoxication,  and  have  hut  little  to  do 
with  the  ))uhlic.      Fish  and  iniiana-tlesh  were  allowed 


1 


iim. 


hut  it 


4  h 


lish 


nmst  i>e  served  on  dishes  usi'd  l»v  no  one 


d  li 


lait  himself,  and  must  not  he  served  hy  women,  ht 
Vera  l*!iz  the  captains  were  chosen  from  amonuc  tho 
most  distimi^uished  hraves,  and  seem  to  have  lield 
their  ]»osition  for  life." 

In  Yucatiin  .kins  and  feathers,  worn  accoidiiiii;  to 
fi.Ked  rules,  not  recorded,  werc^  amohi,''  the  naist  |)r'  uii- 
nent  ii  ii^nia  of  waiiiois.  The  face  vas  painted  in 
vari(>us  colors;  and  tattooing  the  hands  was  a  ]>rivi- 
lego  accorded  to  the  hrave.  The  Itzas  fouL,dit  naked, 
hut  j)ainted  face,  hody,  and  lind)s  hlack,  the  hravo 
tattooiiii^  the  face  in  stripes.  Feather  plumes  are  tho 
oidy  insin'nia  meiitiinied  in  connection  with  (Juatema- 
lan  warriors;  hut  the  ij^rade  of  a  Pi])ile'.s  })rowess  was 
indii'ated  hy  the  numher  of  holes  he  had  in  ears,  nose, 
and  other  features.  All  otHcers  in  the  Nicaraufuan 
armies  had  distiiiouishinsjf  mai'ks,  which  they  won) 
hoth  in  time  of  war  and  of  jteace;  tho  Tapaliu^ui  was 
allowed  to  shave  his  heM<l  except  on  tho  crown,  whero 
the  hair  was  left  a  fin^iT  lony",  with  a  lonjjfer  tuft  pnt- 
jectini^  from  the  centre.  The  arraui^feini-nt  of  tli'.; 
feathers  on  tho  shield  also  indicated  to  tho  soldiers 


an  otficer's  rani 


32 


30  nrmf'i,  Wsf.  Of)).,  f.tni.  iv..  vp.  SS,  »^:  r,,,„inm.  Ffist.  Tin!.,  f.>l.  2r,  t; 
,S'/»/V('.v  Xlc(triii/iiti,  (K(l.  1,S.")(;,)  Vdl.  ii.,  p.  :{4'J;  /!iii//i'.s  Iii(/i;  vi(l.  i.,  p.  27:.'. 

3'  l.iiiiihi,  Itildciiiii,  p.   172;  Xiiiivinr.,  Ili.sf.  In  J.  Uii'it.,  p.  "JK'J. 

"^i  (h-in/i).  Hist,  (irii,,  fniii.  iv.,  p.  .'iS;  Liniilii,  Itiliir  ii ,  p.  17'J;  Ili'rrriV, 
Hint.  (-''11.,  <l«'c.  ii.,  lili.  iv.,  cap.  viii..  tli-c,  iii.,  lili.  iv.,  <'np.  vii.,  lil).  v., 
rap.  .\.,  lit>.  vii.,  cap.  iii.,  dec.  iv.,  lili.  viii.,  cap.  x. ;  f'tifurin,  tnr'n,  pp. 
"•)-■-';  I'il/iKjiifiirir,  Hist.  Citmi.  Itzu,  pp.  .lOI,  4'.tS-!»;  S./iiiirs  Xi<in,i(/iiii, 
(Ktl.  lSr>t!,)  vol.  ii.,  p.  ;<PJ;  lirtissiiir  ili-  lluurltoiiiff,  Hist.  Xttt.  Cir.,  toiii. 
ii.,  ]»i».  558-1);  JJui//i\s  Ji'iik.  vol.  i.,  p.  270. 


7:12 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


The  universal  Maya  armor  was  a  tliiek  quilted  sack 
of  cotton,  which  fitted  closely  over  tlie  body  and  amis, 
and  reached  generally   to  the  middle  of  the  tliiglis, 
although  Alvarado  found   the  Guatemalans  clad  in 
similar  sacks  reachinir  to  the  feet.     In  Yucatan,  ac- 
cording  to  Landa,  a  layer  of  salt  was  placed  between 
the  thicknesses  of  cotton,  making  the  garment  very 
hard  and  impenetrable.     As  the  Guatemalan  armoi- 
is  described  as  being  three  fingers  thick  and  so  lieuw 
that  the  soldiers  could  with  difficulty  run  or  rise  ui'tcr 
falling,  we  may  suppose  that  salt  or  some  similar  ma- 
terial was  also  used    by  the  Quiches.     Stpiier  men- 
tions, apparently  without   sufficient  authority,  short 
breeches  worn  to  protect  the  legs.     Tlie   Si»aniar(ls 
Avere  not  long  in  recognizing  tlie  advantages  of  the 
native  cotton  armor,  and  it  was  conmionly  ad()})tc(l  oi- 
added  to  their  own  armor  of  steel.     The  head-anuoi', 
when  any  was  worn,  seems  to  have  been  ordinai'ily  a 
kind  of  cap,  also  of  quilted  cotton.     Landa  says  that 
in  Yucatan  a  few  leaders  wore  wcxxlen  helmets;  tliey 
are  also  mentioned  by  Gomara  and  Las  Casas.     Peter 
Martyr  s])eaks  of  golden  helmets  and  breast-] >lates  as 
worn  in  Nicaragua.     Shields  were  made  of  s[)lit  reeds, 
were  round  in  form,  and  were  covered  generally  with 
skins  and  decorated  with  feathers,  though   a  cotton 
covering  was  also  used  in  Nicaragua. ^^ 

Bows  and  arrows,  lances,  and  darts  were  used  as 
weapons  of  war  by  all  the  Maya  tribes,  the  projectiles 
l)eing  usually  pointed  with  Hint,  but  often  also  witli 
fish-hone  or  copper.  Arrows  were  carried  in  quivers 
and  were  never  poisoned.  The  Yucatec  bow,  as 
Landa  informs  us,  was  a  little  shorter  than  the  man 


33  Cotton  nrmor  rallod  in  some  ]tlac'os  ravdnptlrti.  Hcrrrrn,  THnt.  Clrn., 
«U*f.  iv.,  lib.  iii.,  c'ii[i.  iii.  Hotli  wliito  ami  colorrd.  f<L,  tlec  iii.,  iil>.  v.,  ca]'. 
X.,  lib.  iv.,  cap.  vi.,  ilec.  ii.,  lili.  ii.,  cap.  xvii.,  lib.  iii.,  cajt.  i.  CalliMl  by 
tbo  (^MiichcH  nc/iPoi/K/ii/cs.  Jinixsriir  (fr  l!i/iir/iiinrff,  Ilixt.  Nat.  Cii'.,  titiii. 
ii.,  |».  1)1;  Landa,  Jiclarioii,  ]>.  1"-;  ('ii<j<>nitihi,  Ifixf.  Vur.,  ji.  0,  liriinil 
J>i'(Z,  Jfi.sf.  C'ini'/.,  fol.  2;  Gomara,  Hint.  Iiii/.,M.  (>2;  Las  Casas,  ii\  Kiinjs- 
horoiajICs  Mrx.  Atitiq.,  vol.  viii.,  ]>.  UH;  Oricdu,  Hist,  d'cii.,  toni.  iii  ,  p. 
484,  toiii.  iv..  ]i.  o.'J;  A/rarai/a,  i)i  Tenia n.r-( 'nui/xtiis,  Vmj.,  siirie  i.,  tola. 
X,,  p.  140;  I'^iqitier'i-  Xicara'jiia,  (Kd,  liS.")0,)  vol.  ii.,  p.  347. 


AROUIGINAL  WEAPONS. 


•43 


who  carried  it,  and  was  made  of  a  very  strong  native 
wood;  the  string  was  made  of  the  til)res  of  certain 
plants.  The  arrows  were  hght  I'eeds  with  a  piece  of 
hard  wood  at  the  end.  Oviedo  tells  us  of  lances,  or 
pikes,  in  Nicaragua,  which  were  thii-ty  si)aiis  long, 
and  others  in  Yucatan  fifteen  sjians  long;  Henera 
says  they  were  over  twenty  feet  long  in  (luateniMla, 
and  that  their  heads  Avere  poisoned;  though  Oviedo 
denies  that  poison  was  used.  In  Nicaragua  and  Yu- 
catan heavy  wooden  swords,  called  I>y  tlie  ^lexicans 
macaahaltl,  were  used,  hut  I  find  no  special  mention  of 
these  weapons  in  (Juateniala.  A  line  of  sharp  Hints 
were  finnly  set  along  the  two  edges,  and,  wielded 
with  both  hands  they  were  a  most  formidahle  wea])on. 
AValdeck  found  in  modern  times  the  horn  of  a  saw- 
fish covered  with  skin  and  used  as  a  weapon.  He 
thinks  the  aboriginal  wea})on  may  have  been  fashioned 
after  this  natural  model.  Slings  were  extensively 
used  in  Yucatan,  and  also  copper  axes  to  some  extent, 
but  these  are  sup}H)sed  to  have  been  im})orted  I'rom 
Mexico,  as  no  metals  are  found  in  the  peninsula.'^* 

The  Quiches,  Cakchicpiels,  and  other  tribes  inhabit- 
inof  the  hiu'li  lands  of  Guatemala,  chose  the  location 
of  their  towns  in  places  naturally  well  nigli  inaccessi- 
ble, strengthening  them  besides  with  artificial  fortifi- 
cations in  the  shape  of  massive  stone  walls  and  deep 
ditches.  RuIjvs  of  these  fortified  towns  are  viuy  num- 
erous and  will  be  described  elsewhere;  a  few  AVurds 

3<  Maciiiias  used  as  weapons  in  Xicarairn;).  Orlnln,  Uisf.  'Ini.,  torn,  iv., 
p]).  .").'{,  ;{:{,  toni.  i.,  J)]). .")!  1 -TJ,  tiiiii.  iii,,  |i|).  -I'M.  -ISI.  ('iystal-]i()intc(l  anows 
used  by  tlio  It/as,  and  fliiifs  liad  ^Imit  Hint  knives,  with  fcatlicis  im  tlu^ 
handles.  l'i7/i(ifiifirnT,  llisl.  I'idi'/.  J/:'i,  ]i]),  VXt,  11,  ill'.  Ilardcncl  rods, 
or  pikes.  <'iii/ii//ni/i),  Hist.  )'(((■.,  pp.  77, -.  I>aits  tlirown  fiuni  a  'tiraili  la.' 
llrirni,  lll.st.  (irn.,  dec.  ii.,  lib.  ii.,  cap.  xvii.,  dci".  iii.,  lib.  iv.,  eap.  vi., 
lib.  v.,  cap.  X.,  lib.  vii..  cap.  iii..  di'c.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  caji.  ii,  A  bat  was  tlie 
si;.,Mi  of  a  i'akclii<|ii(d  arinorv.  Hr'/.^isnir  i/r  lli>iir/>o"ni.  J'd/mf  Viih,  ]>.  "J'J."!. 
Si'c  also  Mava  weanons.  Si/iiirr's  Xiriirininti.  (IM.  I S.">(>. |  vol.  ii.,  ](.  IVll, 
3t7;  l'if,rMiirfi/r,  dec.  vi.,  lib.  v.;  J!u;//r's  J!,,/.-,  vol.  !.,  |).  '.'.yS;  Sr/,,r;.rr, 
Wuiitlrriliiifrii,  p.  (IH;  Lfiiir/u,  R  /iir/iiii,  pp.  4S,  I7t>;  Lus  ('ii.sas,  in  Kiinin- 
bcriiKif'i's  M':r.  .liifii/.,  vol.  viii.,  ]>.  MS;  \V<ilili<-h\  Vni/.  I'ill.,  \i.  (il,  witli 
cut;  M'lril't,  \''>i/ii;/i,  tonv.  !.,  ])i>.  ISii,  I'.U;  /'/(/-,  Ifnirrniir,  in  'J't/ihiix- 
Coinjinii.t,  Viiif.,  si'-rie  i.,  toni.  \..  p.  -.");  /'/.,  in  fiii:liii/rr/,i.  Ci,/.  ifr  lim:, 
toni.  i.,  p.  'iUJ-  Bcrnal  Diaz,  Hid.  t'uiiq.,  ful. 'J;  Xuucinz,  Hist.  IiuL  UttuL, 
i>.  127. 


744 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


respectiu!^  Utatlan,  tlie  Quiche  capital,  and  one  of  the 
most  securely  located  and  guarded  cities,  will  suffice 
here.  Standing  on  a  level  plateau,  the  city  was 
bounded  on  every  side  by  a  deep  ravine,  believed  to 
have  been  at  some  points  artificial,  and  which  could 
only  be  crossed  at  one  place.  Ciuarding  this  single 
approach  a  line  of  massive  stone  structures  connected 
by  ditches  extends  a  long  distance,  and  within  this 
line  of  fortifications,  at  the  entrance  of  the  pass,  is  El 
Kesguardo,  a  square-based  pyramidical  structure,  one 
hundred  and  twenty  feet  high,  rising  in  three  terraces, 
and  having  its  summit  platform  inclosed  by  a  stone 
wall,  covered  witli  hard  cement.  A  tower  also  rises 
from  the  sunnnit.  The  Spaniards  under  Alvarado 
found  their  approach  obstructed  at  various  [)()ints  in 
GuateniJila  by  holes  in  which  were  pointed  stakes 
fixed  in  the  ground,  and  carefully  concealed  by  a  slight 
covering  of  turf;  palisades,  ditches,  and  walls  of  stone, 
logs,  plants,  or  earth,  were  thrown  across  the  road  at 
every  difficult  pass;  and  large  stones  were  kept  ready 
to  hurl  or  roll  down  upon  the  invaders.  Numerous 
short  pointed  sticks  were  found  on  at  least  one  «)cca- 
sion  fixed  upright  in  the  ground,  apparently  a  slight 
defense,  but  really  a  most  formidable  one,  since  the 
points  were  poisoned.  Doubtless  all  these  methods  of 
defence  had  been  practiced  often  before  in  their  inter- 
national wars  against  American  foes.  Strong  defen- 
sive works  are  also  mentioned  in  Chiapas,  and  Anda- 
goya  tells  us  of  a  town  in  Nicaragua  fortified  by  a 
high  and  impenetrable  hedge  of  cacti.  In  Yucatan 
the  Si)aniard's  progress  was  frequently  opposed,  at 
points  favorable  for  such  a  purpose,  by  temporary 
trenches,  barricades  of  stone,  logs,  and  earth,  and  pro- 
tected stations  for  bowmen  and  sliniifers;  but  in  the  se- 
lection  of  sites  for  their  towns,  notwithstanding  the 
generally  level  surface  of  their  country,  facilities  for 
defence  seem  to  have  been  little  or  not  at  all  consid- 
ered. One,  only,  of  the  many  ruined  cities  which 
have  been  explored,  Tuloom,  on  the  Eastern  coast, 


DECLARATION  OF  WAR. 


74S 


stands  on  an  eminence  overlooking  the  ocean,  in  a  very 
strong  natural  position;  but  strangely  enougli  it  is  just 
here,  where  artificial  defenses  were  least  needed,  that 
we  find  a  massive  wall  surroundinir  the  chief  struct- 
iires, — the  only  city  wall  standing  in  modern  times, 
though  Mayapan  was  traditi<jnally  a  walled  town,  and 
a  few  slight  traces  of  walls  have  been  found  about 
other  cities.^ 

The  ambition  of  the  native  rulers  to  increase  their 
dominions  by  encroachments  upon  their  neighbors' 
territory  was  probably  the  cause  of  most  wars  among 
the  Maya  nations;  but  raids  were  also  undertaken  oc- 
casionally, with  no  other  ol»ject  than  that  of  obtaining 
victims  for  sacrifice.  In  the  consultations  })receding 
the  declaration  of  war  the  priesthood  had  much  to 
say,  and  })layed  a  prominent  part  in  the  accomj)anying 
ceremonies.  In  Salvador  the  high-priest  with  four 
subordinates  decided  on  the  war  by  drawing  of  lota 
and  by  various  other  sorceries,  and  even  gave  <lirections 
how  the  campaign  was  to  be  carried  on.  The  high- 
priest  was  generally  on  tlie  ground,  in  chaige  of  cer- 
tain idols,  when  an  ini})ortant  battle  was  to  be  tbught. 
Supplies  were  carried,  in  Yucatan  at  least,  on  the 
backs  of  women,  and  the  want  of  adecpiate  means  of 
transj)ortation  is  given  as  one  reason  why  the  ^[aya 
wars  wero  usually  of  short  duration.  The  Nicaraguan 
sjldier,  as  Oviedo  states,  regarded  a  calal)as]i  of  water 
and  a  sup[»ly  of  the  herb  i/<Mt  already  mentioned,  as 
the  most  indispensable  of  his  sui)plies.  lu-spccting 
their  ceremonies  l)efore  giving  battle  we  only  know 
that  on  one  occasion  in  Yucatan  they  brought  a  braz- 
ier of  burning  perfume  which  they  placed  before  the 
Spanish   forces,  with    tlio  intimation  that  an    attack 

'5  See  vol.  iv.,  cliap.  iv,,  v.,  for  a  full  description  of  Miiy.i  ruins,  witli 
plates.  Sec  Liiiidd,  Ililacitni,  )>.  174;  A/niniifo,  in  'J'rniini,r-<  'niii/nuis. 
Vol/.,  surie  i.,  toni.  x.,  j»|>.  \\'2,  117;  Ooi/oi,  in  fi/.,  ji.  l.">V  ''nr/rs,  ('nrlna, 
J)]).  4'J.")-(J;  JiiarcDS,  Ifis/.  Giiiif.,  p.  87;  Ifricf/o,  Jlist.  Grii.,  toni.  i.,  ]>.  r>34, 
toiii.  iii.,  pp.  477-S;  Fiiriilin,  in  Kimj'ilniiuiiiiiICiiMrx.  Aiitiq.,  vol.  viii.,  p. 
24H;  Hrnrr",  Uix/.  Gcit.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  iii.,  cup.  iii.,  lilt,  x.,  can.  iii.;  17/- 
/(tjfiifirrrc,  Hist.  Cunq.  Itzit,  p.  41;  Aiuhigotja,  in  Navarntc,  Col,  dc  Viajes, 
torn,  iii.,  p.  407. 


7iG 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


would  be  made  as  soon  as  the  fire  went  out;  and  also 
that  Alvarado  noticed  in  Guatemala  the  sacrifice  of  a 
woman  and  a  bitch  as  a  preliminary  of  battle. 

All  fought  bravely,  with  no  apparent  fear  of  death, 
endeavoring  to  capture  the  enemy  alive,  leather  than 
to  kill  them,  and  at  the  same  time  to  avoid  bein<»*  cap- 
tured themselves  by  the  sacrifice  of  life  if  necessary. 
In  most  nations  it  was  deemed  im])ortant  to  teiMi'V 
the  enemv  bv  shoutint*-,  clani>in<>'  of  drums,  sticks,  and 
shells,  and  blowing'  of  whistles.  Tlie  armies  of  Yu- 
catan are  said  to  have  exhibited  somewhat  better  older 
in  their  military  movonieiits  than  those  of  other  na- 
tions. They  formed  their  forces  into  two  wings,  jdac- 
ing  in  the  centre  a  s(juadron  to  guard  tlie  cai)tain  and 
high-priest.  The  Nicaraguans  fought  desj)oratc!y 
until  their  leader  fell,  but  then  thev  alwavs  ran  awav. 
He  who  from  cowardice  failed  to  do  his  duty  on  the 
battle-field  was  by  the  Nicaraguan  code  disgraced, 
abused,  ii. lilted,  strip|)ed  of  his  wea})ons,  and  <lis- 
charged  from  the  service,  but  was  not  often  put  to 
death.  As  has  been  stated  in  a  preceding  chapter 
treason  and  desertion  were  everywhere  ])unishcd  with 
death.  All  booty  excejjt  captives  belonged  to  the 
taker,  and  to  return  from  a  campaign  without  spoil 
was  deemed  a  dishonor. 

Captives,  if  of  noble  blood  or  high  rank,  were  sac- 
rificed to  the  gods,  and  were  rarely  ransomed.  1'he 
captor  of  a  noble  prisoner  received  high  honors,  but 
Avas  punished  if  he  accepted  a  ransom,  the  penalty 
being  death  in  Nicaragua.  The  heads  of  the  sacri- 
ficed captives  were  in  Yucatan  suspended  in  the 
branches  of  the  trees,  as  memorials  of  victory,  a  sep- 
arate tree  being  set  apart  for  each  hostile  province. 
The  bones,  as  Landa  tells  us,  were  kept  by  the  ca])- 
tors,  the  jaw-bone  being  worn  on  the  arm,  as  an  or- 
nament. We  read  of  no  actual  torture  of  ])risoners, 
but  the  Cakchiquels  danced  about  the  victim  to  be 
sacrificed,  and  loaded  him  Avith  insults.  Among  the 
Pipiles  it  was  left  to  the  priests  to  decide  whether  the 


PII'ILE  WAll  FESTIVAL. 


7^7 


sacrifice  shoiikl  be  in  honor  of  a  ,i>od  or  cfOfWess;  if  tlie 
former,  tlie  festival  Listed,  according  to  Palacio,  fifteen 
days;  the  ca})tives  were  ohhoed  to  niarcli  in  j>rocession 
throngh  the  town,  and  one  was  sacrificed  eacli  day;  if 
the  feast  was  dedicated  to  a  deity  of  the  gentler  sex, 
five  days  of  festivities  and  blood  sufficed.  Prisoners 
of  [)lebeian  blood  were  enslaved,  or  only  sacrificed 
when  victims  of  higher  rank  were  lacking.  'I'hey 
Mere  pi'obably  the  ])r(j|>erty  of  the  captors.  At  the 
close  of  a  campaign  in  which  no  cai)tives  were  taken, 
the  Nicaraguan  captains  went  together  to  the  altar, 
and  tliere  wept  ceremonial  tears  of  sorrow  for  their 
want  of  success.  The  authorities  record  no  details 
of  the  methods  by  which  peace  was  ratified;  the 
Yucatecs,  however,  according  to  CogoUudo,  exj)ressed 
to  the  8[)aniards  a  desire  for  a  suspension  of  hostili- 
ties, bv  throwing  awav  their  M'eai)ous,  and  bv  kiss- 
inii'  their  fingers,  after  touching  them  to  the  ground.^ 


llli^ 


CHAPTER   XXIV. 


MAYA   ARTS,    CALENDAR,    AND   HIEROGLYPHICS. 

ScAuriTY  OF  Information— Use  of   Metals— Gold  and  Preciocs 
Stones— iMiM-KMENTs  of  Stone— SruLi'TfRE— Pottery— Manu- 

FAtTURE    OF    CLOTII  —  DYEINO  — SYSTEM    OF    NUMERATION— MaYA 

Calendar  in  Yucatan— Days,  Weeks,  Months,  and  Years— In- 

DHTIONS    AND     KaTUNES— PeREZ'     SYSTEM    OF    AlIAlJ    KaTLNES  - 

Statements  of  Landa  and  Cogolludo— Intercalary  Days  and 
Years— Days  and  ^Ionths  in  Guatemala,  Chiapas,  and  Soco- 
Nusco— Maya  Hieroglyphic  System— Testimony  of  Eari,y  ^VIMT. 

KRS  ON   THE   UsE   OF   PI(TI:RE-\YrITING  — DESTRUCTION    OF    DOCU- 

MKNTS— Specimens  which  have  Survived— The  Dresden  Codex 
— Manuscript Troano-Taulets OF  Palenque,  Copan,  and  Yuca- 
tan— Bishop  Landa's  Key— Ukasseur  de  Bourbouru's  Interpre- 
tation. 


Our  knowledge  of  Maya  arts  and  manuftictures,  so 
far  as  it  depends  on  the  statements  of  the  early  Span- 
ish writers  is  very  slight,  and  may  be  expressed  in  few 
words;  especially  as  most  of  these  arts  seem  to  have 
been  very  nearly  identical  with  those  of  the  Nahuas, 
although  many  of  them,  at  the  time  of  the  Conquest 
at  least,  were  not  carried  to  so  high  a  grade  of  })urfec- 
tion  as  in  tlie  north.  Some  branches  of  mechanical 
art  have  indeed  left  material  relics,  which,  examined 
in  modern  times,  have  extended  our  knowledge  on  the 
subject  very  far  beyond  what  may  be  gleaned  from 
sixteenth-centurv  observations.  But  a  volume  of  this 
work  is  set  ai)art  for  the  consideration  of  material  rel- 


(74S) 


alio 


y 


KNOWLEDGE  OF  METALS. 


7i9 


ics  with  numerous  illustrative  plates,  and  altliouj^li  the 
temptation  to  use  both  intorniation  and  pl;)tos  from 
modern  sources  is  particularly  stronj^  in  some  of  the 
topics  of  this  cha})ter  and  the  followin*,',  a  ruiLjard  for 
the  synnuetry  of  the  work,  and  the  necessity  of  avoid - 
iiiif  all  repetition,  cause  me  to  conttne  myself  liero 
almost  exclusively  to  the  old  authors,  as  I  have  done 
in  describing  the  Nahua  arts. 

Iron  was  not  known  to  the  Mayas,  and  it  is  not 
quite  certain  that  copper  was  mined  or  worked  by 
them.  The  boat  so  often  mentioned  as  havinj^  been 
met  by  Columbus  off  the  coast,  and  supj)osed  to  have 
come  iVom  Yucatan,  had  on  board  crucibles  for  melt- 
ing co[>per,  and  a  large  number  of  copper  hatchets. 
Similar  hatchets  together  with  bells,  ornaments,  and 
spear  and  arrow  points  of  the  same  metal  were  seen  at 
various  points,  and  were  doul)tless  used  to  a  consider- 
able extent  throughout  Yucatan,  Chiapas,  and  Guate- 
mala. But  there  are  no  metallic  deposits  on  the  pen- 
insula, and  the  copper  instruments  used  there,  or  at 
least  the  material,  must  have  been  brought  from  the 
north,  as  it  is  indeed  stated  by  several  authoi's  that 
they  were.  No  metallic  relics  whatever  have  been 
found  among  the  ruins  of  Yucatan,  and  only  very  few 
in  other  jVIaya  regions.  Copper  imj>lements  are  not 
mentioned  by  the  early  visitors  to  Nicaragua,  and  al- 
though that  country  abounds  in  ore  of  a  variety  easily 
worked,  yet  there  is  no  evidence  that  it  was  used,  and 
Squier's  statement  that  the  Nicaraguans  were  skillful 
workers  in  this  metal,  probably  rests  on  no  stronger 
basis  than  the  reported  discovery  of  a  copper  mask  at 
Ometepec.  Godoi  speaks  of  copper  in  Chiapas,  and 
also  of  a  metallic  com[)osition  called  cacao! 

Small  articles  of  gold,  intended  chieHy  for  ornamen- 
tal purposes,  were  found  everywhere  in  greater  or  less 
abundance  by  the  Spaniards,  the  gold  being  generally 
described  as  of  a  low  grade.  Cortes  speaks  of  tlie 
gold  in  Yucatan  as  alloyed  with  copper,  and  the  same 
alloy  is  mentioned  in  Guatemala  by  Herrera,  and  in 


760 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


Nicarai^ua  by  Bcnzoni.  The  latter  author  says  tliat 
jjcold  was  abundant  iu  Nicarai^ua  but  was  all  brous^lit 
from  other  provinces.  He  also  states  that  there  wore 
no  mines  of  any  kind,  but  Uviedo,  on  the  contrary, 
sj)eaks  of  'j^ood  mines  of  gold.'  Articles  of  gold  tooU 
the  form  of  animals,  tishes,  birds,  bells,  small  kettles 
and  vases,  beads,  rings,  bracelets,  hatchets,  snuill  idols, 
bars,  plates  for  covering  armor,  gilding  or  plating  of 
wooden  masks  and  clay  beads,  and  settings  for  precious 
stones.  Peter  Martyr  s[)eaks  of  gold  as  foi-med  in 
bars  and  stam[)ed  in  Nicaragua,  and  Villagutierre  of 
silver  'rosillas'  in  use  among  the  Itzas.  We  have 
but  slight  information  respecting  the  use  of  precious 
stones.  Oviedo  saw  in  Nicaragua  a  sun-dial  of  j)earl 
set  on  jasper,  and  also  speaks  of  wooden  masks  cov- 
ered with  stone  mosaic  and  gold  plates  in  Tal  isco. 
Martyr  tells  us  that  the  natives  of  Yucatan  attaclied 
no  value  to  Spanish  counterfeited  jewels,  because  tiiey 
could  take  from  their  mines  better  ones  of  genuine 
worth.  ^ 

The  few  implements  in  common  use  among  the 
IVIayas,  such  as  knives,  cJiisels,  hatchets,  and  metates, 
together  with  tlie  spear  and  arrow  heads  already  men- 
tioned, were  of  flint,  porphyry,  or  other  hard  stone. 
Tliere  is  but  little  doubt  that  most  of  their  elaborate 
sculpture  on  temples  and  idols  was  executed  with  stom^ 
implements,  since  the  material  employed  was  for  tlio 


•  Two  spindles  with  golden  tisane.  Cortds,  Cartas,  pp.  3,  422.  Si>c 
fjiiMeii  idols,  eiicii  one  span  lon<',  in  N iciiraj;ua.  Urrrcrn,  Hist.  (}ct>.,  dec 
ill.,  lit),  iv.,  cap.  V.  20  golden  natchets,  14  carats  tine,  weighing  over  •-''( 
Itis.  /(/.,  lil).  iv.,  cap.  vi.  Houses  of  goldsmiths  that  molded  marvellously, 
III.,  cap.  vii.  See  also  Id.,  dec.  i.,  lih.  v.,  cap.  v.  Little  fishes  and  gcoe 
ol"  low  gold  at  Catoche.  Cof/olluifo,  Hist.  Yitc,  p.  4.  (lolden  armor  iiii>l 
t)ruaments  at  Tabasco  River.  Id.,  pp.  12-13.  Idols  of  nnkuowu  nutals 
u'.uoug  the  Itzas.  Villuffiifirrrc,  Hist.  Coiiq.  Itza,  pp.  4!(r),  407.  (iildcd 
•wooden  mask,  gold  plates,  little  golden  kettles.  Diaz,  Itiitrnurc,  iu  '/'/- 
inni.K-Cniii/Miis,  Voi/.,  serie  i.,  torn,  .x.,  pp.  10,  25.  Vases  of  chiseled  gold 
in  Yucatan.  lirassenr  do  lioiirhoiirij,  Hist.  Nat.  Civ.,  toni.  ii.,  p.  fiO;  Id., 
in  Laiida,  liclncion,  p.  32;  Benzoni,  Hist.  Moiidn  Niioro,  f(d.  102;  Oricdn. 
Hist.  Gcti.,  toin.  iv.,  pp.  .30,  Oo,  torn,  i.,  p.  oiO;  refer  Marfi/r,  dee.  iv., 
Ill),  i.,  dec.  vi.,  lih.  ii.,  vi.;  Torquemada,  Mniiarq.  Iiid.,  tom.  i.,  p.  .3")-l; 
(iiidoi,  iu  Tcrnaiix-Cnmnaiis,  Voy.,  serie  i.,  tom.  .\.,  p.  178;  Sqiiier's  Xirit- 
rtKjim,  (Hd.  1850,)  vol.  li.,  p.  340.  Itespecting  a  copper  mask  from  Nicara- 
gua and  two  copper  niedals  from  Guatemala,  sec  vol.  iv.  of  this  work. 


STONK  CARVINfJ. 


most  part  soft  and  easily  worked.  The  carviii-^'s  in  tin- 
hard  Ha])ote-\vood  in  Yucata;i  niiist  have  [>resuiitt(l 
j,'reat  diHiculties  to  workmen  without  iron  tools;  hut 
the  tact  remains  that  stone  implements,  with  a  IVw 
j)rol)ably  of  hardened  co})per,  sutticed  with  native  skill 
aud  patience  for  all  ])urposes.  Villay'utierre  informs 
us  that  the  Lacandones  cut  wood  with  stone  hatchets. 
Co;L,'"olludo  si)eaks  of  the  remarkahle  facility  which  the 
natives  displayed  in  learning  the  mechanical  arts  in- 
tnxliiced  by  Spaniards,  in  using  new  and  strange  tools 
or  adapting  the  native  implements  to  new  uses.  All 
impleuients  whether  of  the  temi)le  or  the  house- 
hold, seem  to  have  been  ceremonially  consecrated  to 
their  respective  uses.  Oviedo  s})eaks  of  deer-bone 
combs  used  in  Guatemala,  aud  of  another  kind  of  combs 
the  teeth  of  which  were  made  of  b'ack  wood  and  set 
in  a  composition  like  baked  clay  but  which  became  s(jrt 
on  exposure  to  heat. 

The  early  writei's  speak  in  general  terms  of  idols 
of  various  human  and  animal  f(jrms,  cut  from  all 
kinds  of  stone,  and  also  from  wood;  Martyr  also 
mentions  an  immense  serpent  in  what  he  su|)p()sed  to 
be  a  place  of  punishment  in  Yucatan,  which  was 
'compacted  of  bitumen  and  small  stones.'  The  Itzas 
constructed  of  stone  and  mortar  the  image  of  a  horse, 
modeled  on  an  animal  left  among  them  by  CortJs. 
The  Spanish  authors  say  little  or  nothing  of  the 
sculpture  of  either  idols  or  architectural  decora- 
tions, except  that  it  Avas  elaborate,  and  often  demon- 
hke;  but  their  observations  on  the  subject  would 
have  had  but  little  value,  even  had  they  been  more 
extended,  and  fortunately  architectural  remains  are 
sufficiently  numerous  and  complete,  at  least  in  Yuca- 
tan, Honduras,  and  Chia})as,  to  supply  information 
that,  if  not  entirely  satisfactory,  is  far  more  so  than 
what  we  possess  respecting  other  branches  of  !Maya 
art.  Brasseur  de  Bourbourg  s})eaks  of  vases  ex<piis- 
itely  worked  from  alabaster  and  agate  in  Yucatan ; 
there  is  some  authority  for  this  in  modern  discoveries, 


762 


TIIK  MAYA  NATIONS. 


but  littlo  or  none,  so  far  as  I  know,  in  tlio  writiiiij^s  of 
tlie  coii(|Uoror.s.  Earthonwaro,  kIioUh,  aiul  tliu  rind 
of  tliu  jifonrd  wore  tlio  material  of  ^^aya  Uislios.  Ail 
Kpcak  of  tlio  native  pottery  as  most  excellent  in  work- 
manslii)),  material,  and  paintini^^  l)ut  <jfive  no  detiiils 
of  its  maniifaetiire.  Herrera,  however,  mentions  a 
a  provini-e  of  (Juatemala,  where  very  fine  pottery  was 
made  by  the  women,  and  Palacio  tells  us  that  this 
branch  of  manufactures  was  one  of  the  chief  indus- 
tries of  A!j^uachai)a,  a  town  of  the  l^ipiles. 

All  that  is  known  of  cloths  .and  textile  fabrics  has 
been  <:fiven  in  enumeratinjjf  the  various  arti<'k's  of 
dress;  of  any  differences  that  may  have  existed  be- 
tween the  Nahua  and  Maya  methods  of  sinnninn-  and 
weavinij^  cotton  we  know  nothinijf.  It  is  jirobabio 
that  tlie  native  methods  have  not  been  modified  es- 
sentially in  modern  times  amon^'  the  same  ])eoples. 
AVe  are  told  that  in  Yucatan  the  wife  of  a  n'od  in- 
vented weaving,  and  was  worshiped  under  the  name 
of  Ixazalvoh;  while  another  who  improved  the;  in- 
vention by  the  use  of  colored  threads  was  Yxchebe- 
lyax,  also  a  goddess.  Spinning  and  weaving  was  for 
the  most  ])art  women's  work,  and  they  are  si)oke!)  of 
as  industriiMis  and  skillful  in  the  avocation,  IJark 
and  maufuey-Hbre  were  made  into  cloth  by  the  (ak- 
chi(|uels,  and  Oviedo  mentions  several  plants  whose 
fibre  was  worked  into  nets  and  ropes  by  the  Nica- 
raguans.  The  numerous  dye-woods  which  are  still 
among  the  richest  productions  of  the  country  in  many 
parts,  furnished  the  means  of  imparting  to  woven 
fabrics  the  bright  hues  of  which  the  natives  were  so 
fond.  Bright -colored  feathers  were  highly  prized 
and  extensively  used  for  decorative  purposes.  Gai- 
ments  of  feathers  are  spoken  of,  which  were  probably 
made  as  tliey  were  in  Mexico  by  pasting  the  ])luniage 
in  various  ornamental  fijjures  on  cotton  fabric.^ 

8  F(ir  slijjht  notices  of  the  various  mcclianical  arts  of  the  Mayas  see  the 
f()lU)wiii;i  aiitiioritics:  Oricdo,  llist.  (irti.,  U»\\.  i.,  itp.  27(>,  .Sr)(),  Wl\,  toiii. 
iv.,  ])|i.  X\,  ',V\,  IOr>-'.);  Titrqncmiiilii,  Motiiini.  Lit/.,  toin.  i.,  ]).  'i^t-l,  toiii.  ii., 
p.  340;  Luct,  Nocus  OrbU,  p.  329j  L'ogoUuilo,  Ilist.    Yuc,  pp.  4,   \'i,  187, 


SYSTKM  or  NIMKUATION. 


T.VT 


Tho  followiiijjf  talil(!  Avill  i^'ivc  tlu'  iv.uliT  a  cli'ar 
iiloji  of  the  Muyji  systiMu  of  iiiimuiatioii  as  it  existod 
ill  YiU'atau;  tho  (kitiiiititniH  of  some  of  th(;  nanu's  aro 
takoii  from  tho  Maya  «lii'tionarv,  and  may  or  may 
not  havo  any  application  to  tlio  sulyoct: 


liiin,    'iiapcr' 
cii,   '  rata))iish 


3  ox,  'mIicHciI  corn' 

•I  ciiii,  'Nt'i|i('iit' «ir 'count ' 

5  lio,  'entry' 

(i  inic 

7  line 

8  uiixiic,  'Honi<>t1iin<{ 

Htamlin^'  ori'ct" 

9  liolon,   hoi,    Mo  roll  «)r 

turn' 

10  lahun,  liili,   'a  stone' 

11  Inline,   'ilrowneil' 

1-'  lahcii,  (lalinn-ca),   10+2 

i:<  oxlahnn,    \\\-U) 

14  eanlalinn,    4-hlO 

15  liollinn,  (ho-lalinn), 

->-\-\o 

10    iiaelalinn,  fi+10,  ete. 

20  hunkal, /ivr/,  'neck.'ora 

nieasurc,   I  X'-O 

21  hiintnkal.  I  ^-I'O 

22  eat  nival,  2+20,  etc 

28  iiaxaetiikal,  or  limikal 
eatae  naxae,  8 
+20,  or  20  1-8 
raltif,    'and' 

30  lahneakal,  2x20     10  (?) 

31  bulnrtakal,  1 1 +'20 

32  lalieatnkal,  I'if '20 

33  oxlalnitnkal,  13+'20, 

ete. 

40  cakal,  2x'20 

41  linntnyoxkal 

42  ealnyoxkal 
fiO    lalinyoxkal 

51    bniuutuyoxkul 


CiO 

oxkal.  3x'20 

(!l 

linntncankal 

70 

lalineankal 

71 

hnlnetneankal 

m 

eankal,  4X1'0. 

SI 

Iintnyokal 

82 

eatnyokal 

iK) 

lalinxokal 

ItN) 

ho-kal,  5v..>o 

101 

linntn  nackal 

102 

eatn  uaekal 

no 

lalin  uat'kal 

II. ■) 

liollni  nackal 

120 

nackal  l!x'20 

130 

lalin  nuckal 

131 

linln<-  tn  nuckal 

no 

uuckal,  7X'20 

111 

linntu  naxackal 

100 

inixackal,  8x'20,  etc, 

•200 

lalinncai,  I0X'20 

300 

lioliiiikal.  l5x'J0 

400 

linnliak,  1x400 

500 

liotnliak 

(;iM) 

lalintnhak 

8(H> 

caltak,  2X400 

•HH) 

liiitu  yoxliak 

1,000 

lalinyoxliak 

or  linn|iic  (modern) 

1,'2(K» 

oxi.ak,  3x400 

l,'250 

oxl>ack  catac   lalinvox- 

kal,  3x4(MJ+50 

2,000 

cajiic   (niodein) 

8.000 

luin|iic  (ancient) 

Ki.ooo 

ca  pie  (aiM'ient) 

KiO.OOO 

calaU 

1.000.000 

kincliil   or  huntzot/ceh 

(U.OOO.OOO 

hninilaii 

lOfi;  Tlrrrrrn,  Ih'sf.  Ctrn.,  dec.  ii.,  lili.  ii.,  cap.  xvii.,  dec.  iv.,  lili.  viii.,  cap. 
jx.,  lil>.  X.,  ••a|>.  ii.,  xiv.;  Lkik/h,  Uilnriuii,  p|i.  lid,  120,  128  0;  l'i7/iii/ii. 
(irrrr,  Jlisf.  C<>,i>/.  I/.yi,  pp.  100,  3II-I'J,  405,  4!l<.)  501  ;  7;,,//c.syr/,  lli.sf. 
(7ii/(i/)n.,  ]).  203;  /'iter  ^fiir/i/r,  dec.  iv.,  lili.  ii.,  dec.  vi.,  jil).  iii.;  Jliii::iiiii, 
H.'sf.  Mninli,  Xiiiiro,  fol.  OS,  102  3;  A'ininir.z,  lli^t.  liiil.  (lintt.,  u.  'HV.X; 
(liiiiKirii,  lli.sf,  //(f/,,  fol.  2tiS;  Ciird'n,  Cnr/ns,  p.  480,  Aii(/iii/tiifii,  in  S'unrr- 
ri'lr,('(il.  i/r  Vinjrs,  toni.  iii.,  p.  4111;  I.ii.i  Cusiis,  Hint,  ^l/m/iiiji/icii,  .MS,, 
cap.  exxiv.;  /'/.,  in  Kiiii/sltiiroiii;fi\i  Mr.r.  Aii/ii/.,  vid.  viii.,  |>p.  147  8; 
I'dhwio,  farfii,  ]).  44;  S'/iiirr'.s  Slcdrdijim,  (Kd.  |S5t),)  vol.  ii.,  pp.  330, 
3 If!;  ]'<i.stir\i  I' ir- Ill-it.  li'iris.  ji.  212;  JJrussciir  lie  Jhiirhviinj,  Hist.  Aitt. 
Cii\,  toni.  ii.,  pi>.  (iO,  17'2,  Sti.'j. 
Vol.  II.— 48 


r.-ii 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


TIiUH  tliu  Mayas  Huum  to  liavo  had  ini<'<nnjN)uii(l<  il 
iiaiiios  tor  tliu  iiuiiieral.s  from  1  to  11,  lio,  4(»(»,  nii<l 
H,()(>0,  ami  to  liavo  tbnited  all  immlfor.s  l»y  tlu;  tidtli 
lion  or  miilti|)lii*atioii  of  tlu-Ho.  Tiiu  nianiiL'r  in  whitli 
till'  coinMnatioiiH  wuru  inado  suuiiis  cluar  up  to  (ln' 
iiiiinhcr  40.  TIuih  wo  have  10  and  '2,  10  and  .'{,  «■((., 
ii|)  to  10;  20  is  Iniii-kul,  '21  is  /um-fu-ka/,  t'tc,  indi- 
catinif  tliat  fii,  winch  1  <lo  not  Hnd  in  any  diction.ii y, 
is  simply  'and'  or  a  sinii  of  addition.  Thu  coniptisi 
tion  of  ItiJiH-i'ii-kal  is  dear  onlv  in  tlio  scnso  of  ^■// 
iVoin  ttrli'i'  tiri'titi/;  40  is  twt)  twenties,  GO  is  tlii((; 
twenties,  and  .so  on  regularly  hy  twenties  up  to  4(Mt, 
lor  whieh  a  new  word  Ixik  is  introdueed;  after  wliiih 
the  numhers  proctied,  twice  400,  thrict^  400,  etc.,  to 
H,000,  jtic,  eori'i'spondinu;'  b)  tiie  Xahua  j-Kjin'iii/li. 
J3ut  while  the  (.'omposition  is  intellinihle  so  far  as  the 
multiples  of  "20  and  400  are  concerned,  it  is  far  from 
clear  in  the  case  of  the  intermediate  mnnl)(!rs.  For 
instance,  40  is  ca-kal,  and  forming-  41,  42.  etc.,  as  21 
was  f;>rmed  from  20,  we  should  have  /niii-hi-cd-hil, 
(•(t-fii-<'<(-k(il,  etc.,  instead  of  the  names  <;iven,  hnn-tn 
i/(Kr-/ca/,  etc.,  or,  intei'pretinj^'  this  last  name  as  the 
former  were  inter|)reted  we  should  luive  (51  instea<l  of 
41.  The  same  ohservation  may  he  made  i'es]ti_'ttiiii;' 
every  numher,  not  a  multiple  of  20,  up  to  400;  that 
is,  each  mnnher  is  less  hy  20  than  the  composition  oi" 
its  name  w<juld  seem  to  indicate,  if  we  i^ave  to/'/ 
the  mean ini;"  'towards,'  than  hiin-fn-i/o.v-kal  in\i^\\t  he 
interpreted  '1  (from  40)  towards  (50,'  or  41;  hut  in 
such  a  case  the  word  for  21,  }iiin-fn-h\  must  he  sup- 
posed to  he  a  contr  ction  o^  hnn-tn-at-bd,  '1  (from 
20)  towards  40.'  (!i  \er  irrcij^ularities  will  ho  notictd 
hy  the  reader  in  ti  numhers  aht)ve  400.  1  havi; 
thou^'lit  it  host  to  (  11  attention  to  what  apj»ears  a 
strantJ-e  inconsistenc}  in  this  system  of  numei-atioii, 
})ut  which  may  i)resc  t  less  ditliculties  to  one  better 
acquainted  than  J  with  the  Maya  language.^ 

3  Biff  nut  i/r  Sinif'i  Rttn  ^furi'i,  Arfr,  ])]i.  lor)-2()S;  Ii/..  in  Bnissriir  ilr 
JioiirboHi'ij,  MS.  'J'roiiiio,  toin.  ii.,  ip]>.  ',(:.*!).     '101  iiiodo  do  coiitar  tie  1<>«  lii- 


Till;  MAYA  CAI.KNilAK.  T.'o 

Autlioritit's  on  tlif  >riiNji  cultdKlMr  of  Yiicatjin,  tlh3 
i;:ily  oiio  of  wliirli  miy  <ltt!iil.s  are  known,  uri'  IJisliop 
LmikIii  juhI  Don  .luiin  J'i(»  IVivz.  Tlio  latter  was  it 
iii()(K'rn  writer  wlio  devoted  niiieli  study  to  tlie  sul)- 
jt;it,  was  |>erleetly  t'uniiliar  with  the  Maya  hmt^na'.ie, 
and  had  in  his  jtossession  or  consulted  elsewliere  many 
anciidit  inainis('ri|tts.  There  are  also  a  tew  seatteicd 
remarks  on  the  Huhjoot  in  the  works  of  othei'  writers.' 

The  Maya  dav  was  called  kiti,  or  'sun';  ninHh  ocuh 
/•//(  was  the  time  just  |)recedin,L;'  suni'ise;  Inif-.oih  was 
the  tinnj  from  sunrise  to  noon,  v  hich  was  called  c/nni- 
11 H  or  'middle  of  the  day';  fzch-jt  kin  was  the  declin- 
i:i<jf  aun,  or  about  thi'ee  oclock  i*.  m.;oc  mi  kin  was  sun- 
set. The  niiifht.  was  nk<th,  and  midnight  was  c/iiiiinif 
ubih.  Other  houi's  wt-re  indicated  hy  the  position  of 
the  sun  in  the  davtime,  and  l»v  that  of  some  star  - 
the  inornini^  .star,  the  IMeiades,  and  the  (iemini  as 
Landa  says  — durint^  the  night. 

The  followini,'  tahle  shows  the  names  of  the  twenty 
days  with  the  orthoL;ra[>hy  of  dilfeivnt  writers,  and 
the  moaning  of  the  names  so  far  as  known: 

K'liii  'lu'ii(M|ucii  stiin;,','  'yellow.'  '.scriK-iit.' 

( 'liiccliilii       r/n'r/iii  I  wMiilil    1)0    ■.siiiall,'  a   tliiiij,'  that   j;ni\vs  or    iiicrca^cH 

sliiwly. 
("inii  '(^uiiiii,  Ciiiiijl  prcfcrito  of  vimH,   'to  die' 
-Maiiik  |)osNihly  '  iia.ssiii;,'  wiiiil.' 

I.aiiiat  ])ossil)ly  'aliy.ss  of  walt'f,"  fonml  as  l.inihal  in  Oajaca  calcinlar. 

Muliio  |Hissil>|y  'rcuiiio!!,'  aNo  in  Cliiajias  <'ali'ii(lai'. 

Uc  'what  may  he  lit'ld  in  the  jialiu  of  the  haini.'   'foot,'   'Ic^'.' 

t'hiU'U  '  hoaril,'  or  iiaiiic  of  a  trci-,  \ii-x\\i\.\)^  rlnmiii  of  (^iiichi- cali'iidar. 

i;i>  'stairway'  or  'ladder.' 

lien  (Heeii)  ]ierha|is  Tlcen,  an  ani'ient  prince,  or  'tosjiend  with inoiny.* 

I\  illi\,  (iix)  |ios>il)ly   '  rou^^hnex-i.'     '1  he  Cjuiehe  itz  i.s  'sorcerer.' 
Men  '  hnilder.' 

CiblQiiih)  'wa.\'  or  'copal.' 


dio!»  cs  de  eiiico  on  cinco,  y  ile  <|uatro  rincos  luizen  veinte.'  Lumhi,   I!l((- 
riiiii,  ]i.  '2M;   Jfrrrrrit,  J/isf.  /liii..  dee.  iv.,  lih.  x..  eiiji.   iv. 

*  L'lii'/ii,  Ji'fiirifiti,  pj),  •2ll2-;ni'>;  /''■;•'■:,  ('/■■iiniinii'n  .\ii/i'/">i  <!•'  Vin'., 
uith  l'"reneh  translation,  in  /»/.,  \\\\.  WWW  42'.t;  l'".n;,'iish  Iransjation  of  tins 
s  line  in  .SV>y*/ir//.v'  Yiti'uhtn,  vol.  i..  iip.  -HU-.')'.);  ori.uinal  S|iani^!i  al.-^.i  in  the 
Ji'/is'ro  Yiii'iitirn;  Orozci)  _y  I'i'rrii.  Hf'tiinifiiu  Y\i.  HW  S.  Kl.'i-t;  \'iiiHn, 
Jlisl.  Ant.  M'J.,  toin.  i.,  \>.  I'M;  ('fiin'i/rrii,  Slurin  Ant.  il>t  M  ssint,  toni. 
ii.,  |)|>.  (!.")-(!;  Gnlliitin,  in  Aiiirr.  Kt/ino.  Sur.,  Trinisiirt.,  vol.  i.,  np.  101- 
I  I;  I'riis.sriir  i/f  JioHi-ttoiirif,  Hi.st.  Xiii.  Cir.,  toni.  iii.,  pj).  tiiLl-T;  /(/., 
il.S   Troiiiio,  toni.  i.,  pp.  73-1)7. 


756 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


Ciihnn 

Lziiiiiih  (Ecnah,  Edznab) 

CiUiiic 

Alum  (Ajau)  'kin;^,'  bepuiiiiip  of  the  period  of  24  (or  20)  ytnrs. 

Yiiiix  Iiuox,  ill  t^iiiehe  culuiulur  is  the  Mexican  Cipactli. 

Il<  (Viv)       'wind'  or  '  l.reath.' 

Akbal  la  l^uiche,   'vase.' 

The  liiero<>-lyp]iics  by  which  the  names  of  the  days 
were  exi)ressed  are  shown  in  the  acconij)anying  cut  in 
their  proper  order  of  succession, — Kan,  Chicclian,  etc., 
to  Akhal ;  hut  it  is  to  be  noted  tliat  ahhouoh  tliis  onUr 
was  invariable,  yet  the  month  might  be,ofin  with  any 
one  of  tile  four  days  Kan,  Muhic,  Ix,  and  Cauac. 


CHICCHAN.  CI  Ml.  MAN  IK,  LAMAT. 


OC. 


MEN. 


CAUAC. 


AHAU.  YMIX 


Days  of  the  Maya  Caleiuhi 


The  month,  made  up  as  T  have  said  of  twenty 
days,  was  called  u,  or  'moon,'  indicating'  perhaj)s  that 
time  was  originally  computed  by  lunar  calculations. 
It  was  also  called  u'uial,  a  word  whose  signification  is 
not  satisfactorily  given.  The  year  contained  eighteen 
months,  whose  names  with  the  hieroglyphics  by  wliich 
they  were  written,  are  shown  in  the  cut  on  the  opposite 
page,  iv  their  order,  Pop,  Uo,  Zip,  etc.,  to  Cumhu. 


MONTHS  OF  THE  MAYA  CALEXDAIf. 


767 


POP,  UO,  ZIP.  TZOZ.         TZEC. 


PAX.  KAYAB.  CUMHU. 


Months  of  the  Maya  Calendar. 

Not  only  did  tlio  months  succeed  eacli  other  al- 
ways in  the  same  order,  but  Pop  was  always  the  first 
month  of  flie  year,  wliicli  began  on  a  date  corres- 
ponding to  July  l()  of  our  calendar,  a  date  "which 
varies  only  forty-eiglit  hours  from  tlie  time  when  the 
sun  passes  the  zenith  -an  a[)proximati<)n  as  accurate 
as  could  be  expected  from  observations  made  without 
instruments. 

The  following  tahle  shows  the  names  of  the  months, 
their  meaning,  and  tlie  day  on  which  each  began,  ac- 
cordinijf  to  our  calendar: 


Pop  (Poop,  Po])p)  'mat ' Inly  10 

Uo   (Woo,  \'oo)  '  J'ro^' ' An;;.    5 

Zip   (Clip)  name  t>f  a  true,  ' ilcfi-ct,'  ' swollen ' Aii^.  '25 

Tzoz   (Zoc,  Zotz)   'Iiat' Sept.  14 

Tzec   (Zeee)   possibly  '  discourse,'  '  skull ' <  >rt.      t 

Xul    'end' .' (|et.  'J4 

Yaxkiu   (l)ze-Ya.\kin,  Tze  Vaxkin)   'beginning  of  summer' Nov.  13 


7r,3 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


Mill   (?.I(i()l)  'to  roiiiiitc' Dec.    ?, 

Ciicii  (("lieuii)  'well' Dcr.  •_':; 

\iix    (^'iiax)  'j^rn't'ii'  or  'l)liiL''or  'liist' .Jii:i.   IJ 

/a.'  (Za!v)  '  ek-ar.'  '  wliito ' Fci..     I 

(Vli    (t^■ll,  (^icj,  C^icli)  Mecr' IVU.  -JI 

Mai',    'to  dose,'  'lid,'  a  measure Mar.  l;{ 

KaiiUin,    'yellow  sun' \\<v.     _' 

-Miiaii    (Moan)   '  sliov.erv  <lay,'  the  bird  called   'ara' -i  r.  •_'_' 

Tax    (I'aax)  a  niusical  instrument May  !_' 

Kayali,    'sin;;in;;' lime    ! 

(.'undiu   (Cumkii)  noise  of  an  explosion,  as  of  thunder liuie'Jl 


uclili 


''  ("o;j:ollndo  omits  the  niontli  Tzoz,  and  inserts  a  month  Vayeali,  Viii/ 
or  \'lol)ol  Kin,  hetween  Cnudiu  and   Top.      lie  also  in  oiu'  phne  ]iuis 


r/>< 


laU  in  the  i)lace  o 


if  Ki 


Jll.sf.    ) 


1' 


I  S,-)-(J. 


llso  L 


jriis.si  III'  II 


If,  Ifist.  \ii/.  Cir.,  toni.   ii.,   ])[).  4(i(i-7;   Wnhlii-k,    I'li;/.   I'i//.,  |i. 
'22.     The  .\hhL'  IJrasseur  de   I'xnnhour;;.  in  his  attemjiled  inter|irelatiiin  d" 


the  Manuscriii 


t  '1' 


■oano, '' 


i\es  the  foil 


'curious  et  vmolo'fies  of  the  niuii 


of  these  months.  'Le  vocahle  y*'(/'.  <iue  I'.ellran  ecrit  lonj;,  /mu/),  si;.'nill(' 
natte,  "esterao  petate,"  (lit  I'io  I'ere/.,  (pii  donne  eni<ne  a  ^/i///  le  sens  d' 
arlu-isseau  on  d'nne  plante  iju'il  ne  dccrit  point,  niais  (|ui,  fort  iiroliah 
ut,  doit  etre  de  la  nature  des  joncs  dont  on  fait  les  dili'creiitcs  espei  c: 


nil 


natti's  connnes  an  Vncalan.  Kn  preiiant  ce  \<icalile  avec  rorllio^rraplic  de 
IJeltran,  /iim/t  se  eomposerait  de //r<,  primitif  innsite,  exprimant  renllnre,  !a 
vapeiir,  I'expansioii  par  la  chalenr  dune  niatiere  dans  uiie  enveloppe,  cl  di' 


l.r 


riser,  roiiipre  pour  sortir,  cre\asser  par  la  lorcc 


ihi  fei 


r.elt 


ran  aimitc 


le  nil  desi;,'!!!'  en  outre  le  telard,  line  sorte  dv  petit  era|iaud  et   nn   I'ruit 


iiidi;;eiie,  appele /*//f»/*'>v"  aiix  Antilh's. 


an  rapport  ilii  nieiiie  aiitt 


nonce   Tidt'e  des  caracti-res  de   recriture,  en   particulier  des  voye|](v 


(Vt  1 


f> 


iicronivplie  ]>arait  assez 
'    '         ■  "  l.h 


lillicih 


e  a  exiiliiiuer.     Sa  section  iiif^  rieiiic  rcii 


riue  un  caractere  (|ni  scmhlc,  en  raccourci,  ct 


■liii  de  la  let  tie  A.  et  la 


In  // 


tion  supi'rieure  est  ideiitiipie  avec  le  si;,nie  ((lU!  je  erois  une  variante 
localitL',  lien.     <  "e  tpron  pourrait   interpreter  jiar  "le   possesseur  eiit'cin 


du  li 


indice  du  tctard,  de  rcmhryon  dans  son  »'n\elop]ie.  ('.')    1,'ei: 


>l>!, 


de  I'iih'e  t^i'oloHiime,  (jui  a  preside  ,i  la  eoinposition  du  calendrier  maya. 

iiiois,  ainsi  <|ue  ilans  ceux  de>  jours.      .'. pres 
le  chaieiir,  apiiarait   le  tctard,  remlu'viui  dc 


lonrsui 


t  dii 


ins  les  noins  ties 
niar.'caie,  dei.a  <'re\ass  ■  par 


ttrenoiii 


lie,  li 


Ussi; 


an  fond  de  la  honrlie,  svinlMde  de  remhrvi 


on  dn   feu  vol 


can 


icpie  convant  sons  la  terie  ;,daci'e  v.l  ipii  ne  tardera  pa>-  ii  roinpre  so 


oppe,  amsi  cpi  on  le  verra  diins  les  noins  des   nuns  suivaiits.  ,  .  .Ai/i,  aiia 


vsc,  donin 


Xi 


Kus  a 


hrul 


r  ipii  SI!  ;jontIe  outre  niesure,  sens  intcn'ssant 


(jui  rapjielle  le  ;^rand  arlire  dn  moiiile.  j;i>iilh'  outre  mesure  jar  les  •in/,  ct  li 

teiix  \olcaiiii|ues,avaiit  d'ei'Iater rinclincrais  ,'i  pensertpie  l.aiida  a  v<c,;l,i 

exprimcr  par  f~i>z,  iion  la  chauve-souris  ci.v,  n  .'li-- /m/c,  la  cheveiiire.  vocalih' 


II  dans  toutes  les  lauuncs  <lu  ur 


oupe  mcxicii  L'lialciiialien  indii[ne  syni 


liipiemcnt  la  ehevtdun^  de  rean,  la  snrf;ice  (Uid.iyaiili',  ri'inuante  de  ia  iiicr, 


l.i  -J 


in  lac  oil  d  line  riviere:  c  est  a  <|Uiu  s.'inli'eut  correspondre  les  si;rnes  di 


ice  (pii  sc  pi'i'sentcnt  dans  1  ima.'.je  du  iiiois 


a  clicvelure,  th 


urfi 


ice  (les  eaiix  ''eli'cs  ai 


T-i 
ii-dc 


II 


s  aj^irai 


t  (1( 


de  la  terre  el 


(pU 


l.i  hu'ce  du  fen  volcaniijiie  commence  ii  rider,  a  faire  ;.'riiii:icer.  ainsi  (pie 
l\'iiouce  le  iiom  dn  iiiois  suivaiit .  . .  .T/ec. . .  .("e  (pie  raiiteiirdu  calendrier  a 
\  lulii  expiimer,  e'est  hien  proliahlement  nue  ti'ie  de  luort  de  siiiu'e.  aiix  dents 
nacantes,   iniajre  asse/  eonimnne  dans  les  fantaisies  mytliiilo;ji([nes  dc 


••rii 


nu'ricpie  eeulrale  el  ([ii'on  n'tnnni'  sciilptce  fr;'(|ucmiiieiit  dans  h 


.■lie 


r.iiiies  ( 


leC 


ojian. 


.r 


ne  intention  pins  pri 


pfond 


e  enciu'e  se  rev( 


le  d.i 


L's  ih;  sinijes.      Car  si  les  daiises  et  les  n 


louvemeil 


tsd 


e  ees  animanx  syni- 
li  ihsent,  dans  le  sens  niystcrienx  du  I'o/in/  Vii/i.  le  sonh'vement  monien- 
lani- des  iiKuita^xnes  11  la  surface  de  la  nier  des  t'aralhes,  leiirs  t(''te^,  mm' 
1  expression  «le  hi  mort,   ne  sauraient  faire  allusion,  prid.iahlenieiil,  (pi'a  la 


INTEIK  ALAUY  DAYS. 


•59 


The  year  was  called  Imult,  and  consisted  of  the 
eiu^liteeii  months  alrea<ly  named, — whicli  would  make 
(iGO  days, — -and  of  tive  siipplementaiy,  or  intt^rcalaiy 
days,  to  complete  tlie  full  nuniher  of  .S()5.  These  in- 
tercalary da\'s  were  called  .rtiKi  htim  kin,  or  'nameless 
days,'  and  also  i{ai/<(h  or  uai/ch  haah,  u  ua  /t>«(h.  unijuh 
cli((h,  '!  i/dl/  L-iii,  II  i/nii li<K(h,  H  tuz  kin,  or  n  lolnd  lin, 
which  may  mean  'Ited'  or  'chamher'  of  the  year, 
'mother  of  the  year,'  'hed  of  civation,'  'travail  of  the 
year,'  'lyiiiijf  days,'  or  'had  days,'  etc.  They  Aveio 
added  at  the  end  of  each  year,  after  the  last  day  of 
Cundiu,  and  althou'di  tliey  are  called  nanu'less,  and 
were  ])erhaps  never  spoken  of  hy  name,  yet  tliey  weiv; 
actually  reckoned  like  the  rest; — that  is,  if  the  last  day 
of  CumJiu  was  Akltal,the  five  intercalary  days  would 
he  reckoni.'d  as  Ivan,  Chicchan,  ('imi,  ]\ra:nik,  and 
Lamat,  so  that  the  nevv  yeai',  or  the  month  of  Po}>, 
would  l)eL;-in  with  the  (lay  Muluc. 

Besides  this  division  of  time  into  years,  months,  and 
days,  there  was  another  division  carried  alon^"  sinnil- 
taneously  with  the  tirst,  into  twenty-ei,L>ht  }n'riods  of 
thirteen  days  each,"  which  may  for  convenience  Ik; 
termed  weeks,  althoujjfh  the  natives  did  not  apj)ly  any 
name  to  the  ]»ei'iod  <»f  thirteen  days,  and  perha]>s  did 
not  regard  it  as  a  definite  jxM'iod  at  all,  hut  nscd  the 
nund)er  thirteen  as  a  sacred  numher  from  some  su])ei'- 
stitious  moti\es;'  yet  its  use  pi'oduces  some  cnrious 
comj)licatioiis  in  the  calendar,  of  which  it  is  a  most 
]>eculiar  feature.  The  name  of  each  day  was  jireceded 
hy  a  numeral  showing'  its  position  in  the  week,  and 

(lis|)iiritimi  do  ces  incMitau'iit'^  hoiis  Ics  (>iiii\,  nil  cllcs  (•(•ntiniiiM-cMt  a  ^'riiii:\- 
<'iT,  dans  Ifs  ri'i'ifs  ct  Ics  liniijl'-iirs,  (•(iiiiiiic  cllcs  avaicnt  fait  i^riiiiaccr  l.i 
tllai-e,  L'li  sc  siiiilc\aiit."  As  it  would  (iciiiiiy  too  iniicli  space  tn  ^'ivc  llic 
Alihc's  cx|ilaiiatimis  of  all  tlic  iiioiitlis,  tlic  ahovc  will  siillicc  fur  specimens. 
See  .!/>'.  Tniinin,  torn.  i..  pp.  '.tS-KiS. 

*>  I-anda  sa.vs,  liii\vc\cr,  '  vin^ft-scpt  tre/aines  ct  nenf  jours,  sans  cmnptrr 
Ics  snpnli'nicnlaircs.'  Iti  lurimt,  ji.  'IX1. 

■?  Tlic  niinilici'  \'.\  nia.v  emnc  fmni  tlic  oriL'inal  reekoninj:  li.v  liinatiniis, 
2(i  da.vs  hciny:  almnt  the  time  the  nmitn  is  seen  alxivc  the  hmi/on  in  cac  !i 
revolution.  l:{days  of  increase,  and  i:{  of  decrease.  I'ln:,  in  I.kikIh,  U'- 
lifion,  p|).  Hl>(i-S.  Or  it  mav  have  hccn  a  sacred  nnmlicr  hefore  the  inven- 
lioii  of  the  calendar,  heiii;^  the  numher  of  ;,'ods  of  higli  rank,  lirasscnr  di'. 
llonrbounj,  lb. 


il'    I 


rco 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


those  niiinerals  proceeded  regularly  from  one  to  tliir- 
teeii  and  then  began  again  at  one.  Thus  I  Kan  meant 
*Kan,  the  first  day  of  tlie  Aveek';  12  Cauac,  'Caiiac, 
the  twelfth  day  of  the  week,'  etc.  It  is  probable  also 
that  the  days  of  the  month  were  numbered  regularly 
from  I  to  20,  as  events  are  spoken  of  as  occurring  on 
the  1 8th  of  Zip,  etc.,  but  the  numeral  relating  to  the 
week  was  the  most  prominent.  The  table  shows 
the  succession  of  days  and  weeks  for  several  months: 


1 

1 
Pop. 

»». 

2 
Uo. 

"3 

3 

Zii'. 

I< 

4 
Tzoz. 

C 

— 

>. 

l"*. 

-^ 

1 

Kail 

1 

s 

Kail 

1 

2 

Kan 

1 

<) 

Kan 

1 

O 

('Iiic'chiiii  . 

O 

<l 

I'liiccliiin. . 

2 

3 

Cliiccli  in. . 

*> 

10 

Cliifilian  . 

.J 

3 

("iiiii 

w 

1(1 

("niii 

3 

4 

Ciiiii 

.-i 

11 

("inii 

;{ 

4 

Mimik.... 

■1 

II 

.Maiiik.... 

4 

5 

.Manik.... 

4 

12 

Manik  ..  , 

4 

r. 

I.aiii.it 

r> 

!•.: 

I.Miiiat  .... 

5 

(> 

i.aiiiat  .... 

;> 

K! 

l.ainat .... 

,") 

f) 

Muliu-.... 

(1 

i:! 

Muluc... 

(i 

7 

Mnliic  . . . . 

('> 

1 

.Mnluc... 

() 

7 

Of 

-1 
1 1 

1 

1  »!• 

7 

8 

( ><• 

1 

o 

( »(• 

7 

8 

('liiieii .... 

s 

k> 

Cliuoii. .  . . 

8 

1     9 

Clincii.... 

S 

:t 

("iuien. . . . 

s 

<» 

Kl. 

tt 

;{ 

i:i> 

<» 

10 

Kl) 

<t 

4 

K 1) 

0 

10 

ISeii 

ID 

4 

IUmi 

10 

11 

lii'ii 

1(1 

.5 

lien 

iO 

11 

|\ 

II 
I-' 

i) 

(i 

I.x 

.Men 

11 

12 

12 

Ix 

11 

121 

(1 

4 

Ix 

II 

1_> 

Men...,,. 

.Men 

.Men 

12 

\\\ 

("il. 

1.'$ 

1 

Cib 

1.} 

1 

("il> 

I.S 

,s 

Cil) 

i:{ 

1 

Calt.iii  .... 

14 

s 

Cabiin  .... 

14 

2 

Caltaii  .... 

14 

<» 

Calian  .... 

14 

t> 

K/.aiial> . . . 

!.-> 

<l 

l'',/aiial» . . . 

l.-> 

.3 

K/anal>  . .  . 

1.-. 

10 

H/anal) . . . 

!."> 

'^ 

<  'aiiac 

k; 

1(1 

("aiiac  .... 

l(i 

4 

( 'aiiac 

1(1 

II 

Canac  .... 

ii; 

4 

.Mian 

17 

II 

.Miaii 

17 

5 

.Miaii 

17 

12 

.Mian 

17 

.5 

Viiiix 

Is 

I'J 

N'liiix 

18 

« 

N'lnix 

IS 

\'.\ 

Vinix 

IS 

fl 

Ik 

l!l 

i:i 

Ik 

1<> 

7 

Ik 

I'.t 

\ 

Ik 

lit 

7 

Aklial  .... 

•20 

1 

.Vkl.al  .... 

20 

8 

Akhal  .... 

20 

2 

Aklml..  .. 

20 

Of  the  twenty  days  only  four, — Kan,  Muluc,  l.\, 
and  Cauac — could  begin  either  a  month  or  a  year. 
Whatever  the  name  of  the  iirst  day  of  the  first  month, 
every  month  in  th(i  year  bewail  with  the  same 
day,  accom})anie(l,  however,  by  a  different  numeral. 
The  numeral  of  the  first  day  for  the  first  month  ln'- 
ing  I,  that  of  the  second  would  be  8,  and  so  on  for  the 
other  montiis  in  the  following  order:  2,  9,  3,  10,  4,  1  I, 
5,  12,  G,  13,  7,  I,  8,  2,  !),  ;!."  To  ascertain  the  numer- 
al for  any  montli  7  must  be  added  to  tliat  of  the  jire- 


^^ 


SUCCESSION  OF  Till':  YKAHS. 


761 


cediiiijc  niontli,  and  13  subtmctod  from  the  sum  if  it  be 
more  than  13. 

Bv  cxtendiiiiTf  the  table  of  days  and  montlis  over  a 
period  of  yoars, — an  extension  \vlii«'li  my  s\y<wo  doi's 
not  ponnit  me  to  make  in  tlieso  l)a'4e8, — the  reader  will 
observe  that  1)V  reason  of  the  intercalary  davs,  and  of 
the  fact  tliat  28  weeks  of  13  days  each  make  only  3(54 
instead  of  30;)  days,  if  the  tii'st  year  be^an  with 
the  day  1  Kan,  the  second  would  be^in  with  2  ^Fnhic, 
the  third  with  3  Ix,  the  foni'th  with  4  Canac,  tlie 
fifth  witli  5  Kan,  and  so  on  in  roL^ular  older;  therefore 
the  years  were  named  by  the  day  on  which  tliey  be_nan, 
1  Kan,  '2  Muhic,  3  Ix,  etc.,  since  t!ie  year  would  be- 
<i^in  with  any  one  of  these  cond)inations  only  once  in 
b'2  vears.  Thus  the  four  names  of  the  days  Kan, 
Muluc,  Jx,  and  Cauac  served  as  signs  for  the  years, 
precisely  as  the  signs  (oclif/i,  cd/li,  U'cpafl,  and  acatl 
with  their  numerals  served  amoniif  tlie  Aztecs.  In 
the  circle  in  which  the  jMavas  are  said  to  have  in- 
scribed  their  calendar,  these  four  signs  ai-e  located  in 
the  east,  north,  west,  and  south  respectively,  and  are 
considered  the  'carriers  of  the  years.' 

It  will  be  seen  that,  starting  i'roin  1  Kan,  although 


every 


fiftl 


I  year  began 


with  the  dav,  or  si 


••■n. 


an,  vet 


the  numeral  1  did  not  occur  again  in  connectii>n  with 
any  lirst  day  until  thirteen  years  had  passed  aw;iy;so 
that  r  Kan  or  Kaii  alone  not  only  named  the  year  which 
it  began,  l)ut  also  a  [)eriod  of  thirteen  years,  which  is 
spoken  of  as  a  'week  of  years'  or  an  'indiction.'  'I'his 
first  indiction  of  thirteen  yeai's  begitming  with  I  K;in, 
the  secou'd  began  witii  I  ^[uluc,  the  third  with  I  Ix, 
and  the  fourth  with  1  C'auac. 

After  the  indiction  whose  sign  was  I  Cauac,  the 
next  would  begin  again  with  1  Ivan;  that  is  ;VJ  ycius 
Would  have  elapsi-d,  and  this  jteriod  of  Irl  yeais  was 
called  a  Katun,  corres])onding  with  the  Aztec  cycle, 
as  explainetl  in  a  ])receding  chajiter. 

Thus  we  see  that  the  four  signs  Kan,  ^Fuluc, 
Ix,    and    Cauac   served    to     name    certain    days   of 


7C,-2 


THF,  MAYA  NATIONS. 


the  montli;  tlioy  also  naiiiud  the  years  of  the  iiuhc- 
tion,  since  in  eoiiiiectioii  vith  et'rtaiii  nmiierals 
thi'V  were  the  tirst  days  of  these  years;  they  furtlii  i- 
named  the  iiidietions  of  tlie  Katun,  of  wliich  with 
the  imnieral  1  they  were  also  the  first  days;  and  fi- 
nally they  named,  or  may  have  named,  the  Katun  it- 
self whieh  they  l)eL!^un,  also  in  connection  witli  the 
numeral  1.  How  the  Katuns  M'ere  actually  named 
we  are  not  informed.  The  completion  of  each  Katun 
was  reufarded  hy  the  Mavas  a.s  a  most  critical  and  im- 
]»ortant  e[)och,  and  was  eelehrated  with  most  im])osinn' 
I'eliLjious  ceremonies.  Also  a  monument  is  said  tu 
have  been  raised,  on  which  a  lar^'e  stone  was  placid 
ci-()sswise,  also  called  httnii  as  a  memorial  of  the  cycle 
that  had  passed.  It  is  unfortunate  that  some  of  these 
monuments  caimot  be  discovered  and  identified  anionn' 
the  I'uins.  Thus  far  the  ^Faya  calendar  is,  alter  a 
certain  amount  of  study,  sufficiently  intelli,i;il)le;  and 
is,  except  in  its  system  of  nomenclature,  essentially 
iilentical  with  that  of  the  Xahuas.  The  calendars  of 
the  Quiches,  C'akchicpiels,  C'hiapanecs,  and  the  natives 
of  Socomisco,  are  also  the  same  so  far  as  their  details 
are  known.  The  names  of  months  and  days  in  some 
of  these  calendars  will  be  ,<^iven  in  this  cl.aptei'. 

Another  division  of  time  uot  found  in  the  Xahua 
calendar,  was  that  into  the  Ahau  Katunes.  The  sys- 
t'ln  accordin<if  to  which  this  division  was  madi'  is  cleai- 
enoujji-h  if  we  may  acce})t  the  stati'inents  of  Sr  Perez; 
several  of  which  rest  ou  authorities  that  are  un- 
known to  all  but  himself  Accordinu^  to  this  writer, 
the  Ahau  Katun  was  a  period  of  "24  years,  divided 
into  two  })arts;  the  first  part  of  20  years  was  enclosed 
i'l  the  native  writin<>'sby  a  sipiare  and  calUjd  (n/uf///////, 
'iiiiKi/fc,  or  /(tni((i/fiiii  ;  and  the  second,  of  the  other 
four  years,  was  placed  as  a  'pedestal'  to  the  others, 
and  therefore  called  click  oc  hitiiu,  or  h(th  oc  hitmi. 
These  four  years  were  considered  as  intercalary  and 
unfortunate,  like  the  five  supplementary  days  of  the 
year,  and  were  sometimes  called  a  ynil  liiuih,  'years  of 


TlIK  AHAT  KATrNKS.  7,;:) 

])ain.'  Tliis  Katun  of  124  ycjirs  was  callnl  Alinn  (Vomi 
its  first  (lay,  and  the  natives  lu'^-an  to  reckon  iVom  i;! 
Allan  Katun,  hecanse  it  l»e^-an  on  the  «lay  I  ■">  Ahau, 
on  whieli  (lay  .some  ijireat  (jvent  ])rohahly  toek  |tlact'  in* 
their  iiistory.  The  day  Ahau  at  which  thest-  jteriods 
l>e.;"an  was  the  second  day  ot'sncli  yi'arsas  hei^an  with 
('auai-;  and  \',\  Ahau,  the  iirst  day  of  th(^  first  j»eri»i(l. 
was  the  second  of  the  yeai'  I  "J  ('.mac;  i*  Ahau  was  the 
second  day  of  tlie  year  1  C'auac,  etc  If  we  construct 
a  tahU'  of  tlie  veafs  from  12  Cauac  in  re-'ular  ordiT, 
Ave  shall  find  that  if  the  fii'st  period  was  l;'  Ahau  Katun 
because  it  he^'an  with  I .".  Ahau,  the  second,  1*4  years 
later,  was  I  I  Ahau  Katun,  heninninu^  with  II  Ahau; 
tlie  third  was  1)  Ahau  Katun,  vU'.  That  is,  the  Ahau 
Katuni's,  instiNid  of  heinn'  nuinhert'd  I,  '2,  .'!,  etc.,  in 
ri'^'idir  order  was  prciccfded  l»y  tlu'  numerals  l.'i,  II, 
1),  7,  f),  :?,  I,  ]'l,  10,  H,  ('),  4,  an'd  2.  I;5  of  these  Ahau 
Katuiu^s,  makin<4"  [\\2  years,  constituted  a  o-reat  cycle, 
and  we  are  told  that  it  was  l)y  means  ol"  the  Ahau 
Katunes  and  oreat  cycles  of  'M'2  years  that  historical 
events  were  i^'enerally  recorded. 

Sr  Vcw'A  stat(;s  that  the  year  ll>!)'J  (»f  oui*  era  was 
the  ^faya  year  7  C'auac,  'accordinn'  to  all  sources 
(»f  infoiMuation,  eontirmed  l>y  the  tiistimony  of  Don 
( 'osnie  de  liui'i^'os,  oneof  the  con(inerers,  and  a  writer 
(hut  whose  ol)servatit)ns  have  heen  lost).'  Therelon' 
the  H  Ahau  Katun  he^'an  on  the  second  day  of  that 
year;  the  (5  Ahau  Katun,  2A  ytvirs  later,  in  NIC);  the 
4  Ahau  in  1440;  the  2,  in  I4(;4;  the  l;{,  in  14SS;  th;' 
I  I,  in  \[)\2;  the  <),  iu  J5;!C);  the  7,  in  IjCO;  the  a,  in 
l;")H4;  the  .'>,  in  l(»OS,  etc.  As  a.  test  of  t!ie  accuracy 
of  his  system  of  Ahau  Katunes,  the  author  says  that 
he  found  in  a  certain  manusciii»t  the  d(>ath  of  a  distin- 
guished individual,  Ahpuhi,  mentioned  as  having- 
taki'ii  place  in  the  (Jth  year  of  Ahau  Katun,  when 
the  lii'st  day  of  the  year  was  4  Kan,  on  the  day  of  '.) 
1.x,  the  IHth  day  of  the  month  Zip.  Now  the  I.; 
Ahau  l)e^'an  in  tlie  year  12  Cauac,  or  14HS;  the  Ctlh 
year  from  1488  was  141);?,  or  4  Kan;  if  the  month  of 


7u4 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


Pop  benfan  witli  4  Kan,  then  tlie  3cl  moiitli,  Zip,  lio- 
^lui  with  0  Kan,  and  the  IHtli  of  tliat  niontli  fell  on  \) 
Ix,  or  Si'pt.  11.  All  this  may  he  readily  veritied  hy 
"fillinn"  out  the  table  in  regular  order. 

On  tile  other  liantl  \ve  have  Landa's  statement  that 
the  Ahan  Katnn  was  a  period  ot"  20  years;  he  t^ives 
however  the  same  order  of  the  numerals  as  Perez, — 
that  is  i;?,  11,  9,  7,  5,  3,  1,  12,  10,  S,  0,  4,  2.  I  Fe 
also  states  that  the  year  1541  was  the  beginning-  of  1  I 
Ahau;  but  if  11  Ahau  was  the  second  day  of  LVM, 
that  year  must  have  been  10  Cauac,  and  15(5 1,  20 
years  later,  would  have  been  4  Cauac,  the  second  dav 
of  which  would  have  been  5  Ahau;  which  does  not 
a,i*'ree  at  all  with  the  order  of  mnnerals.  In  iact  no 
other  number  of  yeai's  than  24  Ibr  each  Ahau  Katun 
will  j)roduce  this  order  of  numerals,  which  I'act  is 
perhaps  the  stronu^est  argument  in  favor  of  Sr  IVrix' 
system.  Cou'olhulo  also  says  tliat  the  !Mayas  counted 
their  time  by  periods  of  20  years  called  Katunes,  each 
divided  into  5  sub-periods  of  Ibur  years  each.  Sr 
Perez  admits  that  other  writers  reckon  the  Ahau  Ka- 
tun as  20  years,  but  claims  that  they  have  lalleii  into 
error  through  disrej^ai'ding' the  c/icl:  oc  kattin,  or  4  un- 
lucky years  of  the  {)eriod.  A  Maya  manuscript  I'ur- 
nished  and  translated  by  Perez  is  published  by  Stc- 
{)hens  and  in  Landa's  work,  and  repeatedly  s})eaks  ol' 
the  Ahau  Katun  as  a  period  of  20  years.  AiL^nin, 
this  is  the  very  mamiscript  in  which  the  death  of  Ali- 
pulii  wjis  announced,  and  the  date  of  that  event  is 
given  as  (>  years  before  the  eomplefioii  of  IJ  AJihh,  in- 
stead of  the  sixth  year  of  that  })erio(l  as  stated  in  the 
calculations  of  Sr  Perez;  and  besides,  the  date  is  dis- 
tinctly given  as  153(5,  instead  of  1403,  which  dates 
will  in  nowise  agree  with  the  system  explained,  or 
with  the  date  of  1392  given  as  the  begiiming  of  H 
Ahau.  ]\[oreover,  as  I  have  already  said,  sevei'al  of 
the  statements  on  which  Perez  bases  his  computations 
are  unsup))orted  by  any  authority  save  manuscripts 
unknown  to  all  but  himself     Such  are  thc^  statements 


BISSKXTILK  ADDITION'S. 


765 


that  the  Ahaii  Kiitnn  hoLjan  oji  the  2(1  day  of  a 
year  Cauac;  that  IM  Ahaii  was  ivckoiit'd  as  the  first; 
aiul  that  H  Aliaii  ho^aii  in  l;5'.)2.  These  facts,  toLi^ether 
■with  various  otlier  iiiaeeuraeies  in  the  writings  of  Sr 
Perez  are  sufficient  to  weaken  our  faith  in  liis  system 
of  the  Ahau  Katunes;  and  since  theotiier  writeis  oive 
no  exphmations,  this  part  of  the  ^Eaya  cak'iidar  nuist 
remain  shrouded  in  doul)t  until  new  sources  of  infor- 
mation shall  he  found/  The  following*  (luotation  made 
hy  Sr  Perez  from  a  maiuiscript,  contains  all  that  is 
known  respectini^  what  was  [K>ssihly  another  mttliod 
of  reckonini"'  time.  "There  svas  anotlier  mnnht'r  which 
they  called  id  K'nfxn,  and  whicli  served  them  as  a 
key  to  find  tlie  Katunes,  accordini;'  to  the  oi'(U'i'  of  its 
march,  it  falls  on  the  days  of  the  iioi/rh  IhkiI),  and  re- 
volves to  the  end  of  certain  years:  Katunes  13,  S),  5, 
1,  10,  G,  2,  11,7,  n,  12,  H,  4." 

AVe  have  sijen  that  the  Alaya  year  hy  means  of  in- 
tercalary days  added  at  the  end  of  the  montl\  ( 'undui 
Avas  macUi  to  include  -')()")  days.  Ifow  the  additional 
six  hours  necessary  to  make  the  length  of  tht'  year 
a^'ree  witii  the  solar  movements  were  intercalated  with- 
out (Hsturhinijf  the  complicated  order  already  descrihed, 
is  altoLjetlier  a  matter  of  conjecture.  The  most  jdaus- 
ihle  theoiy  is  perhaps  that  a  day  was  added  at  the 
end  of  every  four  years,  this  day  heing  called  hy  the 
same  name  and  numeral  as  the  one  precedini;'  it,  or,  in 
other  words,  no  account  beini^'  made  t)f  this  day  in  the 


"  '('<mtiil)an  sus  ora><,  y  ciIikIcs.  ihic  imiiian  on  stis  lilims  dc  vcintc  en 
vcintc  afios,  y  jMir  liistms  dc  ([Uiitii)  <'ii  (|n,itn).  . . .  Llt'i^'aiido  cstns  lii^iius  ;i 
eiiici),  (|iu'  a  jiistaii  vcintc  iu'uis,  llaiiialiaii  h'n/iiii.  y  |i<iiiiaM  viia  picclia  lalniula 
solirc  (iliii  laltraila,  lixada  cmi  cal,  y  arena  en  las  |iaicdcs  <le  ^ns  'Icniiilns, 
y  casas  de  los  Saccrdiitcs,  cunin  sc  ve  (ly  cii  Ins  cdilieins.'  CikihII niln.  ///.•,f. 
i'lir.,  ]i.  LSI).  '  l.lanian  a  I'sta  ciicnla  en  sii  lcn;;ua  lazlaznn  l\aliiii  i|Ui> 
((uicrc  de/ir  la  <iirni  de  Ids  Kalnnes."  J.inn/n,  Uihirimi.  \i.  .'tl.'!.  '  Taiii 
iMcnta  <lc  vcintenas  dc  afius  en  calendaiiosdc  Ids  indids  yucatccos,  lo  niisniK 
<[ue  las  indiccioiies  nuotras;  |ici<>  de  mas  afids  inic  estas,  cran  treee  nhiiina 
(juc  ('(Mitenian  -(!(•  afids.  (|ne  era  |iaia  elins  un  si;;'lii.'  IlrZ/rmi  ilr  Smi/ii  llnsn, 
M.irii>,  Arfr,  j).  "JOJ.  Urasscnr  de  IJonrlponr;,' is  <lis|(dscd  td  rcjei't  tlic  sys- 
tem of  Sr  IVrc/,  liut  lie  in  lii.s  tnni  makes  several  cMors  in  his  notes  on  tli(> 
Huhjcet.  Ill  /.(iiiifti,  ti'r/(iri„ii,  \\]K  •H»2-i:{,  4-28.  'I'lic  Maya  MS.  icteirc.l  lo 
in  the  text  is  found  with  its  translation  in  I(/.,  jip.  4'20-'.),  and  .Slrji/inis' 
Yiu-Kldii,  vol.  ii.,  PI*.  4t!.')-!). 


till) 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


iilinjmiic,  iiltli<)U;L,Hi  it  wns  ix-rlinps  iiidicatofl  l)y  soini' 
si;>ii  ill  the  liior(>^ly[)lii('s  ottlK'su  diiys.  Tlie  Xicaiji- 
oiijin  ('cilc'iulur  wuH  priu-tically  itlt-iitioal  with  tiint  u\' 
thu  Aztecs,  cvuii  ill  nomenclature  although  tlieie  weie 
iiatunilly  some  slight  variations  in  ortlio^rapliy.  'J'lie 
f'oliowinijc  talile  sliowstlie  names  of  the  months  in  sev- 
eral other  ^[aya  calendars,  wliose  system  so  far  as 
known  is  thu  same  as  that  iu  Yucatan. 


Qiiidie.9 


rukclii(iuul.9 


1  Nalic  Tzih   '\>l  word' 

•_>  I'  t'lil.  T/.ili  '-M  word' 

;{  Ko\  'I'zili  'M  wold' 

4  ('lie  'liv.'' 

r>   Tci'iixfiiiiiii 

(i     Tzilic  I'op 

'jiiiintcd  niiit' 

7  Zak  'wliite' 

8  Cliali  'liow' 

•I     llmio  liix  (iili 

'1st  son;,'  of  »un' 

10  Nal)e  Mam 

'1st  old  mar' 

11  U  Cab  Mam 

"2d  old  niau' 
\'2    Nalu'  Li'^iii  ()a 

''1st  soft  hand' 
i:}     r  Cal.  !,i.uiii  (Ja 

'•Jd  soft  hand' 
11     Nahe  I'ach 

'  1st  ;,fen<>ration' 
1.-)     U  Cal)  Paih 

'•Jd  generation' 
1()     Tziiinin  (!ili 

'lime  of  liirds' 

17  Tzizi  I.a^ian 

'to  sew  the  standard  ' 

18  Cakam  'time  of 

reil  llowers' 


1  ISota  'rolls  of  mats' 
(^)atic  'common  seed' 
izcal  'Hprouts' 
Pariehe  '  lirewood ' 
'I'oeaxeiMial  'seeding'  time' 
Nahey  rniiin/uz 

'  1st  llyinj,'  ants' 
Itucah  'i'umiiznz 

'•_M  living'  ants' 
Cihixie  'time  of  smoke' 

I'ehnin  'resowinj;  time' 
Nahey  Mam  '1st  olil  man' 
Uu  Cah  Mam  "2d  old  man' 
Lij^in  Ka  'soft  hand' 
Nahey  Tojjic  '1st  harvest' 

UuCah  To;,'ie '2d  harvest' 

Nahey  I'aeh 

'1st  generation' 
UuCahPaeh 

''id  generation ' 
Tzi([niu  Gih 

'time  of  birds' 
Cakam 

'  time  of  red  (lowers' 


Chiapas 
and 
Soeoniisi'o.  I" 

'I'znn 
liat/nl 
Sisac 
M  ni'tasac 
Moe 

*  Haiti 

IMol 

(>i[niiiajual 
Veh 

Kleeh 

NiclKinm 

Slianvin(|iiil 

Xehibalvini[uil 

Yoxihalvimiuil 

Xehanihal- 

vlmniil 

Poiu 

.^rnx 

Vaxcinin 


9  The  (Jniehe  year,  aeeording  to  Bassota,  began  on  Derember  24.  of  onr 
calendar.  Kollowiug  an  anonymons  MS.  history  of  Cnatemala,  tlie  Cak- 
ehii|nel  year  began  on  .lanuary  ;U;  and  the  1st  of  I'ariehe  in  1707  was  <m 
January  21.    Dru.ianir  ilr  liiiiu-lmiini,  Ulsl.   Xuf.  C/c,  tom.   iii.,   jip.  4tIt!-7. 

'0  '.VIgiinos  de  estos  nonibres  estaii  en  len;,Mia  zotzil,  y  los  demas  se  ig- 
nora  en  i[tu' idioma  se  Italian.'  l'iiin/i(,  in  Sor.  ^fr.r.  Gco(j.,  JJul d i ii,  Umi, 
iii.,  p.  40S;  Uru~c'J  y  JJrrni,  Groijrofia,  pp.  2U5-t5. 


DAYS  IN  (ilATDMALA  AND  CIIIAI'AS. 


rc.T 


Tliu  iiiiiues  of  the  days  in  the  f^ainc  ciileiulais  arc  as 

folio  NVH : 

(^iiiclii'- ami  ('iikcliiiiiicl."  <'liiit|ias   (TziMidal?)    Socniiusco," 


1  Iiniix  's\vi>rtl-ti«li' 

2  I;;  spirit  or  '  liruiitli ' 

3  Alvlial   '<liai)s' 

4  <i>at  •  lizard' 

5  <'aii  ■  snake' 

(!  Camcv  'tlcatli' 

7  <^iicli  'dfi-r' 

8  (iaiu-l  'ralil>it.' 
!>  Toll  '  sliowur' 

10  Tzy  '.l..^'' 

11  Italz  'iiKiiikey' 

I'J  (i  or  llalaiii,  'broom,'  '  tiycr' 

i:»  All  '.aiic' 

14  \'\/.  or  Itz  ' sorccror ' 
I.')  'rzic(iiiii  'bird' 

l(i  Aliiiiak  '  lisliiT,'  'owl' 

17  Noll  '  l(>iii|i(>ratiiru  ' 

15  Tiliax  'olisidiaii' 
]>.)  ("auk  'rain' 

'20  llnnalipu    'slnjotor  of  lilowjiiin' ' 


liMox  or  Mox 

ly;li  or  ^';;li 

Nolan 

Clianan  or  (llianaii 

A  ball  or  Abayh 

'I'ox 

Moxic 

l.aialial 

Mojo  or  Mnlii 

i:ial>  or  Klali 

I'.at/. 

I'.vol)  or  Knob 

I'.ccn 

Ilix 

'l'zic|uin 

('lial)in  or  Clialiia 

Cliii"  or  <  'liini^ 

Cliinax 

('aiio;;ii  or  Cabogli 

A;:lMial 


I  shall  treat  of  tlio  ^laya  hicr()L;flyi>hic'sl)yi>iviii<j;' first 
the  testimony  of  the  early  wi'iters  respectiiin'  the 
existence  of  a  system  of  writing  in  the  sixteenth  cen- 
tury; then  an  account  of  the  very  lew  manusciijits 
that  have  l)een  preserved,  together  with  illustrative 
])lates  from  both  manuscripts  and  sculptured  stone  tab- 
lets; to  be  followed  by  Bishoj)  Landa's  a1j>habet,  a 
mention  of  Brasseur  de  Bourbon rg's  atteii;[)ted  inter- 
j)retation  of  the  native  writings,  and  a  tew  speculations 
of  other  modern  writers  on  the  subjec  t.  Tlu!  state- 
ments of  the  early  writers,  although  conchisi\e,  are 
not  numerous,  and  I  Mill  conse(|uently  translate  them 
literally, 

Landa  says  that  ''the  sciences  whicli  they  taught 
were — to  read  and  wi'ito  with  tlieir  books  ami  charac- 
ters with  which  they  wrote,  and  with  the  figures  which 
sigiiitied    (ex})laine(l,  or  took  the   i)lace  of!')  Avritiiigs. 

"  Hnissnir  <lr  Ilmir'if  ■:)■;/.  His/.   Xii/.  Cir.,  toni.  iii..  )i|>.  -Kil'-S. 

12  liriis.inir  (Ir  I'.iiniinirii,  ul)i  sn|>. ;  Jioliirini,  lilm,  p.  IIS;  Iliiiiilntlilf, 
Vu's,  toni.  ii.,  ])p.  3r>i)-7;  linllnliii,  in  Anur.  Elhim.  Sue,  Trinism/.,  \<d. 
i.,   p.    lltl;    I Irnr.cii  jl  Jtirni.   lirnili-'ij in,  ]i.  I(l,"i;    W'Vlia,  llisi.  Ant.  M'j.,  tola. 

i.,  p.  i;f7,  niaki's  N'otan  tlio  lirst  nioiitli;  ('/(iriffrm,  Sfnric  Ant.  ilil  .lli.s.tirt}, 
tuiii.  ii.,  J).  00;  I'inciia,  in  i:>uc.  Mrj:.  (Jlui/.,  IJulctiii,  toiii.  iii.,  p.  344, 


7(]H 


TIIK  MAVA  NATIONS. 


Tli!\v  wroto  tlieir  liook.s  (Hi  a  laiiic  Ir.'if,  doiiMrd  in 
folds,  and  iiiclostsd  ItLitwccii  two  hoards  wlncli  tlicv 
iiiad(!  veiy  lino  (dfcoiatud) ;  iiiid  tlu'V  Avroto  on  lioth 
sides  incolmims,  jiccordiiii;' to  the  roidsitiu;  piipcr  tlicv 
niado  of  the  roi»ts  of  a  troo,  and  ;^^avc'  it  a  wliito  var- 
nisli  on  wliidi  ono  ooultl  write  well;  these  scieiicts 
were;  known  ]>y  certain  men  (»f  lii^li  rank  (only),  wlio 
Were  tiujrefore  more  esteemed  ahhounh  thev  liitl  not 
use  the  art  in  j)uhlic'."  *'  liiese  jteople  also  used  cer- 
tain characters  or  letters  with  which  tiiey  wrote  in 
their  hooks  their  anticjuities  and  their  sciences;  and  hy 
means  of  these  and  of  figures  and  of  certain  sin'Us  in 
their  figures  they  umlerstood  their  thiuiji's,  and  ni.idc 
them  understood,  and  taui^ht  them.  We  found  anioni;" 
them  a  ^I'eat  numherof  hooks  of  these  letters  of  theirs, 
and  hecause  thev  had  nothiny-  in  w  hich  there  were  not 
su[)erstitions  and  I'alsities  of  the  devil,  we  hurned  them 
all,  at  which  they  were  exceedininly  sorrowful  and 
trouhled."^'^  Accordini^  to  (^)!4'()lhido,  "in  the  time 
of  their  infidelity  the  Indians  of  Yucatan  had  hooks, 
made  of  the  hark  of  trees,  with  a  white  and  dural»le 
varnish,  ten  or  twelve  yards  lonj^,  which  hy  foldinn" 
were  reduced  to  a  span.  In  these  they  ]>ainted  with 
colors  the  account  of  their  years,  wars,  Hoods,  hurri- 
canes, famines,  and  other  events."  "The  sou  ot  the 
only  <4'od,  of  whose  existence,  as  T  have  sjiid,  they 
^vere  aware,  and  whom  they  called  Ytzammi,  was  tiie 
man,  as  I  helieve,  who  first  ijivented  the  charactei-s 
which  served  the  Indians  as  letters,  hecause  they 
called  the  hitter  also  Ytzamn;!.""  The  Itzas,  as  A"il- 
hiLfutierre  tells  us,  had  "characters  and  ti<>ures  itainted 
on  the  l)ark  of  trees,  each  lenf,  or  tal»let,  l)einn'  nhout 
a  span  lon<»',  as  thick  as  a  real  do  a  ocho  (a  coin),  folded 
hoth  ways  like  a  screen,  whivi'  they  called  atinltccs.'"'^'* 
^lendieta  states  that  the  Mexicans  had  no  letters,  "al- 
ls I.iitiihi,  lii/dn'on ,  pp.  44,  .Tlfi. 

n  CiKliilliiili),  llist.  Viii.,  pp.  1S.">,  100.  Tlio  siiiiu'  autlmr  (|ii(»t('s  Fiicn- 
saliila  I"  till'  t'UV'ct  tliiit  tlic  It/.a  jnii'.stH  still  ki'pt  in  liis  tiiiii!  a  record  nf 
l)ast  ovciits  ill  a  lHn>i<  'like  a  history  wliicli  tlicy  call  .Viialtc.'  hi.,  p.  r)(>7. 

1'  Villdijiilirnr,  Ill's/.  Citiiq.  Ilza,  pp.  3'J3-4.  'Analteiies,  6  Ili.storius, 
i>s  Vila  iiii»iiia  cumu.'  Id.,  p.  352. 


MAYA  IIIEUUIJLYPinc  SVSTK^r. 


700 


thoujfh  in  tlio  land  of  Chainpoton  it  is  .said  tliat  Huch 
Were  fuiind,  and  that  they  understood  eacli  otiier  \>y 
nieaiiH  of  them,  aH  we  do  l>y  means  (»f  ours.""'  Acosta 
Kays  that  in  Yucatan  "tliero  were  hooks  of  leaves, 
hound  or  folded  after  their  maimer,  in  which  the 
learned  Indians  had  their  division  of  tlieir  tinu;,  knowl- 
ed«jfe  of  plants  and  animals  and  other  natural  ohjects, 
and  their  anti(]uities;  a  thinjr  of  ^reat  curiosity  and 
dilijfence.""  The  Maya  priests  "were  occupied  in 
teachinj^  their  sciences  and  in  writiuijf  hooks  u|»on 
them.""  In  Guatemala,  according'-  to  Benzoui,  "the 
thin<^  of  all    others  at  which  the  Indians  have  heen 

most  surj)rised  has  heen  our  readinijf  and  writinj,^ 

Nor  could  they  imaij^ine  among  themselves  in  what 
way  white  paper  painted  with  black,  could  si)eak."'" 
Peter  Martyr  i^ives  (juite  a  lon<(  descrij)tion  of 
the  native  wood-bound  l)ooks,  which  he  does  not 
refer  particularly  to  Yucatan,  althou^'h  J3ras.seur, 
apparently  with  much  reason,  believes  they  were 
the  Maya  wudtes  rather  than  the  re«:^ular  Aztec 
I)icture  writings.  The  description  is  as  follows  in 
the  quaint  English  of  the  translator.  "They  make 
not  their  books  square  leafe  by  leafe,  but  extend  the 
matter  and  substance  thereof  into  many  culjites.  They 
reduce  them  into  square  peeces,  not  loose,  but  with 
binding,  and  flexible  Bitumen  so  conioyned,  that  be- 
ing compact  of  wooden  table  1  ookes,  they  may  seeme 
to  haue  passed  the  hands  of  some  curious  workman  that 
ioyned  them  together.  AVhich  way  soeuer  the  book 
bee  opened,  two  written  sides  oflijr  themselues  to  the 
view,  two  pages  appeare  and  as  many  lye  vnder,  vnlesse 
you  stretch  them  in  length:  for  there  are  many  Icauos 
ioyned  toirether  vnder  one  leafe.  The  Characters  are 
very  vnlike  ours,  written  after  our  manner,  lyiie  after 
lyne,  with  characters  like  small  dice,  fishookes,  snares, 

10  Men  dicta,  Hist.  Erics.,  ji.  14.3. 

"  Amstn,  Hist,  de  las  Ynd.,  p.  407;  Clavigero,  Storia  Ant.  del  Mcssico, 
toin.  ii.,  i-.  187. 

18  Ilcrrcra,  Hist.  Grii.,  dec.  iv.,  lilt,  x.,  cap.  ii. 

19  Bcnzoni,  Hist.  Mondo  Xuoco,  ful.   109-10. 

Vol.  II.    49 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


filos,  stari'GS,  &  other  sucli  like  formes  and  sliapos. 
WliL'rciii  tliev  iiuinitato  almost  the  EiifV|)tiaii  maiim-r  ut' 
uritiiii^",  and  hotweene  the  lines  they  paint  the  s]ia]»t's 
of  men,  &  heasts,  esj»ecially  of  their  kini^s  &  nohlcs. 
....  'riiey  make  the  former  wooden  table  Ixjokes  also 
with  art  to  content  and  delii*'ht  the  beholder.  Beiiii^ 
shut,  they  seenie  to  differ  nothiriiif  from  our  bookes,  in 
tliese  they  set  downc  in  writiui*-  the  rites,  and  the  ous- 
tomes  of  their  laws,  saeritices,  ceremonies,  their  com- 
l)utations,  etc."*' 

liLsj)ectin<if  hieroirlyphic  records  in  Chiapas  and 
Guatemala,  we  have  the  statement  of  Ordonez  that 
"Votan  wrote  a  work  upon  the  origin  of  the  Indians," 
and  that  he,  Ordonez,  had  a  copy  of  the  book  in  his 
j)osscssion;  a  com})laint  in  the  Quicht!)  annals  known  as 
the  Po])ol  Vuh,  that  the  'national  book'  containing-  the 
ancient  records  of  their  i)eople  liad  been  lost;  and  finally 
the  reported  discovery  and  destructicm  in  Soconusco  of 
archives  on  stone  l>y  Nunez  de  la  Veij^a  in  IGDl. 
All  this  amounts  to  little  save  as  indicatin_!:>'  the 
ancient  use  of  hitsro^-lyphics  by  the  followers  of  \"()- 
tan,  a  fact  sufHciently  ])roven,  as  we  shall  see,  by 
tlie  eno-raved  tablets  of  Palenque  and  Copan.^'  Tlu- 
Nicaraguans  at  the  time  of  the  conquest  had  records 

20  /V/(7'  M irhir,  doc.  iv.,  liU.  viii.,  or  Latin  edition  of  ColofjiiP,  l">7-t,  p. 
."ilt;  also  (HMtcil  ill  /Irii.iaiiir  <fr  ItunrhiDirtj,  MS.  Troiiiin,  torn,  i.,  ]i|i.  ■_'-:!; 
Miiiif'fiiii.s;  .\'iri(u-i]\'i-nrli(,  )).  77.  I'arli  toli.s  us  that  tiio  iniiahitaiits  nf  Aiiia- 
titlaii  in  ( Juatcniala  were  espt'cialiy  export  in  niaiviii;;  )ialiii-leaf  jiaiior  fur 
writing',  ('arfiis,  ]>tii.,  ]i.  104;  Malti'-Jiriin,  I'rrvis  dr  In  <r<'n<i..  toiii.  vi..  y. 
47i>.  lu'lVroiK  ,'..  !■•  noderii  autliors  who,  t-xropt  possil)ly  Mt'ilul,  have  nu 
other  .sdiiri'i's  of  information  than  tiioso  I  have  ((uoted,  are  as  foliow.s:  '  I  >aii-. 
k'  Vncalhan,  on  ni'a  niontri' dcs  csja'ces  do  li'ttrcs  ct  de  earaeti'^res  (hint  m- 
scrvent  h's  hahitants.  ...  lis  enipioyaient  au  lien  (h?  ]iapier  I'eeoree  de  cer- 
taines  uriiros,  dont  ils  enlevaieiit  des  nioreeanx  (jui  avaient  deux  aunes  (!•! 
Iiini;  et  un  quart  traune  de  larjfe.  ('ette  eeorce  etait  de  I'epaisseur  d'nui- 
]ieau  de  veau  et  se  pliait  eoninie  un  ]iii;;e.  L'usa;;e  do  ootio  eeriture  n'etait 
pas  j;eneralonieut  rejiandu,  et  elle  n'etait  eoniine  (ino  des  pretres  et  de  <|iiel- 
<[iios  caciciuos,'  .\ri/i/.  in  Xdidr/ffn  Aiiiin/rs  i/r.i  Vo//.,  ISW,  toni.  .\c\ii., 
pj).  4!t-50;  W'ltldcfk,  Voij.  I'ift.,  ji.  4!);  S'/uicr's  (.'inf.  Aiiicr.,  ]).  .">.V2;  Mnrr- 
(  :',  V(iiiiiii(',Xi»\\.  {.,  p.  l!)l;  Faiiroiift's  Hist.  Viir.,  )).  Hi);  Cnrril/ii,  ux  .^nr. 
J'Jr.i'.  (ii'iuj.,  lioh'lhi,  Uda  epoca,  torn,  iii.,  pp.  l!()0-70;  lint.i.sTiir  de  Jtoiir- 
li'inni,   /fi.it.  Xiif.  dr.,  toni.  i.,  ji.  79. 

•ii  Onloilrz,  Hist.  Cii-/o,  etc.,  MS.,  and  Xiinrz  dc  In  Vc;fa,  Constit.  /'/- 
<r~r.s.,  quoted  Ity  lirassrur  dc  liottflwiirif.  Hist.  N(tt.  Cir.,  toni.  i.,  ]>p.  71.71: 
//..  Poj)!)!  Villi,  i>.  .5;  Jiiiino.f,  l{isf.  Oua(.,  p.  208;  I'incda,  in  Svc.  Mt.c. 
Gcuij.,  Buk'tin,  toni.  iii.,  i>p.  345-6. 


MAYA  MAMSCItll'TS. 


"71 


painted  in  colors  iipon  skin  and  pa]»or,  imdoulttedly 
identical  in  their  fii^ures  with  those  of  the  Xahnas,  to 
^vh<^nl  the  civilized  peo[)le  of  Nicarai^Hia  wore  neai'lv 
related  in  blood  and  lan^-uat4'e.  No  sperimcns  of  these 
southern  liieroL,dy[)hics  have,  however,  been  preserved. 
Oviedo  and  Herrera  sliyhtly  describe  the  r)aintin!jfs 
and  later  writers  have  followed  thein.'-^ 

Of  the  aboriij^inal  Maya  inanuscri])ts  three  speci- 
mens only,  so  far  as  I  know,  have  been  preserved. 
These  are  the  Mc.rirun  Maimxcnpf,  No.  2,  of  the  im- 
perial Library  at  Paris;  The  Drt'sdcn  Coder;  ajul  tlie 
M((iiitscripf  Troitno.  Concei'niny  the  first  Ave  only 
know  of  its  existence  and  the  similarity  of  its  charac- 
ters to  those  of  the  other  two  and  of  the  sculptured 
tablets.  The  document  was  photo:L>-rai)hed  in  1804  liy 
order  of  the  French  government,  but  1  am  not  aware 
that  the  photoi^ra})hs  have  ever  been  i^iven  to  the  pub- 
lic. The  Dresden,  Codex  is  ]M'eserved  in  the  Hoyal 
Library  of  Dresden.  A  com})lete  copy  was  ])ublisii"d 
in  Lord  Ivini^-sborough's  collection  of  AEexican  anticjui- 
ties,  and  fragments  were  also  rei)roduced  by  Hum- 
boldt. It  was  purchased  in  Vieima  by  the  librarian 
(Jotzin  1731),  but  beyond  tliis  nothin<j-  whatever  is 
known  of  its  history  and  origin,  it  was  jtubhslied  ])y 
Kingsbor<iUgh  as  an  Aztec  picture-writing,  althougli 
its  characters  })resent  little  if  any  resemblance  to  tliose 
of  its  companion  documents  in  the  collection.  Its 
form  was  also  different  from  all  the  rest,  since  it  is 
written  on  both  sides  of  five  leaves  of  maguey-paper. 
At  the  time  of  ics  pul)itcation.  however,  the  existence 
of  any  but  Aztec  hiert»glyphics  in  America  was  un- 
known, jlr  Stepli'iiis  in  his  antiquarian  exj)loration 
of  Central  America,  at  once  noticed  the  simihirity  (if 
its  figures  to  those  of  the  sculptured  hieroglyphics 
found  there,  but  he  used  this  similarity  to  prove  the 
identity  of  the  northern  and  soi:thern  nations,  since  it 

82  O-ic'fn,  Illsf.  (rill.,  torn,  iv.,  ]).  .Ili;   Urvrrrn,  Hist,   'r'- v/.,  ilco.  iii.,  lil). 
iv.,     '.     .    vii.;   (rdltdtin,    in    Ani'l-.     KIIiiki.    .S''/''.,    Trii.lisiirl,,    vol.    i.,    ]i.    S; 

Milti-}irun,  J'rriix </i  In  dcyj.,  ti»iu.  vi.,  p.  47-;  .'^qui:r's  Xirnriujidi,  (Kd. 
18 JG,)  vol.  ii.,  Y\\.  3J7-S. 


772 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


did  not  occur  to  liiiu  that  the  Aztec  origin  of  the  Dres- 
den document  was  a  mere  supposition.  Mr  Brautz 
Mayer,  fully  aware  of  the  differences  between  tliis  and 
other  reputed  Mexican  picture- writ 'ij^s,  went  so  I'ar 
as  to  pronounce  it  the  only  oenuine  Aztec  document 
that  lie  Jn  1  seen.  There  can  be  no  reasonable  doubt, 
however,  at  this  day,  that  the  Maya  and  Naliua  (or 
Maya  and  Aztec,  since  some  authors  will  not  a'^ree 
with  my  use  of  the  term  Nahua)  hieroi»lyphic  systen»s 
were  practically  distinct,  althmioh  it  would  be  hardly 
wise  to  decide  that  they  are  absolutely  without  affini- 
ties in  some  of  their  details.  The  accompanyin^f  cut 
from  Stephens'  work  shows  a  small  fragment  of  the 
Dresden  Codex.  ^^ 


Fragment  of  the  Dresden  Codex. 


The  Manuscnj-'f  Troano  was  found  about  the  year 
18G5  in  Madrid  by  the  Abbe  Brasseur  de  Bourbourg, 

*3  f\hiqshoronff/i\s  ^fl\r.  Aiifiq.,  vol.  iii.,  No.  2;  TTiimhnldf,  Viffs,  toin. 
ii.,  j)i>.  'JtiS-71,  i»l.  xvi.  Mr  I'li-scott,  Mr.r.,  vol.  i.,  ])p.  104-5,  savs  tliat 
this  ilociiiiiciit  hears  lint  little  rivscinblaiu'c  to  otlu-r  .V/.ti'c  M.SS.,  ami  that 
it  iiiilicatt's  ti  imich  hiyjluT  sta<;e  of  civili/ation;  hut  he  also  fails  to  deter'- 
any  str(>ii;;er  likeness  to  the  has-rt-liefs  of  I'aieii({ne,  of  whieli  latter,  how- 
ever, he  prohahly  had  a  very  iin|ierli  ct  idea.  It  eaiinot  he  interjuvteil,  for 
'oven  if  a  Uosetta  stone  were  discovered  in  Mexico,  there  is  no  Indian 
ton;;ue  to  supply  the  key  or  interpreter.'  Mni/ir,  M>.r.  nx  it  Was,  yu.  •_'.">.S-!t. 
'Fie  Codex  de  liresde,  et  un  autre  de  la  HihliothiMiue  Nationale  a  I'aris, 
Itien  (|u'oirrant  (juehiue  rapport  avec  les  Illtnels,  echaupcnt  ii  toute  interiue- 
tation.     lis  appartiennent,  ainsi  que  les  inscriptions  de  Chiapjia  et  du  Vu- 

A \.   .^    ' :. .  1.-       'I.I.  ...'  .     :.. ..'.  .  ..*    I l!r. .1....*  ».. 


i!?. 


trnie,  tloiit  on 


I  app 
catan  ii  nne  eeriture  plus  elahoree,  eoninie  incrusteeet  calci 
croit  trouver  des  traces  dans  toutes  les  jiarties  tves-iMiciennetnent  policees 
des  doux  .\ineri(iues.'  Aiihin,  in  linistinir  <fr  liinir/ioiiiif,  /list.  Xn/,  ('/'"., 
toni.  i.,  p.  Ixxi.  See  Str/i/inis'  Cent.  Anirr.,  vol.  ii.,  pp.  VA-,  -iM-.");  Id., 
yucutun,  vol.  ii.,  pp.  2lf_',  453. 


TIIK  MANl'SC  RIPT  TROANO. 


773 


and  was  reproduced  in  fac-simile  l)y  a  cliromo-litlu)- 
<;rajtliic  process  l)y  the  Coniniissiun  Scientititjue  du 
Mexiipie,  under  the  aus})ices  of  the  French  CJovern- 
nient.  Its  name  conies  from  that  of  its  possessor  in 
Madrid,  Sr  Tro  y  Ortolano,  and  nothinjTc  whatever  is 
known  of  its  ori<;in;  two  or  three  other  old  American 
manuscripts  are  reported  tohaveheen  hrou^ht  to  h^lit 
in  Spain  since  the  publication  t)f  this.  The  original 
is  written  on  a  strip  of  mayuey-pa])er  ahout  fourteen 
feet  \i)U^r  and  nine  inches  wide,  the  surface  of  which  is 
ooN'ered  with  a  whitish  varnish,  on  which  the  figures 
are  painted  in  black,  red,  hhie,  and  brown.  It  is  folded 
fan-like  into  thirty-five  folds,  presentini,^  when  shut 
nuich  the  ap})earance  o\'  a  modern  large  octavo  vt)lume. 
The  hieroglyphics  cover  both  sides  of  the  pa})er,  and  the 
writing  is  conse(piently  divided  into  seventy  pages, each 
about  tive  by  nine  inclujs,  having  been  api)arently  exe- 
cuted after  the  paper  was  folded,  so  that  the  folding 
uoes  not  interfere  with  the  written  matter.  One  of  the 
pages  as  a  specimen  is  shown  in  the  following  plate, 
an  exact  copy,  save  in  size  and  color,  of  the  original. 

The  regular  lines  of  written  characters  are  uniforml  v 
in  black,  while  the  pictorial  ])ortions,  or  what  may  pei- 
haps  be  considered  representative  signs,  are  in  red 
and  brown,  chieHy  the  former,  and  the  blue  a[>pears 
for  the  most  part  as  a  background  in  some  of  tl  e 
j)iiges.  A  few  of  the  pages  are  slightly  damagi'd,  and 
iii!  r lie  imperfections  are,  as  it  is  daimeil,  faithfully  re- 
}>rofhiCed  in  the  ])ublished  copy,  which  with  the  edi- 
tors 'onnnents  tills  two  ([uarto  vohmies  in  the  series 
l>uMislitMl  by  the  C(>mmission  mentioned.'** 

'i!'.  jtiates  on  tlie  following  {)ages  from  the  works 
of  Stephens  and  Waldeck  1  present  as  specimens  of 
the  Maya  writing,  as  it  is  found  carved  in  st(»ne  in 
Yucatitn,  Honduras,  and  Chiapas.  For  particulars 
resjiecting  the  ruins  in  connection  with  which  they 
were  discovered,  I   refer  the  reader  to  volume  \V.  of 

2«  lirf.iSfKr  (fc  Bniirhoiirtj,  MS.  Troniio;  J^fiii/rs  /^iii"  fi' .iifafi^mf  tiritji/iiijiic. 
.(  /.(  hiiKjiiv  (Us  Mnjiifi,  Paris,  IS(»'.t-70,  4',  2  vhIm,  70  coldrtMl  iilatt's. 


j:  I 


1  i  il 


774 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


Page  of  MaiiiiMiiiit  Tnmiio. 


MAYA  IXSCIlll'TlONS  IN  STONK. 


I  (.> 


rig.  1.  -Altar  lii.scrijitioii  from  C(ii)iiii. 


l''i<'.  2,— Tablet  from  C'liklicii. 


\'i'^.  .'{.     Ciialtiiiiiiti'  fudii  IK'nriiigi). 


77C 


TUK  yi\\'\  NATIONS. 


Fig.  4.— Tablet  from  Palciuiue. 


r.ISIlol'  LAXDA'S  AI-rilAIlKT.  777 

tliis  work.  Fh^.  I  i\>j)rest!iits  tlic  liioroi^lypliics  sculp- 
tured oil  tho  top  of  nu  altar  at  C'opan,  in  Jloiuluras, 
the  tliirtv-six  j>roups  covi'r  a  space  uearlv  six  feet 
scpiare.  Fii>".  2  is  a  taMi-t  set  in  the  interior  wall  of  ;i 
huildinij;' in  Chicheu,  Yucatan.  The  tahlet  is  ]>laced 
over  the  doorways  and  extends  the  whole  length  of 
the  room,  fortv-three  feet;  only  a  ])art,  howevir,  is 
shown  in  the  cut.  Fin*.  ;>  is  a  full-size  representation 
of  the  carviiiijc  on  a  jicreen  stone,  or  chalchiuite,  found 
at  Ococino'o,  Chiapas.  I  take  it  from  the  iuii^lish 
translation  of  ^Torelet's  Travels.  Many  of  the  mon- 
oliths of  Copan,  have  a  line  of  hitro^lyphics  on  their 
side.  Plates  rej)resentin<;'  specimens  of  these  mon- 
uments will  he  n'iven  in  \'()lume  I  \'.  Fi«^-,  4  sh(»ws  ;i 
jtortion  of  the  hieroii'lyphic  inscriptions  on  the  famous 
'tahlet  of  the  cross'  at  I'alenijue."' 

I  have  i»iven  on  a  ]»recedinn-  pa^'e  in  this  cha|)ter, 
the  si^ns  hy  which  the  natives  of  Yucatan  expressed 
the  nanies  of  their  days  and  months,  takt-n  from  the 
Work  of  l)ishop  Landa.  The  same  author  has  also 
jtreserved  aMaya  al[>lial)et.  On  account  of  Landa's 
faihire  to  appreciate  the  imj)ortance  of  the  native  hie- 
roglyphics, or  to  compi'ehend  tin;  systt'ui,  and  also  veiy 
liki'ly  (»n  account  of  liiscoj>yist's  cari'lessness-  for  the 
original  manusciMpt  of  lianda's  woi'k  has  not  hei'U 
found — ^the  |»assa.L»"e  relatiiii*"  to  the  alj)hahet  is  very 
vai>ue,  unsatisfactory,  and  ]»erhaj)s  fragmentary ;  hut  it 
is  of  the  very  highest  importance,  since  the  alj)hahet 
here  ui^iven  in  coimection  with  the  calendai-  sinus  al- 
ready spoken  of,  furnish  aj)paivntly  the  only  i^iound 
for  a  hope  that  the  veil  of  mystt'i'v  which  hanj^s  over 
the  Maya  inscri|>tioris  may  one  day  he  lil'ted.  1  tliert'- 
fore  ij^ive  Landa's  dcscrij)tion  as  nearly  as  possiMe   in 


1 


lis  own  words,  copyinin'  aist)  tne  orn^mai  r»i»anisn   in  a 


th 


!  i    1 1 


note. 


*'  Witfi/rrf:,  Pfilni'pir,  jil.  '21;  S/r/)fir>i\i  Criif.  Aiiiir.,   vol.    i.,  |i 


H(t  •_»;  ///.,   Yiii-fitoii,  vol.  li.,   1^1.  ;{(M)-I;   Mon/rl's   Tna:,   \ 
pp.  1)1--,  l*7-i*,  -34,  and  liiini.  vi.,  of  this  woik. 


its : 


i:«; 


778 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


**0f  tlieii'  letters  T  give  hero  (see  alphabet  on  the 
lu'xt  ])aue)  an  A,  B,  0,  since  their  heaviness  (ninnhcr 
and  iiitricary?)  permits  no  more;  hecause  they  use  one 
cliaracter  for  all  the  as])irations  of  the  letters,  and  an- 
other in  the  pointing  of  the  parts  (punctuation),  and 
thus  it  goes  on  to  infinity,  as  may  he  seen  in  the  fol- 
lowing exam})le:    le  means  *a  snare'  or  to  hunt   with 
it;  to  write  it  Avith  their  characters,  we  having  given 
them  to  understand  (although  we  gave,  etc.)  that  they 
are  two  letters,  they  wrote  it  with  three,  placing  after 
the  asjiiration  /  the  vowel  c,  which  it  has  before  it, 
and  in  this  they  do  not  err,  although  they  make  use, 
if    they  wish,  of   their   curious  method.     Example: 
'■     '     '■     ^''     Then  at  the  end  tliev  attach  the  ad- 
joined  j)art.    Ha  which  means  'water, 
because  the  hache  (sound  of  the  letter 
//)  has  (I,  //,  before  it,  they  i)ut  it  ^at  the   beginning 
with  (f,  at  the  end  in  this  manner  :        '"'        I'boy  also 
Avrite  it  in  ])arts  but  in  both  ways.    ^^^3"^  1     woidd 
not  ]>ut  (all  this)  here,  nor  treat  of  ^M'^^^j)  it,  exce])t 
in  ordei' to  give  a conqjlete  account  of      the 

tilings  of  this  people.     Ma  in  bffimcim^  '1  will  not'; 
they   write    it  in  parts  after  this 


u    ka 


manner. 


'•20 


o-ilo 


2*'  Tlie  Spanisli  text  in  as  follows:  'De  sus  letrns  porno  nqiii  un  ri,  h,  r, 
(iiic  no  iicniiitf  sii  ]icsiuliiiiil)re  nms  porqiie  usaii  imra  tixlas  las  aspiiacioiuH 
(Ic  las  Ictias  (Ic  iin  caiactiT,  y  (k'spui's,  al  jmiitar  ile  las  ]>artt>  olio,  y  as>l 
^  iciii'  a  lia/tT  in  oijiiiitinii,  coiiio  so  |io(lra  vi-r  on  el  si;{iiiL'iite  cxi'iniilo.  J.f, 
(|iiii'i('  liczir  laro  y  carar  t'ou  ol;  para  cscrivirle  coii  sus  carati'vi's,  liavicn- 
(lolcs  iiosiitrips  lii'dio  i'iit('ii(U'r  (|ue  son  dos  lotras,  lo  fscriviaucllos  con  tres, 
jiiinit'iulo  a  la  asiiirarioii  do  la  /  la  vooal  c,  (juo  antes  do  si  Irae,  y  en 
csfo  no  iiicrran.  aun>|ne  nsonse,  si  ((nisieren  ellos  do  sn  euriitsidad.  Kxeni- 
]ilo:  !■  f  r  /r.  I)es|)nes  al  <'al)o  lo  ])e^an  la  jiarte  junta.  J/tt  (|ne  ([nieve  de- 
■'.\r  a;:ua,  ]ion|iie  la  /inrlir  liene  a,  h,  antes  de  si  la  ponen  ellos  al  jirineipio 
ron  II,  y  a!  calio  dcsta  nianera:  Im.  'J'ambien  lo  escriven  a  jiartes  ]iero  do 
la  una  y  otia  nianera,  yo  no  ]»usieni  a<|ni  ni  tratara  dellosino  ])or  dar  enenia 
enlera  de  las  oosas  dcsta  ;jente.  Mii  in  knti  ([nicro  dezir  no  uniero,  ellos 
l<i  escriven  a  ]iartes  dcsta  nianera:  inn  i  ii  kn  ti.'  Lmidit,  Jir/iiriini,  pp.  31G- 
'2'2;  also  in  JJi'imsiur  ilc  livurbounj,  MS.  Trounv,  toni.  i.,  pp.  37-8. 


BISHOP  LANDA'S  ALrilAULT. 


779 


E  s 


B 


C  (<|?) 


flA 


JJ 


H 


s 


N 


CA  (?) 


-.6  : 


o 


o 


KU 


X  X 

(.Ij  ur  dz?) 


U(?)  u 


HA 


o-ILo 

(ine,  iiio?) 


^ 


TO 


n 


Si;:ii  uf 
Asjiiiation. 


Eospootin^'  this  al])lial)et  Laiula  adds:  "tliis  lan- 
ccuayu  lacks  tlio  luttci's  that  arc  inissiiii;'  licrc;  and  has 
oilicrs  added  from  ours  tor  other  iiecessaiy  things;  and 
tliev  already  make  no  use  of  these  characters,  espe- 
ciallv  the  vouiii'-  who  have  learned  ours."  It  will  he 
noticed  that  tliere  are  several  varying'  characters  for 
the  same  letter,  and  sewral  svllahic  siyns. 

The  characters  of  jjanda'salphahet,  and  tlie  calendar 
signs  can  he  identitied  more  or  less  accurately  and 
readily  with  some  of  those  of  the  hieroolyj»Jiic  inscri|»- 
tions  in  stone,  the  Manuscript  Troano,  and  tlie 
])resden  Codex.  The  resemhlance  in  many  cases  is 
clear,  in  others  very  vague  and  }»erha|)s  imaginary, 
while  very  many  others  camiot  aj)parently  he  identitied. 
Althouiih  Landa's  kev  must  be  regarded  as  fragment- 


780 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


jirv,  T  bollevo  tliore  Is  no  reason  to  (loul»t  Its  nutlieii- 
tii-ity.  But  Olio  utteinjit  lias  litoii  made  to  practically 
5i[)[»ly  tills  key  t»)  the  work  of  (lecipheriiijj;'  tlie  Maya 
(locuiuents,  that  of  the  Ahhe  JJrasseiir  de  JjoiirhoiiriL;-. 
This  writer,  utter  a  profoiiiul  study  (tf  the  suitject, 
devotes  one  hundred  and  thirty-six  (juarto  pajjces  to  a 
consideration  of  the  Mava  characters  and  their  varia- 

« 

tioiis,  and  fifty-seven  paj^es  to  the  translation  of  a  ]>ait 
of  the  ^ranuscri])t  Troaiio.  The  translation  must  he 
pronounced  a  failure,  especially  after  the  confession  of 
the  author  in  a  sul)se<pient  work  that  ho  had  hei^uii 
his  readinLf  at  the  wroiiiLj  end  of  the  document,-^ — a 
trlHinjjf  error  perhaps  in  the  opinion  of  the  enthusiastic 
Al)l)j,  hut  a  somewhat  serious  one  as  it  appears  to 
scientific  men.  His  jireliminary  examinations  douht- 
less  contain  much  valuahle  information  which  will 
lighten  the  lahors  and  facilitate  the  investigations  of 
future  students;  but  unfortunately,  such  is  their 
nature  that  condensation  is  impracticable.  A  long 
chapter,  if  not  a  volume,  would  be  required  to  do  them 
anything  like  justice,  and  they  must  be  omitted  here. 
Brasseur  de  Bourbon rg  devoted  his  life  to  the  study 
of  American  i)rimitive  history.  In  actual  knowledge 
of  matters  pertaining  to  his  chosen  subject,  no  man 
ever  ecpialed  or  aj)proached  him.  Besides  being  an 
indefatigable  student  he  was  an  elegant  writer.  In 
the  last  decade  of  his  life  he  conceived  a  new  and 
coinj)licated  theory  resjiecting  the  origin  of  the 
American  people,  or  rather  the  origin  of  Eurojieans 
and  Asiatics  from  America,  made  known  to  the  world 
in  his  Qmttre  Lcffrcs.  His  atten.pted  translation  of 
the  ^^anuscript  Troano  was  made  in  sui)port  of  this 
theory.  By  reason  of  the  extraordinary  natui'o  of  the 
views  expressed,  and  the  author's  well-known  tendency 
to  build  magnificent  structures  on  a  slight  foundation, 
liis  later  writings  were  received  for  the  most  part  by 
critics,  utterly  incompetent  to  understand  them,  with 
a  sneer  or,   what  seems  to  have  grieved  the  writer 

^  liibliothiquc  Mcxico-Guatimalicnnc,  I'aris,  1S71,  p.  xxvii. 


INTHUrUKTATloN  OF  MAYA  KKCOKHS. 


781 


moro,  in  silence.  Now  tli.it  the  ^Teat  Aiin'r'n'<(iiis*(' 
is  deml,  Avliile  it  is  \\oi  likely  that  his  theories  will 
ever  be  received,  his  7x'al  in  the  cause  of  anticjuarian 
science  and  the  many  valuahle  works  from  his  pen 
Avill  be  better  appreciated.  it  will  be  lon«,''ere  another 
shall  undertake  with  cijual  devotion  and  ability  the 
^vell  nljifh  hopeless  task. 

I  close  the  chapter  with  a  few  quotations  from 
modern  writers  respecting-  the  Maya  hieroglyphics 
and  their  inter})retation.  Tyler  says  "there  is  even 
evidence  that  tl>e  ^laya  nation  of  Yucatan,  the  ruins 
of  whose  temples  and  palaces  are  so  well  known  from 
the  travels  of  Catherwood  and  Stc[»hens,  not  only  had 
a  system  of  })honetic  writini,'',  l>ut  used  it  for  writint^ 
ordinary  words  and  sentences."-"*  Wuttke  su<;]L(ests 
that  Landa's  al[)habet  originated  after  the  C"on(|Uest, 
a  sujjci^cstion,  as  Schejtpinn"  observes,  excluded  by 
Mendieta's  statement,  but  "otherwise  very  probable 
in  consideration  of  the  jdioneticism  developed  in 
Mexico  shortly  after  the  C\>n(iuest."^  And  Hnally 
Wilson  says,  "while  the  recurrence  of  the  same  siijns, 
and  the  reconstruction  of  onjups  out  of  the  detached 
members  of  others,  clearly  indicate  a  written  language, 
and  not  a  mere  ])ictorial  suy<,^estion  of  associated 
ideas,  like  the  Mexican  jjicture-writinuf."  "In  the 
most  complicated  tablets  of  African  hieroijflyphics, 
each  object  is  distinct,  and  its  rejiresentaiive  siyniti- 
cance  is  rai'ely  difficult  to  trace.  But  the  majority  of 
the  lueroirlyphics  of  Palenque  or  Copan  appear  as  if 
constructed  on  the  same  ])olysynthetic  j)rinciple  Avhich 
gives  the  peculiar  and  distinctive  character  to  the  lan- 
guaj^-es  of  the  New  World.  This  is  still  more  a))[)areiit 
when  we   turn  to  the  highly  elaborate  inscripti(»ns  on 


s  <>• 


the  colossal  figures  of  Cojtan.      In  these  all  idea 
simple   plionetic    signs    utterly  disa))pear.      Like  th* 
hu)icl' -words,  as  they  have  been  called,  of  the  Ameri- 


»8  Ti^fnr'n  licsmrrhes,  pp.  100-1. 

29  Jl^  ii/fkr  iiiid  Sr/ii'/t/>iiiif,  ill  S/irnrrr'x  Di'si'riiitiix  Socioloijy,  no.  2.,  \\", 
ii.,  pt  1-lJ,  p.  51.     Sec  note  10  of  tliis  chapter. 


782 


THE  MAYA  NATION'S. 


can  lanjnrua;:^es,  tlicy  seuiii  each  to  ho  compounded  (tt'.i 
lunnhcr  of  parts  of  tliu  ))i"iniary  symbols  usu<l  in 
picturc'-writinijf,  while  the  i)ictonal  oriu^in  of  the  whole 
iM.M'omes  clearly  aj)})arent.  In  coinparin*.^  these  mi- 
nutely elaborated  characters  with  those  on  the  tables, 
it  is  obvious  that  a  system  of  abbreviation  is  employed 
in  tbe  latter.  An  analo<jfous  process  seems  dindy 
discernible  in  the  abbreviated  comj»ound  characters  of 
tbe  Palencpie  inscrii)tion.  But  if  the  inference  be 
correct,  this  of  itself  would  servo  to  indicate  that  the 
Central  American  hiero^'lyphics  are  not  used  as  ])bo- 
netic,  or  })uro  ali)habetic  si<^ns;  and  this  idea  receives 
confirmation  from  the  rare  recurrence  of  the  same 
oroup  ....The  Palenque  inscriptions  have  all  tlie 
characteristics  of  a  written  lannua^ne  in  a  state  of 
development  analoju^ous  to  the  Chinese,  vvith  its  word- 
writinjj^ ;  and  like  it  they  appear  to  have  been  read 
in  cohnnns  from  top  to  bottom.  The  groups  of  sym- 
bols be«^in  with  a  larij^e  hiero_iL?ly})hic  on  the  left-hand 
corner;  and  the  first  column  occu})ies  a  double  s})ace. 
It  is  also  noticeable  that  in  the  frecjuent  occurrence  of 
human  and  animal  heads  among  the  sculptured  char- 
acters they  invarial)ly  look  toward  the  left;  an  indica- 
tion, as  it  appears  to  me,  that  they  are  the  graven  in- 
scriptions of  a  lettered  people,  who  were  accustomed 
to  write  the  same  characters  from  left  to  right  on  pai)er 
or  skins.  Indeed,  the  pictorial  groiips  on  the  Copau 
statues  seem  to  be  the  true  hiero<iflvi)hic  characters; 
wliile  the  Palenque  inscrii)tions  show  the  al)breviated 
hieratic  writing.  To  the  sculptor  the  direction  of  the 
characters  was  a  matter  of  no  moment;  but  if  the 
scribe  held  his  pen,  or  style,  in  his  right  hand,  like  the 
modern  clerk,  he  would  as  naturally  draw  the  left  pro- 
tile  as  we  slope  our  current  hand  to  the  right.  Arbi- 
trary signs  are  also  introduced,  like  those  of  the  ]iho- 
netic  alphabets  of  Europe.  Among  these  the  T  re})eat- 
cdly  occurs:  a  character  which,  it  will  be  remembered, 
was  also  stamped  on  the  Mexican  metallic  currency. ' 

3'  Wilsoii's  Pre-Uistoric  Man,  p.  378,  et  seq. 


CHAPTER   XXV. 

nUILDIXGS,  MEDICINE,  HUlllAL,  IMIYSICAL  PECTLIAIUTIES,  AND 
CIIAUACTER  OF  THE  MAYAS. 

SOANTV     INKOUMATIOX    (ilVKX     MV     TIIK     KaIU.V     VoVACJKItS -Pk:V ATI: 

llorsKs  op  TIIK  Mayas —Intkukmi  Ahiiaxokmkxt,  Dkcok ation, 
AM)  FritNiTiUK— Maya  Citiks  -  Divscuii'TIon  of  I'tatlax   -1'a- 

TINAMIT,  TIIK  C'AKnilQIKhCAI'ITAI,— ClTlKSOK  XlCAUAOlA  -  .M  AY  A 

l{oAns— Tkmit-ks  atC'iiiciikx  Itza  and  Cozimii.  -TKMri.Ksui-  Nir- 

AHAdl'A  AXI)  tirATKMAl.A—DlSKASKS  OF  TIIK  MaYAS  -MkIUCINKS 
VSKD— THKATMKNT  of  TMK  SICK— PltOlMTIATOUY  OFFKIMNliS  ANK 
Vows— SlI'KKSTITIOXS— DUKAMS  -OMKNS — WrrcilCUAFT  -SXAKK- 
TllAllMKliS  —  FlXKUAI-  UiTivs  Axu  CicKKMDXiKs— Physical  pkhi,- 
lAurriKs— Chakactkk. 

A  full  rcsiinvJ  of  the  principles  of  Maya  urchitoctiiro, 
leathered  from  ohsorvutioiis  of  ruins  mado  l»v  iiioclorii 

* 

travelers,  will  be  oivcu  in  another  part  of  this  work.' 
1  slnill,  therefore,  without  re^'ard  to  the  inevitahle 
scantiness  and  unsatisfactory  nature  of  such  informa- 
tion, confine  myself  in  this  chai>ter  to  the  descriptions 
I'urnished  hy  the  old  writers,  who  saw  the  houses  and 
towns  while  they  were  occupied  hy  those  who  huilt 
them  and  the  tenii)les  hei'ore  they  became  ruins,  (tr 
at  least  were  conteni[)oraries  of  such  observers. 

The  accounts  given  of  the  dwellings  of  the  ^Fayas 
are  very  meagre.  The  earlv  vovaufers  on  the  coast  of 
luoatan,  such   as  Grijalva    and  Cordova,   saw  well- 


1  See  vol.  iv.,  pp.  207,  ct.  sen. 
(783) 


7S4 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


built  houses  of  stone  and  lime,  with  sloping"  roofs 
thatched  with  straw  or  reeds;  or,  in  some  instances, 
with  slates  of  scone;'  but  this  is  all  they  tell  us,  and, 
indeed,  they  had  little  opportunity  for  close  examina- 
tion; the  natives  of  those  parts  were  fierce  and  war- 
like, and  little  disposed  to  submit  to  invasion,  so  that 
the  handful  of  adventurers  had  barely  time  to  look 
hastily  about  them  after  effecting  a  landing  before 
they  were  driven  back  wounded  to  their  boats.  Here, 
as  elsewhere,  too,  the  temples  and  larger  buildings 
naturally  attracted  their  sole  attention,  both  because 
of  their  strangeness  and  of  the  treasures  which  tliey 
were  supposed  to  or  did  contain.  These  men  were 
soldiers,  gold-hunters;  they  did  not  travel  leisuicly; 
they  had  no  time  to  examine  the  architecture  of 
private  dwellings ;  they  risked  and  lost  their  lives  for 
other  purposes.  Bishop  Landa,  however,  has  some 
thing  to  say  on  the  subject  of  Maya  dwellings.  The 
roof,  he  says,  was  covered  witli  straw,  which  they  had 
in  great  abundance,  or  with  palm-leaves,  which  an- 
swered the  purpose  admirably.  A  consideral)le  pitch 
was  given  to  the  roof,  that  the  rain  might  run  off 
easily.  Tlie  house  was  divided  in  its  length,  that  is, 
from  side  to  side,  by  a  wall,  in  whicji  several  doorwjvys 
were  left  as  a  means  of  communication  with  tlie  back 
room  where  they  slept.  The  front  room  where  guests 
were  received  was  carefully  whitewaslied,  or  in  the 
hopses  of  nobles,  painted  in  various  colors  or  designs; 
it  had  iio  door  but  was  open  all  the  length  of  thu  front 

*' A  todo  lo  largo  toninn  Ins  vccinos  ile  nqiicl  lnjjar  miidiiis  casas,  hecho 
ol  ciiiiieiito  tie  iiiuilra  y  loilo  liasta  la  initail  tit;  las  partMles,  y  \\iv>^o  ciihicr- 
tas  lie  itaja.  Lsta  geiite  tiel  «lu'lio  Itigar,  t'u  Ins  edilicios  y  eii  las  casas,  ^la- 
reee  Her  goiite  lie  grautlc  iiigciiio:  y  'i  no  fiieni  |Mii(|iie  jiareoia  lialier  alii 
algiiiios  eiliiiuios  iiucvos,  se  jaiiUera  pres'iini!  (|ue  eraii  edilieios  li>-i-liii)s  jior 
Kspanoles.'  Diaz,  Itint'ntrio,  in  Irtizlmlrrfd,  Col.  dr  Dor.,  loin.  i..  p.  'JSC); 
sec  also  Id.,  \>\\  281,  2S7.  '  Las  easas  hihi  ile  piedra,  y  l.ulrillo  Kin  la  cu- 
liierta  ile  j'aja,  o  raina.  Y  aim  algiiiiu  le  laiu'lias  de  ))iedra  '  iioDuiro, 
Coiiq.  Mr.c.,  hA.  ;^3.  'The  lioUHeH  verc  (tt  stone  or  brick,  and  lynie,  very 
artiiicially  eoinposed.  To  tiic  H(|iiare  Courts  or  lirst  habitations  of  their 
liouses  tiiey  aseeniled  by  ten  or  twelue  sti  ps.  The  roofe  was  of  Ueeds,  or 
sMilkes  of  Herbs.'  Piir'rhd.i  /,is  Pilfii'imiiiii:,  vol.  v.,  ]t.  8S.');  Jivrinil  Jh'dz, 
Itisf.  Coiiq.,  fol.  2-.*};  JSieinwiiii/ii,  in  Tvniiiiix-f'oiiip(ni.\;  Voy.,  serie  i.,  torn. 

p.  230;  Mviitutius, 


11.,  |).  .Sll;  Orivifo,  ]li.if.  Gen.,  toni.  i., 
Nknwc  }\'circld,  p.  72;  I'ctcr  Martyr, 


]i.  r)()7,  toni.  111. 
dec.  iv.,  lib.  i. 


NICARAGUAN  DWELLINGS. 


785 


of  the  house,  and  was  slieltered  from  sun  and  rain  by 
the  eaves  whicli  usually  descended  very  low.*^  There 
was  always  a  doorway  in  the  rear  for  the  use  of  all 
the  inmates.  The  fact  of  there  Ijeinij  no  doors  made 
it  a  point  of  honor  amonii^  them  not  to  rol)  or  injure 
each  other's  houses.  The  poor  jieople  huilt  the 
houses  of  the  rich.*  A  new  dwer'M<»-  could  not  he 
occupied  until  it  had  been  formally  blessed  and  purged 
of  the  evil  spirit.** 

In  Nicaragua,  the  dwellings  were  mostly  made  of 
canes,  and  thatched  with  straw.  In  the  large  cities 
the  houses  of  the  nobles  wore  built  u]X)n  i)latforms 
several  feet  in  height,  but  in  the  smaller  towns  the 
residences  of  all  classes  were  of  the  same  construction, 
except  that  those  of  tlie  chiefs  were  larger  and  more 
connnodious.  Some,  however,  appear  to  have  been 
built  of  stone."  Of  the  dwellings  in  (ituatemala,  still 
less  is  said.  Yillagutieri'e  mentions  a  La'-andone 
villa<re  in  which  were  one  hundred  and  three  houses 
with  sloping  thatched  roofs,  supported  upon  stout 
posts.  The  front  of  each  house  was  open,  but  the 
back  and  sides  were  closed  with  a  strong  stockade. 
The  interior  was  divided  into  several  a]).utments. 
Cogolludo  says  thut  their  houses  were  covered  with 
plaster,  like  those  of  Yucatan.'' 

The  house,  or  rather  shed,  near  the  CJulf  of  l^ulce, 
in  which  Cortes  stayed,  had  no  walls,  the  roof  resting 


■)  TVst  encore  aujouririnii  lit'  cctfo  iiiaiiitTO  (jiio  so  oonstniiM'iit  ?i  ]ii 
cnn)\r,v^nv  Ich  inaisons  nun  sculi'iiii'iit  <lt'.s  iinliui'ncs,  niais  I'licoic  di;  la  plii- 
))ari  ik's  aiitri's  lial)itants  dii  jiays,  uii  N'licataii  et  ailk'urs.'  JJni.wcur  de 
Boiir'nmrtf,  iw  f.iiiiifo,  lidticluu,  pp.    110-11. 

*  Ltnidii,  Urloi-ion,  )).  110. 

5  <'i,<lt>llliil,i,  J  fist.    )lir.,  ]).  184. 

*  'Tlicir  lioiiscs  of  brii'ki;  or  stone,  are  conereil  with  reodes,  wiiere  tliero 
is  ii  scarcitk'  of  stones,  Imt  wlien;  (i>intrri(  s  are,  they  are  eoueii'il  w  iili  sliin- 
tlle  or  slate.  Many  houses  hane  inarlde  pillars,  iis  tliey  iiaiie  w  illi  \s.'  J'l  hr 
M(irh/r,  ilee.  iv.,  lih.  iii.,  dee.  vi.,  iili.  v.;  Jlcrnnt,  Hist,  (iiii.,  dee.  iii.,  lil>, 
iv.,  eap.  vii. ;  limzuin.  Hist.  Mniu/i)  Xiinri),  ]>.  lO'J. 

'  Ifinf.  Yiir.,  p.  70<).  'Las<'asas  eran  eieiito  y  tres,  de  {rrue-isos,  yfner- 
tes  Maderos,  en  (|ue  se  niuntenian  los  'i'eeiio^,  (pie  eran  (k>  niuclia  I'aja,  re- 
ziainente  aniarrada,  y  eon  su  eorriiMilc!,  y  deseuliiertos  todos  los  l'"rontispi- 
eios,  y  tapados  los  eostados,  y  espaldas,  de  l'".staiada,  eon  siis  .\post,'iitns, 
donde  las  Indias  eo/inavan,  y  tenian  su.s  i.ieiiesteres.'  VillnijnliniT,  Hist. 
CoiKi.  Ilzit,  pp.  .'111-12. 
Vol.  II.    50 


78G 


THE  MAYA  NATIO.JS. 


upon  posts.®  In  other  parts  of  Guatemala  he  saw 
'large  houses  with  thatched  roofs.'®  Gage  does  not 
give  a  glowing  account  of  their  dwellings.  "Their 
houses,"  he  writes,  "are  but  poor  thatched  Cottages, 
without  any  upper  rooms,  but  commonly  one  or  two 
only  rooms  below,  in  the  one  they  dress  their  meat  in 
the  middle  of  it,  making  a  compass  for  fire,  with  two  or 
three  stones,  without  any  other  chimney  to  convey  the 
smoak  away,  which  spreading  it  self  about  the  room, 
filleth  the  thatch  and  the  rafters  so  with  sut,  that  all 
the  room  seemeth  to  be  a  chimney.  The  next  unto  it, 
is  not  free  from  smoak  and  blackness,  where  some- 
times are  four  or  five  beds  according  to  the  family. 
The  poorer  sort  have  but  one  room,  where  they  eat, 
dress  their  meat  and  sleep."*"  Las  Casas  tells  us  that 
when  the  Guatemalans  built  a  new  house  they  were 
careful  to  dedicate  an  apartment  to  the  worship  of 
the  household  gods;  there  they  burned  incense  and 
offered  domestic  sacrifices  upon  an  altar  erected  for 
the  purpose." 

Little  is  said  about  the  interior  appointment  and 
decoration  of  dwellings.  Landa  mentions  that  in  Yu- 
catan they  used  bedsteads  made  of  cane,"  and  the  same 
is  said  of  Nicaragua  by  Oviedo,  who  adds  that  they 
used  a  small  four-legged  bench  of  fine  wood  for  a  pil- 
low." In  Guatemala,  there  was  in  each  room  a  sort 
of  bedstead  large  enough  to  accommodate  four  grown 
jjorsons,  and  other  small  ones  for  the  children."  Bras- 

^Cortis,  Cartas,  p.  447. 
9/(/.,  pj).  2(58,  426. 

^oXcw  Slimy,  p.  .318. 

11  Hisf.  Apoloijidra,  MS.,  cap.  cxxiv. 

I'i  lirlarioii,  p.  110. 

"  '  A  la  jiurte  oriental,  li  siete  I'l  ocho  j)asso8  debaxo  «lestc  portal,  estd  im 
echo  de  tres  ]>:iltn<)s  alto  ile  lierra,  feclio  dc  las  eafias  gruessas  <iiie  dixe,  y 
eiK^iina  llaiu)  e  de  diez  o  d()(,;e  pioH  de  lueiijio  e  de  vinfoo  Heys  ae  audio,  6 
una  estera  de  ]>alnia  j^rnensa  en(,Mnia,  e  aolire  aoiiella  otia.s  tres  esteras  del- 
^aduM  6  nmy  Itien  Ia1>rada!4,  y  eni^iina  tendidn  el  cai;i<itie  de.snndo  e  con  una 
mantilla  de  al;;(>don  hianco  e  delpida  revuelta  mohre  ai:  e  por  alnudiada 
tenia  iin  lmn(juito  peoueno  de  qiiatro  })ieH,  ai^o  concavo,  quell  'llaniau 
<h(ho,  e  de  inuy  liiida  e  lisa  nuulera  niuy  bien  labrado,  por  cabe9c  a.'  Jlixt. 
Uoi.,  toin.  iv.,  p.  10'.). 

'*  '  Y  eii  cada  ApoHcnto  vn  Tapesco,  sobre  niaderos  fiicrtes,  que  en  cada 
vno  cabian  quatro  l'en>ona»<;  y  otros  TapeHiiuillu8  aparte,  en  que  pouiau  laii 


HOUSEHOLD  FURXITUIIE. 


seur  de  Bourbourtr  gives  a  description  of  gorgeous 
furniture  used  in  the  houses  of  the  wealthy  in  Yuca- 
tan, but  unfortunately  the  learned  Abbe  has  for  his 
only  authority  on  this  point  the  somewhat  apocry- 
])hal  Ordonez'  MS.  The  stools,  he  writes,  on  which 
tliey  seated  themselves  cross-legged  after  the  Oriental 
fashion,  were  of  wood  and  precious  metals,  and  were 
often  made  in  the  shape  of  some  animal  or  bird ;  they 
were  covered  with  deer-skins,  tanned  with  gi'eat  care, 
and  embroidered  with  gold  and  precious  stones.  Tlie 
interior  walls  were  sometimes  hung  with  similar  skins, 
though  they  were  more  frequently  decorated  with 
paintings  on  a  red  or  blue  ground.  Curtains  of  fin- 
est texture  and  most  brilliant  colors  fell  over  the  door- 
ways, and  the  stucco  floors  were  covered  with  mats 
made  of  exquisite  workmanship.  Rich  hued  clotlis 
covered  the  tables.  The  plate  would  have  done  honor 
to  a  Persian  satrap.  Graceful  vases  of  chased  gold, 
alabaster  or  agate,  worked  with  exquisite  art,  delicate 
j)ainted  pottery,  excelling  that  of  Etruria,  candelabra 
for  the  great  odorous  pine  torches,  metal  braziers  dif- 
fusing sweet  perfumes,  a  multitude  of  jyetits  ricns,  sucli 
as  little  bells  and  grotesquely  shaped  whistles  for  sum- 
moning attendants,  in  fact  all  the  luxuries  which  aie 
the  result  of  an  advanced  civilization,  were,  according 
to  Brasseur  de  Bourbourg,  to  be  found  in  the  houses 
of  the  Maya  nobility.^' 

Of  the  interior  arrangement  of  the  Yucatec  towns 
we  are  told  nothing  except  that  the  temples,  palaces, 
and  houses  of  the  nobility  were  in  the  centre,  with  the 
dwellings  v>f  the  connnon  people  grouped  about  them, 
and  that  the  streets  were  well  kept.^^     Some  of  them 


Criaturns.'  Viilngutierrf,  Hist.  Conq.  Ifzn,\t.  312.  Gape  writes:  Tlicy  hiivo 
'four  or  live  licils  accord iiij;  to  the  family. ...  Few  there  are  that  set  any 
hu-ks  upon  their  doors,  for  they  fear  no  rohhing  nor  stealing;,  neither  lia\e 
they  in  tiieir  iiouses  much  to  hi.><e,  earthen  |i(its,  and  ]ians,  and  dishe.n,  and 
cups  t(  drink  their  Ciiocolatte,  heiiij;  tiie  chief  commodities  in  tiieir  liouse. 
Tiiere  a  scarce  any  house  which  hath  not  also  in  the  yard  a  stew,  wherein 
thev  hath  themselves  with  hot  water.'  Nciv  Surety,  p.  318. 

15  Hint.  Xi(t.  Civ.,  tom.  ii.,  pp.  68-0. 

16  Ucnxru,  Hint,  (Jen.,  dec.iv.,  lib.  x.,  cap.  ii.,  iii. 


788 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


iiiiist,  however,  have  been  very  large  and  have  con- 
tained fine  buildings.  During  C6rdova's  voyage  on 
the  coast  of  Yucatan  a  city  was  seen  which,  says 
Peter  Martyr,  "for  the  hugenesse  thereof  they  t-all 
Cayrus,  of  Cayrus  the  Metropolis  of  ^gipt:  wheie 
they  find  turreted  houses,  stately  teples,  wel  ])aued 
way  OS  &  streets  where  marts  and  faires  for  trade  of 
merchandise  were  kept.""  During  Grijalva's  voyage  a 
city,  tlie  same  one  perhaps,  was  seen,  which  Diaz,  the 
chaj)lain  of  the  expedition,  says  was  as  'large  as  the 
city  of  Seville.'^^  None  of  the  Yucatec  cities  ap])ear 
to  have  been  located  witli  any  view  to  defense,  or  to 
to  have  been  provided  with  fortifications  of  any  descrip- 
tion.^" Tlie  towns  of  Guatemala,  on  the  other  hand, 
were  very  strongly  fortified,  both  artificially  and  by 
the  site  selected.  Juarros  thus  describes  the  city  of 
Utatlan  in  Guatemala:  "it  was  surrounded  bv  a  deep 
ravine  that  formed  a  natural  ft)sse,  leaving  oidy  two 
very  narrow  roads  as  entrances  to  the  city,  both  of 
which  were  so  well  defended  by  the  castle  of  /A.s-- 
(/(tardo,  as  to  render  it  imi»regnable.  The  centre  of 
the  city  was  occupied  by  the  royal  palace,  whicli  was 
surrounded  by  the  houses  of  the  nobility;  tbe  extrem- 
ities were  inhabited  by  the  plebeians.  The  streets 
were  very  narrow,  but  the  place  was  so  populous,  as  to 
enable  the  king  to  draw  from  it  alone,  no  less  tlian 
72,000  coml)atants,  to  oppose  the  progress  of  the  Span- 
iards, It  contained  many  very  sumptuous  edifices, 
the  most  suj)erb  of  them  was  a  seminary,  where  ])o- 
tween  5  and  GOOO  children  were  educated:  tliev 
wore  all  maintained  and  provided  for  at  the  charge  of 
the  royal  treasury ;  their  instruction  was  sui)erintended 
by  70  masters  and  ])rofesst)rs.  The  castle  of  the 
Atalaya  was  a  remarkable  structure,  which  being 
raised  four  stories  high,  was  ca[)able  of  furnishing 
quarters  for  a  very  strong  garrison.      The  castle  of 


»  Dt>p.  iv.,  lil).  i. 

"*  Diaz,  Ifhirrtirin,  in  Tnf.hnh'i  tn.  Col.  cfc  Dor.,  toin.  i.,  p.  287. 

l»  See  vol.  iv.  of  this  work,  pp.  2C7-8. 


7 


MAYA  FOU  Til  ICATIOXS. 


789 


Ilcs:^nardo  was  not  inferior  to  the  otlier;  it  extended 
188  paces  in  front,  '2;]0  in  depth,  and  was  f)  sti)ries 
lii,i>'h.  The  grand  alcazar,  or  pahice  of  tlio  kings  of 
Quiche,  surpassed  every  otlier  editice,  and  in  the  opin- 
ion of  Tonpieniada,  it  could  compete  in  o])ulence  with 
that  of  Montezuma  in  Mexico,  or  that  of  the  incas  in 
Cuzco.  The  front  of  this  huildini*'  extended  from  east 
to  west  37 G  geometrical  paces,  and  in  deptli  728;  it 
was  constructed  of  hewn  stone  of  different  colors;  its 
form  was  elegant,  and  altogether  most  magniHcent; 
there  were  G  jnincipal  divisions,  the  first  contained 
lodgings  for  a  numerous  troop  of  lancers,  archers, 
and  other  well  disciplined  troops,  constituting  the  royal 
body  guard;  the  second  was  destined  to  the  accommo- 
dation of  the  princes,  and  relations  of  tlie  king,  who 
dwelt  in  it,  and  were  served  with  regal  splendour,  as 
long  as  tliey  remained  unmarried;  the  third  was  appro- 
priated to  the  use  of  the  king,  and  cojitained  distinct 
suits  of  apartmoits,  for  the  mornings,  evenings,  and 
nights.  In  one  of  the  saloons  stood  the  throne,  under 
four  canopies  of  plumage,  the  ascent  to  it  was  hy  sev- 
eral ste})s;  in  this  part  of  the  })alace  were;,  tlie  treas- 
uiy,  the  tribunals  of  the  judges,  tlie  armory,  tlie  gar- 
dens, aviaries,  and  menageries,  with  all  the  recpiisite 
oflices  appending  to  each  department.  'J'lie  4th  and 
5th  divisions  M'ere  occupied  l)y  the  queens  and  royal 
concubines  ;  tlujy  were  necessarily  of  great  extent, 
from  tlie  immense  number  of  apartments  reipiisite 
for  tlie  accommodation  of  so  manv  females,  who  were  all 
nmintained  in  a  style  of  suni[)tuoiis  niagnilicencci,  gar- 
dens for  their  recreation,  baths,  and  }>r(»pi'r  jdaces  for 
breeding  geese,  tliat  M'ere  kei)t  for  the  sole  [>uri)ose  of 
furnishing  feathers,  with  wliicli  hangings,  coverings, 
and  otlier  similar  ornamental  articles,  wi're  made. 
(_\)iitiguoiis  to  this  division  was  the  sixth  and  last;  this 
was  the  residence  of  the  king's  daugliters  and  other 
feina,les  of  the  blood  roval,  where  thev  were  educated 
and  attended  in  a  manner  suitable  to  their  rank."-" 

so  Juarros,  Hint.  Oiiitt.,  i)|>.  87-8;  Las  Cams,  Hist.  Ajioluijctica,  MS., 


700 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


Patlnamit,  the  Cakchiquel  capital,  was  nearly  three 
leagues  in  circumference.  It  was  situated  upon  a 
j)lateau  surrounded  by  deep  ravines  which  could  ho 
crossed  at  only  one  point  by  a  narrow  causeway  which 
terminated  in  two  gates  of  stone,  one  on  the  outside 
and  the  other  on  the  inside  of  the  thick  wall  of  tho 
city.  The  streets  were  broad  and  straight,  and  crossed 
each  other  at  right  angles.  The  town  was  divided 
from  north  to  south  into  two  parts  by  a  ditch  nine 
feet  deep,  with  a  wall  of  masonry  about  three  feet 
high  on  each  side.  This  ditch  served  to  divide  the 
nobles  from  the  commoners,  the  former  class  living  in 
the  eastern  section,  and  the  latter  in  the  western.^^ 

Peter  Martyr  says  of  the  cities  of  Nicaragua: 
"  Large  and  great  streetes  guarde  the  frontes  of  the 
Kinges  courts,  according  U>  the  disposition  and  great- 
nes  of  their  village  or  towne.  If  the  town  consist  of 
many  houses,  they  haue  also  little  ones,  in  which,  the 
trading  neighbours  distant  from  the  Court  may  nieete 
toirether.  The  chiefe  noble  mens  houses  comi)ussc  and 
inclose  the  kinges  streete  on  euery  side:  in  the  middle 
site  whereof  one  is  erected  which  the  Goldesmithes 
Inhabite."'*^ 

The  Mayas  constructed  excellent  and  desirable  roads 
call  over  the  face  of  the  country.  The  most  remarkable 
of  these  were  the  great  highways  used  by  the  pilgrims 
visiting  the  sacred  island  of  Cozumel;  these  roads, 
four  in  number,  traversed  the  peninsula  in  different 
directions,  and  finally  met  at  a  point  upon  the  coast 
op})osite  the  island.^^  Diego  de  Godoi,  in  a  letter 
to  Cortes,  states  that  he  and  his  party  came  to  a  place 
in  the  mountains  of  Chiapas,  where  the  smooth  and 
slippery  rock  sloped  down  to  the  edge  of  a  precipito, 

cap.  lii.;  lirnsscur  dc  Bourbourg,  Hint.  Nat.  Civ.,  torn,  ii.,  p.  49.3;  Palavio, 
Carin,  jip.  123-4. 

21  Jmiiron,  Hint.  Ouat.,  pp.  .383-4;  Brasseur  de  Bourbourg,  Hist.  Nut. 
dr..  Umi.  ii.,  p.  rr20. 

2i  Doc.  vi.,  lib.  vi;  Goiiinrn,  lliat.  Ind.,  fol.  2(53;  Hirrera,  Hint.  Gi'ii., 
doc.  iii.,  lib.  iv.,  cap.  vii. 

i'  l.izdiHi,  in  Litndii,  RrJdriitti,  \t.  S.IS;  Cognlliiifo,  Hist.  Yui'.,  \i.  l'J3; 
Brasneur  dc  Buurbuurij,  Hist.  Nat.  L'ii'.,  toiu.  ii.,  pp.  25,  4G-7. 


I. 


MAYA  TEMPLES. 


791 


and  wliich  would  have  ])een  quite  impassable  had  not 
the  Indians  made  a  road  with  branches  and  trunks  of 
trees.  On  the  side  of  the  precipice  they  erected  a 
strong  wooden  railing,  and  then  made  all  level  with 
earth.'** 

Of  the  Maya  temples  very  little  is  said.  There  was 
one  at  Chichen  Itza  which  had  four  great  staircases, 
each  being  thirty-three  feet  wide  and  having  ninety- 
one  steps,  very  difficult  of  ascent.  The  steps  were  of 
the  same  height  and  width  as  ours.  On  both  sides  of 
each  stairway  was  a  low  balustrade,  two  feet  wide, 
made  of  good  stone,  like  the  rest  of  the  building.  The 
edifice  was  not  sharp-cornered,  because  from  the  ground 
U[)vvard  between  the  balustrades  the  cubic  blocks  were 
rounded,  ascending  by  degrees  and  elegantly  narrow- 
ing the  building.  There  was  at  the  foot  of  each  bal- 
ustrade a  fierce  serpent's  head  very  strangely  worked. 
On  the  top  of  the  edifice  there  was  a  platform,  on 
wliich  stood  a  building  forty-three  feet  by  forty-nine 
feet,  and  about  twenty  feet  high,  having  only  a  single 
doorway  in  the  centre  of  each  front.  The  doorways 
on  the  east,  west  and  south,  opened  into  a  corridor 
six  feet  wide,  wliich  extended  without  partition  walls 
round  the  three  corresponding  sides  of  the  edifice;  tlie 
northern  doorwjiy  gave  access  to  a  corridor  forty  feet 
long  and  six  and  a  third  feet  wide.  Througli  tlie  cen- 
tre of  the  rear  wall  of  this  corridor  a  doorway  opened 
into  a  room  twelve  feet  nine  inches  bv  nineteen  feet 
eight  inclies,  and  seventeen  feet  liigli;  its  ceiling  was 
formed  by  two  transverse  arches  supported  by  im- 
mense carved  beams  of  za[)ote-wood,  stretched  across 

*<  Gotfni,  in  Tern nn.r-Cnm pans,  Vny.,  si'-rie  i.,  toin.  x.,  pp.  171-2.  At 
till!  Laki'of  Miisiiyii  in  Nicanijiiui,  Hoyle  iiotii'ed  a  'cuttiiij,'  in  tlu;  solid  rm'i\, 
u  iiiilf  ion;,',  and  ^rradnaliy  (Icsi'endin;.;  to  deptii  of  at  least  tiiri-c  linndrcd 
foot!  This  is  claimed  as  tin;  work  of  a  people  which  was  not  acMpiainteil 
with  Itlastin;,' or  with  iron  tools.  Natn-'*  had  evitlcntly  little  ham!  in  tho 
matter,  liion^ili  a  cleft  in  the  roek  w  vhaiis  Inive  helped  the  excavators. 

The  nioiuli  of  this  tunnel  is  ahont  half  a  mile  from  the  town.'  lliilr,  v(d. 
ii.,  p.  II.  Herrera,  Hisf.  (mi.,  dee.  iv.,  lili.  viii.,eap.  vii..  mentions  tho 
8aine  thin;.'  in  a  very  ditl'erent  manner:  '  La  snliida  y  liaxada.  tan  dcrecha 
eonio  vna  pared,  (jne  eonio  eH  do  pefia  vina,  tiene  en  ella  heclios  a;,Mijeros, 
udundu  puucii  loa  dedus  dc  lu»  nianori,  y  du  los  pie».' 


792 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


tile  room  and  restinjif,  cuch  at  its  centre,  on  two  square 
])illurs.'^''  The  island  of  Cozuniel  was  especially 
devoted  to  religious  observances,  and  Avas  annually 
visited  hy  great  numbers  of  pilgrims;  there  were  tliere- 
fore  more  religious  edifices  here  than  elsewhere. 
Among  them  is  mentioned  a  square  tower,  with  i'our 
\vindows,  and  hollow  at  the  to});  at  the  back  was  a 
room  in  which  the  sacred  implen\ents  were  kei)t;  it 

2'  For  iloscriiitioii  of  riiiiiH  of  tliis  Itnildiii;;  ns  tlicv  now  exist,  and  cuts 
of  stairciise,  <;roiiiiil  plan,  and  ornamentation,  see  vol.  iv.,  pp.  'J'it!  <.).  Itislmp 
i,anda  thus  deseriltes  it:  '  K.stu  edilieio  tiene  ([uatro  escaleras  ipie  niiran  a 
las  ((uatro  partes  del  niundo:  tienen  de  anelio  a  .x.wiii  pies  y  a  noventa  y 
tin  esealones  cada  una  <iue  es  niuerto  suliirias.  'I'ienen  en  los  escaloiie's 
la  niosina  altiira  y  aneiiura  (lue  nosotros  danios  a  los  nnestros.  'I'iene  eada, 
escalera  dos  passanianos  Itaxos  a  y^'inil  de  los  e.scalones,  de  dos  pie/  de  au- 
dio de  liueua  cauteria  eoiuo  lo  es  toilo  el  edilieio.  No  es  este  edificio  e.s(|ui- 
nado,  ponjiie  desde  la  salida  del  suelo  so  eoiuienvan  laliiar  desde  los  passe- 
inaiios  al  eontrario,  eoiiio  estan  pintado  unos  eiiltos  redondos  que  van  suWi- 
«'iido  a  trecliDs  y  estreeliando  el  edilioio  por  niuy  ^Mlaua  onlen.  A  via  <|uaiido 
yo  lo  vi  al  |>io  de  cada  passaiuano  una  liera  lioca  de  sierpe  de  una  pie(,'a  liieu 
euriosanuMite  lalu'ada.  Acal>adas  de  esta  nianera  las  escaleras,  ipieda  en  lo 
nito  una  plaveta  liana  en  la  iiual  esta  nil  edilieio edilicadode  (piatro  <|uarlos. 
JiOs  tres  se  andan  a  la  redonda  sin  iiniiediinento  y  tiene  cada  uno  pueria  en 
nietlio  y  estan  cerrailos  do  hoveda.  Kl  i|uarlo  del  norfe  se  ainia  por  si  con 
iin  corredor  de  pilares  ;;ruessos.  Lo  de  en  medio  (|ue  avia  de  scr  como  el 
]iatinico  (pie  lia/e  el  orden  de  los  pauosdel  edilieio  tiene  una  puer(;i  iiue  sale 
al  corredor  del  norto  y  esta  nor  arrilia  cerrailo  de  niadera  y  sei\  ia  do  (|ue- 
niar  los  saunu-rios.  Ay  en  la  entrada  desta  puerta  o  del  corredor  un  motlo 
de  armas  osculpidas  en  una  piedra  <|ue  int  pude  liien  entendcr.  'I'eiiia  este 
edilieio  otros  mucluis,  v  tient?  oy  en  ilia  a  la  redonda  de  si  liien  heclios  y 
grandes,  y  todo  en  snehxlel  a  olios  encalado  ({ue  ami  ay  a  partes  menioria 
de  los  encalados  tan  fuert(!  es  »d  ar;;amasa  de  (|U(!  alia  los  liii/en.  Tenia  de- 
lante  la  escalera  del  norfe  al-^'o  aparto  dos  leatros  de  canleria  pei|iM'ric,s  <le  a 
quatro  escaleras,  y  eiilosados  nor  arrilia  en  ((ue  di/.en  represenla\an  las 
farsas  y  come<lias  |>ara  sola/  del  jiueldo.  Va  desde  et  patio  en  frente  des- 
tos  tealros  una  herniosa  y  anciia  calcada  liasta  un  ]io(,'o  como  dos  ti- 
ros de  piedra.  K\\  este  poco  an  tenido,  y  tenian  entonces  costumlire 
de  cellar  liomhres  vivos  en  sacrilicio  a  los  dioses  en  tienipo  do  seca, 
y  tenian  no  morian  auiKine  no  los  voyaii  mas.  ileclniMin  tamliieu 
otros   muclias  eosas,    de   ]iiedras   do  valor  y  cosas   (|uo   leiiian  dopciada^ 

Ks   poi,'o   quo   tii'uo   larsjtos   vii    estados  de  liomlo   liasia  el  ajfiia, 

hanclio  mas  de  cien  pies  y  rediindo  y  d(>  una  pena  tajada  liasta  el  a^na  quo 
OS  maravilla.  I'areco  que  tiene  ai  ajjna  iniiy  verde,  y  creo  lo  causaii  las  ar- 
Indedas  de  que  esta  cercado  y  es  muy  liomlo.  Tiene  en  cima  del  junto  a  la 
lioca  un  edilieio  pe(|U(>no  donde  Inille  yo  idolos  lieclios  a  lionra  de  todos  los 
cdilicios  principales  de  la  tierra,  casi  como  v\  I'antlieiui  do  Koma.  No  se 
si  era  esta  iiivencion  anti;;ua  o  do  los  modernos  para  toparse  con  sns  idolos 
qiiaudo  fuesNou  eon  ofrendas  a  a(|Uol  |io(,'o.  Hallo  yo  Umuios  lalnados  do 
liullo  y  jarros  y  otras  cosas  i|uo  no  so  como  iiadic^  dira  no  tuvicron  lierrami- 
eiito  esta  ;^euto.  Tamliieu  lialle  dos  liiuiilu'es  do  };raiides  estaturas  laliratlos 
de  piedra,  eado  uno  do  una  i)iei,'a  en  cariios  t-iiUierta  sii  lionostidaU  como  so 
culirian  los  indios.  Tenian  las  caliocas  ]ior  si,  y  eon  /arcillos  on  las  orojas 
como  lo  iisavun  los  indios,  y  lioi'lia  una  ospijiii  ])or  detras  en  el  pescue(,M)  que 
oncaxava  en  un  )ij;ujero  liondo  jtara  olio  lieclio  en  el  inosnio  posciie^o  y  en- 
cuxatlo  tjnodava  el  bultu  cuin])hdu.'  lichtrioii,  jip.  342-G. 


NICAUACl'AN  TEMPLES. 


793 


was  surrouiulod  by  an  ont'losuro,  in  the  iniddlo  of 
which  stood  a  cross  nine  feet  hi^h,  renitsontiiii;-  tlio 
God  of  rain.*'  Other  teni|)les  so  closely  rescnihk'd 
those  of  Mexico  as  to  need  no  further  description 
here.'^^ 

The  temples  of  Nicarajjfua  were  huilt  of  wood  and 
thatched;  tliey  contained  many  low,  dark  rooms, 
where  the  idols  were  kei)t  and  the  religious  rites  per- 


"*  '  Vicron  alf^iinos  iiilonitorins,  y  tcmploH,  y  vri«)  en  jmrticiiljir,  ciiyii  for- 
Diii  cm  lie  viiii  tonv  i|iia(li'aila,  aiiclia  ilcl  pic,  y  liiicca  cii  In  alto  run  niiatni 
l^raiiilcs  vciitaiias,  con  HUH  corrcdoi'cs,  yen  lo  Inicco,  ijiu' era  la  <  ii|iilla.  cn- 
lauan  Itlolos,  y  a  las  cs|)alilas  cstaiia  vna  wacriNtia,  aiioiHlc  nc  ;;nai(lanaii 
las  cosas  licl  scniicio  del  teni|ili):  y  al  pic  (lestccstana  \n  cercaiio  <ie  pietlia, 
y  cal,  aliiicnado  y  cnlu/ido,  y  cii  medio  vna  Vrny,  dc  cal,  dc  ties  \,'iras  en 
ullo,  a  la  i|ual  leiiian  por  el  Dios  dc  la  lliiiiia.'  Hirrrrn.  lli.^l.  ^'r/r.dec.  ii., 
lili.  iii.,  cap.  i.  'Junto  ii  vn  tcinpio,  eonio  torir  i|nadrada,  dnnde  tcnian  vn 
Idolo  nuiy  <'clelirado,  al  pic  dc  clla  aula  vn  cercado  dc  picdia,  v  cal  niiiy 
liicii  lu/ido.  y  ainicnado,  en  medio  del  (|ual  ania  vna  i'vwv.  dc  cal  tan  aita, 
t'omo  die/ palmos,'  to  wliieli  I licy  prayed  for   rain,    i'luinlliiilo,  llisl.   Yiir. 


V 


-1)1).      It  is  (l<inl)tless  llic  sanii*  structure  of  wliicli   (ioinara   writi 


1:1 


con  ijradas  al  derrcdor, 


tempio  es  como  torrc  ipiadrada,  anclia  lUd  pie.  y 

(lercclia  ile  medio  arriha,  y  en  lo  alto  lincca,  y  cnliierta  de  pa ja.  con  i|natr<» 


jmcrtas  o  vcntanas  con  siis  antepc<'h()s,  o  corrcdores.  l.n  ai|nello  lineeo, 
iiuc"  parcel)  capilla,  assientau  0  inntaii  sus  dioses.'  (IdiiKira,  ('iniij.  Mix., 
fol.  '.'.•{. 

*'  'I'lic  ]tyranii(ls  are  of  dillcrent  si/e:  'aiin<|nc  todos  dc  vini  forma.  Son 
al  modo  de  los  <|iio  <lc  la  Nnena  l"'s|iana  reliere  el  I'adre  Toriiiiemiida  en  sii 
]\lonari|uiH  liidiami:  Icnantado  <lcl  snelo  vn  lerri;pii  no  fnndamcntn  del  edi- 
11. 'io,  y  sohre  el  van  ascendiendo  ;j;ra(las  en   (' 


ijiuras   iPirani 


idal. 


aniiiinc  no 


rciriata  en  clla,  ponine  en  lo  superior  haze  vna  placcin,  en  cn\o  snelo  estim 
separada  (aumpic  distantes  |)oco)  d(ts  Capillas  pe(|ucn  is  en  (|ne  I'slalian  los 
Idolos  (esto  es  en  lo  (K;  V.\umual)  y  alii   sc  liazian   lo-i  sacrilicios,  nssi   dn 


loniitrcs,  mni;eres,  v  ninos,  como 


de  las  denias  cosas 


'I' 


cnen  ali;nnos  do 


eilos  altura  dc  mas  dc  cieii  ^radas  dc  poco  mas  d<'  medio  pie  de  aM(  lio  cada 


vno.'  ('(iiinlhilii,  Ifisf.  )'iir.,\).  1!).'{.      I.anda  dcscrilti 


iviamidiil  ^trnctnr^^ 


which  dillers  from  others:  'Ay  aipii  en  V/ama!  uii  edilieio  cnlre  lo>  olrii>i 
d(;  tanta  altura  ([ue  espanta.  el  (|ual  se  vera  en  csta  tij;ura  v  en  est:,  lazoii 
dcll.i        ■"■  ...  .... 


rieue  .\.\  j^'railas  dc  a  mas  de  dos  hneiios  palmos  de  altr  y  ancho 


eada  tin  y  tcrna,  mas  dc  cicn  jiics  de  lar;,'o.  Son  cslas  ;;radas  dc  mny 
«h's  piedras  lahradas  aun(|uc  con  el  mnclio  tiempo,  y  estar  al  a;:na.  e^lan  y;i 
fcas  y  maltratadas.  'ricne  despues  lalnado  en  torno  como  senala  e-<l:i  ra\a, 
redonda  lahrailo  dc^  canteria  una  may  fucrte  pared  a  la  i|ual  conm  estado  y 


lit 


nieilio  en  alto  sale  una  eeia  < 


de  I 


icrmosas  inciiras 


todi 


rcdot 


iilii  \  (icMie 


ellas  so  lormi  des]>ues  a  sej^nir  la  olira   liasta  y^^nalar  eon   el  altura  dc   la 


jiiava  ([Uc  se  liazi^  despnes 


a  primera  cscalcra 


Dc 


cspues  de 


I  ipial  piaca 


haze  otra  huciia  placeta,  y  en  clla  aIj;o  pcj,'a('     .1  la  iiared  csta  hecho  nn 
pro  liicn  alto  eon  sn  cscalcra  al  nu'dio  dia,  dontic  cai'ii  las  cscaleras  •; ramies 


y  ciu'inui  esta  una  hermosa  <'apilla  de  canteria  liien  laluada.      \i>  siihi  cii 
lo  alto  dcsta  capilla  y  como  ^'ucalau  es  ticrra  ll.nv.i  .sc  \cc  desde  clla  licrra 


<iuant(>  pnctle  la  vista  aleanvar  a  luai-avilla  y  .se  vec  la  mar.  Ilslns  cdili- 
eios  dc  Vzauial  cran  jmr  todos  Xl  o  Xir,  auni|ue  es  ;.^ie  el  niaxcir  y  eslaii 
nniy  cerca  unos  do  otros.  No  oy  mem'iria  dc  los  funiladoi,  s,  y  parccen  aver 
sido  los  primeros.  Kslan  Vlll  lej,'iias  dc  la  mar  en  muy  hermoso  sitio,  y 
l)ucna  tieira  y  eonuirea  de  yoiite.'  lii-furioii,  pp.  3'28-30. 


701 


TIIK  MAYA  NATIONS. 


foriiUHl.  Boforo  ciicli  tojuplo  was  a  pyr-unidal  luouiul, 
«m  the  flat  toj)  of  whirli  tho  sacriHccH  wero  made  in 
tlio  prosoiu'u  «)f'  tho  wholo  luioplo.'^" 

Ill  (Juatomala  Cortds  saw  toinplos  like  tlioso  of 
Mexico.'^  The  toinplo  of  Tohil,  at  lUathm,  was, 
acoordinn^  to  lirassour  do  Bourhouri'',  a  conical  odifict^ 
havin<if  in  front  a  very  Htoep  stairway;  at  tho  sunnnit 
was  a  ])latforni  of  considorahlo  size  u[)on  which  stood 
a  very  lii.Lfh  chapel,  huilt  of  hewn  stone,  and  roofed 
with  jtrecious  wood.  Tho  walls  were  covered  within 
and  without  with  a  very  flne  and  durahle  stucco. 
Upon  a  throne  of  <ifold,  enriched  with  piecious  stones, 
was  seated  tho  image  of  the  god.** 

Tho  particular  diseases  to  which  the  IMayas  were 
most  suhjei't  are  not  enumerated,  hut  there  is  no  rea- 
son to  douht  that  they  sutt'ered  from  the  same  mala- 
dies as  their  neighhors  the  Nahuas.  They  seem  to 
have  heen  i^roatlv  atHicted  with  various  forms  of  svi)h- 
ilis,'"  and  in  winter,  with  catarrh  and  fever.^'^  ''I'^'y 
wero  much  troubled,  also,  with  epidemics,  which  not 
uiiire(juontly  swept  the  country  with  great  destruc- 
tion.^^ 

Medicinal  ])ractitioners  were  numerous.  Tiieir  med- 
icines, which  were  mostly  furnished  hy  the  vegetahlo 
kingdom,  were  administered  in  tho  usual  forms,"*  and 

«"  Orialo,  Ifist.  Gen.,  Um\.  iv.,  p.  37;  Peter  Martyr,  dco.  vi.,  lib.  v. 

»  Cortfs,  Cirliis,  p.  448. 

■'"  Hint.  Nut.  Civ.,  toiii.  ii.,  p.  552.  Sec  also  VillayHtirnr,  Hist.  Coiiq. 
Ilzii,  p.  402. 

^'  '  V  en  cstas  jiartes  (?  Iiidiiis  poroH  eliripHtiiiiios,  t^  iiiiiy  ]wchh  iV\<ii\  w>ii 
Ids  quo  liaii  cscapailo  de.sto  truliajiiso  nial  (IhiImh'h)  i|iit>  hayaii  tt'iiitlo  parti^i- 
]>avi'iii  t'ariial  con  las  niiii^cros  natiirali-s  <li>sta  <r«-ncni(,'i<)ii  dv  indias;  p<ii'(|iii! 
ti  la  vonlail  ch  pro|)i'ia  )>la;;a  dcHta  ticrra,  «^  tan  UMada  ii  los  iridioH  6  indias 
t'onio  en  otras  partes  otra.s  conuines  enferinedades.'  Orirtfi),  Hist,  d'cii.,  toin. 
i.,  p.  :<(!.'>. 

'^^  '('(iniien(,^a  el  iniiierno  de  aquella  tierra  des»ie  san  Francisco,  (piando 
outran  los  Nortes,  ayre  frio,  y  <pie  destientnla  nincho  a  los  naturales:  y  ]ior 
estar  heclios  al  calor,  y  traer  poca  ropa,  les  dan  rezioscatarros,  y  culentnras.' 
Jfrrrrrii,  Ili.it.  tt'rn.,  doc.  iv.,  lilt,  iii.,  cap.  iv. 

■'•'  l.iiiiiln,  llr/iH'ioH,  pj),  60-2. 

^'  '.\y  inlinitos  fjonoros  do  cortozas,  rayzea,  y  liojas  do  nrltoles,  y  jjoinas, 
para  niuclias  enferinedades,  eon  qno  los  Indios  cnranan  en  sn};entihdad,  con 
Hoplos,  y  otras  inneneiones  del  deinonio,'  lli-rrn-n,  IH.st.  (ii'ii.,  dee.  iv.,  lit). 
X.,  <'ap.  xiv. ;  Lnn  Cams,  Hist.  Ajtuloi/iliva,  in  KiinjslturuiKjIC.i  Mix.  Aiitiq., 
vol.  viii.,  p.  234. 


TIIKATMKXT  OK  TIIK  SHK. 


roo 


thuir  tro.'itinunt  of  patients  invulvt'd  tlio  ciistoiiiiiiy 
iiiiiiiiiiu!i-ii!s.  CIv.storH  were  nmeli  iiHe*!."  h\ir  sypli- 
ilis  tliey  use«l  a  (lecoctioii  of  a  wood  called  )/Ki(j/(fC(ni, 
whicli  j»;rew  most  j»Ientiriil!v  in  the  proviiiee  of  Na- 
^n-aiido  ill  Nieara^^ua.*'  ror  rlieiiiuatiHin,  coiiylis, 
colds,  and  other  coiujdaiiits  of  a  kindred  natni»\ 
tliey  used  various  herhs,  ainon^j;  them  tohacco,'" 
and  a  kind  of  douj^di  made  of  'stinkin^L,'"  poisonous 
worms,'""  Sores  arisin*;  from  natural  causes  tlu^y 
washed  in  a  decoction  of  an  lu^rl)  called  <'<n/</aro<'<t,  <»r 
Jioulticed  it  with  the  mashed  leaves  of  anothei"  Uiuned 
tiiir.of.''^  Wounds  takiMi  in  hattle  they  always  tnated 
with  external  aj>j>lications.***  ( 'acao,  after  the  oil  had 
heen  extracted  was  considered  to  he  a  sure  j)reventivo 
ai^ainst  poison/' 

When  a  rich  man  or  a  nohlo  fell  sick  a  messenjjfer 
^vas  dispatched  with  j^ifts  to  the  doctor,  who  came  at 
vuvii  and  staid  hy  his  patient  until  lu->  eitlu;r  j^ot  well 
or  died.  If  the  sickness  was  not  serious  the  jdiysician 
merely  applied  the  usual  remedies,  hut  it  was  thought 
that  a  severe  illness  could  only  he  hrou^ht  on  hy  some' 
crime  committe<l  and  unconfessed.  in  such  cases, 
therefore,  the  doctor  insisted  upon  the  sick  man  mak- 
injif  a  clean  hreast  of  it,  and  confessing"  such  sin  even 
thoUi,di  it  had  l)een  committi'<l  twenty  years  lujfore. 
This    done,  the    physician    cast    lots     to    sie    what 

'^  Ttirnn  viojas  los  ciiftTnHts. . .  .y  cclian  iiiclczlmis  con  vii  caniitd,  to- 
liiaiiilo  la  ilcniccitiii  en  la  Intra,  y  Hitplaiidii.  Los  imcstros  Icm  lia/iaii  iiiil 
Iturlas,  <lc.sii(Mit<-aiiil(t  al  ti(Mii|io,  i|iic  ijiicriaii  cllas  Mo|ilar,  o  rit-inlo  ijcl  aili- 
lii'io.'  (I'oiiiiint,  Hint.  J  ml.,  lol.  '.til;  iJirrvrii,  Hist,  llvii.,  tk-f.  iii,,  lii).  iv., 
tap.  vii. 

••B  Oririfo,  llisl.  (I'lii.,  toiii.  i. ,  |».  'MMi. 

3'  'Ay  on  csla  ti'ini  iiniclia  liiiicisidacl  <h'  ycniaM  iiicdiciiiaicM,  <'oii  ijiic  st- 
niraii  lo«  iiaturaivs:  y  inataii  los  ;,f|isaiioM,  y  con  ijuc  irstiii'ifii  la  .siiii;.'i(', 
(■OHIO  t>H  (>l  i'icicti',  |ioroti'o  Hoiiilirc 'I'aliaco,  i|iii>  (|iiila  dolorcs  cauNados  do 
fi'lo,  y  toiiiado  <Mi  liiiMio  OS  proiKM'lioso  paru  las  rciniias,  asina,  y  los;  y  lo 

trai'ii  (Ml  |i()Iii>>  ('II  la  I a  los  Indios,  y  los  iic;;ros,  para  adoniicccr,  y  no  scii- 

tir  (d  traltajo.'   Umi-vii.  llisl.  (hn.,  dec.  iii..  lili.  vii.,  cap.  iii. 

'''*  '  lia/.('ii  cii  el  |.\lii|iii/ayal  viiii  inassa  dc  ;;iisanos  licdioiidos  y  poiicofio- 
80s,  i|uc  es  niaraiiillosa  iiicdiciiia  para  toilo  i^rciicro  dc  frialdadcs,  y  otras  iii- 
dispoHicioiicH. '  ///.,  dec.  iv.,  lilt,  viii.,  cap.  \. 

•'■'  Oriri/ii,  Ili.1t.  <liii.,  tolll.  i.,  p|i.  .TS;}-"). 

■"'  'Ciiranaii  los  licridos  con  poliios  dc  ycruiiH,  «»  carlion  (jiic  llciiauaii 
para  cslo.'  Ilrrrrni,  llisl.  <iiii.,  dec.  iii.,  lili.  iv.,  caii.  vii. 

■"  Oriiilo,  Hist.  O'lii.,  loni.  i.,  p.  |{"J1. 


•90 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


HiU'rilicrs  onuj^lit  to  bo  nuule,  and  wlmtovifr  lie  dutor- 
iiiiiicd  upon  was  always ^n von  ovon  tlionyli  it  ainountod 
to  tlio  wliolo  of  tho  pationt'-s  t'ortuno."  In  Yucatan 
tlio  |ti;i(titionor  Kojnotinios  ilrow  Mood  from  tlioso  parts 
of  tho  j>ationt's  body  in  wliicli  tho  nuilady  hiy/'  Li- 
zana  mentions  a  tom})lo  at  Izamal  to  which  tlio  sick 
woro  carried  that  thov  miijbt  bohoalod  miraculously." 
In  (Juateniala,  as  olsowhero,  propitiatory  otlbrinys  of 
birds  and  animals  woro  nnulo  in  ordinary  cases  of  sick- 
ness, but  if  tho  patient  was  wealthy  and  dangerously 
ill  he  would  sometimes  strive  toai)peaso  tlioauju'er  of  tlio 
jLfods  and  atone  for  tho  sins  which  ho  was  supposed  to 
have  committed  by  sacrilicinGf  male  or  female  slaves, 
or,  m  extraordinary  cases,  when  tiio  sick  man  was  a 
jirinco  or  a  ^roat  noble,  he  would  oven  vow  to  saciitico 
a  son  or  a  daughter  in  tho  event  of  his  recovery;  and 
although  the  scapoooat  was  j^onorally  chosen  IVom 
ainoni''  his  children  by  female  slaves,  yet  so  fearful  of 
death,  so  fond  of  life  were  they,  that  there  wore 
not  wantin<if  instances  Avhen  legitimitoo  children,  and 
even  only  sons  wore  sacrificed.  Aiul  it  is  said,  more- 
over, that  they  were  inexorable  as  Jophthah  in  the  jior- 
formanco  of  such  vows,  for  it  was  hold  to  bo  a  i^roat 
sin  to  1)0  false  to  a  barsji'ain  made  with  tho  o-ods.'''' 

Tho  ^Eayas,  like  the  Nahuas,  were  crossly  su- 
perstitious, Thoy  believed  implicitly  in  tho  fulfill- 
ment of  dreams,  tho  iiiHuonce  of  omens,  and  the 
])ower  of  witches  and  wizards.  No  im])ortant  mat- 
tor  was  undertaken  vmtil  its  success  had  been  fore- 
told and  a  lucky  day  determined  by  tho  flight  of 
a    bird  or   some  similar   omen.       Whether  the  iion- 


2;ii    A'/ 


*-  i.dfi  idsfta,   III   AnigsOoroiig/i  s  Mrx.   Aiitio.,  torn,  viii.,  ]).   : 
mniiz,  Hist.   Iiiil.  Oiiiif.,  j)|>.  11H-2;  Cui/olliu/u,  Hist.  Yiir.,  [i.  LSI. 

*3  Litinfd,  Rrfiiciiiii,  J).  KiO. 

**  'Otrii  altiir  v  teinplo  solire  otro  cuyo  levnntanm  estos   iii<i 
poiitiliiliul  ii  iKiiicl  sii  rey  <')  falsi*  DioH  Ytznuit-ul;  doiide  jmsioro, 
(le  lii  muiio,  (|iii'  les  servia  de  iiieinnria,  y  ;iizeii  <\\w  alii  le  ilf\ 
iiiiicrtos  y  fuferiiKis,  v  <nn!  alii  n-siicitavan  y  sanavaii,  tocaiidolos 
V  I'ste  era  el  f|ue  esta  en  la  parte  di-l  jiiiiiientc;  y  assi  se  llama  v  iiun 
Kal»-ul  (pie  (juiere  dezir  iiiaiio  ohradora.'  Lizaii'i,  in  Landu,  Itclwiun 
358. 

^  Xiii'ciu'z,  Hist.  Iiuf.  Guat.,  pp.  191-2,  209-10. 


Ml 

Mia 

Ins 

no; 

I  lira 


I'KACTICK  OF  SiUJCKKV. 


797 


fuiriliiit'iit  of  tlio  prediction  was  provitU'd  iiijcaiiist  l>y 
a  'loiihlc  ('iif('ii<lir,  iil'ttT  tlio  iMiiiiML'r  ut*  tliu  sil)yls, 
wo  are  not  told.  Tlio  crios  or  a|)j)oiirant'o  of  coitain 
birdH  and  animals  were  tlioiii^ht  to  juvsa^o  harm  to 
those  who  heard  or  saw  them.^'"'  'i'hev  as  tirndv  he- 
lieved  and  wore  as  well  versed  in  the  hlack  art  as  tlieir 
Euro|»ean  brethren  of  a  hnndred  years  later,  and  they 
a}>pear  to  have  had  the  same  eidiohtened  horror 
of  the  arts  of  j^ramaryo,  for  m  (»uatemala,  at  least, 
they  Iturned  witehes  and  wizards  without  men  y. 
They  had  amonijj'  them,  they  said,  sorcerers  who  coui<l 
nietamorjihose  themselves  into  iloii^'s,  piijs,  and  other 
animals,  and  whose  fiance  was  death  to  their  victims. 
Others  there*  were  who  eonld  hy  maj^ic  cause  a,  rose  to 
bloom  at  will,  and  conld  hrimjf  wluMnsouver  tliey  wished 
nnder  their  control  by  simply  ^ivini^"  him  the  flower  to 
smell.  lliifaithfnl  wives,  too,  wonld  often  bewitch 
their  linsbaii<ls  that  their  acts  of  intidelity  miyht  not  bo 
discoveied.^^  All  these  things  are  j^ravely  reconnt- 
ed  by  the  old  ehronicUirs,  not  as  matters  unworthy 
of  credence,  but  as  deeds  done  at  the  instillation 
of  the  devil  to  the  utter  tlanmation  of  the  benighted 
heathen.  C/oo'olludo,  for  instance,  speakini;-  (»f  tho 
]>erformances  of  a  snake-charmer,  says  that  the  ma- 
gician took  u[)  the  re])tile  in  his  bare  hands,  as  he  did 
so  usinsj;"  certain  mystic  words,  which  he,  (Vt^olludo, 
wrote  down  at  tho  time,  but  finding  afterwards  that 
they  invoked  tho  devil,  he  did  not  see  fit  to  reproduce 
them  in  his  work.  Tho  same  writer  furtlu'r  relates 
that  uj)()n  another  occasion  a  diviner  cast  lots,  accord- 
ing U)  custom,  with  a  number  of  grains  of  corn,  to 
iind  out  which  direction  a  strayed  child  li.id  taken. 
The  child  Avas  eventually  found  upcjn  the  rnad  indi- 
cated, and  the  narrator  subsiM^uently  endcaxorod  to 
discover  wliether  tlio  devil  had  been  invoked  or  not, 
but  the  magician  was  a  poor  simple  fool,  and  ccndd 


«  Cuffollwlo,  Uixt.  Yhc,  i>p.  18:J-4. 

*7  L<IH  ClI.S 

'st.  Gen.,  t(i 
}  «c.,  p.  ISl. 


*7  L<iH  Cii.sdi,  ill  Kiiii/s/wroinj/i's  Mv.r.  Antiq.,  toin.  viii.,  p.  1  U;  Orlnio, 
Hint.  Gi'ii.,  tdiii.  iv,,  j».  55;  Uonuini,    Hist.  Inn.,  fol,  2(14;  ('oijii/liidu,   Hist. 


798 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


not  tell  him.*®  Nor  does  there  seem  to  have  been  any 
great  difference  between  the  credulity  and  superstition 
of  conquerors  and  conquered  in  other  respects.  The 
Spanish  Fathers,  if  we  may  judge  from  their  writings, 
believed  in  the  Aztec  deities  as  firmly  as  the  natives ; 
the  only  difference  seems  to  have  been  that  the  former 
looked  upon  them  as  devils  and  the  latter  as  gods. 
When  the  Spaniards  took  notes  in  writing  of  what  they 
sa  V,  the  Costa  Ricans  thought  they  were  working  out 
some  magic  spell ;  when  the  Costa  Ricans  cast  incense 
towards  the  invaders  telling  them  to  leave  the  coun- 
try or  die,*'^  the  Spaniards  swore  that  the  devil  was 
in  it,  and  crossed  themselves  as  a  counter-spell. 

The  Yucatecs  observed  a  curious  custom  during  an 
eclipse  of  the  moon.  At  such  times  they  imagined 
that  the  moon  was  asleep,  or  that  she  was  stung  and 
wounded  by  ants.  They  therefore  beat  their  dogs  to 
make  them  liowl,  and  made  a  great  racket  by  striking 
with  sticks  upon  doors  and  benches ;  what  they  hoped 
to  accomplish  by  this,  we  are  not  told." 


50 


The  Mayas  disposed  of  the  bodies  of  their  dead  by 
both  burial  and  cremation.  The  former,  however, 
appears  to  have  been  the  most  usual  way.  In  Vera 
Paz,  and  probably  in  the  whole  of  Guatemala,  the 
body  was  placed  in  the  grave  in  a  sitting  posture, 
with  the  knees  drawn  up  to  the  face.  The  greater 
part  of  the  dead  man's  property  was  buried  with  him, 
and  various  kinds  of  food  and  drink  were  placed  in 
the  grave  that  the  spirit  might  want  for  nothing  on 
its  way  to  shadow-land.'^     Just   before   death   took 

<8  lb. 

^9  In  Campeche  the  priests  'lleuauan  hraserillos  de  barro  en  que  echaiitm 
anitne,  que  entre  ellos  uizen  Copal,  y  sahiiiiiaiiiMi  a  los  Castellaiios,  diziou- 
(loles  que  se  fuessen  de  su  tierra,  porque  los  luatariuu.'  Hcrrcra,  Hist.  (Jen., 
dei;.  ii.,  lib.  ii.,  cap.  xvii. 

io  Coqolhulo,  Just.  Yuc,  p.  183. 

^'  Coyolludo  says  that  a  calabash  filled  with  afotr,  some  large  cakes,  and 
Kfiiue  maize  bran,  were  deposited  in  the  grave.  The  first,  for  the  soul  to 
drink  on  its  journey;  the  second,  for  the  dogs  which  the  deceased  had  caton 
during  his  life,  that  they  might  not  bite  him  in  the  other  world;  and  the 
lust  to  conciliate  the  other  animals  tliut  he  had  eate.i.  Hist.  Yuc,  p.  700. 


FUNERAL  RITES. 


799 


place,  the  nearest  relation,  or  the  most  intimate  friend 
of  the  dying  man,  placed  between  his  lips  a  valuable 
stone,  which  was  supposed  to  receive  the  soul  as  s<)on 
as  it  passed  from  the  body.  As  soon  as  he  was  dead, 
the  same  person  removed  the  stone  and  gently  rubbed 
the  face  of  the  deceased  with  it.  This  office  was 
held  to  be  a  very  important  one,  and  the  person  who 
performed  it  preserved  the  stone  with  great  rever- 
ence. When  the  lord  of  a  province  died,  messengers 
were  sent  to  the  neighboring  provinces  to  invite  the 
other  princes  to  be  present  at  the  funeral.  While 
awaiting  their  arrival  the  body  was  placed  in  a  sitting 
posture,  in  the  manner  in  which  it  was  afterwards  to 
be  interred,^^  and  clothed  in  a  great  quantity  of  ricli 
clothing.^*  On  the  day  of  the  funeral  the  great  loids 
who  had  come  to  attend  the  ceremony,  brought  nre- 
cious  gifts  and  ornaments,  and  placed  them  by  the 
side  of  or  on  the  person  of  the  corpse.  Each  pro- 
vided also  a  male  or  female  slave,  or  both,  to  be 
sacrificed  over  the  grave  of  the  deceased.  The  body 
was  then  placed  in  a  large  stone  chest,^  and  borne 
with  great  solemnity  to  its  last  resting-place,  which 
was  generally  situated  on  the  top  of  a  hill.  Tlie 
coffin  having  been  lowered  into  the  grave  with  its 
ornaments,  the  doomed  slaves  were  innnolated,  and 
also  cast  in  along  with  the  implements  which  they 
had  used  in  life,  that  they  might  follow  tlieir  accus- 
tomed pursuits  in  the  service  of  their  new  master  in 
the  other  world.  Finally,  the  grave  was  filled  up,  a 
mound  raised  over  it,  and  a  stone  altar  erected  above 
all,  upou  which  incense  was  burned  and  sacrifices 
were  made  in  meniorv  of  the  decoast;d.  The  connnou 
people  did  not  use  coffins,  but  placed  che  body  in  a 

**  Bmssciir  <lo  Bo\irhour<i,  Ilisf.  Xnf.  Cii\,  torn,  ii.,  p.  574,  says  tliat  tlie 
•  ImhIv  was  cnil)aline(l;  but  Xiiuenez,  from  mIuiiii  his  aecoiuit  is  evidently 
taken,  is  silent  on  this  point. 

w  Xinienez,  Hist.  Inif.  Gunt.,  p.  210,  et  scq.,  affirms  that  wcaltliy  people, 
uhen  tliey  began  growiu};  old,  set  about  eoUectinj;  u  vast  number  of  diithes 
and  ornaments  in  wliich  to  l)e  Imried. 

i*  Brasseur  de  Bourlioury;,  Hist.  Xnt.  Cir.,  tom.  ii.,  p.  575,  says  tluit  the 
body  was  deposited  in  the  grave  seated  upon  a  tiu'one. 


800 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


sittini^  posture  and  wrapped  up  in  many  cloths,  In  an 
excavation  made  in  the  side  of  tlie  grave,  buryinyf 
■Nvith  it  many  jars,  pans,  and  im[)lenients.  They 
raised  a  mound  over  the  grave  of  a  heiglit  in  propor- 
tion to  the  rank  of  the  defunct. ''' 

Oidy  tlie  poorer  chisses  of  the  Yucatecs  l)uried  their 
dead.  These  placed  corn  in  the  mouth  of  the  corpse, 
together  with  some  money  as  ferriage  for  the  Maj'a 
Charon.  The  body  was  interred  either  in  the  house 
or  close  to  it.  Some  idols  were  thrown  into  the  gravii 
befoi-e  it  was  filled  up.  The  house  was  then  forsaken 
by  its  inmates,  for  they  greatly  feared  the  dead."*'  The 
books  of  a  priest  were  buried  with  him,  as  were  like- 
wise the  cluirms  of  a  sorcerer."  The  Itzas  buried 
their  dead  in  the  fields,  in  their  every-day  clothes. 
On  tlie  graves  of  the  males  they  left  such  implements 
as  nun  used,  on  those  of  the  females  they  j)laced 
grinding-stones,  pans,  and  other  utensils  used  l)y  the 
Avomen.^"*  In  Nicaragua,  in-operty  was  buried  with 
the  possessor  if  he  or  she  had  no  children;  if  Die 
contrary  was  the  case,  it  was  divided  among  the  heirs. 
Nicaraguan  parents  shrouded  their  children  in  cloths, 
and  buried  them  before  tlie  doors  of  their  dwellings. °" 
Among  the  Pi[)iles  the  dead  were  interred  in  the  house 
they  had  lived  in,  along  with  all  their  property.  A 
deceased  high-priest  was  buried,  clad  in  the  robes  and 
ornaments  appertaining  to  his  office,  in  a  sei)ulchre  or 
vault  in  his  own  palace,  and  the  people  mourned  and 
fasted  fifteen  days.** 

Cremation  or  partial  cremation  seems  to  have  been 
reserved  for  the  higher  classes.  In  Yucatan,  an  image 
of  the  dead  person  was  made,  of  wood  for  a  king,  of  clay 


y-  Xlmcvrz,  Tlist.  Litf.  Gnat.,  pp.  210-14;  Puliirio,  Carta,  p.  119;  Co- 
goflia/o,  Hist.  Yiir.,  pp.  »)!t!)-700. 

^  Uiik'ss  a  1,'n'al  nuiulit-r  of  |)'joi)le  were  living  in  it,  when  tliey  seem  to 
have  f^atliered  comiijfc  fnim  eacli  otlior's  coiiipaiiv,  and  to  liave  reniiiiiieil. 

»'  Linii/a,  liiliiriiiii,  p.  1!K»;  llrrirra,  Hist.  (Irii.,  dee.  i.'.,  lib.  x.,eup.  iv. 

*"  yill<f<liifiii-n\  Hist.  Coil  t.  Jtza,  p.  318. 

M  hildviii.  Carta,  p.  119;  Oriiilo,  llist.  (Irii.,  toni.  iv.,  p.  48. 

M  I'a/acio,  Carta,  p.  78;  Lrassciir  t/c  liotirliuiiiy,  Jlist.  Xat.  Civ.,  torn, 
ii.,  p.  55(>. 


MOURNING  FOR  THE  DEAD. 


801 


for  ca  noble.  The  back  part  of  the  head  of  this  ima«ife 
■was  hollowed  out,  and  a  portion  of  tlie  body  having 
been  burned,  the  ashes  were  placed  in  this  hollow,  which 
was  covered  witli  the  skin  of  the  occiput  of  the  corpse. 
The  image  was  then  placed  in  the  temple,  among  the 
idols,  and  was  nuicli  reverenced,  incense  being  burned 
before  it,  almost  as  though  it  had  been  a  god.  The 
remainder  of  the  body  was  buried  with  great  solem- 
nity. When  an  ancient  Cocome  king  died,  his  head 
»vas  cut  oft*  and  boiled.  The  flesh  was  then  stri])pud 
off*,  and  the  skull  cut  in  two  crosswise.  On  the  front 
j)art  of  the  skull,  whicli  included  the  lower  jaw  and 
teeth,  an  exact  likeness  of  the  dead  man  was  molded 
ill  some  plastic  substance.  This  was  i)laced  among  tho 
statues  of  the  gods,  and  each  day  edibles  of  various 
kinds  Avere  placed  before  it,  that  the  s[)irit  might  want 
for  notliing  in  the  other  life,  which,  by  tlie  way,  nuist 
have  been  a  poor  one  to  need  such  terrestiial  aliment.''^ 
When  a  great  lord  died  in  Nicaragua,  the  l)ody  was 
burned  along  with  a  great  number  of  feathers  and  or- 
naments of  ilitferent  kinds,  and  the  ashes  were  placed 
in  an  urn,  wliich  was  buried  in  front  of  the  palace  of 
the  deceased.  As  usual,  the  spirit  must  be  sui)plietl 
with  food,  which  was  tied  to  the  body  before  crema- 
tioii."-' 

According  to  the  information  we  have  on  the  sub- 
ject, the  mourning  customs  of  the  IMayas  appear  to 
have  been  i)rotty  nmch  the  same  everywhere.  For  the 
death  of  a  chief  or  any  of  his  family  the  l*ipiles  la- 
mented for  ibur  days,  silently  by  day,  and  witli  loud 
cries  by  night.  At  daAVii  on  the  tilth  day  the  high- 
j)riest  i)uhli(ly  forbade  the  pe(»ple  to  make  any  further 
demonstration  of  sorrow,  saying  that  the  soul  of  the 

•il  Ldtiiht,  Riltu'loH,  J)!).  19G-8;  llcrrvni,  Hist.  Oni.,  iUm-.  iv.,  liU.  x., 
cap.  iv. 

Hi  (iriii/ii,  Hist.  (!rn.,tt)\i\  iv.,  pp.  4S-0.  In  the  isiaml  of  ( (iiiftrpcc 
iiu'  uMfifiit  jiriivcs  arc  imt  siiitduikIccI  l>y  inolatfil  stoiios  lii<e  tin-  calpiils  uf 
till'  moiliTii  iiiiliaiis,  hut  are  fdiiiul  scatteriMl  irroi^iihiriy  over  tiu'  plain  at  a 
(loi»lli  of  thifo  fi't't.  Urns  of  huriit  chiy  ar«  found  in  these  ;,'raves,  tiliiMl 
with  earth  and  ilisphieed  hones;  and  vases  of  the  same  material,  covered 
with  red  paintin^fs  and  hieroij;lypliies,  ston<;  points  of  arrows,  snudl  idul>, 
uiid  yold  ornami'uts.  Sicers,  Mittcluiiicrikit,  vu.  I'JS-'J. 
Vol.  II.    61 


80i 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


departed  was  now  with  the  gods.  The  Guatemalan 
widower  dyed  his  body  yellow,  for  which  reason  ho 
was  called  malcam.  Mothers  who  lost  a  sucking  child, 
withheld  their  milk  from  all  other  infants  for  four 
days,  lest  the  spirit  of  the  dead  babe  should  be  of- 
iended/*^ 


The  Mayas,  like  the  Nahuas,  were  mostly  well- 
made,  tall,  strong,  and  hardy.  Their  complexion  was 
tawny.  The  women  were  passably  good-looking, 
some  of  them,  it  is  said,  quite  pretty,  and  seem  to 
have  been  somewhat  fairer-skinned  than  the  men. 
Wliat  the  features  of  the  Mayas  were  like,  can  only 
be  conjectured.  Their  sculpture  would  indicate  that 
a  large  hooked  nose  and  a  retreating  forehead,  if 
not  usual,  were  at  least  regarded  with  favor,  and 
we  know  that  iiead-flattening  was  almost  universal 
among  them.  Beards  were  not  worn,  and  the  Yuca- 
tec  mothers  bui'ued  the  faces  of  their  children  with 
hot  cloths  to  prevent  the  growth  of  hair.  In  Landa's 
time  some  of  the  natives  allowed  their  beard  to  grow, 
but,  says  the  worthy  bishop,  it  came  out  as  rough  as 
hog's  bristles.  In  Nicaragua  it  would  seem  that 
they  did  not  even  understand  what  a  beard  was; 
witness  tli(;  following  'pretie  policy'  of  ^gidius  Gon- 
salus:  "All  the  Barbarians  of  those  Nations  are 
beardlesse,  and  aie  terribly  afraide,  and  fiuxrefuU  of 
l)earded  men:  and  therefore  of  25.  beardlesse  youthes 
by  reason  of  their  tender  yeres,  -i^Cgidius  made  beard- 
ed men  with  the  powlinges  of  their  heades,  tlie  hairo 
l)eing  orderly  composed,  to  the  end,  tliat  the  numl)er 
of  bearded  men  might  appeare  the  more,  to  terrific 
the  if  they  should  be  assailed  by  warre,  as  afterwarde 
it  fell  out.""*  Squinting  eyes  were,  as  I  have  said 
before,  thought  beautiful  in  Yucatan."' 

'^  Lfn>(fn,  Rdacion,  \t.  19C;  Ilrrrrra,  Hist.  Grn.,  iloc.  iv.,  lib.  x..  cap. 
iv. ;  Id.,  Wh,  viii.,  i-up.  .x. ;  Xiiiiriir-,  Hist.  Iml.  Giint.,  p.  214;  Vi/laijii' 
tierre,  Hint.  Conq.  Itza,  p.  313;  I'alacio,  Carta,  pp.  7()-8. 

M  Pctrv  Mortyr,  dec.  vi.,  lib.  v. 

^  Amldijuiju,  ill  Navnrrctc,  Col.  dc  Viacfcs,  toin.  iii.,  p.  414;  Ucrrera, 


CHARACTER  OF  THE  MAYAS. 


803 


Of  all  the  Maya  nations,  the  Yuc.ateos  bear  the 
best  character.  The  men  were  generous,  polite,  hon- 
est, truthful,  peaceable,  brave,  ingenious,  and  partic- 
ularly hospitable,  though,  on  the  other  hand,  they 
were  great  drunkards,  and  very  loose  in  their  morals. 
The  women  were  modest,  very  industrious,  excellent 
housewives,  and  careful  mothers,  but,  though  gener- 
ally of  a  gentle  disposition,  they  were  excessively 
jealous  of  their  marital  rights;  indeed,  Bishop  Landa 
tells  us  that  upon  the  barest  suspicion  of  infidelity  on 
the  part  of  their  husbands  they  became  perfect  furies, 
and  would  even  beat  their  unfaithful  one.*'*'  The  Gua- 
temalans are  spoken  of  as  having  been  exceedingly 
warlike  and  valorous,  but  withal  very  sim}>lo  in  their 
tastes  and  manner  of  life."^  Arricivita  calls  the  La- 
eandones  thieves,  assassins,  cannibals,  bloody-minded 
men,  who  received  the  missionaries  with  great  vio- 
lence."^ The  fact  that  the  Lacandones  strove  to  repel 
invasion,  without  intuitively  knowing  that  the  invad- 
ers were  missionaries,  may  have  helped  the  worthy 
padre  to  come  to  this  decision,  however.  The  Nica- 
raguans  were  warlike  and  brave,  but  at  the  same  time 
false,  cunning,  and  deceitful.  Their  resolute  hcatred 
of  the  whites  was  so  great  that  it  is  said  that  for  two 
years  they  abstained  from  their  wives  rather  than  be- 
get slaves  for  their  conquerors."" 

Next  after  the  collecting  of  facts  in  any  one  direc- 

Hist.  Gen.,  dec.  iii. ,  lib.  iv.,  cap.  vii.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  x.,  can.  iii.;  Ovivdo, 
ITisf.  Gen.,  toiii.  iv.,  p.  Ill;  Goinant,  Conq.  Max.,  fol.  23;  iMi'ifct,  Tcatro 
Jir/r.f. ,  Um\.  i.,  p.  170;  Cojolliido,  Hist.  Yuc,  p.  7(H);  Lnnilti,  liclacimi,  pp. 
112-14;  VilliKjufitirc,  I'tst.  Conq.  Jtza,  p.  402;  De  Lact,  Novus  Orbis,  p. 
32!). 


vol.  viii.,  pp.  147-8. 

67  Gomarn,  Hist.  VniL,  M.  2G8;  Ddrila,  Tcntro  Erics.,  torn,  i.,  p.  148; 
Oviah),  Hist.  Gen.,  toiu.  iv.,  p.  33;  Las  Casus,  Hist.  Ajwlogdtica,  MS., 
rap.  xlvi. 

'''*  Criinicn  Srrdfni,  pp.  25-0. 

09  Jlcrrcra,  Jlist.  Gen.,  dec.  iii.,  lib.  iv.,  cap.  vii.,  dec.  iv.,  lib.  iii.,  cap. 
ii. ;  Ovkdo,  Hist,  Gen.,  toiu.  iv.,  p.  39. 


801 


THE  MAYA  NATIONS. 


tion  comes  their  comparison  with  other  ascertained 
facts  of  the  same  category,  by  which  means  fragments 
of  knowledge  coalesce  and  unfold  into  science.  This 
fascinating  study,  however,  is  no  part  of  my  plan.  It* 
in  the  foregoing  pages  I  have  succeeded  in  collecting 
and  classifying  materials  in  such  a  manner  that  others 
may,  with  comparative  ease  and  certainty,  jilace  the 
multitudinous  nations  of  these  Pacific  States  in  all 
their  shades  of  savagery  and  progress  side  by  side  with 
the  savaofisms  and  civilizations  of  other  ajjes  and  na- 
tions,  my  work  thus  far  is  accomplished.  But  what 
a  flood  of  thought,  of  speculation  and  imagery  rushes 
in  upon  the  mind  at  the  bare  mention  of  such  a  study ! 
Isolated,  without  the  stimulus  of  a  Mediterranean 
commerce,  hidden  in  umbrageous  darkness,  walled  in 
by  malarious  borders,  and  surrounded  ])y  wild  barbaric 
hordes,  whatever  its  origin,  indigenous  or  foreign,  there 
was  found  on  Mexican  and  Central  American  tal»le- 
lands  an  unfolding  humanity,  unique  and  individual, 
yet  strikingly  similar  to  human  unfoldings  under  like 
conditions  elsewhere.  Europeans,  regarding  the  cul- 
ture of  the  conquered  race  first  as  diabolical  and  then 
contemptible,  have  not  to  this  day  derived  that  benefit 
from  it  that  they  might  have  done.  It  is  not  neces- 
sary that  American  civilization  should  be  as  far  ad- 
vanced as  European,  to  make  a  perfect  knowledge 
of  the  former  as  essential  in  the  study  of  mankind  as 
a  knowledge  of  the  latter;  nor  have  I  any  disposi- 
tion to  advance  a  claim  for  the  equality  of  American 
aboriginal  culture  with  European,  or  to  make  of  it 
other  than  what  it  is.  As  in  a  work  of  art,  it  is  not 
a  succession  of  sharply  defined  and  decided  colors,  but 
a  happy  blending  of  light  and  shade,  that  makes  the 
picture  pleasing,  so  in  the  grand  and  gorgeous  per- 
spective of  human  progress  the  intermediate  stages 
are  as  necessary  to  completeness  as  the  dark  spectrum 
of  savagism  or  the  brilliant  glow  of  the  most  ad- 
vanced culture. 

This,  however,  I  may  safely  claim ;  if  the  preceding 


CONCLUSION. 


805 


pages  inform  us  aright,  then  were  the  Nahuas,  tlie 
Mayas,  and  the  subordinate  and  lesser  civihzations 
surrounding  these,  but  little  lower  than  the  contem- 
poraneous civilizations  of  Europe  and  Asia,  and  not 
nearly  so  low  as  we  have  hitherto  been  led  to  suppose. 
Whatever  their  exact  status  in  the  world  of  nations — 
and  that  tliis  volume  gives  in  esse  and  not  in  posse— 
they  are  surely  entitled  to  their  place,  and  a  clear  and 
comprehensive  delineation  of  their  character  and  condi- 
tion fills  a  gap  in  the  history  of  humanity.  As  in  every 
individual,  so  in  every  people,  there  is  something  dif- 
ferent from  what  may  be  found  in  any  other  people ; 
something  better  and  simiethinj;  worse.  One  civiliza- 
tion  teaches  another;  if  the  sujierior  teaches  most,  the 
inferior  nevertheless  teaches.  It  is  by  the  mutual  ac- 
tion and  reaction  of  mind  upon  mind  and  nation  upon 
nation  that  the  world  of  intellect  is  forced  to  develo}). 
Takino'  in  at  one  view  the  vast  rantye  of  humanitv 
portrayed  in  this  volume  and  the  preceding,  with  all 
its  infinite  variety  traced  on  a  background  of  infinite 
unity,  individuality  not  more  clearly  evidenced  than 
a  heart  and  mind  and  soul  relationship  to  humanity 
everywhere,  the  wide  differences  in  intelligence  and 
culture  shaded  and  toned  down  into  a  homogeneous 
whole,  we  can  but  arrive  at  our  former  conclusion, 
that  civilization  is  an  unexplained  phenomenon  whose 
study  allures  the  thoughtful  and  yields  results  preg- 
nant with  the  welfare  of  mankind. 


END  OF  THE  SECOND  VOLUME. 


